Local Landmark Commemorates History

REDLANDS >> From weddings to summer soirees, annual fundraisers to Christmas tree lighting, Kimberly Crest House and Gardens is a beloved landmark in Redlands, California. The house, which dates back to the late 19th century, was most recently owned by Redlands’ “matron queen” Mary Kimberly Shirk. Since her passing in 1979, the Kimberly Crest Estate has been in the hands of the Kimberly-Shirk Association, a non-profit dedicated to preserving her estate for the people of Redlands. The property is also a registered California Historical Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The three-story, French-chateau style home was built by the original owner, Cornelia Hill. Powder rooms, baths, parlors, butler pantries and a billiard room give the 7,000 square foot home a Victorian Era feel. The surrounding gardens, which currently total just over 6 acres, include koi ponds, a wisteria arbor, waterfalls and the “Venus Rising from the Sea” fountain, a popular place to take pictures. Though the estate changed extensively as it passed through different ownership over the years, the essence of what late owner Shirk wanted to preserve remains the same. In 1968, the neighboring Prospect Park faced a fate of mobile home facility development. Shirk, in an effort to help the people of Redlands preserve their park, offered to donate her home upon her death to raise money so the people could keep the land. Upon her passing in 1979, her wish was fulfilled and the Kimberly-Shirk Association was established. The non-profit organization now gives tours, offers programs and activities for those of all ages, hosts fundraisers, houses weddings and more. In the past, Kimberly Crest House and Gardens has hosted numerous events, including the Annual Kimberly Crest Soiree, the Bug Festival and the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting. The Annual Kimberly Crest Soiree, which celebrated its 3rd birthday in 2015, is a garden party to celebrate the end of summer. It's also the Association’s major fundraiser. Every year, live entertainment, auctions, dinner, and dancing provide attendees with an opportunity to not only spend a night under the stars, but also to donate to a good cause. “This is a beautiful evening that I look forward to each year because it celebrates a wonderful cause: the preservation of Mary Kimberly Shirk’s home and the continuance of her generosity,” said Nancy Spencer, chair of the 2015 Kimberly Crest Soiree. Larry Munz, president of the Kimberly-Shirk Association, attributed the success and continued presence of the Association to the people of Redlands after the 2015 Soiree. “It was a fantastic evening where people came together to support the historic house and garden,” Munz said. “Without the support of the community, there would be no Kimberly Crest, and everyone showed their support at the 2015 Soiree.” The 2016 Soiree will be held Aug. 27, and tickets are available now. The Annual Christmas Tree Lighting in December commemorates Shirk, who would light the Magnolia Tree on the front lawn every Christmas season. The tradition is continued every year, with performances by local choirs, holiday refreshments, and the lighting of the tree itself. “I think it’s a wonderful time,” said Tonja Blankenship, executive director of Kimberly Crest House. “Families can come enjoy the property and the holidays with a little bit of history at the same time. We always have Kimberly Elementary come and sing, which is a nice close connection to the family. A special element we incorporated this year is having two people perform hand bells from the First Congregational Church which is the one Mrs. Shirk and her family attended. We try to keep a lot of the connections with the family in continuing the event.” One of the events the estate has hosted in the past has been the Bug Festival, which was sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Redlands. The festival, which was most recently held at Kimberly Crest House in 2014, engaged families in activities such as coloring and painting. They also had the opportunity to listen to animated storytelling from the volunteers, and a chance to participate in a lady bug release. “I wanted to create an event for the children in the community so they could engage with one another and also have a fun time with their families,” said Helene Luley, Bug Festival creator and Kimberly Crest House and Gardens volunteer. “My goal is to make everyone in our community aware of what is going on in our own backyard and participate in events that are presented here at the beautiful grounds of Kimberly Crest.” Tours of the house and grounds are also offered periodically throughout the year. Behind-the-scenes tours will be offered in June and September. Munz will be hosting both tours and will guide tourists through select bedrooms, the third floor, the basement, and the Carriage House of Kimberly Crest House and Gardens. A special deluxe tour will also be offered in July. The regular tour route will be taken and participants will also get a chance to explore private areas of the estate. These are just a few of the opportunities offered to support the Kimberly-Shirk Association in the preservation of the estate. A full list is available on the website. Because the Kimberly-Shirk Association is a non-profit, much of the financial support for the Association comes from donors and friends of Kimberly Crest. When Shirk died in 1979, her legacy lives on not only through Kimberly Crest House and Gardens, but also through the hearts of the people of Redlands. The bells continue to toll through the story of Kimberly Crest House and Gardens, and the support and love the people of Redlands have for their community jewel. Different categories are available to become a donor of the Annual Friend Drive, which provides a significant amount of revenue to the association. Donors to the drive receive a complimentary public tour admission for two, a bi-annual newsletter, and recognition in the end of the year newsletter and an invitation to the Friend Reception, which will be held May 4 in the Kimberly Crest gardens. If interested in renting out the property for weddings or private parties, rental of the venue includes access to and usage of the gardens, a bridal suite, guest restrooms and a venue facilitator, among other amenities. The Kimberly-Shirk Association also offers many chances for volunteers and interns to get involved. College graduates, graduate students, or those who have recently graduated can work in the development, collections, events and programs departments, and develop practical skills learned through specific projects in the professional environment cultured at the estate. If interested, call the office at (909) 792-2111.