Announcing: San Ramon Valley Historical Society Plaque #26!
The Hartz House

Join us on Thursday September 17th as we place our latest plaque, on the Hartz house, before our regular September dinner meeting. Located at 455 Hartz Avenue, its years as a Hartz family home were followed by over three decades as La Ultima New Mexican Restaurant. Since 2011 Incontro Ristorante and Albi’s Beer Garden (added later) have shared the space. Parking is available in the town lot between the Museum of the
San Ramon Valley and Lunardi’s. Following the unveiling we’ll take a short walk across the street to view the Foster House, which is the subject of our dinner meeting, before driving to the Black Bear Diner. Do join us for the evening, a bit earlier to commemorate the historic Hartz house, and then learn more about one of its neighbors!

Plaque Unveiling Ceremony:

• 5:30pm: Gather in front of Incontro Ristorante (the Hartz house) for unveiling

• Followed by a brief walk by the Foster House, 404 Hartz Avenue

• Proceed to the Black Bear Diner to check in for our regular dinner meeting

At Our Thursday, September 17th Dinner Meeting: The Foster House

Jeff Mason will be our Speaker!

Historic Downtown Danville is fortunate to have many homes surviving from its early days. With the arrival of the railroad and John Hartz’s sale of 20 acres of his ranch land, 8.65 acres to the Southern Pacific for its Danville depot on Railroad Avenue with the remainder divided into lots for sale, the town grew and re-centered from Front Street to Hartz Avenue.

Early houses were often known by their original inhabitants and businesses.
Those which remain today have stood the test of time. With repairs, renovations, or perhaps even a move, they have adapted to new lives through the decades to fit charmingly into our thriving downtown Danville of today. What could they tell us if walls could talk?!

One such home is the Foster House, at 404 Hartz Avenue. Currently owned by our own Jeff Mason, an avid historian. Jeff has thoroughly researched, investigated, and excavated! He will share its story with us, from its beginnings as a part of the “Hartz Addition to Danville” through its adventures as the Danville Emporium to the present day.

Mark your calendars and be sure to come hear about another treasure of our local history still alive today, right after we all unveil our newest plaque on the house of John Hartz who started it all!

- Lee Halverson & Karen Stepper, Speaker Committee

***Please Note***

We have planned a special schedule for our Thursday September 17th meeting day. After unveiling our plaque at the Hartz House at 5:30 p.m. we will take a short walk across the street to the former site of the Danville Emporium and current Foster house before proceeding to the Black Bear Diner, and we may be ready for dinner just a bit earlier!

DINNER PROGRAM DETAILS

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

• Date: Thursday, September 17th

• Time: 7:00pm

• 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.

At Our Last Dinner Program May 21st: California Grange No. 85 

Long time Society member Ross Smith treated us to a thorough history of the Grange from the earliest beginnings of farming in the San Ramon Valley. The need for local organization as farming and settlement developed was filled by the establishment of the Danville Grange, No. 85. Ross, Worthy Master of the Grange, brought us up to date on the Grange buildings, as well as the infrastructure, farming techniques, schools and all the various other needs and activities the Granges in our area supported. Sharing his vast knowledge and research while delighting with many photos, the importance of the Grange and its contributions to the development of our communities were well defined, and enlightening.

Published in 2001, Ross’s book The Danville Grange includes parts of the original history written by Charlotte Wood and Inez Butz (a secretary of the Grange), as well as many pages from Beverly Lane, Don Wood (Charles Wood being the first Worthy Master), Irma Dotson and many others from our Society who shared stories and photographs. A few copies are available through the Museum of the San Ramon Valley.

Thank you Ross!

And an Update:

The Town of Danville has recognized Danville Grange No. 85 with their Heritage Plaque and Marker No. 29. The recent unveiling was held at the “new” and current Grange building, 743 Diablo Road, on August 16, 2026 and the markers are installed on the wall beside the front door.

A marker dedicated by Joaquin Murrieta Chapter #13 of E Clampus Vitus also honors the Grange from near the picket fence, facing the front doors.

Do stop and take a look next time you pass by!

In Memoriam

We have learned of the passing of these members,

We will miss them all

Howard Nemir
December 29, 1935 - November 22, 2022

Kay Mauzy Wightman
April 5, 1938 - February 14, 2023

Sharon Soto
June 9, 1943 - May 23, 2026

Claudia Mauzy Nemir

April 9, 1935 - July 23, 2026

9/11 Remembrance Ceremony

The Exchange Club of San Ramon Valley, with support and participation from many local organizations and entities, will host the 25th Annual 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony:

Friday, September 11, 2026
5:15-6:30 p.m.
Oak Hill Park, Danville

Featured and honored guests:
Pearl Harbor Survivor Chuck Kohler, US Navy
&
Keynote Speaker Col. Chris Starling, USMC (Ret.)

New All-Wars Memorial Plaques, Monte Vista Choir, 50 Youth Flags, Gold Star Family Recognition, and free ice cream treats!

The public is invited to attend

Memorial Gifts

Honor someone special with a memorial gift. When you make a contribution, the name of the person you wish to honor will be added to our Book of Memory, housed at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley, along with your name.

As a nonprofit organization, all contributions are tax deductible (please consult your tax advisor for details).

You may make your gift online at srvhistoricalsociety.org or by mailing a check to San Ramon Valley Historical Society, P.O. Box 521, Danville, CA 94526

If you would like to include specific details with your gift, please provide:

• The purpose of your contribution (e.g., in memory, in honor, appreciation, or other)

• The occasion (if applicable)

• The name(s) of the person(s) being honored

• Donor name(s)

• A contact name and address for notification (if you would like someone informed of your gift)

For questions or to submit details electronically, please contact us at [email protected]

San Ramon Valley Historical Society Board of Directors 2026

• Christian Wiedemann — President

• Lou Plummer — Vice President

• Jerry Warren — Secretary

• Frances Lloyd — Treasurer

• Anthony Geisler

• Lee Halverson

• Jean Mello

• Karen Stepper

Speaker Committee

• Lee Halverson

• Karen Stepper

Newsletter Committee

• Frances Lloyd

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.