|
Casa de Tableta was
built by Felix Buelna; a former mayor of San Jose who settled
upon 95 acres of land in San Mateo County in the 1850’s.
Casa de Tableta served as a gambling hall, bar saloon and
meeting place for Mexican-Californios. It was strategically
located on a trail used by both rancheros and American settlers
crossing the peninsula to the coast. The prime location allowed
the business to profit on the heavy traffic flow. This establishment
made Felix Buelna one of the first entrepreneurs and profiteers
of the gold rush age in San Mateo County. It continues today
as a roadhouse saloon on 3915 Alpine Road, Portola Valley,
CA.
--Richard Chiang
|
Tanforan center has
displayed characteristics of gods, gold and glory in its lifetime
in San Mateo County, spanning a rich history of over 100 years.
Glory: In infancy, Tanforan was a site where individuals made
a name for themselves as champion horse racers, glorifying
such legendary racers as Seabiscuit.
God: During World War II, the US Government played God and
caste Japanese citizens, detaining them for several years.
This was a dark period rarely spoken in Tanforan's history.
Gold: The now rebuilt shopping center capitalizes on a capitalist
mentality. Localizing goods in one convenient location.
--Chris Vito
|
