MISSION STATEMENT

The Union City Historical Museum is a non-profit organization committed to the preservation, maintenance and protection of, and the education of the public about the architectural, cultural, natural and historical heritage resources of the City of Union City.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Myrla Raymundo, MBA CEO/President
Timothy Swenson, Vice-President
Eva Kamakea, Secretary
Hugh McNamara, Treasurer
Miles Price
Rita Price
Ligfinio Ray Raymundo
Phil Verzola
Mike Christ
Jess Garcia
Frank Borghi, Jr.
Al Rose
Reiner Glausch
Sheryl Glausch
Bruce Hevelin

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO/PRESIDENT

Dear Members and Friends of the Union City Historical Museum,

It seems like it was just yesterday that I stood up in front of the City Council, Union City, asking for assistance in making our Museum a reality. People called me “Persistent” those times.

Well, it has been four years, and I am excited to tell you that much has happened since then. This past February 2001, the Museum opened its doors to the public. This milestone offered me the opportunity to look back and reflect on what we have accomplished and look forward to what we are doing right now. It is astonishing and satisfying to see the Museum grow into such a vibrant organization that continues to thrive with the help of the Museum officials. Special recognition is given to Directors Reiner and Sheryl Glausch, who gathered almost all of the artifacts on display. I also thank all the other directors for their help and support.

Please continue to support our activities.

Myrla Raymundo, MBA CEO/President THE UNION CITY HISTORICAL MUSEUM

In 1998 the Union City Historical Museum (UCHM) was incorporated as a non-profit organization. UCHM is dedicated to recording and preserving the history of Union City. UCHM: 1) records an oral history from people living in the community; 2) collects artifacts and displays them in the Museum and maintains a library for books and historic documents; and 3) identifies and encourages preservation of historical buildings.

Please visit the Museum, which is now open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 10:00 AM –4:00 PM.

UCHM has an educational program that includes the early homes, churches, commercial and industrial uses in the area, development patterns of the first settlements, construction of railroads, the first county seat in Alameda County, the previous city councils and the business people and lawmakers of the city, and also the present times in Union City.

The educational program is now available to all city residents and schools. UCHM is also writing a book about Union City.

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.

For more info, call the Museum at (510) 324-3298 or 489-0133.

TRAINING FOR MUSEUM DOCENTS

The Museum, located at 3841 Smith Street in the old Alvarado area, is now up and running. It is open to the public on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

At present, there are only a handful of the Museum officials and members who are helping in running the Museum.

We’re calling on the Museum members to help us. If you’re available in any of those days, please come by and help.

There will be training of Museum Docents every Saturday at 10:00 AM and at 2:00 PM. It is a very fulfilling volunteer work knowing that you are helping in the preserving and recording of the history of our city. Most importantly, you will have a full knowledge of the history of Union City.

The duties of the Museum Docents are varied. They man the Museum, do library work, conduct tours of the Museum and make educational presentations.

We are asking the help of anyone in the community who wish to help. We are also seeking the help of the schools and churches to send volunteers to be Museum Docents.

Please remember that this is our very first Museum in Union City and we want to keep it alive and continuous. This is only the start. With your help, we can maintain the Museum. Remember that this is your Museum, our Museum, and the Museum of Union City. Let us all remember the past and preserve the culture and heritage of our city and continuously record its beautiful history.

We will patiently wait for your call at the Museum (510) 324-3298 or call Myrla Raymundo, President, at (510) 489-0133 or E-Mail at RAYMYR@aol.com.

MUSEUM OFFICIALS ON THE GO

The Museum officials are always on the go. The following attended city events during the months of March and April 2001:

Tim Swenson spearheaded the fund raising drive at the opening of the Apple Bee’s Restaurant at the Union Landing. The restaurant offered the money raised at the Dinner to the Museum.

Reiner and Sheryl Glausch attended the Police Department branch at the Union Landing.

Hugh McNamara attended the Mixers given by the Chamber of Commerce.

Phil Verzola attended the Police Activities League Earth and Science Fair at Logan High School. Veronica Verzola, Myrla and Ray Raymundo helped Phil in manning the Museum booth. The group displayed artifacts and materials and answered questions pertaining to the Museum.

