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December 2016 1850s Russell Barn Coming Down for Restoration
Serving Danville
By Jody Morgan
The barn built in the early 1850s by Samuel Russell is one of the oldest extant structures in the area. Still standing at Forest Home Farms Historic Park after surviving major earthquakes in 1861, 1906, and 1989, the barn is now deemed seismically unsafe. Although later repairs were done with nails, the original mortise and tenon construction utilizing pegs remains largely in tact. Following a 2014 structural assessment conducted by Robert Desautels of ATI Architects and Engineers, the San Ramon Historic Foundation (SRHF) recognized the urgency of preventing further damage to this irreplaceable piece of the valley’s agricultural past. In order to aid the City of San Ramon to expedite the project, SRHF entered into an agreement with the City to fund $250,000 of the estimated reconstruction cost of $756,000. SRHF, a non-profit volunteer organization, works in partnership with the City of San Ramon to preserve and share the agricultural history and pioneer life of the San Ramon Valley. To date, the Foundation has raised close to half of its $250,000 pledge for restoration of the Russell Barn. Each year virtually every third grader in SRVUSD spends time on the farm learning about the tools and techniques used by “Grandma” and “Grandma.” Among the 3,000 students participating annually in the Farm Life and Victorian Life Programs at Forest Home Farms are pupils from private schools, home schools, and other public school districts. Reopening the 1850s barn will enhance school programs as well as visits by scout groups, adult groups, and individuals. The ATI assessment included recommendations for four farm buildings. In the spring 2014 edition of SRHF’s newsletter The Barn Burner, dedicated docent and Board member Dall Barley writes: “After reviewing the draft report the Foundation determined that our priority should be to renovate the ‘Ole 1850s Barn’ to a point that would ensure its survival for future generations. We also wanted to give the public access to a portion of the interior of the structure to allow viewing the building from the inside to see techniques used in its construction.” Quoted on October 14, 2014 in an online post, Desautels explains: “Respecting the old traditions and methods, while using modern day technology, is a challenge we face on this project.” Once ATI completed the design phase, the City asked for construction bids. On June 30, 2016, the City executed an agreement with HM Construction. Restoration requires dismantling the barn. Each piece will be carefully numbered and stored pending reconstruction. During the estimated four-month duration of the project, HM Construction will maintain a security fence around the work area so that farm programs can be safely conducted without disruption. Part of the barn sits on top of rocks, but the floor is dirt. A foundation will th Eleanor and Travis Boone at play in the early 20 century in be added during the reconstruction. front of the 1850s Russell Barn. (photo courtesy of SRHF). At least one of the hand-hewn beams is a replacement. Shortly after the City of San Ramon acquired the property in 1997, they found a 35-foot beam failing. An online search found a historically correct replacement at a wood salvage site in Mendocino. The original roof was wood shingle. The present roof is corrugated metal. In her presentation on the project, long-time SRHF Board member Pat Boom says, “Milled lumber has been used in the rebuilding of both the north and south sheds. It is not known how much of the vertical board siding is origi-
See Barn continued on page 7
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Anton Schwartz, jazz saxophonist and composer who is performing in December at Peace Lutheran Church. Photo by Phil Meyer.
Jazz Vespers By Linda Summers Pirkle
We can all relate to the ambivalent feeling we have when faced with a trek through the Caldecott Tunnel or across the Bay Bridge either by car or public transportation to reach the mecca of cultural activities in our area. The dilemma is a regular occurrence especially with our busy schedules. For jazz enthusiasts, there is a solution to long commutes, and it occurs every first Sunday of the month right here in Danville. John Coltrane, legendary American jazz saxophonist and composer (1926-1967) said, “We need to get jazz back in the sanctuary where it came from.” Reverend Steve Harms, pastor at Peace Lutheran Church in Danville, could not agree more with “the Trane.” Pastor Harms is responsible for bringing top jazz talents from all over the nation to Danville on Sunday evenings where “Jazz Church West,” an interfaith celebration, wows audiences as they sway to the beat of renowned musicians. Jazz Vespers has a history that dates back to the 1960’s. Pastor Harms explains,“Back in 1962, drummer Max Roach in a conversation with Pastor John Garcia Gensel (1917-1998) whose ministry was to serve the N.Y. jazz community said, ‘We both do spiritual work but I can’t make that Sunday morning gig. What are you going to do about it?” That partnership produced evening services at 5PM ( an agreeable time for night-owl musicians) at St. Peter’s in Manhattan by jazz musicians for jazz lovers. Thus began pastoral care for the jazz community that included Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Herbie Mann, and many more. Duke Ellington composed a piece for the ministry and called it Shepherd of the Night Flock. Pastor Harms, who has a Masters of Divinity and a MA in Theatre
See Jazz continued on page 17 Volume VIII - Number 2 3000F Danville Blvd. #117, Alamo, CA 94507 (925) 405-6397 Fax (925) 406-0547
Danville Soccer Champs: The U14 Girls White+ Dominating Dolphins capped off a storybook season with a League Championship win. (From Left to Right) Back Row: Forrest Stamps, Bridget Turtle, Ainsley Rashkin, Jacey Dossola, Shealyn Ratto, Lauren Torchiana, Katie Furber, Bella O’Rielly, Doug Olsen, Aldo Dossola. Front Row: Sydney Weyland, Olivia Lee, Carmen Cinco, Andrea Cinco, Reese Hobby, Grace Olsen, Hailey Eggiman (not pictured: Kendall Stamps)
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