Legacy Project
The City of Fircrest is proud to commemorate 100 years of incorporation by honoring our rich history and vibrant community spirit. As part of the celebration, we’re unveiling a unique historical timeline art installation highlighting Fircrest’s first century.
Step into the past as you walk through the Roy H. Murphy Community Center. Along the long wall opposite the reception desk, you’ll discover a dynamic visual display showcasing key moments, dates, and images that tell the story of Fircrest—through photographs, artwork, and memorable milestones.
Stay tuned to this page for updates on the project’s progress and unveiling details!
Fircrest History
On October 31, 1906, a group of San Francisco financiers incorporated the Narrows Land Company and purchased the plat for Regents Park, marking the beginning of a new community development project. Their vision was to create a carefully planned, park-like community, with special attention to layout and amenities.
Major Edward J. Bowes, the project’s promoter, played a key role in attracting residents, offering tours of the area in a carriage drawn by his white horses, “Merry” and “Christmas.” These tours helped potential buyers envision life in Regents Park.
By 1910, the layout of Regents Park was nearly complete. The community featured Spring Lake, a zoo with monkeys, parrots, and a kangaroo, and the iconic Fircrest Lions at the entrance. The lions, however, were later removed due to weather-related damage. The 1910s also saw the completion of the first home in Fircrest, the Thompson House, located at 363 Del Monte. The Thompson family, part of the Sears Roebuck fortune, was instrumental in financing the development.
In 1912, the Fircrest Methodist Church was built by J.A. Mason. This church also served as Fircrest’s first City Hall and council chambers, marking an important step in the formation of the town’s governance. As more homes were constructed, so too were the Fircrest Golf Course and Regents Park Elementary School, both completed in 1924. These early developments laid the foundation for the community of Fircrest, shaping its growth and establishing a rich historical legacy that continues to define the community today.
Interested in more Fircrest History? Stay tuned to future issues of Town Topics during our Centennial Celebration Year!