Passing Through Time: The Historic David Glass House
A Long-Awaited Pitstop Off Interstate 680
For years during my time living in California, my routine commute took me up and down Interstate 680 between Danville and Pleasanton. Every single trip, I would pass an old Victorian home standing proudly off the side of the freeway. It was one of those landmarks that constantly caught my eye—a place I made a mental note to set aside time for, pull off the highway, and photograph properly. When I finally made that dedicated stop, I knew instantly that a black and white rendering was the only way to honor its classic architecture and historic presence.
The Layered History of San Ramon's Landmark
From Pioneer Farmhouse to Historic Park
The David Glass House; an exquisite Italianate-style Victorian built around 1877. David Glass was an early pioneer who settled in the area during the late 1860s, establishing a prosperous farming operation in the region. Originally constructed near the corner of San Ramon Valley Boulevard and Pine Valley Road, the house faced potential demolition as modern suburban development expanded. To save this piece of local history, the city relocated the entire structure in 1998 to Forest Home Farms Historic Park—a 16-acre municipal site dedicated to preserving Northern California's agricultural heritage.
Crafting the Composition in Monochrome
To give this historic structure the weight it deserved, I set up a low, centered perspective right along the main gravel walkway. The symmetrical path acts as a natural leading line, guiding the viewer's eye through the tall, dark Italian cypress trees directly to the front entry. Converting the capture to black and white eliminated color distractions, allowing the dramatic sky, ornate window molding, widow's peak, and textured ornamental grasses to shine through. It was a satisfying reminder that taking a break from the fast lane can yield some wonderful photographic rewards.
Explore More of My Adventures
After passing it for years on I-680, commuting from Danville to Pleasanton, I finally pulled off the freeway to photograph the historic 1877 David Glass House in dramatic black and white.