History

U.S. Senator Charles N. Felton (1832-1914)

Felton Gables is located on the former estate of U.S. Senator Charles N. Felton, who built his mansion and gardens here in 1870. Felton was one of five initial trustees commissioned by the California state governor in 1874 at the incorporation of Menlo Park. Felton came to California from his home state of New York in 1849, during the Gold Rush.

Felton built his fortune in banking before launching his political career in 1878 with election to the state assembly. In 1891, having served two terms as a U.S. Representative, he won election to the U.S. Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the death of George Hearst. Felton and his wife Charlotte enjoyed entertaining and hosted many luminaries of the day. According to a colorful account of Felton published in 1928:

It was here that the late Senator C. N. Felton spent happy days in entertaining the prominent personages of this country and the crowned heads of Europe...He delighted in sauntering among the towering oaks that dotted the landscape in profusion, and walking along the beds of lilies, admiring the roses of every color and hue.

The account goes on to describe visits here in the 1870’s and 1880’s by former U.S. President Harrison, Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, King Edward of England (then Prince of Wales), and other dignitaries.

Following his death, during the 1930s and 1940s, Senator Felton’s private estate was subdivided, developed into 113 homes of varying architectural styles, and named Felton Gables. Beyond the name, the legacy of Charles Felton lives on in the gardens and greenery throughout the neighborhood. In the words of one local real estate firm, “Narrow, winding streets lined with majestic, oak, maple and magnolia trees give this delightful vicinity a cozy charm.”

For more on local history visit the city of Menlo Park History page.