Anyone reading this blog knows that I am not satisfied with the way historical Stanford is being commemorated.

 
Why is this commemoration so important? James Baldwin wrote, “History does not refer merely, or even principally, to the past. On the contrary, the great force of history comes from the fact that we carry it with us, are unconsciously controlled by it in many ways, and history is literally present in all that we do.”
 
During a Stanford student’s busy life, I doubt, with all the weight of study, social obligations, the future, that much time is spent contemplating what might have happened during Stanford’s early days. For returning alumni, visitors, prospective students, it would be a different matter. Seeing sites, statues, reading plagues, being told about the early difficulties, and honoring the people who overcame them, would give insight into why Stanford University is such a great institution, to enter, to support.
 
If this is the case, why is it that: the statue of the Stanford family is relegated to an isolated site; the Chemistry building stands deserted; the Stanford Museum is devoted to art objects; unrelated statuary dominates Memorial Court; the first administrative area is unmarked; the first temporary chapel is unmarked; the first library is unmarked; Encina Hall is an office building with no visitors; Escontite Cottage, the first domicile in the area is unmarked, no visitors, and probably up for demolition when a new housing complex is built; and Ernest Johnson, Stanford’s only African American graduate for five decades is not honored. (Imagine the  impact a statue of Ernest Johnson in Memorial Court would have on visiting tourists and prospective students.)
 
I am sure there are other sites and people that are being forgotten or neglected that deserve mention.
 
There is a Historical Society and there is an Archivist and I am sure they are doing the best job they can under prevailing circumstances. My head is not in the sand and I understand those circumstances involve considerations of donor dollars, growth, and space. If these considerations meet historical significance head-on, there is no question that they will prevail.
 
If you agree with me, please bother the Stanford hierarchy: president, archivist, historical society, trustees, or anyone else who has clout. A single voice will not be heard.
 
One day, twenty-five, fifty years from now, the Stanford Community may ask our grandchildren, “How could they have done this? What were they thinking when they destroyed our Stanford heritage?”
 
Will our grandchildren answer, “We think they thought there were other considerations that were more important. Yes, they were wrong, but, now, that it is destroyed, what can be done?”

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.

“Jerry Franks has done an excellent job of weaving factual elements into this fictional novel to create a feel for the times.”—The Midwest Book Review

If you enjoy historical novels, you won’t be disappointed.”—Kaye Trout

And kudos from Stanford graduates: All the way from Greece, the doyenne of a large Stanford family wrote: “Your 1891 novel just arrived, and we are so pleased to have a copy. It is beautifully crafted, so full of history, of poignant facts, and exciting personalities. I’ll order at least five for my Stanford family, and again as many for interested friends. Let us know when the sequel is ready.” One fellow, class of ’75, from New York City, said he could hardly wait for the sequel and the movie. Another Stanford graduate, ’50, from Portola Valley, wrote: “What a beautiful piece of work! …You obviously have dedicated many hours (weeks, months??) to that effort. Thanks for writing 1891.”

1891 is an irreverent look at the founding days of Stanford University, from March 16^th through the end of 1891, as seen through the eyes of Orrin Leslie Elliott, the first registrar, and his wife, Ellen; Rubin (Sosh) Weinberg, the only Jewish student in the class of 1895; an heroic Fletcher Martin, ex-Army officer; a scurrilous Sam Cutter and his gang of thugs, who prey on the weak in darkened, Encina halls; and Sally Forrest, a belle from Anaheim, whose father was killed by Southern Pacific agents, and who will attempt to avenge his death by assassinating Senator Stanford. 

There is no mayhem, rampant sex, daredevil rage, or destructive impulses. Men are gentle and humble, except, of course, Sam, and his cohorts. Women are strong and outspoken. Yes, there is a little rough housing and pranks, but what would Stanford be like without that.

1891 may be purchased wherever books are sold. If you would like to have the author inscribe the book, you may order a copy from him for $20. (includes S&H) by using PayPal or sending a check. Use the contacts to get my address or email. 

If you would like to sample the first few chapters go to http://home.earthlink.net/~jerryfranks

1891: A Novel about Stanford University was published in May 2007. 304 pages long, 15.8 ounces heavy, the novel’s ISBN is 0-595-43794-X.