Clyde Arbuckle and Theron Fox are two of San Jose’s biggest heroes, having dedicated their lives to preserving the city’s history. They laid the foundations for the San José Historical Museum and successfully saved many significant monuments and artifacts from falling prey to the devastation of time. It is because of their efforts that we are graced with access to History Park at Kelley Park – The Land, where a 5,600 square-foot replica of the 1849 historical building stands forward as a testament to their achievements.
Preserving San Jose’s History
Clyde Arbuckle and Theron Fox are lauded as heroes of San Jose for their efforts to preserve the city’s history. Through their hard work, they managed to save important buildings, collect historic materials, and even establish the San José Historical Museum, which later became History San José. It is thanks to their dedication that San Jose can now enjoy the benefits of its rich past.
Clyde Arbuckle, born in 1903, grew up hearing tales of the Santa Clara Valley and was active in many local history societies. Despite his lack of formal education, he was considered an authority on San Jose’s history due to his sharp memory. In 1945, he was appointed City Historian by unanimous recommendation from various historical organizations. Theron Fox, born in 1905, graduated from San Jose State with a teaching credential in 1933. He was passionate about preserving San Jose’s history and served as president of the Historic Landmarks Commission for eight years in the 1960s. In recognition of his achievements in historic preservation, he received an American Association for State and Local History award in 1970.
History Park at Kelley Park – The Land
In 1949, the Historic Landmarks Commission made a wise decision to make permanent the 30-foot by 60-foot State House Replica, which had been built in City Hall Plaza opposite the original location of the 1849 building. Thanks to the commitment and dedication of Arbuckle, who served as City Historian and museum director and curator, the State House Museum accumulated an impressive collection of regional history from Santa Clara Valley’s past, making it the largest collection of its kind in California. Furthermore, Arbuckle’s efforts led to the creation of History Park at Kelley Park – The Land, located just outside San Jose’s city limits. This property was previously owned by Lawrence Archer and his family, who were esteemed members of the community, and later inherited by Louise Archer Flavin Kelley in 1910. Today, the land features the 5,600 square-foot Kelley House, built in 1912, which stands proudly near Happy Hollow Park & Zoo.
In 2012, the Kelley House was damaged in a two-alarm fire but still stands as a testament to the City of San Jose’s commitment to preserving its past. Alden Campen’s determination to preserve the Kelley property for public use was met in 1951 with a positive response from City leaders. Campen and the Renzels purchased 63 acres from Louise Kelley for $142,000 for the purpose of a future City park, and later the City used bond funds to purchase the remaining land that is today’s Kelley Park – a proud landmark of San Jose’s history.
Mrs. Kelley and her four sons were delighted that their family home would be transformed into a recreational area for the public, and in tribute to her late father’s service to San José, she wanted the park to be named Archer Park. Although it was not honored, the City of San Jose gave recognition to the Kelley family by naming the park after them.
History Park
History San José (HSJ) is an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, established in 1998 and with a proud history stretching back to 1949. HSJ operates three sites: History Park, the Gonzalez/Peralta Adobe — Fallon House Historic Site, and the Collection Center/Research Library & Archives. These sites are home to 32 original and reconstructed homes, businesses, and landmarks, celebrating the culture and history of San José and Santa Clara Valley. In addition, community partner organizations provide engaging exhibits and programming to showcase their own contributions to this beautiful region.
HSJ also holds one of the largest collections of regional history artifacts in California, with a rich research collection that includes photographs, personal papers, manuscripts, maps, films, oral histories, and published works. These materials are made available to researchers worldwide, spreading knowledge and appreciation for San José and the Santa Clara Valley.
Over the past two decades, HSJ’s award-winning standards-based school programs have provided students with engaging and educational hands-on experiences, teaching them about local history as they visit various historical buildings and exhibits. Students also participate in activities that meet the History-Social Science and Language Arts Content Standards for California Public Schools. These programs take place at both History Park and the Gonzalez/Peralta Adobe — Fallon House Historic Site.
Recognizing and Thanking Volunteers
History San José is proud to recognize and thank all of the volunteers who have been instrumental in the success of the San José Historical Museum. From securing the land to create Kelley Park to founding the non-profit organization in 1971, to transitioning the City-operated Museum to a non-profit in 1995, volunteers have been integral in the success of History San José. In addition, their valuable contributions of over 20,000 volunteer hours per year have helped make History San José what it is today. The Museum has benefitted from the generous donations of time and skill from artists, engineers, historians, activists, and more. History San José could not be where it is without the hard work and dedication of these volunteers.
Clyde Arbuckle and Theron Fox have made immense contributions to the preservation of San Jose’s history. From saving important buildings and collecting historic materials to establishing the historic San Jose Museum and History Park at Kelley Park-The Land, their dedication and hard work are renowned and celebrated by all. Today, visitors can enjoy the many benefits of this rich heritage with eye-opening structures and unique surroundings that represent the storied past of Santa Clara Valley. Their passion and commitment will continue to serve as a milestone for future generations to reflect upon and use as inspiration for their own efforts in safeguarding San Jose’s tale of survival and growth.
