Celebrate Independence Day with the Hayward Area Historical Society on July 1 at Meek Estate Park between 10 am and 2pm. This year’s event features historic games and crafts, live music from the Blues Bottle Band, community information and resources, local artists and artisans, and self-guided tours of Meek Mansion. The Cherryland Community Association will have food available for purchase as well. 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 is known 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 Meek Family 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.