The Museum Building
The City Council, at the June 13, 2000 council meeting, approved a resolution to allow the Union City Historical Museum to use the Smith Street fire station, but it has said the building first must be upgraded to meet seismic standards. It is estimated the retrofitting will cost $59,000.
In a meeting with the City Manager Mark Lewis and his staff, Vice President Timothy Swenson and President Myrla Raymundo gave out the list of things to do for the building. They are as follows:
- Seismic upgrade
- Disabled access
- General clean up
- Utilities
- fix loose wiring, more outlets
- Alarm system
- Security lighting
- Plumbing
- Telephone
- Fix toilets/bathrooms
- Landscaping, pull out weeds
- Parking spaces, Museum parking only, handicapped parking
- Need flagpole
- Historical Museum sign
The city anticipated a completion date of August. The Museum will tentatively open on September 1st, 2000.
Museum Officials for FY2000-2001
In their June 5, 2000 regular meeting, the members elected their FY2000-2001 officials. The following are the officials from July 1, 2000 through June 30, 2001:
- Myrla Raymundo - President
- Timothy Swenson - Vice-President
- Hugh McNamara - Treasurer
- Position Still Open for Secretary
We thank Miles Price for handling the books for the past fiscal year.
Building Preservation Ordinance
The Consultant will present the list of 400 homes and structures in Union City, earmarked for historical preservation, to the Planning Commission on their July 20th meeting. The Commission will accept the list and the selection for landmark preservation process will begin.
California State Historical Landmarks in Union City
The First County Seat of Alameda County, located on Union City Blvd and Smith Streets is the first project of the Museum to be spruced up and presented to the public. We have not received any word yet from the city when it will be restored to its former grandeur. Once fixed, the Museum will start showing it to the public.
Museum Logo
The Museum Officials decided to acquire a Logo. Steps will be taken to announce to the public, especially to students, a Logo contest. Once selected, the Logo will be used by the Museum.
Old Photographs and Artifacts
We are nearing our move to the firehouse, our Museum. Residents are enjoined to donate their artifacts and old photographs to the Museum for display. Your artifacts will carry your name.
Please call Myrla, 489-0133 for pickup of the materials.
Museum Wish List
Museum Lifetime Member Phil Verzola was instrumental in the Museum's acquisition of a computer and a printer. He also donated a slide projector and screen to be used in our Speakers Bureau and Educational Program components.
Jim DeMersman, the Executive Director of the Hayward Museum, was instrumental in donating to us a dozen glass shelves for our antique displays and other numerous museum items.
We also need the following:
- Office furniture (desk and chair)
- Xerox machine
- Conference table and chairs
- File cabinets
- Drafting Table
Anyone out there willing to donate these items, please call Myrla at 489-0133 for pickup. This will be very much appreciated.
The Museum's Speakers Bureau
The Museum's Speakers Bureau is in full swing. We give presentations to groups on the city's history. Please call us if you need a presentation.
The Museum's Web Site
Visit the Museum Web Site, which contains information about the museum, past issues of the newsletters and a virtual museum. The virtual museum also has information on California State Historical Landmarks in Union City.
UNION CITY RESIDENTS ON PROFILE
Billy Agundez - First Popular Boxer of Union City
Billy Agundez used to be the Manager of the Pacific States Boxing Club of Union City.
From Arizona, Billy came to live in Union City in the Decoto area in 1928. Born on January 30, 1911, Billy looks so youthful and strong because of his profession. He used to be a boxer, a very famous boxer.
He still lives in the same house that was built in 1945, with his wife Asuncion. His wife was born in 1915 and is 82 years old.
They live a good life. Their children are Ignacia, Dorothy (deceased) and Lilian. Their daughters live close by. Altogether they have nine grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
When World War II broke out, Billy worked as a Foreman in a shipyard, then worked at Kaiser in Richmond. He also worked in a Prefab plant and also built houses.
When interviewed about his career as a boxer, he enthusiastically told us everything that happened during his years as a boxer and as a boxer trainer. He won nine golden cup championships in the city. He was a 98 to 102 lightweight fighter. He won many trophies that are now in exhibit in a school in the area. He said that the second fight in his life was in Los Angeles. He used to work at 6th and 7th and E Street, at a Puerto Rican Hall, which was the first gym that he had. He used to take Union City boys, who were would-be boxers, to Oakland, rented a place for them as they were trying hard for the fights.
