THE EMERALD FOREST

San Jose Mercury-News, July 24, 1911

"The Big Trees yesterday was the scene of a large gathering of the sons and daughters of Erin residents in Santa Clara and [S]anta Cruz Counties, the occasion being the annual picnic and barbecue given under the auspices of the United Irish Societies of San Jose. The special train consisting of ten cars left the West San Jose station at 9:45 o’clock a.m., and all the excursionists wore a smile in anticipation of the good time in store for them. The trip through the Santa Cruz Mountains was much enjoyed and alighting at the picnic grounds the visitors were extended a royal welcome by Manager Hopkins of the Redwood Park who proved to be a genial host."

Author's Personal Collection

"More than 1000 picnickers enjoyed the day’s festivities and many were present from Watsonville, Santa Cruz and San Francisco. The sweet strains of melody furnished by William Lake’s Orchestra soon attracted a large proportion of the amusement lovers to the dance floor and they tripped the gay fantastic to their heart’s content. The barbecue feature soon developed interest and Ben Ortega, Ben Ortega, Jr., and Albert Higuera who looked after the serving were kept busy in supplying the wants of the hungry throng. With the barbecued beef and mutton were supplied a generous quantity of beans and bread and following the gastronomic pleasures came the sports which were participated in by old and young … " 

Source: “Sons and Daughters of Erin Have Big Picnic,” San Jose Mercury-News, 24 July 1911.