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Published on 06/23/1999 All articles from this issue

1999 Winning Essays in the Margaret Thompson Historical Essay Contest

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The Los Altos City Pet Parade

I chose to do my essay about the Los Altos Pet Parade because I love animals. I have a great time at the parade. It's one of the few times that I get to show off my dog, Brewski. The children who participate in the Pet Parade have a lot of fun showing off their pets, too. It is an event for all to enjoy. I talked to Ms. Lynn Davidson, chairwomen of the 1999 City of Los Altos Pet Parade about how the parade got started and why it is special to children.

Fifty-two years ago the Pet Parade was started by a group of people who wanted Los Altos to be special. Ms. Davidson said, "To be special you need to do something different." The founders of the Pet Parade thought up an event where children and parents walk down Main Street with their stuffed animals or pets.

I think the Pet Parade will be popular for a long time. Ms. Davidson hoped it would last for the next hundred years. Many people participate in the parade because it is a city, event that includes animals. I like the parade because I get to see my friends and all of the different kinds of animals.

The City of Los Altos Should continue to have the Pet Parade. The community participates in a fun-filled activity that demonstrates people's love of animals. It also allows the schools to show their loyalty

and spirit.

Grant Glazebrook

Loyola School, Grade 3, Miss Alvarez

Why Los Altos is Special for Children

The most special place in Los Altos for me is the Los Altos Library. It is the best place in Los Altos for children because there are so many different things to do and learn in one special spot.

I learned about the history of the Los Altos Library by going to the Los Altos Library. I read in a book called "The History of the Los Altos Library" that the first library in Los Altos was opened on July 25, 1914. The library was started with one hundred books that were kept in a real estate office named Altos Land Company. It was on the comer of First Street and Main Street. Mr. C. E. Minor worked in the office. He also took care of the library books for five dollars a month. The library kept growing and moving to other offices and buildings until the one we have now was built in 1964.

The Los Altos Library has been special to me my whole life. When I was little, my mom took me to Story Hour to hear stories and see puppet shows. When I was in kindergarten I got a library card so I could check out my own books and learn how to read. Now that I'm older, I like to take home all kinds of books, music, videos, and computer games. The library is special because it has a summer reading club so I can earn free books. The computers at the library help me find books and see what I have already checked out on my library card. Another reason the library is special is because the weather is always good in there. When it's freezing in the winter, the library is warm and cozy. When it's broiling hot in the summer, the library is cool and refreshing. There are soft places to sit and stuffed animals to cuddle.

The Los Altos Library is the best place in town because it makes me happier and smarter. It has everything I need to know for my whole life.

Sophia Monroe

St. Nicholas School, Grade Three, Mrs.Walton, Mrs.O'Shea

I Like Los Altos

When I was little I enjoyed the Pet Parade a lot, because I love animals. I have always loved the Pet Parade. In fact, I still love it because I still love animals. I also enjoy the marching band that it now has. I think it is a great way for a community to get together.

The first Pet Parade was in 1947. When it first started it only had a few pets. Now the Pet Parade has a lot of participants, with a large variety from reptiles to horses, from amphibians to dogs. One of my favorite dogs was a weenie dog. He was dressed up as a hot dog. He was in a bun and had fake mustard on his back.

Last year, at the Pet Parade they gave out blue ribbons that said "1998 Pet Parade." It is very generous for them to do that. Everyone is kind and helpfiil. For example, the people who passed out the ribbons were volunteers. At the Pet Parade everyone has a smile on their face. If you are feeling badly on the day of the Pet Parade, I think you should go and watch.

I think the Pet Parade is a great way to bring the whole community together because lots of people love animals and like to show off their pets. For example, every year I see my friend Katie with her family. Every year they sit by us and watch the Pet Parade with us. Little kids also enjoy it because they get to watch all the kids and animals. The moms and dads get to have coffee at all the coffee shops.

The people who started the Pet Parade wanted to build a community spirit.

This year I hope to bring my horse to it.

Yousef Saadeh

Bullis School, Grade 4, Ms. Roswell

Los Altos, Like No Other Place in the World

I discovered that moving into a new neighborhood one never knows what treasures can be uncovered. Treasures don't necessarily come as precious stones or gold nuggets rather they can be found in a neighbor who lives across the street that has been a resident of the Los Altos community for half-a-century or more.

