Ravenswood Historic Site is open for tours in Livermore, showcasing the home’s historic architecture and regional significance.The site also features a newly restored fountain and a gift shop.
“It’s a great little piece of history, and it’s also beautiful grounds,” said tour attendee Desiree Sherzer.
Tours through time
Every other Sunday, docents in 1890s costumes lead free guided tours of the estate. Each tour lasts about 30 minutes.
“The tour is as brief or as detailed as you’d like. We’d be happy to talk for the entire time. We’re here with all the details… There’s just so much rich history,” said docent Deborah McMenamin.
Alongside learning about the Queen Anne style architecture, guests also learn about the family who owned the home. Christopher A. Buckley, also known as the “Blind Boss,” was the most notable owner. He was an influential businessman who used his sway to secure city contracts in San Francisco.
“Buckley was a man of vision, not educated by any stretch of the imagination, but did so much good for the city that, like in the story of Hamilton, there’s nobody left to tell the story… Some things would be considered a little on the corrupt side, but he got the job done,” said docent Sally Haag.
Renovations and preservations to historic site
To preserve the home’s history, several renovations and restorations have been undertaken. One past restoration added the original fireplace surround back. Recently, a fountain was donated and added to the front of the home.
“[The fountain] was a gift from Estelle, Christopher Jr.’s second wife… It was nice that she did it,” said Haag.
Some renovations are due to the use of the home as an event space. A chandelier once had to be replaced after a dancing wedding guest accidentally pulled it out of the ceiling. Other renovations are merely upkeep of the 1890s home.
“They reinforced the foundation in 1985 and restructured it…We had to do some things to make the house qualified to be a historical site. So we tried to bring it back as much as possible to the way it was when the Buckleys lived here,” said Haag.
Overall, the site aims to preserve the historic home and keep the memory of the Buckleys alive.
“Especially in a town like Livermore or Pleasanton, our history only goes back to the 1800s. So we are blessed to have a property that’s in near-original condition. That’s a rarity. And it’s something that we should value and cherish for many reasons,” said McMenamin.
