Nov 25, 2007

Ralston Hall hosts first preservation benefit

By Adria Murray / Society Columnist

In the grand tradition of elegant parties historically held at the mansion, Belmont's Ralston Hall invited guests to raise their champagne glasses (and mashed potato martinis) to toast the first "Home for the Holidays" preservation benefit hosted by the Friends of Ralston Hall on Nov. 18.

The mansion, with its expanses of windows, mirrored ballroom and crystal chandeliers, sparkled twice as bright that afternoon dressed in festive garlands and wreaths for the holiday luncheon and shopping boutique.

More than 225 guests were greeted by new and old world delights, including a performance of traditional Christmas carols by Notre Dame de Namur University singing group Les Chanteurs, opera length gowns (from Papers & Petals Bridal) modeled informally by event organizers, and a "mashed potato bar" featuring martini glass servings of spuds sprinkled with bacon bits, olives and butter.

Ralston Hall, originally owned by silver baron and financier William C. Ralston, was the "Silver King's" summer home built with an eye to entertaining in mind. The first floor of the home features a grand ballroom, an "opera box"-styled gallery and foyer with a grand staircase, formal dining room, a salon and several parlors.

"Ralston created the mansion as a place to entertain people and to show off the West Coast to visitors," said volunteer curator Dr. Mary Ellen Boyling, of the 140-year-old home.

"I was 6-years-old when I first came here, and I felt like Cinderella," said Maureen Freschet, executive director for Community Relations and Conference & Event Services for Notre Dame de Namur University. Freschet's grandmother was attending a tea at the mansion and Freschet hid in the front doorway until her mother invited her to come in and take a look. "I never thought I would be working here," Freschet said.

Many benefit guests had long histories with the mansion. Illustration artist Lois White, who illustrated the façade of Ralston Hall featured on the event invitation, said she attended high school at Notre Dame de Namur, earned her teaching credential at the university, got married at Ralston Hall, and has returned to the university to receive her master's in creative writing.

"I drew the mansion for my wedding invitation," White said, but when the venue's event coordinators saw the drawing, they asked to borrow the image for their own invitation.

Event co-chairwomen Denise Winkelstein and Karen Boquist were pleased with the turn out for this first-time event, which they anticipate raised $5,000 for the restoration and "light reproduction" of broken etched glass panels.

Adria Murray's society column appears every Sunday in the Daily News. Send event information to 324 High St., Palo Alto, CA 94301, or e-mail amurray@dailynewsgroup.com or call 650-327-9090, ext. 328.