San Jose Newsletter (September 9th)

Your news, upcoming events, AI art, historical facts and more!

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Welcome to The San Jose Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

  • Amlogic buys Mountain View space for $11M.

  • Upcoming San Jose Earthquakes match

  • A deep-dive into the life of Sarah Winchester

  • And more…

Quote of the Week

“How you climb a mountain is more important than reaching the top.”

–Yvon Chouinard

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Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

Which annual San Jose festival combines a traditional Christmas market with Silicon Valley tech displays and interactive lights exhibits?

A) Christmas in the Park

B) San Jose Holiday Lights

C) Silicon Valley Light Festival

D) Winter Wonderland San Jose

Answer to Week 41's Trivia:

Santana Row is distinguished from typical shopping centers by B) It features European-style architecture.

News

💼 Business

Apple and Nvidia pondering OpenAI investment. (Link)

HP seeking $4B from Lynch estate. (Link)

🏒 Sports

49ers' Ricky Pearsall to miss extended time following shooting in SF's Union Square. (Link)

Pirates reinstate OF Andrew McCutchen from injured list. 5-time All-Star hurt knee running bases. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Amlogic buys Mountain View space for $11M. (Link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🏈 Kennesaw State Owls at San Jose State Spartans Football
CEFCU Stadium, San Jose
Saturday, Sep 14th | (More info)

⚽ St. Louis CITY SC at San Jose Earthquakes
PayPal Park, San Jose
Saturday, Sep 21st | (More info)

Concerts

🎵 BEAT
San Jose Civic, San Jose
Thursday, Sep 12th | (More info)

🎵 El Alfa
SAP Center at San Jose, San Jose
Saturday, Sep 14th | (More info)

Family

🎤 Lift Off to Adulthood: 5 week workshop for teens & their parents
Online
Tuesday, September 10th | (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “San Jose where every building is equipped with solar and wind power” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

San Jose Historical Events

Opening of the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum (1928) - Showcasing San Jose's diverse cultural attractions.

In 1928, San Jose witnessed the inauguration of an extraordinary cultural attraction that would go on to capture the imagination of countless visitors: the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum. Nestled in the heart of San Jose, California, this unique museum was founded by the Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crucis (AMORC), an organization devoted to the study of ancient Egyptian culture, mysticism, and philosophy. The museum's opening marked a significant moment for San Jose, shining a spotlight on the city's commitment to embracing and showcasing diverse cultural attractions. With its impressive collection of Egyptian artifacts, the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the ancient world, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike.

The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum stands as a testament to the enduring fascination with ancient Egypt, housing one of the largest collections of Egyptian artifacts in Western North America. From the moment visitors step through its doors, they are transported back in time to explore the mysteries of the Nile Valley. The museum's exhibits cover a wide range of subjects, including daily life, religion, and funerary practices in ancient Egypt. Among its most iconic treasures are a collection of authentic mummies, intricately carved sarcophagi, and rare artifacts that provide a window into the past. The museum's architecture, inspired by the Temple of Amon at Karnak, further enhances the immersive experience, making visitors feel as though they've stepped into another era.

The opening of the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum in 1928 not only enriched San Jose's cultural landscape but also positioned the city as a hub for educational tourism. Its enduring popularity underscores the public's fascination with ancient civilizations and the importance of preserving and interpreting our shared heritage. As one of San Jose's premier cultural attractions, the museum continues to inspire curiosity and learning, drawing visitors from around the globe. Through its comprehensive collections and engaging exhibits, the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum celebrates the complexity and beauty of ancient Egyptian culture, cementing San Jose's reputation as a city that values and champions diversity in its cultural offerings.

Famous People From San Jose

Sarah Winchester (1839–1922) - Widow of the firearm magnate, built the famous Winchester Mystery House in San Jose.

Sarah Winchester was a woman of immense intrigue and mystery, known predominantly for her sprawling architectural anomaly, the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California. Her life was a tapestry of personal tragedy, immense wealth, and the pursuit of the unknown, making her a captivating subject of historical speculation and folklore.

