This student/amateur film by Louis Ventura, Jr. is a time capsule of San Jose in 1972. With a low-key, one-take voice-over and the "Shaft" theme as background music, it's an unusual but fascinating historic document of a growing, developing city and its recreational attractions. Aerial views of the city provided on a flight by Cliff Hodges from Aero Trends at Reid-Hillview Airport, film of the rides in Frontier Village, shots inside the "Beautiful" Eastridge Mall, and shots of PSA and TWA planes at San Jose Municipal Airport are unusual scenes. For the making of this film, Mr. Ventura also visited the San Jose Municipal Rose Garden, Alum Rock Park, Backesto Park, the Rosicrucian Museum, Vasona Park, Oak Meadow Park, William Street Park, and the Winchester Mystery House. Though he may be perpetuating a false story about Sarah Winchester's beliefs, it was the theme-park story of the day to say she thought building the house would gain her immortality. Overall, this film is a glimpse into San Jose's past that we seldom see, but many will remember.

A part of the Pioneers Film Archive
Property of History San Jose
Special thanks to Ken Middlebrook
Audio conversion by Tim Peddy
Edited and digitized by William Foley
All Rights Reserved

Support the California Pioneers in saving local films. Donate your home movies to the Pioneers Film Archive today! Become a member of the Pioneers to keep this program going, and enjoy the perks of membership!
[email protected]
www.CaliforniaPioneers.com

Like us on Facebook www.Facebook.com/SCCPioneers
Follow us on Twitter @SCCPioneers