Author to speak on how Sarah Winchester used land around Mystery House

"When the Winchester Mystery House celebrated its 100th anniversary two years ago, Robin Chapman was one of several historians asked to speak to mark the centennial. Intrigued by what Sarah Winchester had done with the acreage surrounding the mansion, Chapman embarked on a research project. She will share her findings in A Winchester Mystery in the Valley of Heart's Delight, on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 5:30-7 p.m., at the Los Altos History Museum"

"Sarah was very wise in her use of the land as an investment, and a wise steward of the Winchester fortune, Chapman said in a release. The original property had about 40 acres, and she acquired more and more over the years. What she did with that land is the story I will tell. Chapman is the author of a California history trilogyCalifornia Apricots: The Lost Orchards of Silicon Valley,"

"Imagination Library The Santa Clara County Library District is partnering with the Mountain View Public Library and the Palo Alto City Library, among others, to bring Dolly Parton's Imagination Library to young readers in the county. This worldwide effort mails free, high-quality, age-appropriate, books to children under age 5 every month, with a goal of sparking a lifetime love of reading."

Robin Chapman researched Sarah Winchester's use of acreage surrounding the Winchester Mystery House and will present findings in A Winchester Mystery in the Valley of Heart's Delight on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 5:30–7 p.m. at the Los Altos History Museum. The original property began at about 40 acres and expanded through additional acquisitions. Chapman describes Winchester as a wise steward who used land as an investment. Chapman authored a California history trilogy including California Apricots, Historic Bay Area Visionaries and The Valley of Heart's Delight. Admission is $15; museum members free and advance registration is required. The Santa Clara County Library District is partnering with Mountain View and Palo Alto libraries to bring Dolly Parton's Imagination Library to all county children under age five. The program mails free, high-quality books monthly until a child's fifth birthday, with books arriving about eight to 12 weeks after registration. Families can sign up at sccld.org/imaginationlibrary.

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