In this new series, we’re highlighting the history and characteristics of unique architectural styles found in San Jose — starting with Victorian homes.
🔍 This Olde House
While many use the descriptor “Victorian” to refer to any old house, the term specifically refers to a complex + irregular style of home roughly built between 1860-1900.
This style didn’t become popular in San Jose until the late 1880s and early 1890s. You’ll see many examples of three distinct Victorian styles — the Queen Anne, the Stick, and the Shingle — in the Hensley Historic District, the Rose Garden neighborhood, and other areas around Downtown.
Note the finials, turrets, gables, varied shingles, and ornamentation across Sarah Winchester’s Queen Anne mansion.
Photo by SJtoday staff
✅ Spot that style
Queen Annestyle
Inspired by pre-industrial homes built circa 1702-1714, thisstyle is all about ornamentation + mix-matched designs. For example, Sarah Winchester’s infamous mansion was built in this style.
Key giveaways: Asymmetry, stained glass windows, tons of ornamental woodwork + protruding features
Stick style
This style combines decorative elements of the Queen Anne with the older Gothic Revival style.
Key giveaways: Wall ornamentation, “stickwork” trusses, fancy scroll wood work around gables + porches
Shingle style
Influenced by simpler Richardsonian Romanesque +American colonial styles, this home loses the decorative detailing, but keeps the Queen Anne’s decorative detailing.
Key giveaways: Shingles everywhere, curved shapes, a prominent front gable
Note the curved window, prominent front gable, and extensive shingles on this Hensley Shingle-style Victorian.
Photo by SJtoday staff
🏠 Love it? Live it
If you’re looking for your next home, here are some Victorians on the market today.
Alfred Robles | Wed., Oct. 26 | 8 p.m. | San Jose Improv, 62 South 2nd Street, San Jose | $20.00 - $70.00 | Nobody is safe from the good-natured teasing of this frequent Gabriel Iglesias opener.
San Jose Barracuda vs. Ontario Reign | Wed., Oct. 26 | 7 p.m. | Tech CU Arena, 1500 S Tenth Street, San Jose | $13.00 - $50.00 | This minor league hockey team has some teeth.
Thursday, October 27
NTLive: Frankenstein (Jonny Lee Miller as Creature) | Thu., Oct. 27 | 7 p.m. | Hammer Theatre Center, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose | $20.00 | A filmed performance from the UK’s National Theater featuring Benedict Cumberbatch + Jonny Lee Miller.
San Jose Sharks vs. Toronto Maple Leafs | Thu., Oct. 27 | 7:30 p.m. | SAP Center at San José, 525 W Santa Clara St, San Jose | $33.00 - $423.50 | Take to the Tank.
Senior Safari at Happy Hollow Park & Zoo | Thu., Oct. 27 | 9-10 a.m. | Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, 1300 Senter Rd., San Jose | Free | Stay active with animal encounters, zookeeper chats, and walking challenges.
Wait Until Dark | Thu., Oct. 27 - Sat., Oct. 29 | 8 p.m. | Tabard Theatre, 29 N. San Pedro St, Ste 200, San Jose | $37.00 | Catch this psychological thriller about a blind, yet capable woman who is imperiled by a trio of men in her own apartment.
Friday, October 28
4B Presents: OUT 4BLOOD San Jose | Fri., Oct. 28 | 9 p.m. | San Jose Civic, 135 W. San Carlos Street, San Jose | $30.00 | “Pop Dat” with this influential EDM DJ.
Gary Owen | Fri., Oct. 28 - Sun., Oct. 30 | 7:30 p.m. | San Jose Improv, 62 South 2nd Street, San Jose | $35.00 - $95.00 | This comedian boasts over a decade of experience and several Showtime specials.
Saturday, October 29
Halloween Costume Party | Sat., Oct. 29 | 8 p.m. | The Ritz, 400 S. First Street, San Jose | $10.00 | Dance to new wave, disco, and alternative in your coolest costume.
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
Yesterday’s 5.1-magnitudeearthquake was the largest earthquake in the Bay Area since the 2014 Napa earthquake. The quake’s epicenter was along the Calaveras fault in Seven Trees. No damage was reported. (KRON 4)
Development
Good Samaritan Hospital has filed plans to improve + expand its current campus near Los Gatos. A new hospital wing, a larger medical office building, and additional parking would triple the hospital’s square footage. The first phase of construction would be complete by 2029. 🏥 (The Mercury News)
Community
San Jose’s Parks & Rec Department is hosting an Autumn Fun Fest on Fri., Oct. 28, 4-6 p.m. to celebrate the unveiling of the Mayfair Community Center‘s new playground + mural. The event will also include a screening of “Coco.” 🍂
Active
The Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalitionis assessing the needs of bike riders in East San Jose. Riders are encouraged to complete a short survey to help the organization advocate for safer streets. 🚲
Art
EASTSIDE Magazine is extending a submissions call for articles, poetry, photography, events, and art around the theme of “recipes.” Submissions will be accepted until the end of Fri., Nov. 25.
Kids
The Children’s Discovery Museum is hosting a special Halloween event for children with autism — ages 2-15. The “Play Your Way” event will be on Mon., Oct. 31, 4:30-7:30 p.m. Admission will be limited, so register in advance. 🎃
Sports
Lights, camera, goal... A Hollywood film centered on Quakes legend + MLS goal-record holder Chris Wondolowski is currently in development. Though there is no timeline yet, the team hopes that the approaching 2026 World Cup will increase interest in the project. ⚽ (The Athletic)
A new location for the Lazy Dog chain is coming to San Jose. The 5305 Almaden Expy. site is scheduled to open in early 2023. The American casual-dining spot also offers a beer subscription service. 🍺 (What Now SF)
Home
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Shop
Cooler temperatures mean that it’s officially boot scootin’ season. Zulily is offering up to 40% offMUK LUKSboots + booties for a limited time. We love this pair of brown ankle boots that are on sale for $39.99. 👢*
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Food
(Pumpkin) spice up your life
Seasonal fall menu items around San Jose, CA
Get into the seasonal spirit with JT Express’ buttery mochi. | Photo via @jtexpress_sj
As we get nearer to Halloween, more and more local spots are celebrating the flavors of fall. 🍂
Satisfy your taste buds with even more local seasonal snacks + beverages. ☕
Voyager Craft Coffee, multiple locations | Try the Pumpkinville + the Manila (an ube, mango + coconut creme latte)
Nox Cookie Bar, 151 S. Second St., Ste. 185 | Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Poppers, Pumpkin Spice Cookies, and Pumpkin Tarts
Haberdasher, 43 W. San Salvador St. | The “Fall 75" cocktail contains cognac + chai pumpkin spiced cider
My Milkshake, 151 S. Second St., Ste. 199 | Pumpkin Pie Shakes
We know that more sweet treats are to come, so let us know if you’ve come across your next fall favorite and we will continue to update this story.
Meet Chicago — City Editor Nicole’s new foster dog. | Photo by SJtoday staff
Today’s issue was written by Nicole.
Editor’s pick: This weekend, my partner and I welcomed a foster dog into our home named “Chicago.” He’s an adult chihuahua mix who’s a little on the anxious side. As he continues to settle in, I’d love to know your local recommendations for dog groomers, parks, pet shops, and more.
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