Nov. 10 marks official 100th anniversary of Morgan Hill’s
incorporation
Morgan Hill – The spiraling “history trail” won’t be totally ready before its unveiling Nov. 10, but organizers aren’t bent out of shape.
In fact, enough work’s been done on the project to ensure guests at the unveiling, scheduled from 2 to 4pm at the Morgan Hill House at 17860 Monterey Road, walk away impressed, said Roger Knopf, who chairs the Morgan Hill Centennial Project Committee with city councilman Steve Tate.
“It’s awesome,” Knopf said of the yet unfinished project, which volunteers started building in June at the original home of pioneer landowners Diana and Hiram Morgan Hill, for whom the city was named 100 years ago. “The steel posts are in … it’s become multidimensional.”
The landscaped spiral trail will portray approximately 90 significant Morgan Hill historical events on raised posts along the way. Historical events that are national in significance will be etched in black granite on the surface of the trail.
The unveiling, planned months ago, coincides exactly with the 100th anniversary of the city’s incorporation. Knopf said he thinks the remaining work will be completed by the end of December.
“We still have work to do, but we’ll have the project ready to present,” Tate said at Wednesday’s city council meeting.
The trail is located south of the entry pathway that leads to the Morgan Hill House. It is opposite the newly relocated museum building north of the pathway, which is still being renovated and is expected to open next spring.
“We’re very excited about the project,” said Jennifer Tate, president of the Morgan Hill Centennial Committee, which was appointed by the city council in 2004 to organize a series of events commemorating the city’s 100th birthday. “To me, (the history trail) is the most important thing about the celebration. Our goal, when we began all this, was to have something that will be around in 100 years.”
During the unveiling, Morgan Hill Mayor Dennis Kennedy will give an official presentation on behalf of the city. Volunteers who worked on the project will also share remarks. Artwork related to the city of Morgan Hill’s history will be on display inside the Morgan Hill House.
The culmination of a year-long series of centennial events takes place at Nov. 11 at the city’s annual Founders Day Dinner. In addition to honoring people who’ve lived in Morgan Hill for more than 50 years, the catered event will officially recognize the city’s 100th birthday. The dinner starts at 5:30pm at the Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center. Tickets are $35. For more information call (408) 779-5120.
Tony Burchyns covers Morgan Hill for The Times. Reach him at (408) 779-4106 ext. 201 or tburchyns@morganhilltimes.
