Poetry Center San Jose | Building and Grounds

History San José is the primary caretaker of the Edwin Markham House. Our Building and Grounds chair, Dennis Noren, oversees the use of the Markham House and the Empire Firehouse. The Markham House garden, designed by Middlebrook Gardens, has been planted and mulched the first of 2009 thanks to an army of volunteers that donated, along with the Compton Foundation, funds for the plants. A Maintenance Day followed six months later, turning the garden into a native plant haven. PCSJ’s membership in the California Native Plant Foundation has made this possible.

The grounds that encompass History Park are used for tours, concerts, picnics, parties and Family Days. Poetry Center San Jose´ participates throughout the summer, engaging children in poetry activities. The Empire Firehouse is also available for our use for readings and parties, free of charge. O’Brien’s, an ice cream parlor and soda fountain in the Pacific Hotel, is open Tuesday through Sunday from 12:00 p.m.

Building & Grounds