Step inside, and back in time...

Inside the Ashworth-Remillard House

The women's parlor room with old wood furniture containing pictures of Countess Lillian Remillard Dandini.

This is the women’s parlor room of the house, adjacent from the men’s smoking room. | Photo by SJtoday staff

Just across from Happy Hollow Park & Zoo is an unsuspecting house hidden by oak trees. What lies at 755 Story Road... indeed tells quite the story.

Though mostly known through word-of-mouth, the Ashworth-Remillard House stands as one of the oldest buildings in San Jose — and today, we’re taking you on a special tour.

A GIF of several features in the Ashworth-Remillard House, including antiques and the oldest brick made in San Jose. — There is a lot of history to discover within these walls.

🕰️ A living time capsule

Built in the 1860s, the house is currently owned by Sue Cucuzza — a caretaker to the home’s history.

When Sue began work on the neglected house in 2007, she uncovered countless precious heirlooms among the refuse of time.

Today for example, look down and you may find delicate china, 1920s-era pocket watches + combs, paintings, and an old stove from 1865 — all stacked around the home. Many more items are still being categorized for several auctions this month. 👀

Look up, and you’ll observe the intricate hand-carved entryways, original Stonelight tiles, and even San Jose’s oldest clay brick — dated 1855.

What else occupies the house? Well, Sue mentioned to us that several psychics have visited the property, and reported sensing about 7-12 ghosts roaming around at a time... 👻

Remillard-stamped bricks on the ground. — The Remillard-stamped bricks are strewn all over the property.

🗝️ Notable owners

Many of the house’s artifacts can be traced back to its more renowned owners.

James Ashworth — a Gold Rush pioneer + original builder of the property
Peter Remillard — a wealthy brickmaker whose bricks rebuilt SF after the 1906 earthquake
Countess Lillian Remillard Dandini — Peter’s daughter + a Bay Area socialite who co-founded the SF Opera

🧱 Building towards the future

Sue’s long-term goal is to transform the house into an event venue, while maintaining its historic character.

But even after 15+ years of work, there is still a lot to be done. If you’re interested in lending a hand, or even taking a tour yourself, contact Sue.

Click here to have your event featured.

Friday, Nov. 4

Diego El Cigala - 20 Años de Lágrimas | Friday, Nov. 4 | 8 p.m. | San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, 255 S Almaden Blvd, San Jose | $49.99-$359.99 | This Romani Flamenco singer is one of the most well-known Spaniard singers in the world.
Engelbert Humperdinck | Friday, Nov. 4 | 8 p.m. | San Jose Civic, 135 W. San Carlos St., San Jose | $22-$125 | His career spans 50 years, 140 million records, and four Grammy nominations.
Seven Shades of Grey | Friday, Nov. 4 | 6-9 p.m. | Little Lou’s BBQ, 2455 S. Winchester Blvd, Campbell | Free | This South Bay bands plays classic rock, R&B and soul.

Saturday, Nov. 5

San Jose Sharks vs. Anaheim Ducks | Saturday, Nov. 5 | 7:30 p.m. | SAP Center at San José, 525 W Santa Clara St., San Jose | $17-$406 | Take to the Tank.
Sylvia Cassell Park Community Day | Saturday, Nov. 5 | 8:45 a.m.-12 p.m. | Sylvia Cassell Park, Leeward Dr. & Arden Wy., San Jose | Free | Bring your own snacks + water and wear closed-toe shoes to this volunteer event where tools and guidance are provided.
THE WEEKND NIGHT | Saturday, Nov. 5 | 9 p.m. | The Ritz, 400 S. First St., San Jose | $15 | Come out for a captivating evening of music + visuals from The Weeknd curated by DJ Pinkteenth.

Sunday, Nov. 6

Dead Boys, The Briefs, Suzi Moon | Sunday, Nov. 6 | 7 p.m. | The Ritz, 400 S. First St., San Jose | $15-$25 | Rock to American punk with this Seattle-based band.
Oakridge Farmers Market | Sunday, Nov. 6 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Westfield Oakridge, 5420 Thornwood Dr., San Jose | Free | Get fresh produce, live entertainment, and more at this year-round market.

