San Ramon Historic Foundation

To all celebrating, may this time of reflection usher in a year of love, laughter and sweet blessings for you and your family.

September 11 — We Remember
On this day, we pause to remember September 11, 2001, and the lives forever changed by the events of that day.
We remember those we lost, the families and communities who carried their grief, and the courage of the first responders who ran toward danger to help others.
History is more than dates and events. It is the stories of people, the moments that shape our communities, and the memories we carry forward.
Today, we remember.
Today, we honor.
And today, we will never forget.

We’ve officially entered the “BER” months!

Grab your pumpkin spice latte and check out all the **FREE Fun on the Farm** family activities happening at Forest Home Farms this fall.

September through December, there’s something fun for everyone. Save the dates and make plans to join us at the farm!

📜 We’re hiring for a part-time recreation position focused on bringing local history, historic spaces and the natural environment to life through creative programming and community experiences.

➡️ If you enjoy working with people, sharing stories, connecting the community to the outdoors and creating meaningful programs, this could be the opportunity for you!

Preserve the past. Create experiences. Connect the community.

🌐 Visit SanRamon.ca.gov/jobs for more information and to apply

Some stories make history come alive. This was one of them.
“I lived a dream. It was magical!”

With those words, our final 2026 Summer Speaker Series presentation began and what a beautiful way to bring the series to a close. Michael Ross Smith transported us back to the 1970s as he shared delightful, and sometimes funny, memories of the 13 years he spent renting the cottage on the farm, now home to our Gift Shoppe. During those years, Michael became friends with Ruth Quayle Boone. As he shared his memories of her, it was clear how deeply she touched his life.

Michael described Mrs. Boone as having “an understated elegance,” a phrase that seemed to capture her spirit beautifully. He said Mrs. Boone was a grandmother figure, someone whose unwavering positivity and quiet wisdom helped shape the man he is today. She offered him advice that has stayed with him through the years: “Mentor younger people.” And when it came to relationships, she believed in a “60-60 commitment” — a reminder that meaningful relationships require both people to give generously.

It was a message that felt especially meaningful as we closed this year’s Speaker Series. Throughout the summer, we have heard stories that remind us of the importance of community, relationships, and the people who connect us to the past and to one another.

Michael is certain Mrs. Boone would be so pleased to see how the farm is being preserved, cared for, and shared with future generations. And perhaps that is the greatest gift of all — that the stories, people, and connections that shaped our community continue to live on.

Thank you, Michael, for sharing your memories, your friendship with Mrs. Boone, and helping us see Forest Home Farms through your eyes.

Hope to see you at the Gift Shoppe on August 7!

On July 24, we welcomed featured speakers Jane Jennings and Carol J. Rowley for the second presentation in the 2026 Summer Speaker Series. Guests enjoyed an evening of San Ramon Valley history, trivia, and a fun test of their knowledge about Forest Home Farms Historic Park and the remarkable story of how it came to be.

Building on last month's theme of "connection in community," Jane, a 50-year San Ramon resident and author of the Forest Home Farms Application for the National Register of Historic Places, shared the fascinating research behind her work and her personal connections to the park. We were also honored to welcome several individuals who helped shape this important chapter of our community's history, including former San Ramon Mayor Pat Boom and longtime San Ramon resident Pam Henry, a friend and neighbor of Ruth Quayle Boone.

The evening started on a sweet note as we celebrated the birthdays of Jane Jennings and Heidi Graham, SRHF Board Member, with cake shared among our guests — a perfect reminder that preserving history is also about celebrating the people who make our community special.

Join us on August 28 for the final program in our 2026 Summer Speaker Series. Michael Ross Smith will share what it was like to rent the small cottage at Forest Home Farms from Ruth Quayle Boone for 13 years. During that time, he spent countless hours listening to Ruth's stories, and her unwavering optimism and wisdom helped shape him into the man he is today.

We hope you'll join us for this heartfelt conclusion to a memorable series celebrating the people, places, and connections that define the San Ramon Valley.

Come on over for “Old Fashioned Lawn Games” (free Fun on the Farm) and drop into the Gift Shoppe to check out these special treasures.

Happy June, everyone!
Make sure to add these Saturday mornings to your summer calendar. Great fun for the entire family.