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Proudly presented by the Auxiliary of
the Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership
ABOUT THE HOUSE
Serenely nestled on a hill in the Dominican area of San Rafael, this year's Showcase home is hidden from the street by newer homes. A handsome gated brown-shingled house, its gabled exterior has an air of charming enchantment reflecting the era ushered in at the beginning of the twentieth century. In 1900, San Rafael, incorporated in 1874, had a population of 3,879. It was a time of perceived security and some gentle smugness—a time of open doors, gardens and, to a great extent, open lives. The residents had similar backgrounds; their social, business and civic interests intertwined. Everyone knew someone, or everyone. Some streets in the neighborhood were named after well-known families of that period. It was an era of optimism and inventiveness. The social hierarchy of the Victorian era was no longer as important as it had been. New ideas in décor, dress and architecture brought the terms neo-classical, mission and colonial revival. Californians wanted their own identity. The evolving Craftsman bungalow with its open floor plan and inviting verandas reflected this less rigid lifestyle.
William T. Coleman, a prominent San Franciscan, sought financial as well as community and civic success. He purchased land from the rancher Oliver Irwin (Irwin Street in San Rafael bears his name) in 1871. He planned the Hotel Rafael (1888), an impressive hostelry at the corner of Belle Drive. Homes occupy the site now, but the stone pillars remain. Coleman gave parkland to the city, and he sold acreage to the Dominican Sisters, later selling them an additional matching portion for one dollar. His “Magnolia Valley,” where the Showcase home stands, was planned as a rural retreat of winding streets, and lots were sized for country homes. He also planted approximately 10,000 eucalyptus trees to enhance the sylvan character of the area. Note the street names of the area built up around what is now Dominican University: Acacia, Linden, Locust, Palm, and, of course, Eucalyptus.
George T. Page, the original owner of the Showcase home, completed the purchase of the property in 1905. Fortunately, construction of the house was completed before the 1906 earthquake, as workmen and materials became extremely scarce as rebuilding began. He was born in Chile; his father was a San Franciscan and had property in Sonoma County. George was a broker/shipper in the City, and his siblings operated the family ranch in what was the heart of Sonoma, now Cotati. Streets surrounding the central plaza of Cotati bear the names of members of Page family.
The ceilings and flooring of the home show signs of alterations— perhaps, sleeping porches, popular at the time, were enclosed to provide more space by the family with four children who bought the house in 1925. A now non-existent tennis court lay in front of the property. Municipal water came into the house in 1926, but the original pump house and water tank installed by George Page remain and are still in use. In 1929, the house was assessed at $15,870, with improvements listed at $9,229. Later owners added a stable and laundry room, made flooring improvements and renovated the basement. Portions of the original lot were sold off, leaving 5 acres today. The current owners have lived in thee house since 1987.
This home, a lovely token of a younger Marin County, awaits your visit. One again our extremely talented designers are giving us respite, beauty, innovations and ideas. Enjoy!
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