Burlingame History Finds Its Place

It might be the most recognizable building in Burlingame. Some say it could be the most recognizable building on the Peninsula. The Burlingame Train Station, built in 1894, stands at the intersection of Burlingame Avenue and California Drive. Today, however, it is not the building attracting crowds, but what is inside.

With a grand opening in October 2008 that included a 30-piece band, speeches by the mayors of both Burlingame and Hillsborough and a crowd of 400 people, the Burlingame Hillsborough History Museum officially opened for business.

"I never thought I would see it happen," said Martha May, who has volunteered with The Burlingame Historical Society since its founding in 1975. "We started collecting and cataloging items pertaining to Burlingame and Hillsborough, and we stored them in my dining room for years until 1985 when we were allowed a small space above the Parks Department garage...now we can share what we have been collecting over the last 40 years."

The waiting room of the iconic station has been transformed into a place where visitors can learn about the town's heritage and its connection to its neighbor, Hillsborough.

Its first exhibit, "Planes, Trains and Automobiles," featured a Model T police cruiser, a tail-finned 1960 Plymouth along side displays about the history of auto row, the number 40 line trolley and the Burlingame Railway.

The most recent exhibit includes a 1908 fire fighting chemical wagon, a 1906 El Camino Bell and the history of movie palaces that have come and gone, along with many artifacts and memorabilia that help illustrate the early development of the area. A "Then & Now" exhibit gives perspective as to what the area looked like in a bygone era.

 " It's a great place to go on a Sunday afternoon," said Jennifer Pfaff, president of the Burlingame Historical Society. "It reminds visitors that a lot has changed, but they may come to realize that much has remained the same, as well."

Museum volunteers said they enjoy not only children's reactions to the displays, but also the stories they inspire adults to tell about the town's history.

The stories of the area are something The Burlingame Historical Society would like to capitalize on.

"Somehow we need to develop a way to capture these stories," said Joanne Garrison, author of the society's book, "Burlingame Centennial 1908-2008."

Pfaff said frequent display changes help bring people back to the museum, as well as rehabilitation projects like the upcoming installation of new wood flooring.

"We have attracted thousands of visitors in our first year, but we want folks to visit often," added Pfaff. "There is so much to tell, so much to share."

The Burlingame Hillsborough History Museum is open the first Sunday of each month from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. To volunteer, call the archives at: 650-340-9960. The book, "Burlingame Centennial, 1908-2008" can be purchased through Books Inc. on Burlingame Avenue, Amazon.com, or Sutterfield's Consignment on Broadway Avenue.