Plaque honors The Grove’s
place in Clayton history
A stone monument and brass plaque recognizing The Grove as a Clayton historical monument will be dedicated at the Saturday night concert on Aug. 29. The monument was constructed by the ‘Clampers’ of E Clampus Vitus Joaquin Murrieta chapter 13. Pictured above are Eric Sorensen, Tyson Freeman, Travis Denten, Jack Brown and Jason Arther. E Vitus Clampus is a non-profit organization dedicated to historical preservation.
What would Clayton do without The Grove Park?
Thanks to the actions of some city leaders and forefathers, residents won’t ever need to find out. A stone monument and bronze plaque recognizing this figurative “heart of the city” as a historic site by the Clayton Historical Society will take place on Saturday, Aug. 29,, just prior to the Saturday night concert.
The timing is appropriate, as The Grove has been hosting events like concerts and other activities for decades.
“The Grove Park is a rallying point for the city,” says longtime resident Dick Ellis, co-chair of the CHS’s Historic Marker Committee, the group that has installed nine other markers across town in the past 20 years.
But the Grove has been ground zero for activities in the small bustling community of Clayton for more than 100 years. In 1878 W.G. Scammon planted a park-like grove of eucalyptus trees on lots that he owned. Because of the drought strain in the 1970s and again in the 1980s, these 38, 120-foot tall, 114-year old trees were removed in 1992 for safety reasons, Ellis says. The Grove also avoided development by a private equity firm to turn it into a small shopping center.
On Oct. 7 1999, the City of Clayton purchased this property which was dedicated as “The Grove” on Jan. 12 2008. But throughout the years, it has been home to many community-wide functions and events, including the popular Fourth of July celebrations.
Long history of celebrations
Back in the early days of Clayton’s cityhood in the 1960s and 70s, and even before, Clayton’s Independence Day celebrations were legendary across the East Bay, as many community organizations brought floats, cars, marching bands, drill teams, horse acts and more for a downtown parade that closed the streets.
“There weren’t as many cities offering up their own celebrations back then, so people flocked to Clayton,” Ellis says.
After the parade people would flock to The Grove for an afternoon of old-fashioned fun and games, including tug-o-war, three-legged races, gunny sack races and the ever-popular egg toss.
Children were also able to try and capture greased pigs in an enclosed pit, and young swains would try and impress their lady friends by climbing a greased flagpole.
Even earlier, Ellis says, the fun and games included nailing spikes into railroad ties, horseback rides and a very popular go-cart course.
Legacy continues
These days, of course, The Grove is used for many community events put on by organizations such as scouts working on award projects, and the well-attended Concerts in the Park on Thursdays and Saturdays during the summer months featuring local bands.
“Recently we had more than 4,000 people attend a concert here,” Ellis says. “It was a lot of fun.”
The Historic Site Preservation Committee was formed in 1994 with three Clayton City Council members and eight CHS members. Over the years nine other historic sites have been recognized with a stone monument and bronze plaque:
The two-room school house (1995), Endeavor Hall (2000), Clayton Post Office (2001), the museum garden (2001), The Clayton Museum (2002), The Clayton Club (2002), LaCocotte (2003), DeMartini Winery (2004) and Black Diamond Way (2005).
“I am so glad that we are continuing this program to memorialize the significant places in our community’s history,” says city council member Julie Pierce, a member of the Historical Marker Committee. “The monuments are a wonderful addition to the Clayton History Walking Tour started years ago by Eldora Hoyer. Honoring our history is part of what makes Clayton such a special community.” Donations for these markers came from individuals and local businesses to the Historical Society. Already 102 donors have contributed for The Grove’s plaque and one that will be installed at Keller Ranch in 2016. Funds are also being collected for two other Main Street sites that are planned.
For more information, visit the Clayton Historical Society’s website at www.claytonhistory.org or call 925-672-0240.