[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 39 (Thursday, March 11, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E399-E400]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN CELEBRATION OF THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DUNSMUIR HOUSE AND 
                         GARDENS IN OAKLAND, CA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 11, 1999

  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in celebration of the 100th anniversary 
of the establishment of the Dunsmuir House and Gardens in Oakland, CA. 
This milestone will be commemorated with a year-long series of special 
events including lectures, concerts, and exhibits, beginning on 
Thursday, March 11, 1999, to celebrate the Dunsmuir estate and the 
history of the City of Oakland.
  The Dunsmuir House and Gardens is a 50-acre early 20th century summer 
estate located in the hills of northeast Oakland. The estate features a 
37-room, 16,224 square foot neoclassical revival mansion, carriage 
house, and barn, as well as additional farm buildings and a 
beautifically manicured landscape.
  The estate was built by Alexander Dunsmuir as a wedding gift for his 
bride Josephine Wallace. In 1906, the estate was purchased by L.W. 
Hellman and later sold to the City of Oakland in the early 1960s. In 
1971, the Dunsmuir House & Gardens, Inc. (DHGI), was formed to provide 
public access to the estate and grounds.
  The Dunsmuir House & Gardens, Inc., is a non-profit organization with 
over 200 volunteers responsible for the restoration, preservation, and 
management of the Dunsmuir Estate. Throughout the year, DHGI presents 
several multi-cultural events, tours, and educational programs that 
provide opportunities for the public to enjoy the estate.
  The mission of DHGI is to preserve and restore the buildings and 
grounds while maintaining their historic character; to interpret the 
valuable historical, cultural, architectural, and horticultural 
resources for the estate during the period of 1900 to 1910; to operate 
and maintain the estate for the enjoyment and education of the public; 
and to encourage the community's use of the property while maintaining 
a balance between site use and preservation.
  The Dunsmuir House has been designated as a National Historic Site by 
the United States Department of the Interior and has been placed on the 
California Historic Register by the California Office of Historic 
Preservation. The Dunsmuir House is also designated as a Historic 
Landmark by the City of Oakland.
  Throughout this centennial celebration, the Dunsmuir Estate will be 
alive with new construction and preservation projects. A new Garden 
Pavilion will be constructed in 1999, featuring a ballroom and meeting 
space which will accommodate up to 299 guests. During the construction 
of the new Garden Pavilion, a Garden Tent will also be installed on the 
estate.

[[Page E400]]

  In order to preserve, protect, and restore the Dunsmuir estate, DHGI 
relies on memberships and financial donations as well as donations and 
loans of furniture, art, collectibles, books and clothing from the 
turn-of-the-century.
  The Dunsmuir House is truly a source of civic pride and a valuable 
resource for the community, and I am excited to join in the celebration 
of the 100th anniversary of its establishment.

                          ____________________