Time capsule to be opened in 2070
Gilroy artist Carol Peters prepares to paint a time capsule in celebration of the city’s sesquicentennial. The capsule was recently built by Louis Hack, and delivered to Peters for painting. Peters is a retired Gilroy High School art teacher, and the creator of the...
John Gilroy: Cattle, soap, wheat and tobacco
In 1833, John Gilroy described himself as a soap maker and millwright. In 1842, there were several references to the flourmill of William Mathews “at Gilroy’s.” By 1845, the era of Spanish and Mexican colonization was coming to an end in the region. The...
Immigrants play big part in Gilroy history
For nearly a century, the two blocks of Monterey Street south of 7th Street in Gilroy were home to two thriving groups of immigrant business owners—first Chinese and then Mexicans.
It was a vibrant part of the small city where racial segregation forced a concentration...
Gilroy Museum reopens with sesquicentennial exhibit
The Gilroy Museum was preparing to open its new exhibit celebrating Gilroy’s 150th anniversary when the Covid-19 pandemic hit and forced it to close in March 2020. More than a year later, the museum is open to the public.
The museum’s new exhibit shows the...
The Santa Clara Valley
By: Gilroy Advocate, October 1868
It is not our purpose at present to say much in regard to the claims of the valley of Santa Clara, over other parts of California for a permanent settlement. It is well known, however, conceded by all who have...
Year in Review 2020: An historical year for Gilroy
Gilroy’s sesquicentennial was one for the history books. But not in the way anyone had imagined going into 2020.
A once-in-a-century pandemic transformed daily life for not only Gilroyans, but the world. As a result, various sesquicentennial events planned throughout 2020 were canceled.
However, Gilroy’s 150th...


















