Checking in, please 🛎️

The story behind San Jose’s Hayes Mansion

The front of Hayes Mansion in between two palm trees.

Let’s dive into the 130-year history of this infamous South Bay mansion. | Photo via @garden.gazing

Today, we’re entering another grand (and not-so-haunted) San Jose mansion.

The Hayes Mansion, located in South San Jose, was built 120 years ago — and unlike the infamous Winchester Mansion that serves as a spectacle for tours, Hayes Mansion is operated by Hilton, giving its guests a premium, 4-star experience.

But much like the Winchester, Hayes Mansion wasn’t built overnight. In its century-old history, it’s been occupied by a well-known psychic and stood at the center of Santa Clara County high society. So, let’s enter, shall we?

A black-and-white photo of Hayes Mansion from the left-hand side of the entrance. — The Hayes Mansion remains one of the grandest pieces of late 19th-century architecture.

🏡 A false start

The Hayes Mansion story begins not in San Jose, but in Wisconsin. Mary Hayes Chynoweth was one of Wisconsin’s most famous psychics in the mid-19th century — and she channeled this supernatural ability to bring prosperity to her family after predicting wealth in iron ore mines.

After moving to San Jose with her two sons in 1887, Mary purchased 239 acres + a 22,000-sqft Queen Anne Victorian house — only for a fire to burn it down in 1899.

🏗️ A mansion reborn

In 1903, construction on the current Hayes Mansion began. Commissioned by Mary, and designed by architect George Page, the new 41,000-sqft, 240-room mansion was completed in 1905, only three months after Mary passed away at the age of 80. But with a new property, came new life.

Her two sons, Jay O. + Everis A. Hayes, had acquired three local newspapers, that merged to become the San Jose Mercury News. Both were involved in politics, with Everis serving as a member of the House of Representatives from 1904-1918, and Jay being the founder of the California Prune and Apricot Growers Association (now Sunsweet Growers), during a time where the county was a worldwide fruit producer. So, you could presume these brothers were pretty well-known.

FROM ITS HEYDAY TO HAYES TODAY

Click here to have your event featured.

Monday, Jan. 23

Trivia Night | Monday, Jan. 23 | 6:30 p.m. | Park Station Hashery, 1701 Park Ave., San Jose | Free | Grab a team of up to six at this weekly multimedia trivia event.
2023 Toyota U.S. Figure Skating Championships | Monday, Jan. 23-Sunday, Jan. 29 | 7 p.m. | SAP Center, 525 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose | See the nation’s next big stars of figure skating bring their best on the ice.

Wednesday, Jan. 25

Craig Conant | Wednesday, Jan. 25 | 8 p.m. | San Jose Improv, 62 S. Second St., San Jose | This comic has quickly made a name for himself while sharing the stage with his friends, Bill Burr, Bobby Lee, Theo Von, and Michael Yo.

Thursday, Jan. 26

Nursery Weeding/Mulching Workday | Thursday, Jan. 26 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. | Our City Forest Nursery, 1000 Spring St., San Jose | Free | Volunteer and learn about native and drought-tolerant plants.
Silicon Valley Reads 2023 Kickoff Event | Thursday, Jan. 26 | 7 p.m. | DeAnza Center for Visual & Performing Arts, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino | Free | Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Silicon Valley Reads with a special in-person and live-streamed author event featuring “There There” author, Tommy Orange.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

MORE THIS MONTH

Have the party without the hangover

Athletic Brewing Jan 2023 Mini Article (Cropped)

Every beer is non-alcoholic (0.5% ABV or less). | Photo by Athletic Brewing Company

You might even have more fun.

Athletic Brewing Company makes non-alcoholic beer you can drink without sacrificing feeling your best. It tastes great, has all the variety from IPAs to goldens, and has even won awards. (Read: Even beer snobs think it’s good.)

Ready to give dry a try? Subscribe to get 50% off your first month, and get members-only perks (think: early access to new launches + merch). Cheers. 🍻 *

TRY IT FOR 50% OFF

Weather

60º | Sunny | 1% chance of rain

Sports

#NinerNation. Yesterday afternoon, the San Francisco 49ers faced the Dallas Cowboys at Levi’s Stadium and won 19-12, securing their spot in next week’s NFC Championship Game. Catch our Niners face the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Jan. 29 at 12 p.m. 🏈

Development

Kaiser Permanente may replace its existing hospital on Hospital Parkway with an improved, 650,000-sqft complex that would accommodate 300+ beds. This project would be completed in stages, and aims to begin construction by July 2024, with the new facility to open before January 2030. 🏥 (The Mercury News)
The San Jose Planning Commission approved the development of a seven-building, 1.9 million-sqft office campus at the former site of Fry’s Electronics on Brokaw Road. While a construction date has yet to be announced, the project would include eight-story buildings and a 1.6 million-sqft parking garage. 🏗️ (Connect CRE)

Community

The City of San Jose will begin setting up “Evacuee Transition Facilities” at quick-build housing communities — including Monterey/Bernal, Marbury, and Rue Ferrari — starting today. This is an effort to provide social services and housing to those experiencing homelessness and were displaced by the heavy rain and flooding. 🏘️ (San Jose Inside)

Show

The Mission Chamber Orchestra of San Jose will host a concert dedicated to composers of Italian descent from North + South America, on Sunday, Jan. 29, 3 p.m., at 425 N. Fourth St. Hear works from the late Henry Mollicone, founder of the Winchester Orchestra, and more local favorites — tickets start at $25. 🎼 (The Mercury News)

Learn

Meet Morning Brew, a free daily newsletter that covers the latest news across business, finance, and tech, written in a fun and witty tone that makes reading the news actually enjoyable. Four million people are already subscribed — it’s 100% free and takes just five minutes to read.*

Travel

Scott’s Cheap Flights is going, going... Going. The travel membership that saves you hundreds on flights has a new name, and in honor of the rebrand, you can get 30% off a Premium membership with code 6AMCITY30. What you’ll get: last minute weekend trips, mistake fares, and early deal alerts. Hurry — this offer ends tomorrow, Jan. 24. ✈️ *

Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.

Stocking up on San Jose goods 🛒

Stock up on San Jose merchandise

Two women laughing and working on their laptops.

Shop our online store Six & Main to start showing off the best local gear. | Photo by Bonfire Visuals

We know you have some serious San Jose pride, and that’s why we created the SJtoday x Six & Main Collection.

This online store features unique gear that’ll have you showing off the latest local fashion designed by creatives in the community. Plus, you’ll receive 20% off your first order when you sign up for the Six & Main emails.

While you’re filling your digital cart with local love, you might also fall in love with products from one of our other 24 cities.

START SHOPPING NOW

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Alyson.

Editor’s pick: Happy Lunar New Year! As a half-Chinese Asian American, I celebrated the beginning of a new year yesterday. I handmade some shrimp + tofu wontons, and neglected to clean. No, no, the latter wasn’t an excuse, but a superstition — you never want to ‘wash or sweep away’ the good luck for this year. 🧧

Missed the last newsletter? Gaze at our 2023 celestial calendar.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Alyson Chuyang, Britt Thorson, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Julie Brown | Advertise with us.

Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.

ADVERTISE | SHOP | CAREERS | ETHICS

Did a friend forward this free newsletter to you?

Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY