Belmont's Happy Hydrants....The Memories Live On

Last September, Patch users sent in their stories and fondest memories of painting Belmont's "Happy Hydrants" during  our Belmont's Golden Anniversary, which also coincided with our nation's bicentennial celebration (1974-76). 

And just today, a Patch user commented that her grandmother, now deceased, was the creator of the "Paul Revere" hydrant located on Hallmark Drive in the Belmont Heights neighborhood:

Alsn Elt wrote: "Elise Helen Elliott, my grandmother, was the painter of the Patriot Happy Hydrants. I believe Paul Revere was her favorite accomplishment, as a photo of it was hung on her wall. I'm a year late in responding- but I thought it should be mentioned. She passed away 15 years ago in Denver, Colorado, but many of her naive, child-like images remain on this earth, dotted across the country. She would be so happy to know her art is remembered even if it no longer stands."

According to Belmont historian Denny Lawhern, there are binders in the Belmont History Room (located in the Manor Building in Twin Pines Park), that chronicle the activities surrounding the creation of the painted hydrants.

"Jim McLaughlin and Chon Gutierrez were co.chair of our Belmont group . It was Chon Gueierrez idea to paint the Happy Hydrants of Belmont for our Bicentennial and he was chairman of the Hydrants Projects and painted the first hydrant at the corner of Ralston and Old County Road in September 1974," said Denny in a comment on the article. 

For more information on Belmont's "Happy Hydrants" contact Denny at 650- 533-9349, or stop by the Belmont History Room. 

Did you, or someone you know, paint a "Happy Hydrant"? Tell us about it in the comments below.