The History of Hayes Mansion

A GILDED AGE LEGACY

Built by the influential Hayes family in 1903, the Hayes Mansion was once the social and political hub of San Jose. The stunning mansion, now a member of the Historic Hotels of America, was originally designed as a 41,000 square-foot family residence. With sprawling grounds and 64 rooms, the estate featured new technological marvels for its time, including a power plant, post office, and chapel. Upon completion in 1905, the estate was home to the prominent Hayes brothers, who were central figures in state and national politics, publishers in the local newspaper industry, and leaders in establishing the Santa Clara Valley as a titan of the fruit industry.

    Guided History Tours

    Experience the history of Hayes Mansion up close on a Guided History Tour. Led by the descendants of the Hayes family, wander through the captivating rooms and parlors, explore the heart of the home in the historic kitchen, and discover the enduring legacy of the Hayes family in shaping San Jose's story. All proceeds from the tours go towards the Preservation Action Council of San Jose.

    Reserve a Tour

      Mary Hayes Chynoweth

      Mary Hayes Chynoweth was the extraordinary matriarch of the Hayes family. As a famed spiritualist and healer in Wisconsin, she was renowned for her ability to heal incurable patients. She eventually used her gifts to guide her family into establishing iron ore mines along the Montreal River, making them incredibly wealthy. 

      In 1887, her family relocated to San Jose, California, where they established the Edenvale Mansion in 1891, a Queen Anne Victorian with more than fifty rooms. Unfortunately, in 1899, this mansion burned to the ground, inspiring her to construct the fireproof Hayes Mansion, which still stands today. Mary passed away in July of 1905, just months before the completion of the Hayes Mansion.  

        Jay & Everis Hayes

        Both Jay and Everis obtained their law degrees in Wisconsin, but left the legal trade to manage the family enterprises. They purchased the San Jose Herald in 1900, the San Jose Mercury in 1901, and The Evening News in 1942, as a means of supporting good government during a time when corruption was rampant. These newspapers eventually became the San Jose Mercury News.

        In addition to their newspaper enterprise, Everis was a seven-term member of the House of Representatives. Jay was also involved in state politics and was one of the founders of the California Dried Fruit Association during the time when the Santa Clara Valley was known worldwide as a dried fruit producer.

          The Grand Estate

          The Hayes family owned nearly 700 acres of land adjoining the Mansion, much of which was planted as fruit orchards, with the rest for general farming to support the family and staff. Almost everything that the family ate was grown here.

          Edenvale Garden Park, was originally an extensively landscaped garden for the Hayes family, with exotic plants and paths winding through it. In 1954, the Hayes family sold the property, including the Mansion and the park. The park became the Frontier Village amusement park from 1960 to 1980. 

          The City of San Jose purchased the Mansion and the remaining 6.2 acres of land around it in 1985. The Mansion was converted into a conference center that opened in 1994 with the addition of a dining room and large meeting room. Additions in 1996 and 2002 provided a total of 214 guest rooms and suites and 33,000 square feet of event space.