AgdaPkt 2005-11-14 - Laserfiche WebLink

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6. / d-~ Analysis Until the recent discovery of the artifacts by the retail cinema-parking garage project archaeologists, very little evidence remained of the original High School that was once located on the south-east corner of Broadway and Middlefield Road (the campus moved to 1201 Brewster Avenue in 1923). The proposed loan of the selected artifacts to the SHSAA for public display purposes is expected to provide a window to the past of what communitx life was, in and around the old High school. Most of the artifacts are late 19th to early 20 h century bottles (milk, soda, ink) and jars (food, cosmetic) which were probably used by the students and staff, for priyate use or dispensed either in the school commissary or the infirmary. There is no guaranteed link between the high school and these bottles and jars but the ink bottle types, which haye a spout for pouring into indiyidual inkwells, for example, help strengthen the connection to the high school, particularly if these artifacts were excavated together at a similar depth. Of particular interest are several architectural pieces of the school building that have been identified and correspond to the terra cotta elements that once graced this classical structure. A display of these artifacts, coupled with archival photographs, will provide an in-depth view of some of Redwood City's educational roots. The SHSAA was incorporated in 1987 as a non-profit corporation for the "...Charitable purposes of... maintaining a permanent relationship among students and former students and to be of service to the students and faculty of Sequoia High School, Redwood City California." The loan proposal complies with the objectives of the SHSAA as well as the Goals of the Historic Element of the General Plan" 2) Cultural Goals and Principles" which promotes the retention of Redwood City's cultural, historic and architectural heritage by expanding the community's knowledge of local history through educational programs. Alternatives 1. Pursue a different approach than a loan, Le. sell the artifacts per Section 3-1/2 of the City Charter on "Acquisition and Disposal of Property". This option was not selected because the purchase of said artifacts was not contemplated by the SHSAA. The loan process seemed the most practical for both parties. 2. Deny the Loan agreement for the subject artifacts. This alternative would deny the SHSAA the opportunity of displaying the artifacts in public, thus eliminating a public educational benefit. Conclusion The City has no storage or permanent display areas available for such artifacts, the Redwood City archives/Local history room only takes "paper archives" and the San Mateo County History Museum charges for the long term storage and retrieval of such artifacts. Per the enclosed custodial Agreement, the subject artifacts will be behind locked cabinets on high school property. The proposed loan agreement is revocable by the City. The loan items have little commercial value and are most significant to Sequoia High School and its heritage. Therefore, it is most appropriate at this time to approve the loan proposal with the SHSAA for the specific artifacts listed in the agreement. 2