Fountain Grove, California facts for kids
Fountaingrove was once a special community, like a "utopian colony," started in 1875 near Santa Rosa, California. It was founded by a man named Thomas Lake Harris. Most people who lived there were his followers, part of a group called the Brotherhood of the New Life. They moved to California from another colony they had in New York.
Today, "Fountaingrove" refers to a modern neighborhood in north Santa Rosa. It's home to about 3,500 to 4,000 people. Sadly, a big part of this area was burned in the 2017 Tubbs Fire. But many homes have been rebuilt or replaced since then.
Contents
The Story of Fountaingrove
Early Days and Leaders
Nagasawa Kanaye (1852-1934) was a very important person at Fountaingrove. He was Thomas Lake Harris's main helper in California. Kanaye managed the community's large vineyards, which were about 2,000 acres (around 8 square kilometers) near Santa Rosa. After Harris, Kanaye became the leader of the Brotherhood until 1934.
The Manor House
The main building at Fountaingrove was a large, two-story mansion. Thomas Lake Harris, his wife, and a few followers lived there. It was also used for important guests and shared meals. Harris called it "Aestivossa," which he said meant "high country of divine joy." Most people just called it the manor house.
This luxurious house was surrounded by eucalyptus trees, small gardens, and a lily pond. The people of Fountaingrove believed their buildings would one day go into a "Celestial Sphere," a kind of spiritual realm. The manor house was taken down in 1970.
Fountaingrove Today
A Modern Neighborhood
Thomas Lake Harris's community left a lasting mark on Santa Rosa. Today, that part of town is still called Fountaingrove. There's even a street named Thomas Lake Harris Drive. The famous round barn that was part of the old winery was a well-known landmark until it was lost in the 2017 fire.
The buildings of the original Fountain Grove Winery, which started in 1882, are now owned by a company called Medtronic. These old winery buildings are planned to be taken down. The winery stopped making wine in the early 1940s.
Today, Fountaingrove is known as one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Santa Rosa and the entire county. It's a very nice area where many of the city's wealthiest residents live.
Impact of the Tubbs Fire
The Fountaingrove neighborhood was severely damaged by the 2017 Tubbs Fire. This big fire destroyed many homes, along with the Fountaingrove Inn hotel and the historic round barn. Despite the damage, the community has worked hard to rebuild and recover.
