Historical E-bike Tours in Palo Alto
Explore Stanford's history and the mystery of Jane Stanford.
Discover Who Killed Jane Stanford Bike Tour
'Haunted Ground' Pair of Tablets
'Haunted Ground' Pair of Tablets
'Haunted Ground' Pair of Tablets
The mystery of 'Who Killed Jane Stanford' is a riveting tale that revolves around Jane Stanford's complex character. The solution to the who-done-it is mundane and even predictable, but also epic.
The plot is filled with human shortcomings, but an overarching theme is the immense contributions the characters made to humanity. A fitting epitaph is 'Forever Grateful'.
Thirty foot high 'Faith' Statue
'Haunted Ground' Pair of Tablets
'Haunted Ground' Pair of Tablets
Central to the plot is Jane's growing sense of grief, plus her growing desire to morally uplift the students at her fledgling university- particularly the male undergraduates who were surrogates for her deceased son.
A background theme is her spiritual evolution from Protestantism to Catholicism- which in her era was exceptional. In 1850 only 5% of the U.S. population was Catholic.
Awe Inspiring Memorial Church
'Haunted Ground' Pair of Tablets
Awe Inspiring Memorial Church
Jane's religious views also included a fervent belief in Spiritualism, which assumes a continuum between earthly and eternal existence. Jane believed that if she could find the right 'key', she could commune with 1. her lost son, 2. her lost husband, and 3. her lost brother.
Her secretary, Bertha Bernard, was her alter ego in that endeavor.
About Who Killed Jane Stanford Bike Tour
Mansions of the 'Big Four' atop San Francisco
The e-bike tour starts and ends at the Stanford Museum. It includes several dozen short stops at sites that help provide clues to solve the mystery.
(Note: The Stanford Mansion is on the far left of the photo. The grandiose mansion in the foreground belonged to two other heroes of the story.)
'Happy Year' birthday gift for Leland Jr.-8
The tour is 90 minutes long. It begins with a brief visit to the vast Palo Alto Spring painting (Thomas Hill) by the entrance to the museum. It ends at Tootsie's Cafe above the south lawn of the Museum. (Tootsie was the Stanfords' dog.)
Leland Jr's 'Museum Room' on (s)Nob Hill
The tour includes a bonus double-feature: the amazing history of 'Jane's Other Obsession'- namely: "a hospital or medical school must never be allowed on campus"!
(Note: The name 'Nob Hill' was derived from the Pakistani word ''Nawob/Nabob' - (rich prince), or in San Fransciscan slang, simply '(snob).
Jane's Hero- Pioneer Priest Junipero Serra
The subsequent 'impossible history' tour of the development of healthcare and a medical school at Stanford includes stops that illustrate the related history of healthcare in Palo Alto.
(Note: Jane commissioned, then gifted, the 'Junipero Serra stone sculpture to the City of Monterey in 1891-the year the university opened.)
The Oval, the Arch, and the Church in 1900
The tour is currently in a beta development phase and only a couple ebikes are available for participants. At this time all participants will need to bring their own e-bikes. Helmets are mandatory.
(Note: the photo was taken from the rooftop of the Stanford Museurm. The landscape/architectural design goal of Leleand Sr. wast that a newcomer arriving via Palm Drive would be overwhelmed by the EMINSITY of the Stanford U. project.)
The colossal hundred foot high Arch
The e-bike tour is in no way affiliated with Stanford University. Participants will be asked to sign a waiver stating they understand this.
(Note: The architectural landscaping of Stanford U. was a collaboration between Leleand Sr. & Fredirick Law Olmstead- who designed Central Park in Manhattan.
The 'collaboration' ended up a battle. Olmstead invisioned a 'Learning Center embracing, and in harmony with. naturel" - such as nearby 'Foothill College' later became.
Olmstead ultimately said of Lealand Sr's. vision..." There is not any word half big enough for his ideas of what it is to be,"
Relief sculpture in 'The Progress of Civilization'-Jane and Leland Sr. on the front facade.
A spoiler about the tour is that the solution to the mystery is not given. The goal of the tour is to provide enough clues so the answer becomes self-evident to participants.
(The relief sculptures were so high above observers the original carvings weren't deep enough to be visually effective. The sulptures were recarved at great expense-the project took four years!)
Leland Sr. Memorial Church
The e-bike tour is based on the excellent book 'Who Killed Jane Stanford' by Stanford Professor-Emeritus Richard White.
(The church is adorned with granite inscriptions of 28 of Jane's favorite spiritual quotes, The two paramont quotes are beneath the pulpit. The second reads: " It is by suffering that God has most nearly approached to man; it is by suffering that man draws most nearly to God."