Ray and Myrla Raymundo attended the Greater Bay Area Fraternal Congress in Hayward. Myrla was guest speaker at the luncheon. The group was very interested in learning the history of Union City.

Sheryl Glausch did a Museum Presentation at the Human Relations Commission to request for a cultural grant. Phil Verzola, a Human Relations Commissioner, Reiner Glausch, Tim Swenson and Eva Kamakea also helped in the presentation.

Myrla Raymundo, Phil Verzola, Reiner and Sheryl Glausch, Mike Christ, Miles Price, and Rita Price went to the City Council to request a cultural grant.

HISTORICAL TOURS OF THE CITY

Tim Swenson is now in the planning stage of historical tours of the city. Tours will include the Masonic Homes, the Meyer’s Sisters Secret Garden, historical homes and historical creeks.

If you are interested in helping in the planning or interested in joining the tours, please call the Museum and leave your name and number.

UNION CITY HISTORICAL MUSEUM LIFETIME MEMBERS

Thanks to our Supporters

Phil & Leila Verzola
John & Cathy Tester
Timothy & Catherine Swenson
Eva Kamakea
Georgia Megue Santa Maria
Ligfinio (Ray) & Myrla Raymundo
Gina Lewis
Reiner & Sheryl Glausch
Al & Marsha Badella

HISTORICAL PROFILE

Manuel “Shorty” Garcia

Few men have wielded as much influence in our tiny city, Union City, in the arena of business, community involvement and politics, as Manuel “Shorty” Garcia. He made an invaluable and lasting contribution to our city.

“Shorty” Garcia was a legend in Union City. He was born and raised in the Decoto area. He had a short stint in World War II, but returned to his beloved city and to his family. Here, “Shorty” had helped so many families in their hours of crisis. He never failed to go through an endless cry for help

As a volunteer firefighter, he wasn’t always out battling fires, but he ran a gas station at the corner of 10th and H Streets. He usually pumps gas for free or give tires to needy people so they could get work to feed their families. People were always coming over their house and the phone never stopped ringing. He was there to listen to their problems.

Shorty’s compassion, knowledge of the city and popularity resulted in his getting elected to the City Council in 1968. People that time began to recognize his potential, his being at ease with people even with strangers. As a councilman, he never felt bias in supporting any city project. He was committed to a political solution and even more prepared to come up with negotiating formulas than others. He worked hard to make Union City a better place to live, work and raise his family and all the residents. Because of this, he was re-elected to a fifth term on the City Council. He captured more votes than any other candidate did. He was the first Treasurer of Union City in 1959.

He was active in the community. He served in the Union City Lions Club and the Union City Veterans of Foreign Wars as officer. One of his proudest accomplishments was leading the drive to move the Veterans’ Memorial to its present location at Kennedy Park. He always had an interest in kids and parks.

“Shorty” and Shirley raised two children Anthony and Debbie. They have lots of grandchildren.

“Shorty” died in 1986.

A ceremony officially dedicating the Manuel “Shorty” Garcia Park was held in his honor on March 3, 2001. The park is located on Decoto Road between Mission Boulevard and 7th Street.

FORMER CITY COUNCILMEMBERS

George Sloan 1959-1964
Irv Williams 1964-1972
Leo Alvelais 1966-1974
Will Davis 1964-1968
Bernie Morales 1964-1968

This is only a partial list. We are still researching the records. In the long run, we will have a complete and perfect record of our history regarding our city leaders. Some of the above councilmembers became Mayors also during their terms.

HOLY ROSARY CHURCH HISTORY

A Little Bit of History……..

If the Padres organized the Missions in California, and gave Christianity to the early settlers, and early inhabitants, they created an influence for good that has been given to us according to the historians. So the founding of Mission San Jose as the first Catholic outpost in this county, has been followed by the founding of other churches such as Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church at Decoto. Since its 50th anniversary is being celebrated Sept. 15-22 at Decoto, with the Township’s many civic leaders and church people giving them credit for their Christian influence, we related the history of that church to our readers.

