This Week in Marin History
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October 2009

Church revival

On Oct. 30, 1960, Old St. Hilary’s in Tiburon was dedicated as a historical monument.  Named in honor of 4th century French bishop St. Hilaire (patron saint of scholars), the mission church was built in 1888 as a place of worship for local railroad workers. Indeed, some of the interior carpentry is reminiscent of old railroad passenger cars, giving rise to the theory that railroad workers themselves helped build the church. One of the few Carpenter Gothic churches to survive in its original setting, Old St. Hilary’s fell victim to time and vandals. Deconsecrated before a new church was built in 1954, the site was restored through the efforts of the Belvedere-Tiburon Landmarks Society.

Old St. Hilary's church in Tiburon, 1884.

Roll call

On Oct. 30, 1945, a telegram was sent by Admiral Howard L. Vickery that read, “Accept my congratulations for a job well done.” In just three years workers at Sausalito’s Marinship produced 15 Liberty ships, 16 fleet oilers and 62 tankers for the war effort. Recruited first from California and other states and then from the Deep South, laborers were privileged and underprivileged, and from all walks of life. The shipyard roll even included actors, artists, and musicians. (At one time over half of the San Francisco Symphony worked there, as did the composer of “Let Me Call You Sweetheart.”) Marinship also employed more women than any other West Coast shipyard.

Commemorative plaque made from a portion of the keel plate from the U.S.S. Tamalpais, 1944. Marin History Museum – Marinship Corporation Collection.

Majesty of the redwoods

In October 1943, Muir Woods was a Bay Area tour destination for two sons of King Saud of Saudi Arabia—Prince Faisal and Prince Khalid. And they didn’t come alone—they admired the towering redwoods in the company of two towering (seven-foot) Nubian bodyguards adorned with swords and jewel-studded daggers. (Apparently this contingent “caused quite a stir.”) And in October 1949 another regal pair came calling, this time from India. Former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and his daughter (and future Prime Minister) Indira Gandhi hiked to the F.D.R. Memorial, then purchased from the gift shop a carved redwood horse, burls and, of course, postcards.

Souvenir postcards purchased at Muir Woods, c. 1920s. Jeff Craemer Collection.

Private man

On Oct. 3, 1873, Albert E. Kent moved his family to their new home in Ross Valley. Owner of Chicago’s largest meatpacking plant, Kent had come west in search of a healthier climate, later joined by his wife Adeline and son William after the great Chicago fire of 1871. It was after their move to San Rafael when Adeline excitedly discovered the future site of “Kentfield.” Albert consequently bought 13 acres from Annie Ross (for $1,851), and eventually purchased another 395 acres. Considered “aloof,” he never became a part of the Ross Valley set, but continued to keep in touch with his Chicago interests over a “private wire” in his house. He died in 1901.

Kentfield School pennant, 1957. Marin History Museum, Dan Waldbillig Collection.