When interviewed Ruth M., my neighbor, I was surprised at what she had to say. There was one interesting community event I especially liked. That event was the "Pet Parade." "WOW I never knew that the Pet Parade is older than I am." I remember saying when I saw the parade for the very first time. I remember telling my Mom four years ago "We are the only ones ion Los Altos that don't have a pet." My Mom and Dad burst out laughing at my comment. It certainly seemed that way, as hundreds of animals big and small, short and tall kept coming down Main Street, showing off their looks.

The Pet Parade changed over the years as remembered by Ruth M. When her children were little they made costumes of characters that they liked and would ride on ponies or horses in the parade. Other ranchers brought llamas, lambs, cattle, dogs, sheep, and horses decorated for the parade. It took lots of planning, time, and work to put the parade together. Awards were given to the most "creative" and the ones who required most "effort" in getting the costume done.

The winners walked away proudly with the 1st, 2nd or 3rd place ribbons. The Pet Parade was a sign that spring was there. Los Altos is wonderful and creative.

Annemarie Everett

Oak School, Grade 4, Mrs. de Leeuw

Kids and Pets on Parade

The Los Altos Pet Parade is special to me because it is a fun time when people of all ages show off their pets while watching other people showing off their pets It is also a time when the whole family can be together for a fun day in the sun (hopefully)! I like parading down Main Street with people watching me pull my guinea pigs in their wagon with the CARROTS license plate.

The Pet Parade has been sponsored by the Los Altos Kiwanis Club since 1947 "It's grown every year," Walter Chronert, official parade announcer says. "This is probably the only parade that has more participants than spectators." The parade has always been part of Los Altos' Mayfest celebration. It is known throughout the Bay Area for attracting a wide variety of pets. People and pets wear costumes and ride down Main Street on bikes, trikes, wagons, and skates. Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and school bands join in the fun!

The Pet Parade tradition is even older than Los Altos itself, beginning on May 6,1947, five years before Los Altos became a city. The first parade was an absolute success, with 386 children participating. Today, the numbers have risen astonishingly, up to 2,000 people and pets!

The Pet Parade became what it is today because of the work of the many people who put the parade on, and the many participants who come to walk in the parade with their pets. Parents bring their children to the parade that they walked in when they were children, and their children will most likely bring their children and so on. That is why and how the Pet Parade has become such a resounding success in the community. Hopefully, everyone will get a chance to join in this wonderful community event!

Sarah Bettman

Oak School, Grade 4Tiny Tots

Los Altos is a great place for kids. The thing that was most special about my childhood was going to pre-school at Tiny Tots.

Tiny Tots is located at the San Antonio Club. When the club began it met in members' homes for their learning and enjoyment. Eventually the members decided to work for charity. The women did sewing for people in need, sewing 1,000 items every year. In 1908 Julia Chandler Hill generously donated to the organization her property. The community built a one room structure, now the San Antonio Club, in two months at no cost. The city bought the club house and moved Tiny Tots there from the Los Altos Youth Center in 1972.

The Tiny Tots program is run by Claudia Meyer, who's worked there for 13 years. She's had over 300 students. She's been a resident of Los Altos for 45 years. Some of her student's parents went to Tiny Tots also. Since she's been teaching, there have been many changes. "The major focus of the program has always been developmental," says Claudia, "but the curriculum has become more challenging as the children have been challenging us for more!" There are more dads volunteering now. Also the parking lot has begun to get more crowded as the typical vehicle has changed from station wagon to Suburban.

One of the unique things about Tiny Tots is that there are only 25 students in each class and the parents get to participate. Therefore, many long lasting friendships come from Tiny Tots. Claudia and the other teachers gave me lots of affection and attention. We always did fim art projects. Claudia had a beautiflil smile and out of it came a gorgeous singing voice.

The opportunity to attend Tiny Tots has made me a confident and happy person.

