It was the first domicile on what we now call Stanford University. It was built by Peter Coutts in 1873, and was his home until he returned to France in 1882. Bought by Leland Stanford, it was furnished with expensive, museum-like furnishings, some dating back to Marie Antoinette. In 1891, it was the destination of the group who would administer the new university: David Starr Jordan and his family, Orrin Leslie Elliott and his. On its porch, Leland Stanford and Jane Stanford greeted the Jordans and the Elliotts on the first evening of their arrival. On its porch, the first entrance tests were administered. On its porch, David Starr Jordan greeted the women of Roble Hall when, one evening, they came to celebrate the birth of his daughter, Barbara.

These are some of the recorded events taking place within the confines of this building. There must be countless others. And yet, now, hidden within the oaks of Comstock Circle, Escondite Cottage, now known as the Administration Building of Escondido Village, is unmarked as an historical site and closed to visitors.

As part of my research for a series of novels I am writing about Stanford University—-1891: A Novel about Stanford University is written and published. 1892 is partially written and should be completed in a year—I am preparing an historical tour of Stanford University that could be used in conjunction with the books. In somewhat of a happenstance manner I have published this tour on my blog. I expect to combine these tidbits and place it on my site: http://home.earthlink.net/~jerryfranks.

The tour had just been to Encina Hall and I was about to describe Escontite Cottage when I decided to revisit the site, I had not been there in 3-5 years. I wanted to make sure it was still there. At first, I was not certain. The surroundings were different this time. Using a “where are you” map, I picked out the administrative building for Escondido Village and made my way there. Rounding the turn, I knew the building before me had to be it. The porch had been changed and a second floor added, but the narrow windows were unlike those of its single story neighbors, and it had an older, more majestic appearance.

Walking in, I was greeted by a young Hispanic woman. I asked her if she knew she was working in an historic site. She said that she did and had looked up the cottage on the Internet. She knew all about Peter Coutts and the history of the building. I was pleased. I asked her if I could look around. She said, nicely, no I could not. Could I peek around the doorway? Yes.  The building had not been gutted. The doors and woodwork looked like the original. Down the narrow hall, I could see various rooms that might have been the dining room, parlor, and bedrooms. Up and down that hallway, Kingsley Jordan and Lewis Elliott would have chased one another. I asked the young lady if the interior was pretty much as it was and she said yes, it was. I thanked her and exited, highly elated that Escontite Cottage remained, still pretty much as it was back in 1891.

If you would like to visit this historical site, take the Bowdoin exit to Stanford Avenue, turn left to Escondido Road, turn left, go past Olmsted—This is the only homage paid to Frederick Olmsted who designed the oval and its surroundings. For more information about the relationship between Leland Stanford and Frederick Olmsted, go to my site.—-the next turning to the right is Comstock, turn. The address is 859 Comstock Circle. You won’t be able to go in and look around, but perhaps our friendly receptionist will let you take a peek down the hallway. Tell her the old guy with white hair sent you.