Reliving the past Reliving the past (October 08, 2004)

Third annual History Day at Rengstorff House

By Huong C. Pham

The Rengstorff House was once filled with the sounds of the family's children, and this Sunday from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. on History Day, the house again will reverberate with sounds of young children.

Mountain View is one of several Santa Clara County cities that will honor its history this month.

The third annual History Day will enlighten adults and children about the history of the Rengstorff House and also educate them about life in the 1800s and early 1900s, said Paula Bettencourt, assistant community services director. The event is being held by The Friends of Rengstorff House in conjunction with the city.

Visitors can relive the past by grinding coffee, churning butter, peeling apples and spinning wool -- all the old-fashioned way. They will be greeted by tour guides dressed in 1800s attire.

There will also be opportunities for visitors to try on period costumes and take pictures as part of the historical experience.

"It's not just for children. Adults can do it too," said Cindy Meyer, a member and docent of The Friends of Rengstorff House, adding, "It's usually the men who are more into it."

There will also be a new feature at the event, which will take advantage of the Rengtorff House's location near the Baylands. "This year we have a woman who is an expert to talk about birds and how they tie in with Shoreline as a natural area," Meyer said.

Although learning about history may sound like a classroom lecture, she said past celebrations have been very well received by the community.

"Any time you can see and experience something, it adds that much more dimension than reading about it," said Meyer.

The Rengstorff House, an Italianate design two-story building, was constructed in the 1860s by Henry Rengstorff, a German farmer. When Rengstorff died in 1906 at the age of 77, the house was inherited by his children and then purchased and sold by several different occupants throughout the years. In 1979, the city purchased the house. It was later restored and moved to Shoreline Park.

The interior structure of the Rengstorff House was modified to accommodate today's living standards and is available for tours, business seminars and private parties.

Information

What: Learn about the history of the Rengstorff House and California in the 1800s.

When: Sunday, Oct. 10 at 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: The Rengstorff House, 3070 N. Shoreline Blvd.

Cost: Free

Call: 903-6076

E-mail Huong C. Pham at hpham@mv-voice.com

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