Washington Township Museum of Local History

10/23/2026

Enjoy some watercolors of the Chadbourne ranch by Rachel Bently. The Chadbourne Carriage House is the only thing left of this historic estate. Watercolors are Shinn Historical Park & Arboretum

10/23/2026

Have you ever wondered what is the historic building at the Hub? The Ghost House is located at the Chadbourne Carriage House in Williams Historical Park. The rest of the Chadbourne estate was captured in watercolor by Rachel Bentley. (Paintings and display from the Shinn Historical Park & Arboretum which for some unknown reason has general Washington Township related items!)
Candle Lighters Ghost House

10/16/2026

In this weeks Tri-City Voice an article about the Tank Houses in the area. Check out page 25 for the article. Olivia resurrected an long lost tank house site that was originally written by Margaret Thornberry. Her website can be found on the Local History Sites page: https://museumoflocalhistory.org/resources/local-history-sites/

10/14/2026

SAVE THE DATE: SATURDAY 11/14/26
Book Signing with author Tim Swenson

LEARN ABOUT: Tom Kitayama was Union City’s first and longest serving mayor, as well as a local flower magnate. He also made history as the second Japanese-American to be elected mayor in CA.

190 Anza Street, Fremont, CA 94539
More information: www.museumoflocalhistory.org

10/14/2026

https://www.facebook.com/kel.kanady/posts/pfbid01UwKqbFM7UJU9SvsvaJHgwEvzf1wJJaUFkjzjruc5GkfwfDenay7zCAM5df8jrmAl

Send a message to learn more

10/11/2026

Saving and appreciating old homes in 1956.

10/10/2026

10/10/2026

In 1956, the year Fremont was formed...

"As 'Parade of the Past' visits the homes, gardens, and points of interest Sunday, another attraction is the "Century of Fashion" to be given at the California Nursery Gardens in Niles. Highlight will be authentic costumes worn in the Township within the last 100 years.

"A similar show was given in June, 1953, by the Washington Township Historical Society for the Centennial Celebration at the high school. It has also been given in Oakland for other organizations.

"Tour Recalls the Historic Past"

"Nostalgia for the old days is mounting in Washington Township as women of the Humpty Dumpty Play Center prepare an
historical tour of the area.

"Many will turn back the clock by participating Sunday afternoon, May 20, in the "Parade of the Past" a visit to century-old homes, gardens and places of interest.

"Tickets still remain for the tour, which will take place between noon and 5:00 p.m. These are now on sale at: Alvarado Grammar School; Decoto Drug Store and Bert's Market at Decoto; Betty s Rahy Center Gift Lane in Center Square and the Township Cleaners in Glenmoor Gardens; at Pond's Pharmacy and the "Heaven to Seven" shop at Irvington: at the Rexall Drug Store and the Mission Maple Shop at Mission San Jose; at the International Kitchen and Whitaker's Pharmacy at Niles; at the Newark Pharmacy and at Bobbie's Ice Cream Parlor in Newark and at the General Store, Warm Springs.

"A detailed description of the tour will be found at all tour stops listed on the ticket. Also provided will be a map of the Township with all tour stops"

10/09/2026

✍️ Sign the petition:
https://change.org/saveFremontHarveyHouses

We are still continuing our efforts to preserve the Harvey Houses and protect an important part of Fremont’s history. The Sylvester P. Harvey House and George Harvey House tell the story of a family, a farm, and our community’s agricultural past — and they deserve a future.

Please support this effort by signing and sharing our petition. Every signature helps show that our community cares about preserving these historic homes and the history they represent.

✍️ Sign the petition:
https://change.org/saveFremontHarveyHouses

09/26/2026

“More Than an Old House”
✍️ Sign the petition:
https://change.org/saveFremontHarveyHouses

The Harvey property tells a story that goes back to Fremont’s agricultural beginnings in the 1850s. The Sylvester P. Harvey House dates to around 1868, and the George Harvey House
was built in 1928.

Buildings like these provide a physical connection to the people and communities that came before us. Once they disappear, that connection cannot simply be recreated.

Help us ask Fremont to preserve this history and consider a future use for these properties.

Please sign the petition and help us reach our goal of 1000 signatures.
✍️ Sign the petition:
https://change.org/saveFremontHarveyHouses