As I was leaving his house, he quipped, ``I am the oldest trainer in the Bay Area right now.''
True, Billy Agundez from Decoto is not only the oldest trainer in the Bay Area at present, but Billy is a real champion in life.
MARY DE SA - A Living History
It all started on a ``Make a Difference Day.'' I never knew there was a 94-year-old, long time Union City resident in that old and beautiful Victorian house at Alvarado-Niles Road, near Hop Ranch Road. The old house is situated very close to a bustling business center. There are nice restaurants, a bank, stores and lots of businesses around that house.
Mary de Sa, the lone occupant of that white Victorian house had lived there for 94 years and still lived there at the time of this interview. The cleaning of the front yard and the cutting of the trees by the ``Make a Difference Day'' volunteers, made the house visible. Even the white picket fence that the volunteers put in front made the house even more prominent.
Mary de Sa, a Portuguese descendant, was born in that house on November 12, 1904. Her father Joseph Vierra de Sa, then 35 years old and a bachelor, came and built the house. That was the front of the house. Then he got married to Felomena Silvera Sarrao and with the children coming, he added 3 more rooms in the back. Mary is one of the children. All the other siblings were already dead.
Her father and her father's four brothers came to Union City from the Azores in a big ship to settle. They planted beans, cabbage, strawberries and other fruits. After a while, they hired hands to help in the plantation. There were Chinese and even Filipinos in their plantation. This area is now where the Mexico Lindo, the Rose Garden, the Chamber of Commerce and all the other businesses are presently located.
When World War I broke out, Mary was kept at home. She was never permitted to go out or go to school. She remembered the first big World War I flu that broke out and she and her families had to help the sick. They also had to put up food for the soldiers.
When her mother died, she went back to school. She went to Decoto Grammar School by Mission. She remembers she had to walk to school from her home. Then she went to high school and then to college. She went to San Jose Teachers College, now a University, where she graduated. She became a teacher. She also worked for the government in an IRS office. Mary de Sa never did get married.
Elizabeth Ames and I visited Mary de Sa the second time after the interview, which only took place at the foot of her stairs. This time we went up her house. I was mesmerized. It was just like going back in time. The surroundings and the things in her house gave me a feeling that I was in the early 1900s. The old bed, the old Singer sewing machine, the sofa, the table, all of them were still in the same location and were still being used by Mary, especially the old sewing machine.
Mary still exuded the loveliness that she was once. She was wearing a white pantsuit and her short hair was well styled. Mary was very hospitable to us and was a very good conversationalist.
The old Victorian House is now empty. Mary is no longer there. I don't have any news from her. The house was put up for sale and will now be an office. Mary is still alive and is a living history.
``THAT UNION CITY OF MINE'' OFFICIAL SONG OF UNION CITY
Do you know that Union City has an official song?
On May 20, 1991, the song ``That Union City of Mine'' was unanimously adopted by the City Council of Union City as the official song for Union City.
The song was written and produced by Steve King Stewart and Byron Allred. It was recorded in May and June 1991 at Music Annex, in Menlo Park, California. Mastered at Music Annex. Engineering by Tom Carr. Band members were:
Keyboards - Byron Allred Guitar - Jessi Gresso Bass - Ned Doherty Drums - Roger Thompson Back-up Vocals - Sweet Sensations Horns arranged by Wayne Wallace Lead Vocal - Steve King Steward
Here it is...
