The area of Palo Alto has provided shelter to people over many years. In 1769 it was reported that the Spanish explorer, Gaspar de Portola, camped under a famous tree, which he named "El Palo Alto." In 1774, Padre Palou also rested under its boughs. Years later, during the depression era, a structure was built to house the homeless who rode the rails and stopped in the area. The funds for this building were coordinated by members of the El Palo Alto Chapter. It also served as an animal shelter for fifteen years, and in 1974, a small grove of redwood seedlings from the original tree was planted and dedicated at the circular spot in the driveway of the Hyatt Hotel.
This building is now known as the Sheraton Hotel, and it still offers shelter to the people passing through the area. The DAR plaque of dedication can be found on the concrete block on the edge of the grove. "Yea, we have a goodly heritage."
The El Palo Alto Chapter of NSDAR has a unique history that started in 1912 by:
- Edith Price, the Organizing Regent.
- There were 13 charter members at the first meetings.
- They chose the name El Palo Alto in honor of the landmark tree named in earlier days.
- In 1924, their growth was such that a decision was made to divide the chapter into two chapters. The Stanford-Palo Alto chapter was retained as El Palo Alto, and the second chapter was named Gaspar de Portola and served the northern part of the Palo Alto area.
- 1999 marked the 25th anniversary of the planted seedlings and their dedication.
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Last updated on 10 November 2006.
