January 18, 2008

Discovering the ‘crown jewel’ of San Jose

Del Robles students enjoy history lesson at Hayes Mansion

By Jeanne C. Carbone
Staff Writer

Ducks in a row: Del Robles Elementary School teacher Evelyn Guess enriched her students’ education by an on site tour and brunch at the Hayes Mansion. Photo by Jeanne C. Carbone

Del Robles Elementary School discovered the gem of South San Jose with a recent visit to the historic Hayes Mansion.

“This is the crown jewel of San Jose,” said Del Robles Elementary School second grade teacher Evelyn Guess. “Some of the kids and parents could never afford to come here. This is a real community outreach effort.”

Guess is excited to share the historic mansion with her students. Some have heard stories from their parents who are employed at Hayes Mansion. Like student Ivan Martinez’s parents, Gabriel Beno and Maria Meza who served as liaison for the visit.

The kids loved walking the historical house winding up and down the intricate wood staircase and hallways showcasing the family photos of people that once called it home. Hayes Mansion management and employees enjoyed the young visitors as well, treating the well behaved students to brunch and photographs with Santa.

The mansion, which is nestled within a residential area off of Edenvale Avenue, was once the private home of the Hayes family. The manicured grounds graced with swaying palms whisked their young visitors into another time and place as Guess brought their surroundings to life with stories of one of San Jose’s first families.

Del Robles Elementary School students Austin Nguyen, Devin Castanon and Ivan Martinez chose exactly what they wanted for brunch at the Hayes Mansion. Photos by Gerald Guess

“This is great,” said Del Robles second grader Nikki Nguyen. “I’ve never seen anything like this.”

The kids and Guess toured the home and since it was December even met with Santa Claus for photographs
and told him their holiday wishes. But then it was off for a hearty brunch with pancakes, omelets made to order, apple wood bacon and breakfast sausage.

Guess even reminded her eager students of dining protocol as the group entered the covered patio solarium of Orlo’s Restaurant where they would eat their elegant brunch. So not only did her students learn the history of the Hayes family but etiquette as well. She also prompted them to try to eat something that they never had tried before to enrich the learning experience.

“It’s great to have the kids here for the community outreach,” said Hayes Mansion hostess Brianna Dalrymple. “It’s awesome. And they are so cute.”