That Union City of Mine Well, I'm the kind of guy that like to roam around some and baby I've been around But now I'm in a town where no one's ever lonesome
and, oh, won't you look at what I've found Why, there's rows and rows of gladiolus reaching up to the sky With smiles on faces from so many places Let me show you why Meet me at the park near Union City station Sunday, quarter to nine We'll walk along the boulevard And you will fall in love With that Union City of Mine
And we'll be together in the sunny California weather And maybe forever, I'll be holding your hand in mine Come and have a look around, the people and the places There's so much I'd like to see Just ask anyone in town Those old familiar place Are waiting for you and for me
Best of all Near the city hall Is a park with a lazy lagoon And in the summer I'm told Hills of green turn to gold Under a sky of blue Now you can hear the breeze that brings on winter showers Telling you things will be fine The morning sun so bright and o'er the bay at twilight is that Union City of Mine
And we'll be together in the sunny California weather And maybe forever I'll be holding your hand in mine
There are children hard at play Most anywhere you wander Music of their laughter fills the air And here is where we'll stay from now to ever after If you will only tell me that you care
And whether it's Whipple Road, Alvarado-Niles, Mission Boulevard or Decoto Road From the home on the hillside to the shoreline at bayside You'll feel right at home
Now you can hear the breeze that brings on winter showers Telling you things will be fine The morning sun is so bright and o'er the bay at twilight in that Union City of Mine Well, I'm the kind of guy who's finally found a home in that Union City of Mine
ORIGIN OF STREET NAMES
- Smith St. - Henry C. Smith, Founder of New Haven
- Horner St. - James Horner, Founder of ``Union City''
- Veasy St. - A.M. Veasy. Built First Hotel in Alvarado
- Whipple Rd. - John C. & Edwin Whipple. Founding Family
- Decoto Rd - Ezra Decoto, Founding Family
- Dyer St., - Ephram Dyer, Founding Family
- Vallejo St. - Jose Jesus Vallejo, Landowner of Mission San Jose
- Bulmer St. - Capt. Bulmer, Operated First Store
- Barron's Way - Capt. Richard Barron. Owned Barrons's Landing
- Brooklyn - Ship that brought first settlers in 1846
UNION CITY HISTORY QUIZ
Test out your knowledge of the history of Union City.
- Union City was formed from what two original towns?
- Alvarado was formed from what original settlements?
- What town was the first Seat for Alameda County?
- What was the biggest business in Alvarado?
- What was the biggest business in Decoto?
- What year was the Masonic Home founded?
- What year was St. Anne's church founded?
- What year was the first railroad line put through Union City?
- Before the railroads, what was the primary way to send produce to San Francisco?
- Before the Nimitz freeway was built, what streets was part of Highway 17?
- What was the population of Union City when it was incorporated in 1959?
- What is ``Union City'' named after?
See answers below.
From the Museum Treasurer - Hugh McNamara:
We welcome the residents of Union City to become members of the very first historical museum in Union City. The following are the members as of this date.
Patti Adams Carson Adams Alice Arce Lamont Allen Bertelson Pre-Cast Steps, Inc. Steven Brasswell Norma Braswell Elvamae Borghi Frank Borghi, Jr. Alison Buenaventura Michael & Judy Caine Fred & Lorraine Castro Mike Christ James L. Celcer Gertrude Corchero Regina Dennie Brian Eady Barry Ferrier Mrs. Barry Ferrier Jess Garcia Bruce Hevelin Darlene Hicks Dorothy Jackson Carmen Jaramillo Jaime Jaramillo Eva Kamakea Heide Kitayama Tom Kitayama Jeanne Larson Elaine Martin Hugh McNamara, Treasurer Museum of Local History, Fremont Dennis Olsen Mary Olsen Larry Orozco Jess Orozco Ruth Orozco Gilbert & Paula Orozco Josephine Pando Antoinette Pinto Miles Price Rita Price Myrla Raymundo, President Ligfinio Raymundo Emilio Re Marjorie Re Orlando S. Rivera Elvin & Jean Rose Georgia Santa Maria Leonard F. Silva Lupe St. Denis Joan Schlaepfer Norman Shepard Margaret Shepard Carmen Smeester Estelle Starr Timothy Swenson, Vice-President John Tester, (Lifetime Member) Midge Thornton Underhile, Cindy Richard Valle Phil Verzola, (Lifetime Member) Tony Vierra Rita Vierra
THE UNION CITY HISTORICAL MUSEUM
The Union City Historical Museum, founded in 1998 by Myrla Raymundo, is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to recording, documenting, and preserving the history of Union City, California. It also educates residents on history.
The Museum Officials are:
Myrla Raymundo, MBA - President Timothy Swenson - Vice President Hugh McNamara - Treasurer Position Open - Secretary
The Union City Historical Museum meets on the first Monday of the Month at the Union City City Hall at 7:00 PM. Please come and join us and talk history.
THE BOOK - ``UNION CITY AFTER INCORPORATION''
The history of Union City continues. Billy Agundez and Mary De Sa are long time residents of Union City. Their stories are excerpts from the book ``Union City After Incorporation''.
There are so many interesting people and so many stories to write. I had been interviewing people to complete my book, ``Union City After Incorporation''.
All of you who had lived in Union City for many years have stories to tell. I would love to interview you and listen to your story. How was Union City before and how do you like living in this city?
