HAVE YOU SEEN THESE SIGNS?
Snapping a photo of them might just win you some serious bragging rights.
To celebrate our 100th birthday, San Carlos has scattered these stickers around certain places in town with great historical significance. The mission? Be the first person to snap a photo of any of the official San Carlos Historical Markers and send it in. That’s right, this is not a drill—it’s a full-on marker hunt.
You’ve probably walked by them or squinted at one while waiting for your coffee. But did you know these markers tell the story of how San Carlos came to be the charming city it is today? And in honor of our Centennial, it’s time to rediscover them.
SO WHERE ARE THESE HISTORIC GEMS?
Thanks to the City’s Historical Marker Project, you can now follow a trail of landmarks that highlight key moments and places in San Carlos history. From the days of the railroad boom to the very first fire station, these markers are like breadcrumbs through time.
Click on the places below to see location / map link:
Ampex
Location: 1155 Howard Avenue
Fun Fact: Ampex was started by Alexander M. Poniatoff who developed magnetic tape and recording equipment for both audio and video recording.
Arguello Site (First Rustic Structure)
Location: 500 Cedar St
Fun Fact:This was the site of the first rustic structure which was little more than an adobe shelter for herdsmen who watched over the Arguello family’s cattle which grazed on the Spanish land grant lands known as “Rancho de las Pulgas.”
Burton Park
Location: 900 Chestnut Street
Fun Fact: The land for Burton Park (once known as Recreation or City Park) was purchased in 1937, using money from the WPA (Works Progress Administration, a depression era federal program to spur economic development).
Carlos Club
Location: 612 El Camino
Fun Fact: Another example of Art Deco style building is the Carlos Club at 612 El Camino Real. Originally built in the early 1920s as Tate’s Restaurant, it housed a number of bars through the years.
Carlos Theater
Location: Northside of San Carlos Avenue, between Laurel Street and Walnut Street
Fun Fact: Located on the north side of San Carlos Avenue between Laurel and Walnut, the Carlos Theater is gone now, but when it was opened in the early 1940s it became a favored spot for local children, eager to spend their Saturdays at the movies.
Casa de Flores
Location: 737 Walnut Street
Fun Fact: In 1929, St. Charles Catholic Church moved into their new sanctuary at 737 Walnut Street. Today, this structure is known as Casa de Flores, owned by the San Carlos Garden Club.
Central Middle School
Location: 828 Chestnut Street
Fun Fact: In 1930, Central Middle School at 828 Chestnut was opened, and in succeeding years, many additions were built to accommodate the growing school age population. In 1939, the WPA furnished funds for the auditorium, once called “Mustang Hall.” A 2013 school report documented the historical value of this building
Drake Building
Location: El Camino Real at San Carlos Avenue
Fun Fact: The Drake Building was named after city booster, Fred Drake, who came to the area in 1917 with ambitions to promote the development of a town. He succeeded where others failed, perhaps because of his skills as an artist and businessman.
Eimac
Location: TBA
Fun Fact: Eimac was founded by two radio amateurs, Jack MacCullough and Bill Eitel, who developed a low frequency transmitter tube in 1932. Eventually, their tubes were used in the World War II defense industry.
First Firehouse
Location: 533 Laurel Street
Fun Fact: The current Museum of San Carlos History is housed in the first firehouse, which was built with funds raised through local card and dinner parties.
Foodville Grocery Store
Location: 616 Laurel Street
Fun Fact:Foodville Grocery Store, opened in 1941 at 616 Laurel Street and operated there for 67 years.
Grand Italianate Victorian Home
Location: 408 Elm Street
Fun Fact: Two landmark residences constructed during the early 1900s remain. This 1912 grand Italianate Victorian at 408 Elm Street was built for Adolf Paulson, a Danish immigrant.
Home of The Chicken's Ball
Location: 828 Chestnut Street
Fun Fact: Started by local teacher, Howard Demeke, to raise money for the “milk fund,” the Ball became a treasured local tradition until the spring of 2020 when the pandemic forced volunteers to cancel that year’s performance.
J&M Hobby
Location: 1660 Laurel Street
Fun Fact:Built in the streamline moderne style in 1936, the structure has been used for a variety of purposes over the years. It was built by Dr. George Hein for his residence and shop for medical devices.
Litton Industries
Location: 960 Industrial Road
Fun Fact: Litton Industries was started in 1931 by Charles Litton, a Stanford-educated engineer and entrepreneur.
Mahany Fellowship Hall
Location: 1336 Arroyo Avenue
Fun Fact: Mahany Fellowship Hall at 1336 Arroyo marks the spot where the Community Church was founded.
Nathaniel Brittan's "Party House"
Location: 125 Dale Avenue
Fun Fact: 125 Dale Street is known as the “Party House,” built by Nathaniel Brittan. Locally, Brittan is known for his association with the Bohemian Club, an exclusive men’s club and retreat, now located in Sonoma County.
Nielsen's Auto
Location: 888 El Camino Real
Fun Fact: Nielsen’s Auto, at 888 El Camino, was built in 1946 by George Nielson. It operated as a full service gas station and auto repair shop for 76 years, closing in 2022.
Ohlone Settlements
Location: TBA
Fun Fact: The first known inhabitants of the San Carlos area were the Ohlone people. The name Ohlone refers to the many related groups of indigenous people whose ancestors lived along the coast between Monterey and San Francisco.
Pagoda House
Location: 300 Chestnut Street
Fun Fact: Local lore suggests that Nicholas T. Smith built the Pagoda House as a retreat from business pressures and as a place where he and his friends could play poker.
San Carlos Train Station
Location: Caltrain Station
Fun Fact: The San Carlos Train Station was built in 1888, in a style known as Richardsonian Romanesque Revival.
San Carlos' First Schoolhouse
Location: 600 Block of Elm Street
Fun Fact: In 1918, San Carlos was able to open a new school in the 600 block of Elm Street, site of the current City Hall.
Schneider's
Location: Corner of Laurel Street and Cherry Street
Fun Fact: Schneider’s occupied the corner of Laurel Street and Cherry, selling clothes for the entire family. It closed in the late 1990s.
Varian Industries
Location: 935 Washington Street
Fun Fact: Varian built large klystron tubes in their San Carlos facility in the late 1940s. Klystron tubes were the first vacuum tubes to amplify electromagnetic waves at microwave frequencies, and other electromagnetic equipment.
THE CONTEST: EASY AS POINT, SHOOT, WIN
Visit the historical markers listed on the official city website.
Snap a clear photo of the marker
Send all your photos to San Carlos Life at hello@sancarloslife.com
WINNERS SO FAR
WHY JOIN
- It’s a great excuse to explore San Carlos (and walk off that brunch).
- You’ll actually learn fun facts that’ll impress your friends—or at least your grandma.
- You’ll help celebrate the city’s 100th anniversary in a way that’s Instagram-worthy and educational.
TIPS FOR WINNING
- Use the map here and full list of Historical Markers.
- Plan your route smart—some are close together!
- Get your phone charged and ready.
So, what are you waiting for? Time to grab your camera, lace up your walking shoes, and chase down some history. San Carlos is calling—and the past is picture perfect.
The grand celebration of the San Carlos Centennial Year will happen during the Hometown Days. For more information, please visit this page.
