Le Petit Trianon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Le Petit Trianon
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View from the front corner
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 Le Petit Trianon
Location in San Jose, California
Le Petit Trianon
Location in California
Le Petit Trianon
Location in the United States
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| Location | De Anza College campus, Cupertino, California |
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| Area | 15 acres (6.1 ha) |
| Built | 1892 |
| Architect | Willis Polk |
| Architectural style | Baroque Revival |
| Restored | 1982 |
| Restored by | Trianon Foundation |
| NRHP reference No. | 72001552 |
| Added to NRHP | 15 November 1972 |
Le Petit Trianon is a historic mansion (a very large, fancy house) located on the campus of De Anza College in Cupertino, California. This beautiful building is now home to the California History Center.
History of Le Petit Trianon
Le Petit Trianon was built in 1892. It was made for Charles A. Baldwin and his wife, Ellen Hobart Baldwin. They owned a very successful wine farm here. The Baldwins were known for hosting many big parties at their home.
Mr. Baldwin built a huge stone winery. He also made underground cellars for storing wine. These cellars are still part of the De Anza College grounds today. He planted grapevines from Bordeaux and other parts of France. His wines were called "Beaulieu." They were sold in big cities like New York City and London. They were also sold in Central America.
The design of Le Petit Trianon was inspired by old French buildings. These styles were very popular in America in the late 1800s. This house is also special because it's the only one left in the area built with "V" rustic redwood. The name Le Petit Trianon means "The Small Trianon." It got this name because it looks similar to the Grand Trianon in France. That building was made for King Louis XIV. You can see similar details in Le Petit Trianon's columns, windows, and wood window shutters.
In 1909, the mansion was sold to Harriet Pullman Carolon. She was the daughter of George Pullman. He invented the Pullman sleeping car for trains. Ms. Carolon also loved to host fancy parties at the house. In 1940, the house was sold to E. F. Euphrat. He owned the Pacific Can Company.
Since 1965, the land around the house has been part of De Anza College. Some parts of the old garden are still there. The winery and guest cottages also remain.
In 1968, the college planned to tear down the house. But local historians protested and saved it. In 1972, Le Petit Trianon was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This helped get money to fix it up. The house was moved two times. First, it moved to make space for the Flint Center theater. Then, it moved again for a parking lot. The house was fully restored in 1982. Today, it serves as the California History Center.
California History Center
The California History Center is a place where you can learn about the history of California. It also focuses on the history of the local area, the Santa Clara Valley. The Center has public exhibits, talks, and workshops. They also offer classes with De Anza College.
The Center has a special library called the Stocklmeir Library and Archives. It has many materials about California history. You can find student research papers, books, and old photos. There are also stories from people who lived here long ago. All these materials must be used inside the library.
Images for kids
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Front entrance in 2012
