The Meyers Garage
Message from the Curator: Architectural Exhibit "history"
Over several months in late 2009, the 3-car garage has been transformed into an exhibit area featuring architectural artifacts from the Museum's collection. Some of these objects, never before exhibited, include doors, hardware, light fixtures, stained glass windows, etc., removed from Alameda buildings, some now demolished. The exhibit illustrates the decorative details that were utilized on such mundane items as door hinges and gas jets. They represent the period of their use and the evolution of taste and design.
The garage, designed by Henry H. Meyers, was constructed between 1916 - 1917, with walls and ceilings completely covered in tongue and groove redwood which was stained and varnished. One notable object on display is a pseudo-Tiffany style hanging lamp created by the late Albert Stagnaro, a stained-glass artist, credited with creating many of the art glass windows in Alameda bungalows. His studio was located on Webster Street.
This exhibit was made possible due to the efforts of a few dedicated volunteers and many hours, over several months. I thank the Meyers House Guild Membership and the Alameda Museum and Board for their donations and funding of the expenses. Several thousand dollars were used to make significant repairs in the last couple years. The roofs were fixed along with interior windows, walls, and woodwork due to rain damage. It also takes special dedicated volunteers to keep the place clean and staffed. Jane Burgelin, the Meyers House Docent Chair, sees to the staffing of the house during regular and special event tours. It is her team of helpers, notably, Stephanie Paula, Livonne Stittle, and Eugenie Thompson, that brought about this wonderful reception, but also saw to the organization and cleaning that allowed us to recently open the Studio, the main house basement Gift Shop with Laundry Tableau, last year’s Wedding Gown display and now, today, open the Architectural Exhibit.
Special recognition and the respectful dedication of this newest exhibit goes to Ross Dileo and Virgil Silver whose expertise and interest made this display possible. The repairs to studio and garage roofing, new lighting, electrical, plumbing, carpet and painting, were directly through their efforts or supervision of hired contractors. Virgil and Ross hung fixtures, created display boards, and put up with my ever-changing vision of an interesting exhibit. These two men, with support from their wives Margy and Robbie, never fail to bring their talents to make my dream a reality. Thank you also to Ken Mathias for help with replacement window glass, Ruiz Lighting for lamp repairs, now part of the exhibit, and Mulija Ejubovic from ARPD for maintaining the grounds so beautifully.
On behalf of the Museum, I am especially grateful to these volunteers, artisans, and the City of Alameda for allowing us to help preserve City Monument #26 and make it an asset and learning tool for the community.
Signed, October 10th, 2009
George C. Gunn, Curator
