Stanford University - Quad Yearbook (Palo Alto, CA)

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Volume 90— 1985 —X Opposite page Tht Stanfords' Nob Hill mansion. THIS PAGE. ABOVE: Tht Red Barn on tht Sloth Farm, about 1878; LEFT: A Curritr 6 It ts print of one of Stanford’s most famous trotters. Occident. 1885-198} 39

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The Stanford Quad X her “I wanted to thank God that you were doing so well, and for giving us such a fine son.” Leland Junior immediately became the center of attention in his parents' world. Governor Stanford expected that Leland Junior would eventually succeed in the management of the Central Pacific. Among the son’s many interests and hobbies was the construction of a small-scale, fully operative railroad at the Palo Alto Estate. At one point, when Collis P. Huntington decided to dispose of his stock in the Centra] Pacific, he wrote Mark Hopkins that “Stanford won’t sell and 1 am not surprised at that, for if 1 had someone growing up to take my place I would hardly name a price that I would take.” The parents actively cultivated a variety of interests in their young son. In some senses their educational philosophy with Leland Ju- nior would eventually evolve into the bold new philosophy they would establish for the University bearing his name. The Stanfords wanted their son to be well-educated and exposed to cultural resources, while at the same time enjoying the outdoors life and building the practical skills which had made his father so successful. Out of this perspective came two unrelated but critical elements in the eventual founding and character of the Uni-verstiy — the family’s travels in Europe and the acquisition of the Palo Alto Estate. THE PALO ALTO ESTATE In 1874, the Stanfords moved from Sacramento — where they had been ever since coming to California—and built their famous mansion on Nob Hill, next to Mark Hopkins’ on the site now occupied by the Stanford Court Hotel. But Leland Stanford had grown up on a farm, and his heart was still in the country. The pressures of business had also taken their toll on Stanford’s health, and doctors recommended that he get more rest and devote time to a hobby. Furthermore, the Stanfords desired a outdoors place for Leland Junior to grow up, so in 1876 they purchased the first 650 acres of the eventual 8800 they would call the Palo Alto Estate. Governor Stanford set immediately to making the farm a world-class facility for his favorite interest: horses. While still living in Sacramento, in 1870, he had purchased his first notable racing horse, and after moving to San Francisco had built a stable across the street on Nob Hill. But the purchase of the Palo Alto Farm was a step onto a completely different level. For in the time that the Palo Alto Stock Farm was in full operation, Stanford built it into an establishment so magnifi-(Continutd on pa 4!) 38 7883- 983

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The Stanford Quad X-