So if you have a story to tell, please call the author of the book, Myrla Raymundo at (510) 489-0133 or drop her a note at 3107 San Ramon Ct., Union City, CA 94587.
RENEWAL OF MEMBERSHIP
It is time to renew membership in the Union City Historical Museum for Fiscal Year 2000-2001. Please send your membership fee payable to the Union City Historical Museum, to our Treasurer, Hugh McNamara, 32238 Mercury Way, Union City, CA 94587.
Membership dues are payable for Fiscal Year 2000-2001 - July 1, 2000 through June 30, 2001.
For new members who joined in February, March, or April, 2000 are paid for Fiscal Year 2000-2001.
JOIN TODAY
You can help shape the Union City Historical Museum at its early stage. We will be moving into our new home, the old Alvarado Fire Station and we need your time, talents, or monetary help to support our museum.
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP:
- Individual-----------------------$10
- Supporting---------------------- $25
- Corporate/Business------------ $50
- Lifetime-------------------------$200
You can help in:
- Fundraising
- Membership Promotion
- Special Events
- Newsletter
- History book
- Volunteer Worker
- Docent
Send your membership fee payable to the Union City Historical Museum to:
- Hugh McNamara, Treasurer
- 32238 Mercury Way.
- Union City, CA 94587
_________________________________
Answers to Union City History Quiz
1. Alvarado & Decoto. 2. Union City & New haven. 3. Alvarado 1853-55. 4. Alvarado Sugar Factory/Holly Sugar. 5. Pacific States Steel. 6. 1890. 7. 1862. 8. 1869. 9. Shipping via Barron's Landing. 10. Alvarado Blvd. & Union City Blvd. 11. 6,000. 12. From the steamboat ``Union'' owned by John Horner.
UNION CITY CITY COUNCIL
- Mark Green - Mayor
- Manuel Fernandez - Vice Mayor
- Benjamin Elias, Councilmember
- Richard Valle, Councilmember
- Carol Dutra-Vernaci, Councilmember
UNION CITY COMMISSIONS
- Planning Commission
- Park & Recreation Commission
- Senior Citizens Commission
- Human Relations Commission
THE UNION CITY OFFICIALS
1959 to Present
For history recording of Union City officials, the Museum will obtain photographs and will do write ups of the following city officials since the city's incorporation in 1959 up to the present. Their biographies and photographs will be displayed in the Museum as part of Union City History.
We cannot accomplish this entire horrendous task without the help of the residents and the city officials themselves.
We need your help. Please submit your photos and your bio to Myrla as soon as you can. For deceased officials, we are calling the relatives or friends who can help us put together their stories and photographs. We will then start the big task of putting them all together before the opening date of the Museum, tentatively September 1st, 2000.
- Tom Kitayama Mayor, Councilmember 1959-1991
- John Ratekin, Councilmember 1959-1966
- Oscar Dowe, Councilmember 1959-1964
- Joseph Lewis, Councilmember 1959-1964
- George Sloan, Councilmember 1959-1964
- Will Davis, Councilmember 1964-1968
- Bernie Morales, Councilmembver 1964-1968
- Irv Williams, Councilmember 1965-1972
- Leo Alvelais, Councilmember 1966-1974
- Henry Franco, Councilmember 1968-1972
- Manuel Garcia, Councilmember 1968-1986
- Don Miller, Councilmember 1970-1976
- Dick Oliver, Councilmember, Mayor 1972-1993
- Sue Boyle, Councilmember 1974-1983
- Marshall Stone, Councilmember 1976-1980
- Delaine Eastin, Councilmember 1980-1986
- Jean Westgard, Councilmember 1980-1989
- Steve Martin, Councilmember 1987-1989
- Manuel Fernandez, Councilmember 1987 -
- Alice Arce, Councilmember 1989-1997
- Robert Garfinkle, Councilmember 1989-1997
- Mark Green, Councilmember, Mayor 1991 -
- Ben Elias, Councilmember 1993 -
- Ricahrd Valle, Councilmember 1997 -
- Carol Dutra-Vernaci, Councilmember 1997-
- M. Diane Sieger, City Administrator 1959-1965
- John Geoghegan, City Manager 1965-1970
- William Zaner, City Manager 1970-1979
- Karen Smith, City Manager 1979-1995
- Mark Lewis, City Manager 1995
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