Upcoming Dinner Program

The Moraga Adobe: History and Restoration

Kent Long, President of the Friends of the Joaquin Moraga Adobe, will offer an in-depth look at one of Northern California’s oldest surviving adobe structures. Built in 1841, the Moraga Adobe was home to Joaquin Moraga, whose grandfather founded both the San Francisco Presidio and the City of San Jose, and whose father was a key military leader and explorer. Long will trace the adobe’s story from the Mexican rancho period through the American ranching era and into the 20th century. He will also highlight its unique architecture, the 1940s restoration, and current efforts to further preserve and open it as a museum. This program offers a valuable glimpse into early Anglo-Hispanic California.

DINNER PROGRAM DETAILS

• Date/Time: Thursday, May 15th, 7:00pm

• Location: Black Bear Diner; 807 Camino Ramon, Danville CA 94526

• Cost: $25 per person

Advanced reservations are encouraged. To reserve your spot, please email us at [email protected] to let us know you’re coming.

Click here to purchase dinner tickets, or visit www.srvhistoricalsociety.org and click the “Buy Dinner Tickets” button. Alternately, you can mail payment to the address at the bottom of this email or pay at the door.

Commemorating Contra Costa County’s First High School: Union Academy Plaque Reinstalled

A commemorative plaque marking the site of the Union Academy, the County’s first high school, has been reinstalled at the intersection of Danville Boulevard and El Portal. The new metal sign replaces the previous wooden sign which had deteriorated. Established in 1859 by local residents under the auspices of the Contra Costa Educational Association, the Union Academy opened its doors in 1860. Situated between Alamo and Danville, the private institution offered both day and boarding education, with a curriculum that included classical languages, music, and the arts. The boarding fee was $32 per month, and students came from all over the county. Presbyterian minister David McClure, known for his modern educational philosophy, served as the school's first headmaster. The building included two stories and a basement, and in addition to its educational functions also served as a community hub, hosting meetings, graduations, and church services. It was the largest building in the San Ramon Valley when it was built. The Union Academy was destroyed by fire on July 6, 1868 and was never rebuilt. It would be 42 years before another local high school would open, with the establishment of the San Ramon Valley Union High School (later known as San Ramon Valley High School) in 1910.

Now accepting online payments

We are excited to announce that we are now offering online payment options! In addition to cash and checks, you can now easily pay for memberships, purchase dinner tickets, and make donations directly through our secure online payment platform.

Please visit www.srvhistoricalsociety.org for more information. Thank you for your support!

We’re always looking for feedback and new ideas from our members

Please email us at [email protected] with ideas for dinner speakers you’d like to hear from, local history topics you want to learn more about, suggestions for new commemorative plaques or online content, or anything else that’s on your mind.