We have a monthly 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.

PLAN YOUR WEEKEND

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Weather

66º | Partly cloudy | 2% chance of rain

Transit

In an effort to electrify Caltrain, energization testing will take place this weekend, 2 a.m.-8 a.m. Northbound Caltrain riders from Tamien, San Jose Diridon, or Santa Clara stations are being directed to take the free VTA bus service to Lawrence Station to board their train. 🚌

Arts

After a year-long hiatus, the San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art will host its 42nd benefit auction this Saturday, Nov. 5 at 5 p.m. Auction tickets are still available starting at $125, and VIP after-party tickets start at $150 — purchase yours to benefit ICA’s art programs. 🖼️ (The Mercury News)

Ranked

Cold weather, who? San Jose recently ranked No. 14 of 37 US cities for best winter vacation destinations for warm-weather lovers. We guess it comes as no surprise, given our mild winter forecast + plethora or local holiday events (keep reading). 🌥️ (WalletHub)

Drink

Tomorrow at 4:30 p.m., SoloVino San Jose (325 W. St. John St.) will host a wine tasting with actor Ian Ziering — most known for his role in “Beverly Hills 90210.” Try 25 different wines at this 3-hour event — tickets start at $25 for non-wine club members. 🍷 (The Mercury News)

Trending

And the local luck continues... a winning 5/5 Powerball ticket worth $1 million was sold at a 7-Eleven in Milpitas at 1838 Milmount Drive. However, the estimated $1.5 billion jackpot is still up for grabs — so stay tuned for Saturday. 💰 (NBC Bay Area)

Plan Ahead

SJ Made will host its Holiday Fair on Friday, Nov. 25-Saturday, Nov. 26 at the Santa Clara Convention Center, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. each day. South Bay’s largest craft fair will feature 425+ vendors, artists, and creators for your Black Friday and Small Business Saturday shopping needs. 🛍️
The Winchester Mystery House will get into the seasonal spirit with four new holiday estate tours held Friday, Nov. 25, 2022-Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023. See festive decor and shop from its ‘Holiday Oddities & Curiosities’ market, or listen in on Christmas ghost stories. 🎄

Announced

Show your support for local journalism by joining the SJtoday membership program. Membership has some awesome perks like exclusive birthday deals, discounts from our online shop, Six & Main + more. Plus, 100% of membership funds help support our local editors — that’s us, Alyson + Nicole. Learn more + sign up. 💻

Travel

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It’s First Friday (Friday) 🎶

New exhibitions open at San Jose Museum of Art

The Circle of Palms in Downtown San Jose with San Jose Museum of Art sign behind it.

Explore rotating exhibitions at San Jose Museum of Art in Downtown. | Photo by SJtoday staff

Two art exhibitions will make their debut tonight at the San Jose Museum of Art: “A Point Stretched: Views on Time” and “Sky Hopinka: Seeing and Seen.”

“A Point Stretched: Views on Time” collects works from multiple artists that interpret time, history + dreams to challenge our perspectives of the universe. 💫

Sky Hopinka’s works are strongly influenced by his indigenous heritage. His new film exhibit, “Sky Hopinka: Seeing and Seen” explores Native American experiences from past and present.

Don’t miss the museum’s free opening celebration tonight from 6-9 p.m. 🖼️

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Alyson.

Editor’s pick: I’d like to thank reader April H. for putting the Ashworth-Remillard house on our radar, and connecting me with Sue. There’s so much to tell about this house, so let me know — do you want to learn more about the historic house? Some ghostly sightings? The iconic Countess? I’d love to share more.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? See our winter forecast.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Alyson Chuyang, Nicole Calande, Trevor Peters, Britt Thorson, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea, Jessica Te | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Allie Wetteland | Advertise with us.

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