EDITOR: As the urban explosion moves across Santa Clara County,
I reminisce about the time I was looking for a retirement home and
first saw Morgan Hill nestled between the foothills. I was
instantly reminded of the small village in which I grew up in
Germany.
EDITOR:
As the urban explosion moves across Santa Clara County, I reminisce about the time I was looking for a retirement home and first saw Morgan Hill nestled between the foothills. I was instantly reminded of the small village in which I grew up in Germany.
As I gazed at the rolling hills around me, the same tranquility flowed through me that I feel every time I return home for a visit. Morgan Hill immediately appealed to me with its old-fashioned small-town charm.
Downtown has not changed much since its founding days in 1906 except for the pavement on the streets, of course, and the planting of trees. The small museum is taken care of with pride by hometown volunteers who will tell you all about it.
The Morgan Hill Methodist Church, where services are still being held, was built in 1897. The Morgan Hill Sun – now The Morgan Hill Times – began to publish in 1894. Villa Mira Monte, built by Morgan the Pirate (Hiram Morgan Hill) in 1884-86 for his bride, Diana Murphy Hill, has been turned into a showplace. People from far and wide flock to its Christmas Faire.
Local wineries are brimming over with hospitality and their own events throughout the year. One ‘must see’ is the winery Emilio Guglielmo built in 1925, which has a magnificent holiday display and faire. Another historical sight is Llagas Creek, where the explorer Col. DeAnza and his soldiers, in 1775, rested and watered their horses. Llagas Creek has now become a protected wildlife refuge.
There are times I sit on my deck and can hear the quiet, faint interrupting by a far-off train whistle or a cocky cock’s crow. On some evenings, when the rays of the setting sun touch the top of the hill just right, they truly become the golden hills of California … a feast for the eyes and soul. In moments like this, I know all is well with the world.
As long as I can see raptors sailing against the sky and livestock grazing in the fields, I know I am still in the countryside, and that is exactly where I want to be. It is my deep hope that this little piece of our beautiful planet will stay tranquil and old-fashioned for a little while longer, and will not become as extinct as many of our fellow creatures, flora and fauna alike.
Ursula Palmer, Morgan Hill
