On Sunday, July 20, the community is invited to gather at the gardens of the 1876 Shinn House for tours, arts and crafts, live music and house tours. This historical landmark in downtown Fremont gives a look into the past and for almost 150 years, the quaint grounds surrounding the three-story ranch house have been the place for family weddings, community gatherings and fundraisers.
Tours are offered a few times per month, and the garden club Friends of Heirloom Flowers takes care of the Shinn Gardens. The grounds are shaded by old trees: a colossal Chilean wine palms, a massive Moreton Bay fig, a row of redwoods, a cluster of cork oaks and many others.
At the July summer fest, attendees can not only tour the house and enjoy the gardens; there will be outdoor activities on the lawn as well. Attendees can shop at a craft fair, create their own paintings, build mini wood houses and draw in chalk.
In the barnyard, attendees can visit the last bunkhouse of the Shinn Ranch “China camp.” This lone bunkhouse is a rare physical remnant of the immigrant laborers who were crucial to the growth of Southern Alameda County. Thanks to the Chinese Bunkhouse Preservation Project team, the tour educates about the building’s history.
Shinn House will be open for tours led by Mission Peak Heritage Foundation docents from 12 to 3pm. Attendees can learn more about the Shinn family who came to California as a result of the Gold Rush. The suggested donation for the house tour is $5 per adult, $3 for children (age 7-13) cash or credit card.
A Kona Ice truck will have shaved ice available for purchase; attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic. Parking and activities are free.
The event is sponsored by Mission Peak Heritage Foundation, Friends of Heirloom Flowers, Chinese Bunkhouse Preservation Project and the City of Fremont. For more information and updates visit historicshinnhouse.org and Facebook @ShinnHistoricPark or contact mp**********@***il.com.
Shinn Summer Fest
Sunday, July 20
10am – 4pm
Shinn Park and Arboretum
1251 Peralta Blvd., Fremont