A Museum to rival the Smithsonian
A long-term goal for the tour is that it be given away to an organization(s) such as the new Palo Alto History Museum or the Stanford Visitor Outreach Program for further development.
(The current, imposing, museum is significantly smaller than the museum was before the 1906 earthquake!)
Amended 'Faith'-centric Oval in 1905
An important disclaimer about the tour is that it doesn't claim to attain the rigourous accuracy of scholarly historical research. It is a work in progress and there are likely some historical errors in the story.
(An intriguing aspect of 'Faith' , which Jane intended to be the Central Image of the university, is how the visceral reactions of Protestants and Catholics to the sculpture differ. In general, Protestants find 'Faith' daunting, whereas Catholics find her calming and reassuring.)
'Angel of Grief'--Jane's 'strike three' of sorrows
...But on the other hand, Stanford U. covered up the fact that Jane was murdered for 100 years. So some minor historical shortcomings can hopefully be tolereated until they are corrected.
(The 1906 earthquake was catastophic for Stanford U.-which included collapse of the 'Angel of Grief' coppola. Fortunately, many of the core academic buildings survived because they had been 'earthquake proofed' by architects Leland Sr. had employed. Leland Sr. had an uncanny ability to glean good advice from experts.)
Metatron- Voyager between here and eternity
Fortunately, one of the best ways inaccuracies in the tour are being corrected is by tour participants. Time and again, the story line has been rectified or enhanced by visitor input. Hats off to the Palo Altoans- 'A community like no other'!.
(In Judeo-Christian theology there are two individuals who progressed directlly from earthly existence to heaven- the propeht Elijah, and Enoch- also known as Metatron.)
'Follow the Money'- Jane wielded near absolute control over the Stanford financial Empire-including the university.
The crux of the 'Who-done-it' question is: 'Why was the first poisoned-drink attempt on Jane's life so crude, but the second attempt so professional?'
Sorry, but for the answer you'll need to come on the tour.
(Imaginge working for 66 cents per day!)
Final Version of Jane's will
Following Jane's death, the motive, means, and opportunity for covering up the criime are all straightforward. None of the leaders of Stanford U. saw any merit in linking the university to a sordid scandal. Even more important- the control of the Stanford fortune could have been jeopardized in the event of an 'unnatural' death.
(Interestingly, the 'brain' behind 'Attempt No. 2 promptly vanished from all California records after Jane's demise!')
Stanford Coed basketball victory over Cal-1896
In a spirit of gratitude for all Jane contributed to Stanford and California, there is perhaps a 21st Century way to express thanks.... by 'Bringing 'Faith' back to Stanford'- to stand adjacent to Jane's final resting place at the mausoleum.
(.Note: ...but 'Faith' alone...minus her 28 foot high pedestal.)
Palo Alto Pharmacy on High Street-a source of pure strychnine
...and a fitting secondary project might be to bring Jane's 'Junipero Serra' statue 'home' to the Stanford Mausoleum circular biking and walking path.
(Unfortunately, after 100 years atop the hill overlooking Monterey Bay, vandals hammered the head off the statue 15 years ago. Fortunately, granite is repairable.)
Ground Zero- 'Haunted Ground' tablets from inside Jane's private mausoleum
At Who Killed Jane Stanford Bike Tour, our mission is to provide our customers with an unforgettable sightseeing experience. We believe that travel is a way of life, and we are dedicated to helping our customers discover new places, cultures, and traditions. Our goal is to create memories that will last a lifetime.
After the earthquake- 30 year old toy train-tracks
We offer a wide range of sightseeing tours that cater to different interests and preferences. From historical landmarks to culinary delights, we have something for everyone. All of our tours are led by expert guides who are passionate about their craft and are committed to providing our customers with an authentic and engaging experience.
Harvard Law School- Male-only until 1950
We offer a wide range of sightseeing tours that cater to different interests and preferences. From historical landmarks to culinary delights, we have something for everyone. All of our tours are led by expert guides who are passionate about their craft and are committed to providing our customers with an authentic and engaging experience.
George Crothers- Jane's 'other' son
We offer a wide range of sightseeing tours that cater to different interests and preferences. From historical landmarks to culinary delights, we have something for everyone. All of our tours are led by expert guides who are passionate about their craft and are committed to providing our customers with an authentic and engaging experience.
David Starr Jordan- Scientist
We offer a wide range of sightseeing tours that cater to different interests and preferences. From historical landmarks to culinary delights, we have something for everyone. All of our tours are led by expert guides who are passionate about their craft and are committed to providing our customers with an authentic and engaging experience.
