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Le Petit Trianon
Photograph by Judith Silva, courtesy of the City of Santa
Clara |
Built in 1892 for Charles A. Baldwin and his wife Ellen Hobart
Baldwin, the mansion known as Le Petit Trianon was once the center
of their successful wine-producing estate where the couple was
known to entertain lavishly. Baldwin installed a massive stone
winery; built underground cellars (today part of the De Anza College
grounds) and planted vines from Bordeaux and other regions of
France. Under the label Beaulieu, Baldwin's wines were sold in
New York, London and Central America. The design for Le Petit
Trianon was drawn from classical French architectural motifs popular
in America at the end of the 19th century. It is also the only
example of "V" rustic redwood construction remaining in the
area. The name Le Petite Trianon stems from its similarities to
the architecture of "Le Grand Trianon," built for Louis
XIV of France. Similar detail to this French precedent can be
seen in Le Petite Trianon's columns, pilasters, windows and wood
shutters.
Detail view of Le Petit Trianon
Photograph by Judith Silva, courtesy of the City of Santa
Clara |
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In 1909, the mansion was sold to Harriet Pullman Carolon, daughter
of George Pullman, inventor of the Pullman sleeping car. Carolon
also found the home a wonderful setting for elaborate social functions.
In 1940, the house was sold to E. F. Euphrat, owner of the Pacific
Can Company. Since 1965 the estate has been the site of De Anza
College. Remnants of the garden remain; the winery is still there,
as are the guest cottages. The lovely house has twice been moved,
first to make room for the Flint Center (theater) and next yielding
to a parking lot. A restoration of the mansion was completed in
the 1980s, and the house now serves as the California History Center,
dedicated to preserving and bringing to life the history of Santa
Clara Valley, the bay region and California.
Le Petite Trianon is located within the De Anza College Campus
at 1250 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino, California. The California
History Center is open from September through June, Monday-Thursday
8:30am to 12:00pm, and 1:00pm to 4:30pm, or Friday by appointment.
For more information call 408-864-8712. A California Studies program
is offered with changing exhibits, lectures, and special events
which focus on Santa Clara Valley's past.
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