An Oral History Archive for the City of Santa Clara, California - Frank Barcells/Edwin Beilharz
Created Date
June 25th, 1974
Description
(SIDE 1) BARCELLS, Frank J. 1159 Main Street, Santa Clara. 241-2520
Long active in local politics, Mr. Barcells was mayor in 1955. He participated in both the major City Council votes on urban renewal, voting in favor of it in 1961 and helping to kill it in 1969.
June 25, 1974
Education (Thirties). Local politics (from 1950 on). Urban renewal: causes, proposals, parking situation in 1961, change in public sentiment, formation of original proposal, eventual rejection of urban renewal. Other local issues: street improvements, Marriot Theme Park, Bowers Avenue. Small town atmosphere: the ethnic neighborhoods, Chinatown, size of neighborhoods, mingling between neighborhoods. Social life: old dance halls, roller rink. Old business district. The Portuguese fiestas. Sources of social prominence. Change of city charter (1952). Dergin’s Saloon. Prominent clergy. Large businesses. Employment. The Depression: mortgages, WPA. World War II: dormance in war, growth thereafter. Growth: popular attitudes, “orderly growth”. Ethnic harmony in Santa Clara. Length—25 minutes.
(SIDE 2) BEILHARZ, (Dr.) Edwin A. 16021 Wood Acres Road, Los Gatos, 354-2002.
Dr. Beilharz moved to the valley in 1936 and was a professor of history at Santa Clara University for the next 36 years, retiring in June, 1972.
June 27, 1974.
Business district (Thirties): its extent, variety of stores, confidence in merchants, the buildings (age, condition, restaurants, the larger stores. The street car service: the fare, route, demise of system, extent of system. Urban renewal: condition of old business district (1960), failure of some stores, growth in “sleazy” businesses. The Eberhard Tannery and PM Mill (1936). Small town atmosphere: personal privacy respected. Environs of city. Urbanization: growth of industry, population influx. Economic and social classes: the poor, the Portuguese, the Portuguese festival. Valley’s water system: change in water quality (1936 on), percolation ponds. Relationship of city and university. Closeness of citizens and public officials (pre-urbanization). Length—23 minutes.
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