The Close Family Property
Close became a naturalized citizen in 1877. A blacksmith by trade, he built a thriving business then purchased eight other Danville parcels over a 21-year period, which extended from Front, up Diablo Road to Hartz Avenue.
Close buildings on Front Street, Danville
The large 10-room Close home was built in 1894 facing Diablo Road and had an expansive back yard. They had a lovely, large garden which was often the scene of local parties, including the annual Presbyterian Church ice cream social.
Lillian Close was an active force in the village. She was one of the first librarians, helped run the Danville Improvement Club and was President of the Danville Equal Suffrage Club which campaigned successfully for woman suffrage in California on Oct. 10, 1911.
Close buildings on Front Street, Danville
Their son Dr. Wilson E. Close graduated from SRV Union High School and became a podiatrist. He was devoted to the area and served on many committees such as the County Highway Advisory Committee and the Danville Renewal Corporation. Always interested in local history, Dr. Close was one of the founders of the SRV Historical Society and purchased the Close Property plaque which was dedicated on Sept. 22, 1996.
By Beverly Lane, 2018
Sources: Essay by Irma M. Dotson, Virgie V. Jones’ “Historical Persons & Places In San Ramon Valley”, museum archives, various Wilson Close essays, two Contra Costa County Histories (1882 and 1917).