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Published on 08/04/1999 All articles from this issue

Pages of the Past

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50 years ago in Los Altos

1949 in the United States: RCA responded to the long-playing recording format by introducing large-hole single 45 rpm disk recordings.

In Los Altos, rates were announced for Los Altos subscribers of the Pacific Telephone and Telegraph. A single-party line was $3.75 per month; a two-party line, $3.25; and a four-party line, $2.75.

Hunting season opened in Santa Clara County with a bag limit of two bucks. Wardens warned hunters to obtain permission from the owner before entering private property.

Sheriff Howard Hornbuckle denied a license for the Q Billiard Parlor. A petition with more than 200 signatures urged the license be refused. The Los Altos Quota Club and the Rotary Club, which both opposed the license, said, "Such games would be a detrimental factor for youth and for our oldsters who have a proclivity for risking their earnings if the opportunity to do so were made convenient."

Under the direction of Jeanne Goodwin, club vice-president, members of the Los Altos Art Club completed painting the interior of the Los Altos Library in time for its reopening the next month. The project was completed in two days.

25 years ago in Los Altos

1974 in the United States: Gerald Ford was sworn in as U.S. president and pardoned Richard Nixon. Streaking, the fad of baring all and running through public gatherings, gathers steam.

In Los Altos, the failure of the June 4 proposed tax increase resulted in the reduction of school buses for the high school district. Students living two miles or less from a high school were no longer entitled to take a school bus.

Plans for a 2-plus-acre Marymeade Park on Fremont Road near Grant Road were under way. The park was to include three tennis courts, a "tot lot" and an open area with picnic tables and barbecues.

Developers scrapped plans to build a racquet club, which would have included 14 tennis courts. The site was across from Mora Drive at Eastbrook School. More than 100 residents signed petitions opposing the development.

Undeveloped land near Natoma and Black Mountain roads in Los Altos Hills was to be sold to the highest bidder. The land was owned by the Palo Alto Unified School District and the minimum opening bid was set at $90,000 for the 10 acres.

A Los Altos Hills controversy arose over whether or not the soon-to-be vacant engineers' shack would be turned over to the historical society. City Manager Bruce Lawson spoke against the plan and supported keeping the shed as a storage area for the town.

- Compiled by Donna Shoemaker for History House of Los Altos