The Argus from Fremont, California • Page 87

I A 580 All too often as cities grow, their out-of-the-way, historical spots are left to modem imaginations or thoughtless But ooe delightfully quaint site in Dublin still remains and what's more, its renovations, begun last year in full, are still ongoing to make it as lively and useful as when it was built in 1859. SL Raymond's Catholic Church, at San Ramon Road and Shannon Avenue, just off 1-580, is the first -state historical point of interest in the California Landmarks program. It was built to save Uvermore- Amador valley residents from having to travel all the way to Mission San Jose to attend church services. --Wlbe church was used by valley congregations until 861, when a new building was built above San Ramon Boulevard. It's been sadly in need of repair for many years, so members of the Amador-Uvermore Valley Historical Society campaigned to raise 115,000 for refurnishing.

These efforts began in 1967. Since then, with the" help of many parishioners and volunteers from Dublin and vicinity, the historical society has seen to St. Raymond's new plumbing and electrical wiring, painted cleaned rooms and refinishing of original pews. Both interior and exterior renovations, including' reconstruction of the altar, are still going on. In 1973, doting the annual Dublin Spring Festival, parish- loners hoisted the original bell into the church tower amidst much cheering and The wooden church, is the oldest in Northern California, Is a'historical exhibit in itself, and is well worth the half hour it takes to browse around.

The churchyard cemetery is where rescuers of the Don- A quiet cemetery, a historical church. A pleasant drive just of 1-580 i By Carolyn Hobbs Highway 580 can be a long stretch of freeway for those sU buffs heading up to the mountains for the weekend, or taking "a holiday or business jaunt down 1-5 to LA. Others travel it mom- ing and evening five days a week to commute to work and back. But what's beyond those rolling hills on each side besides grazing sheep and cows and horses? If you havent made plans for this afternoon yet, let's find out With those recent rains, it's rapidly becoming the best time of year to check out the Attamcnt Pass area, before the hot days of summer bum those rolling hills toa crisp brawn. And those signs of spring have shown their faces earlier than usual this year, with the spring blossoms and wildflowers popping up all over the rolling hills, avoiding the wandering steps of sheep and cattle as they grow.

But be ye forewarned. This diversion from modem-day routines will leave behind such conveniences as supermarkets and restaurants and gas stations. So make sure the tank's at least half full, the picnic basket's packed with sandwiches and chips and all the beer or pop you can drink, and you bring plenty of Kleenex for any emergencies. And it's always good to have a. blanket thrown-in the trunk to keep the grass states away when you sit down to ingest and imbibe on a country hillside.

So head, the family rambler east, young man, and settle into the seat for a lazy afternoon drive along narrow country roads. Hang a left off 580 at the Altamont Pass Road exit and keep a light foot on that gas pedal for this is one day you dont have to dash past that sweeping countryside to' reach work or the slopes on schedule. It's' time to see the old windmills and ranches and one-horse towns that have neighborly shared those grassy slopes long before 580 came along. Dont blink the first mile or you'll miss the small township of Greenville which rests- between the suburban freeway and old trusty Altamont Pass Road. Follow 4 miles of winding road between pasturelands and you'll find yourself dead center in the middle of Altamont.

It's immediately obvious' to the naked eye that this quaint.commu- nity has seen more prosperous days, for all that remains are a few dilapidated houses, and the skeleton of an historic one-room Another four miles and the rolling countryside is interrupted one more time, this time by an old trailer park and cabins. Yes, another town. This one's' called Mountain House, and a significant spot on the map for this Sunday traveler. For it's time to turn right onto Grant Line Road to discover new country vistas. That stream running under the road is the Delta Mendota Canal, a manmade aqueduct supplying water year round to the nearby San Joaquin Valley.

Ail along this two and a half mile stretch, Spanish style homes begin appearing on both sides of the road to blend with the'now fiat grasslands and grazing animals and rusted windmills. Make another right, this time onto. Patterson Pass Road, to view more modem ranches and, a couple miles along, once again pass the canal No, you're largerstream'up'ahead is the California Aqueduct, which begins a few miles north at Clifton Court Forefaay and winds all the way down to Southern California to supply millions of gallons of irrigation fuel for fields. Pass' under- the 580-overpass and start 'climbing. Altamont hills again as you turn right onto'Midway Road,) and you quickly come upon-the minute town of Midway.

It, too, has seen more vibrant days, but the few remaining residents appear happy with their quiet rural ways. Of course, down the road a piece it's far from quiet spring through fall on Sunday'afternoons when the Altamont Speedway kicks up the dust with its all-day races. But rest assured the season's yet to begin, so no revving engine is going to disrupt this tranquil trip through pastoraldom. At least not for a few more miles, until you'approach 580 again and the signs of dusk or a rumbling stomach tell you it's time to return to freeway driving and head home. So it's farewell to quiet country solitude and grazing sheep and cows and narrow windy roads--until next time.

18 $figttfde Sunday, March 2,1975.