Ryan Patrick Pei

Loyola School, Fifth Grade, Miss Jennifer Steed

Redwood Grove

Making Redwood Grove A Better Place

Redwood Grove in Shoup Park is a nice place to enjoy a short walk through a quiet, peaceful redwood forest along a babbling creek. But everything can be improved, and that means Redwood Grove could, too.

Redwood Grove could defmitely help us understand the wildlife in Los Altos. We could help by making a wildlife preserve where kids could get close to animals in the wild. We could put trout and catfish in Adobe Creek, lizards in the rocky areas, and amphibians on the moist, mossy forest floor. If we expanded the Grove, we might add some deer. All those animals would have a happy habitat at Redwood Grove.

We could also teach the children who visit Redwood Grove about the Ohlone Indians and the first Spanish settlers in Los Altos. We could make a replica of an Ohlone village where in each wigwam of the village there is an activity that would give the kids a feeling of how Ohlones lived. We could also make a children's museum that looks like a Spanish galleon. In the museum, it would teach children about the first Spanish settlers in the Bay Area.

We could also make a small campground where the kids could roast marshmallows and go on nature hunts. Also they could learn how to start a fire without a match, how to avoid poison ivy, and other survival skills in the forest. I like Redwood Grove and I would like to make Redwood Grove even better for learning.

Carolyn Whitesell

Loyola School, Grade 5, Mrs. Comelison

LAYT

"Break a leg", I said to my sister before opening night for her play "Tom Jones." That's the way of wishing an actor/actress good luck in the theater. LAYT (Los Altos Youth Theater) has been a second home for my sister Julie and me. I love to watch my sister practice with the rest of the cast. I get drawn into whatever time and place the play is about. After the rehearsals, everyone is nice to me, and we all talk and play around. My sister has always loved acting. Everyone gets to become friends with other people from different parts of the community.

Youth Theater has been enjoyed by the children of Los Altos for over thirty years For children new to acting, expressing themselves as a certain character helps them to give presentations in real life. LAYT helps build confidence in public speaking. Whether you are going to be an actor or not, it's great to be able to speak in front of a large audience. Some people love acting from the start, but some hold back and are afraid to act. It they only tried, they might find out that they love acting and are good at it. LAYT gives them that chance.

Los Altos and Los Altos Hills get to be exposed to plays and musicals put on by LAYT. Children get to come to see the plays and musicals and sometimes get to see their friends or family on stage as a certain character, in a different world. I can't wait to be able to be in plays and musicals put on by LAYT.

Jordan Sims

Loyola School, 5th Grade, Mrs. Cornelison's Class

Our Library - My Favorite Place in Los Altos

I am suddenly in the world of Oz, as the book envelopes me. I am then in a concentration camp with the Jews, feeling their grief. Next I am with Laura Ingalls Wilder, learning the ways of the pioneers. These books are found at the marvelous Los Altos Library. If it were not for this library, I could not be taken to these places by way of reading.

The Los Altos Library is a precious place, a getaway where you can journey into any land you wish. This awesome place teaches the love of reading. For the younger children, there is story time. The children, who have the ability to read, can participate in the Summer Reading Program. For the older children there are classes that teach you how to use the Internet. For every age there is the joy of holding a book in your hand, reading it and if you wish, to take home for a while. All of this for free.

I cannot remember a time when the library has not been a part of my life. When they were reconstructing the library, I was not yet in school. Finding books was troublesome, but the outcome was worth waiting for!

In 1912, the thought of a county library was placed before the Santa Clara Board of Supervisors. All but one member approved, yet Los Altos was determined to have a county library. Eventually they convinced him that a county library was a good idea, and the vote became unanimous on the 20th of July 1912. Nothing was done until one year later, when the one-cent tax rate was levied. Progress was delayed for yet another year. In April of 1914 a pressure arose for a county library, so on July 1, 1914, Miss Stella Huntington was appointed librarian. On July 25,1914, county branches were established in Los Altos, Morgan Hill, Evergreen, aerryessa, and Campbell The first borrower was Mr. W. F. Hyde.

Our cherished Los Altos Library is a big part of my life, and will be throughout my education. There is joy in my heart to know that I can find whatever book I need for school projects, or just for the joy of reading. The Los Altos Library is my favorite place in the entire town of Los Altos.