Early Life and Marriage (1839–1862)

Born Sarah Lockwood Pardee in 1839 in New Haven, Connecticut, she grew up in a world of privilege and education. In 1862, she married William Wirt Winchester, heir to the Winchester Repeating Arms Company fortune. This union linked her indelibly to a legacy of firearms and innovation.

Wealth and Tragedy (1866–1881)

The Winchester couple welcomed a daughter, Annie Pardee Winchester, in 1866, who tragically died a mere weeks later. This loss was a devastating blow to Sarah, marking the beginning of a lifetime marred by sorrow. William's death in 1881 from tuberculosis left Sarah as the widow of the firearm magnate, inheriting a vast fortune.

The Move West and the Construction Begins (1884–1922)

Seeking to start anew, Sarah Winchester moved to San Jose, California, in 1884. She purchased an eight-room farmhouse, which she transformed over the next 38 years into the sprawling, enigmatic structure known today as the Winchester Mystery House. This mansion, continuously under construction 24 hours a day, was said to have been designed to confuse the spirits of those fallen by Winchester rifles.

Spiritualism and the Mystery House (1886–1900)

During this period, Sarah's fascination with spiritualism deepened. It was widely reported that she consulted with mediums to guide the endless construction of her home, designed as a haven or possibly a labyrinth to deter vengeful spirits. This aspect of her life added a layer of mystique to her persona and the purpose behind the Winchester Mystery House.

San Jose Becomes Home (1884–1922)

Sarah Winchester's connection to San Jose was solidified through her significant contributions to the community and her reclusive yet notable presence. Her mansion became a local curiosity, and her philanthropy, though done quietly, marked her as a significant figure within the community.

Architectural Marvel and Obsession (1900–1922)

Over the years, the Winchester Mystery House reached seven stories, featuring over 160 rooms, numerous staircases leading nowhere, doors opening to walls, and windows overlooking other rooms. Sarah’s obsession with continual construction was rumored to be driven by a desire to escape or appease spirits, a theory fueled by her nightly séances and the home’s peculiar design.

Final Years and Legacy (1920–1922)

In her final years, Sarah Winchester lived amidst the sprawling confusion of corridors and rooms she had created. She passed away in her sleep in 1922, leaving behind a legacy shrouded in mystery and speculation. The Winchester Mystery House stands as a physical manifestation of her complicated life, grief, and search for peace or redemption.

Posthumous Fascination (1922 and Beyond)

The intrigue surrounding Sarah Winchester and her mysterious mansion survived her death, growing into a legend. The Winchester Mystery House is now a historical landmark and tourist attraction, drawing visitors fascinated by its architecture and the story of the woman behind its bewildering design.

Sarah Winchester in Historical Context (1839–1922)

Sarah Winchester's life story is a poignant narrative of the American post-Civil War era, reflecting the era's fascination with death, the afterlife, and the supernatural. Her widowhood and the wealth she inherited placed her in a unique position of independence, which she utilized in an unconventional pursuit of solace and possibly redemption.

Remembering Sarah Winchester (1922 and Beyond)

Sarah Winchester passed away in 1922, but her enigmatic life and the Winchester Mystery House continue to captivate the imagination of the public. Her story is a blend of truth, speculation, and myth, illustrating a fascinating intersection of grief, wealth, innovation, and the supernatural.

Key Achievements of Sarah Winchester:

  • Inherited and managed a significant portion of the Winchester Repeating Arms Company fortune.

  • Transformed her San Jose property into the architectural wonder known today as the Winchester Mystery House.

  • Became a significant, though elusive, figure in San Jose through her philanthropy and investment in the community.

  • Contributed to American folklore through her life story, intertwining themes of wealth, tragedy, and the supernatural.

Sarah Winchester's legacy is a fascinating blend of historical fact and legend, centering around her mysterious mansion in San Jose, California. Her life, marked by personal loss and the unusual use of her vast wealth, has become a subject of intrigue and speculation. The Winchester Mystery House stands as a testament to her life’s complexities, embodying themes of innovation, grief, and the search for peace.

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-Matthew Larsen

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