Some historical perspective on two old homes slated for demo
CLAYTON, CA — This is a brief homage to two modest Clayton homes, each 90 or so years old, that are scheduled to be demolished prior to construction of the Olivia apartment complex later this year.
The houses are on the edge of the downtown, across the street from the Stranahan neighborhood on a 3.3-acre parcel that was rezoned in 2011 from rural/agricultural to multi-family density.
The builder and first resident of the white stucco house with brown trim at 6450 Marsh Creek Road was Clarence Frank, a member of the formidable Frank family whose ancestors had arrived in the 1870s. Through the marriages of their many children, numerous Clayton families could boast of at least one Frank relative.
Family, neighbors and friends rallied to help Clarence build his three-bedroom, one-bathroom bungalow, which also included a brick-lined well, a basement and a unique slate roof. As is true with any house, it was subject to wear and tear by people and the elements. The beautiful roof sustained damage from a bullet when Clarence’s son accidently discharged his gun while cleaning it in his bedroom, and the basement was prone to flooding from the nearby creek. (A branch of Diablo Creek used to run behind these houses until it was rerouted.)
Surprise child
In the late 1940s, Clarence and wife, Alma Rasmussen, were blessed and surprised by the birth of Ruth, who arrived 19 years after their last child. A cow that grazed in the field next to the house provided milk for their growing little girl. Ruth was allowed to roam freely between her house and the one next door and just down the road.
This second house was built around the same time and was owned by Albert “Curly” Rasmussen and his wife, Lois Frank, who was Clarence’s sister. It was sold to George “Honey” Robinson and his wife, Alice Margarethe Rasmussen, Albert’s sister, who was fondly known as “Auntie.”
Little Ruth enjoyed taking off on her own to visit Auntie’s house, and the family often used a crank phone between the two houses to warn of her whereabouts. Sometimes she would include a visit to Mrs. Graves at the Stranahan Ranch across the street.
Through the years, both houses have been remodeled, rented and sold and now will soon be gone. But it’s important to remember a little history of the people who lived there.
For more information or to become a member, visit claytonhistory.org. The Clayton Museum is open 2-4 p.m. Wednesdays and Sundays at 6101 Main St.. Admission is free.
Debbie Eistetter
Debbie Eistetter has been a resident of Clayton for almost 30 years. She serves on the Board of the Clayton Historical Society and believes that history shows us the way to a more enlightened present and hopeful future. For more information about the CHS Museum please visit claytonhistory.org