Independence Day Celebration Returns to Meek Estate Park

Meek Mansion is located at 17365 Boston Road, Hayward, CA 94541.

Following a two year hiatus, the Hayward Area Historical Society is happy to announce the return of its Independence Day Celebration at Meek Estate Park. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, July 2 from 10 am to 2 pm, and will feature crafts, live music from the Blues Bottle Band, community information and resources, self-guided tours of Meek Mansion, and fun and games for the whole family. The near annual event has taken place almost every year since 2009.

Originally, Meek Estate Park was the last remaining parcel of property that once belonged to horticulturalist William Meek. His vast land holdings made up most of what we know as Cherryland today, and Meek was responsible for making commercial agriculture prosperous in the Hayward area. Later, his son Horry, continued the legacy of investing in the local community and was instrumental in bringing Hunt Brothers Cannery to Hayward.

Their home, which still stands in the park, was built in 1869. Three generations of Meeks lived in the Italianate style house until it was sold to Dr. Milton Ream and his family in 1940. Recently repainted and furnished to better reflect the era in which the Meeks lived there, Meek Mansion remains a shining landmark of Cherryland.

The Hayward Area Historical Society, established in 1956, operates out of the HAHS Museum of History and Culture at 22380 Foothill Boulevard in Hayward. They also manage McConaghy House and Meek Mansion. For more information, please visit www.haywardareahistory.org. Meek Mansion is located at 17365 Boston Road, Hayward, CA 94541.