Milpitas

by The Milpitas Historical Society, Robert L. Burrill, Milpitas Historical Society

Book Overview

The grass-carpeted hills of Milpitas, on the southeast shore of San Francisco Bay, were home to the Ohlone Indians for at least 1,300 years before they became a landmark for Spanish padres who rested at nearby Penitencia Creek on the long day's journey between two missions. When the area became a Mexican cattle ranch in 1835 it was called Rancho Milpitas, meaning a thousand flowers or gardens. Later adopted by the town that grew up there, the name...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0738529109
• ISBN13: 9780738529103
• Release Date: December 2004
• Publisher: Arcadia Publishing (SC)
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.5" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

A nice tribute to a wonderful place

Having grown up in Milpitas, it was great to see the historic photographs of buildings and landscapes in this book. The only minor error is in the breif explanation as to the meaning of the city's name. "Milpitas" comes from the Spanish word "milpa" which literally means cornfield. While the word mil is indeed "1,000" in Spanish, the "mil" + "pitas" explanation offered in the book is better suited to a fallafel restaurant, not this thriving Sillicon Valley hub! By replacing the last vowel with "itas," the word is converted into the plural, micro (term of endearment?) version of the original word (this is sort of a rule of Spanish). Etymology aside, all Milpitians and diaspora-Milpitians should own this book! Thank you Mr. Burrill and the Milpitas Historical Society!

Beautifully done!

As someone who has grown up in this community, I very much appreciate the effort that went into this book. I am fascinated by the old ranchos and our founding families. I also find it interesting in the context of how the Bay Area was settled and how it has grown. Thank you, Mr. Burrill!

Milpitas

While celebrating the Cities 5Oth anniversary as a city, the Milpitas Historical Society worked throughout the the year to create a comprehensive view of the Milpitas Heritage. The book was completed just in time for the Christmas holiday and is a fitting gift for the Milpitas region to educate the locals and to honor it's heritage. (Missing from the end of the book is this poem) For people new to this region, and children who are being raised, our book offers an answer to the question that they may raise. Does the past really matter? Do I know where I've been? Is there any one to honor? And how could all this have been? Seven chapters reveal the Milpitas heritage. "In the beginning, " (Chapt. 1) reveals evidence of the unique natural history of this Bay Region. Native Americans were stewards to a natural "Garden of Eden" and were the longest inhabitants. "Historic Main Street," (Chapt. 2) documents the European pioneers that settled here and the old American ways of doing things. "It was a cash only store, but John Carlo would let the farmers charge until they sold their crops for that season." (on page 30) "The Railroads." (Chapt. 3) The reader will be surprised to find Milpitas had three railroads. Two in town and a third built in the unique watershed located within the Milpitas Hills. "Agriculture from the Water," (Chapt.4) The application of the water and a view of the historic breadbasket, that provided for the early pioneers is an important part of the Milpitas heritage. "Main Street in the 50's, (Chapt.5) Humor at "the corner," explains the humility handed to Milpitas. Anyone can make a joke about another, but it takes a bigger man to laugh at himself. Just ask "The Man from Milpitas," (on page 88) "The Ford Plant" (Chapt. 6) The influence of Ford in Milpitas rallied the town to incorporateand gave our City a birthday on January 26th 1954. A spirit and heart was forged and protected by the Milpitas Minutemen now exhibited upon our city's shield. So "Happy Birthday Milpitas!" "Over the Tracks" (Chapt. 7) is a celebration of the last physical hurdle completed, so that Milpitas could become the metropolis which it is today. In this chapter we honor our heroes, our War Veterans and our leaders that have provided our goals. Truly, these are the good, the great and the wise. Noteworthy features found within the text include: 1. This book is the largest collection of Milpitas vintage photographs and descriptions ever assembled in one textbook. 2. A cohesive time line follows the progression of each chapter. 3. The quality and composition of the photos is consistent and pleasing to the eye. 4. The two comparative aerial photos depicting 60 years of change frame (sandwich) the book and are profound. 5. The text validates each photo offering a deeper appreciation for the significance and value of the Milpitas Heritage. 6. The book honors our heritage and supports civic pride and education