Author: [CALIFORNIANA], [EPHEMERA], [JAMES D. PHELAN] [VILLA MONTALVO]
Title: Christmas Card from Villa Montalvo, 1927
Description: Saratoga, CA: Villa Montalvo, 1927. Ephemera. B&W Illustrations; This is an oversized christmas card (8 1/4th" x 10 1/2" card) with matching envelope, from James D. Phelan to the editor of the Saratoga Star newspaper. The card itself is in clean, bright condition - and consists of one folded sheet of handmade paper, with an ingraved illustration of the villa's patio, which is enclosed by rice paper. There is a backing cardboard, as well, and all of this is enclosed in an envelope printed with Villa Montalvo on the envelope flap. The envelope several edge tears, nicks and some ground-in dirt and toning, especially to the flap. "In 1911, James D. Phelan, a three-term mayor of San Francisco who would go on to be California's first popularly elected US Senator, purchased 160 acres (65 ha) in the Saratoga countryside and foothills. Phelan began construction of the mansion in 1912. The initial supervising architect was William Curlett. When he died in 1914, his son, Alex Curlett, took over supervision along with partner Charles E. Gottschalk. The construction of the building was completed that same year. During his lifetime, Phelan hosted many celebrities and notables of the era as guests at Montalvo. Jack London, Ethel Barrymore, Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, and Edwin Markham were among Phelan's many guests. Though not his only home, Villa Montalvo was one of Phelan's favorites and is where he died. Some photographs, correspondence, and other mementos of his life are displayed in cases in the mansion's library and can be viewed if one happens to be attending an event for which the mansion is open." (from Wikipedia). Very Good+ .

Keywords: Californiana Ephemera James D. Phelan Villa Montalvo Arts & Crafts


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