Daniel Gracia

St. Simon School, Grade 6, Mrs. VanMeter

Covington Swim Club (Los Altos Masters)

What is most special to me in the city of Los Altos is the Covington Swim Club at the old Covington pool, located off of Rosita Avenue.

This pool is quite old, being built in the middle of the 1950's. It was the very first community swimming pool that the city of Los Altos had. One of my neighbors recalled that a person by the name of Arthur Fowle, one of the founders of Libby-Owens Ford Glass Company, donated quite a lot of money and work towards the reality of Covington Pool.

Covington Pool has given me and countless other children and adults so many happy times. I began swimming for Covington Swim Team four years ago. Arriving on my first day, not knowing anyone, was quite scary. All the team members and coaches quickly made me feel like I belonged. Practicing my strokes day after day, all year long has been a challenge. It is so very rewarding to me when I see my times have gradually gotten better.

Through all the ups and downs, Covington Pool has always been there for me. This pool has given me not only the best form of exercise, but has really boosted my self-esteem and kept me out of trouble.

The future of Covington Pool is uncertain, and I am very worried about that. I as well as hundreds of other citizens have depended so much on Covington Pool for our exercise and entertainment. The thought of not having this pool because of the new developments for new fields and also the opening of Covington School is very sad. I truely wish that the people involved in deciding my pool's fate would realize just how important and loved Covington Pool is.

Alex Elledge

Santa Rita, 6th grade, Kirby Conrad

Los Altos History

Los Altos is a great place for kids to live. It has Redwood Grove and Shoupe Park. It has the History House, and a great library. But one of my favorite things about Los Altos is its scout troop. Troop 37 is the oldest boy scout troop in California. Last year it celebrated its 80th Birthday.

Troop 37 meets at LAYC and we do fun activities. We go on trips almost every weekend. We build snow caves in the winter and go white water kayaking in the summer. A trip coming up this month is an over night bicycle trip. We will travel 50 miles a day and see awesome views. I can't wait to go! On trips like this I feel lucky that Los Altos has such a great scout troop.

Troop 37 was started in 1918 by Herman Peters, 11 years after Boy Scouts of America was started. The first meeting place for the troop was in the second story of McDuffie's Grocery which still stands today at Second and Main, but is now called Bay View Bank.

The troop has become more experienced over the years and has started a few traditions. For example, every year the troop builds kayaks and then takes them on a camp for a week known as Kayak Camp. Another tradition is that every year we have a big Court of Honor to celebrate the troops Birthday; and we give the first year scout with the most service hours,(community service) the Herman Peters Award named after the founder of the troop.

Troop 37 is just one of the many examples of why Los Altos is so great for kids. Don't you agree?

Maria M. Lu

Santa Rita School, 6th Grade, Canrad/Conover

The Los Altos Library, Why It's a Valuable Place For Children

Read "Historical essay contest winners named".

Michelle Dentinger

Loyola, Third grade, Miss Castain

Los Altos began as a small, drowsy village in 1914, but grew into a wonderful community, especially for children. From its shops downtown, to rolling hills, Los Altos is amazing. Children can play in Shoup Park, or watch the rippling waters flow in Adobe Creek. No doubt about it, Los Altos is special. The one place that makes it even more unique is the Los Altos Library.

Los Altos residents loved to read. In the beginning, the library only consisted of 50 books, settled in a land office at First and Main streets. On July 25th, the County Library was born. The library changed places in 1975, and it was placed where it stands today. People voted for a larger library and 74% said yes. They doubled the size of the Main Library.

Now, because of all the hard work to make a library, children can be seen at all times there. Los Altos inhabitants think the library is a special place because the place is a monument, holding valuable meaning. A significance of hard work and the love to read. That love pushed them to make a better place for children to enjoy books.

In 1999, there are thousands and thousands of books in the library. Even in the summer, the library holds special events, like the reading contest. In the reading contest, children read books and get an award for their eflorts. Children love the library mainly because of all the interesting books it has.

Although the library is marvelous as it is, it can be better. The library can have children who love reading and offer them jobs as library aides. The aides can help more children get into reading.

In a few years, maybe the library can be even better for children of all ages.