Finished in 1876, Shinn House in Fremont still welcomes visitors today. For two weekends in December—plus two Wednesdays—the house will host afternoon open houses and special Christmas tours, with rooms decorated by local community groups.
The historic Shinn house in Fremont is decorated for the Christmas holidays. For two weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas, there will be special holiday tours. The house will be open from 1-4pm on two Wednesdays – December 4 and 11 – and two weekends – December 7, 8, 14, and 15. Mission Peak Heritage Foundation is hosting the Open House.
James and Lucy Shinn arrived in California in 1856 by steamer via the Isthmus, from Texas. The family had a big impact on the growth of California after the Gold Rush—in horticulture, journalism, history, child psychology, forestry, and the creation of early water districts, including Alameda County Water District. The center of the park is the “Big House,” a three-story Victorian that was finished in 1876. It was a big step up from the tiny cottage where the Shinns lived for 20 years. Many visitors came to the Big House over the years.
This year, guest organizations have decorated a room with their choice of a special theme. The Tri-City Ecology Center chose a honey bee theme. Honey bees are not native to California and arrived in the South Bay in 1853, just a few years before the Shinn family arrived. When fruit growing became a big business for the Shinn family and in the San Francisco Bay Area, honey bees were here to help.
Bird-lovers have decorated the Bamboo Room, inspired by charming birds painted on the walls. The room overlooks the Bette Wentzel Audubon Garden that was created by the Ohlone Audubon Society chapter in 2001. The garden is now maintained by the Friends of Heirloom Flowers garden club.
The Washington Township Country Club has decorated the “modern” kitchen, updated in the 1920s. The women’s club was formed in 1897 as a political equity society. They fundraised for charities such as the Children’s Hospital. In 1904 they wrote an important history of our area which is still a favorite of historians.
Locals are invited to attend, appreciate the history, and admire the decorations. The holiday open house series is hosted by Mission Peak Heritage Foundation.
Shinn House decorated holiday tours
Wednesday, Dec. 4 & 11
Saturdays & Sundays, Dec. 8, 9, 14, 15
1pm – 4pm
Shinn Historical Park & Arboretum
1251 Peralta Blvd., Fremont
historicshinnhouse.org
Suggested donation: $5 adults, $2.50 children
