Holiday magic fills the air in Hayward and Cherryland. Flickering lights and holiday cartoons cover houses throughout the neighborhood, with Meek Mansion in Meek Park towering over the others with Christmas decor of its own.
For the holiday season, the Hayward Area Historical Society (HAHS) is hosting special “Twinkle Tours” of Meek Mansion, allowing the public to explore Hayward’s oldest house, and learn history about one of Hayward’s pioneer families.
Meek Mansion was originally built in 1868 by William Meek, an agricultural worker and businessman, who passed his loving family home down three generations until 1940, when the Meek family sold the mansion and their estate. The mansion was slated for demolition in the 1960s before being acquired by the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District, eventually being converted into a historical museum now overseen by HAHS.
HAHS occasionally opens Meek Mansion for tours, but their holiday Twinkle Tours are especially unique, as it’s the only time of year when tourists are able to explore the second floor of the house. The Twinkle Tours are also held at night, allowing guests to admire the mansion’s stunning architecture illuminated by Christmas lights.
Before the tour begins, guests are given small holiday goodie bags, and greeted with a warm welcome from tour guide Caroline Sandoval. Sandoval, HAHS’s Outreach and Education Manager, loves educating the community about Hayward’s history. She also guides tours of Meek Mansion, McConaghy House, and Hayward’s many cemeteries.
“I am fascinated to be able to see and share the story of the largest landowner at the time. This is the home of the man who brought grafted food plants here in Hayward,” Sandoval said.
Meek was one of Hayward’s most successful men, acquiring land in the Hayward area, and often being considered Alameda County’s “first farmer,” planting various orchards and cherry trees throughout his estate – thus giving Cherryland its namesake.
Since its initial construction, Meek Mansion has undergone several renovations, but mostly kept its original blueprint and architecture.
“My favorite part is the plaster work and the femininity of the house. There are many small sculptures of women around the house to evoke the serenity of love and warmth, and evokes a lot of natural elements,” Sandoval stated.
Meek Mansion is a must-see destination in the East Bay. The house’s history and architecture are bound to take tourists back in time, with the Christmas lights and decor adding festive warmth to the already welcoming atmosphere.
Meek Mansion will be open Dec. 13 and 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for self-guided tours of the house’s first floor. There will also be a pop-up gift shop at the mansion on Dec. 13.
The next Twinkle Tour – with exclusive access to the house’s second floor – will be Thursday Dec. 18, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., with $25 general admission. Visit the HAHS website for more information.