Rev. Thomas C. Reilly, who took charge of Decoto church in 1956, had had his eyes turned toward developing the parish. And he got an out to make the new church location (formerly the youth center) become one of the finest churches in the interior in construction as well as activity of youth and older parishioners.

Along with Rev. Rielly – there is an associate in Rev. Ronald Burke who has resided at Holy Rosary Church, taking care of Spanish-speaking Catholics in all Southern Alameda County area.

As part of the California Mission chain, Franciscan fathers under the direction of Father Junipero Serra built Mission De Guadelupe in Mission San Jose as a foothold for the establishment of new parishes in the surrounding areas.

Due to the increase in the number of Catholics in this valley, a parish was formed in Centerville under the direction of Rev. Governo in 1886. The present church stands on the original site of the earlier church, which was destroyed by fire. Rev. Alfredo De Sousa became the pastor succeeding Rev. Governo, at which time Corpus Christi Parish in Niles was founded in December 1914. The parish was formed from parts of the Mission San Jose (Mother Church) and Centerville. Antedating 1892, when the church was first constructed under the direction of Father Terence Caraher local people attended at the Mission.

Corpus Christi church was constructed in 1892 and dedicated by Archbishop Riordan. It was a frame building costing $3500.00 with furnishings costing $1,000.00. The first pastor, John A. Leal, lived nine months in the sacristy of the church. He received his appointment in 1914 and entered the newly constructed rectory the following September.

In April 1907 the first mass was offered in Decoto in a hall located at 10th and I streets, owned by Albert Silva. The congregation met in this hall which was destroyed by fire in 1952. On October 13, 1907, the first mass was offered in the new mission church at 13th and H Sts by Fr. Governo of Holy Ghost church in Centerville. The new church was dedicated to the Holy Rosary and was thusly named. It is now known as Our Lady of the Holy Rosary and the canonical parish was given that name when Rev. Father Ralph Duggan became administrator in August 1950. The parish ledger was signed over to Rev. Duggan on January 29, 1951.

He resided at the Parish house in Niles for a few weeks at which time he moved to establish residence at the rear of the church located at 13th and H Streets.

On October 17, 1952 the church was destroyed by fire and mass was offered in the recreation hall located at 6th and C Streets, which is used as the present church. The property was purchased of Timothy Hennessey and he received the deed to the land November 18, 1949. In addition to the church, a school, which is in the process of remodeling, was purchased from the Decoto School District in 1953. It is located adjacent to the parish house and parish church.

In the early history of the parish, Holy Ghost fiestas were held annually for a few years, after which they were dispensed with and the fiestas were combined with the Niles Parish.

The Holy Family sisters fill an important position in the instruction of the children of this parish. Over the years they have given themselves generously to this essential work in the vineyards of Christ without receiving even in the average compensation for the support of the community. The Confraternity of Christian doctrine is making every effort to support their work…. Excerpts from the “Pamphlet Golden Anniversary Celebration of the Holy Rosary Church September 15 to 22, 1957, Decoto, California

OLD ALVARADO

Named after the Mexican governor from 1836 to 1842, John B. Alvarado, the town of Alvarado was one of the early settlements in southern Alameda County. Alvarado grew around the creek and was laid out in a traditional grid iron pattern. During the early 1850s the town included a tavern, store, two warehouses, and several homes. In 1853 New Haven (adjacent to Alvarado) was made the county seat. However, once the county seat moved to San Leandro in 1856, then to Oakland in 1873, Alvarado dwindled in political importance. Nonetheless, Alvarado remained important during the nineteenth century for its contributions to the salt and sugar beet industry.

Sugar manufacturing was begun by Ebenezer (E.H.) Dyer in the 1870s whom, at the request of his brother, moved to California to help manage a farm. The plant continued operations until 1914, when it closed. It reopened one year later to aid in efforts to supply troops during World War I, the plant continued to produce sugar under different ownership until 1975. The sugar-processing factory was a significant contributor to the region’s economy. All buildings associated with the Sugar Company were demolished in the late 1970s.

MUSEUM MEETINGS

Board of Directors’ Meetings are held every first Mondays of the month at 7:00 PM at the Museum. Members are invited to attend.

Union City Historical Museum 3841 Smith Street Union City, California 94587