John Montgomery- Super-scientist
At Who Killed Jane Stanford Bike Tour, we believe in responsible tourism. We are committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and supporting local communities. We also believe in diversity, equality, and inclusion, and welcome customers from all walks of life. Our aim is to create a positive impact, both locally and globally.
Controlled Flight 20 years before Kitty Hawk
At Who Killed Jane Stanford Bike Tour, our mission is to provide our customers with an unforgettable sightseeing experience. We believe that travel is a way of life, and we are dedicated to helping our customers discover new places, cultures, and traditions. Our goal is to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Santa Clara University's Mission-Chapel-1900
At Who Killed Jane Stanford Bike Tour, our mission is to provide our customers with an unforgettable sightseeing experience. We believe that travel is a way of life, and we are dedicated to helping our customers discover new places, cultures, and traditions. Our goal is to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Credits
-The 'Seance' photo in the initial slideshow is from the movie 'Dr. Mabuse the Gambler' by Fritz Lang.
-The pair of figures in the slideshow are Stanford U's first president David Starr Jordan-left, and his hero Starr King-right.
(Starr King led the heroic effort to prevent California from entering the Union as a 'Slave State'.)
-The house behind Jane's personal assistant, Bertha Berner, is the family's Palo Alto mansion- which is at the heart of the Stanford U. story.
-A special thanks to 'Great Grandma Whiteside'- Class of 1915-Phi Beta Cappa- "The best four years of my life".
'Bringing 'Faith' back to Stanford?'
'Faith' at the Mausoleum
(For the last 100+ years 'Faith' has 'overseen' the entrance to Alta Mesa cemitery in Los Altos.)
The 'Impossible' History of Medicine at Stanford
Arnautoff Fresco
Arnautoff Fresco
Arnautoff Fresco
At Who Killed Jane Stanford Bike Tour, we started our business with a passion for exploring new places and sharing those experiences with others. We believe that traveling is not just about seeing new sights, but about creating lasting memories.
Louis Pasteur
Arnautoff Fresco
Arnautoff Fresco
We offer a variety of tours that cater to different interests and preferences. Whether you're interested in history, culture, or nature, we have a tour that's perfect for you. Our tour guides are knowledgeable and passionate about what they do, and they'll make sure you have a great time.
Ray Lyman Wilber
Arnautoff Fresco
Ray Lyman Wilber
At Who Killed Jane Stanford Bike Tour, we're committed to providing the best possible experience for our customers. We strive to be environmentally responsible, socially conscious, and culturally respectful. We want to leave a positive impact on the places we visit and the people we meet.
Children's Convalescent Home
Dr. Kaplan's Linear Accelerator
Dr. Kaplan's Linear Accelerator
We offer a wide variety of sightseeing tours that cater to different interests and preferences. From walking tours to bike tours, from food tours to cultural tours, we have something for everyone. All of our tours are led by local guides who are experts in their field and are passionate about sharing their knowledge with our customers.
Dr. Kaplan's Linear Accelerator
Dr. Kaplan's Linear Accelerator
Dr. Kaplan's Linear Accelerator
At Who Killed Jane Stanford Bike Tour, we are a team of passionate travel enthusiasts who want to provide our customers with unique and unforgettable sightseeing experiences. Our journey began in 2015 when our founder, Jane Doe, decided to turn her love for travel into a business. Since then, we have been committed to creating personalized tours that showcase the best of each destination.
Hewlett Packard Medical Tools
Dr. Kaplan's Linear Accelerator
Hewlett Packard Medical Tools
We offer a wide variety of sightseeing tours that cater to different interests and preferences. From walking tours to bike tours, from food tours to cultural tours, we have something for everyone. All of our tours are led by local guides who are experts in their field and are passionate about sharing their knowledge with our customers.
Lucile Packard's Dream
For the Children of California
Hewlett Packard Medical Tools
We offer a wide variety of sightseeing tours that cater to different interests and preferences. From walking tours to bike tours, from food tours to cultural tours, we have something for everyone. All of our tours are led by local guides who are experts in their field and are passionate about sharing their knowledge with our customers.
500-P Grand Opening
For the Children of California
For the Children of California
At Who Killed Jane Stanford Bike Tour, we believe in sustainable tourism. We are committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and supporting local businesses and communities. We also believe in diversity, equality, and inclusion, and welcome customers from all backgrounds. Our aim is to create a positive impact, both for our customers and for the destinations we visit.
For the Children of California
For the Children of California
For the Children of California
At Who Killed Jane Stanford Bike Tour, we believe in sustainable tourism. We are committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and supporting local businesses and communities. We also believe in diversity, equality, and inclusion, and welcome customers from all backgrounds. Our aim is to create a positive impact, both for our customers and for the destinations we visit.