By Khalida Sarwari
A band of Saratoga residents is coming together to honor local legendary couple Willys and Betty Peck by cementing their legacy in bronze.
The Pecks were chosen for being “critical to the evolution and character of the city,” said Hugh Roberts, chairman of the Willys and Betty Peck Bench Committee, the group that’s spearheading the effort along with the Saratoga Historical Foundation. Members of the committee include Annette Stransky, Joan Bose, Kathleen Shaw and Ray Cousins.
Willys Peck, who died in April 2013, was Saratoga’s very own Jack-of-all-trades, having not only been a town historian but also a lawyer, newsman and playwright during his 89 years. Peck documented his memories of Saratoga in several books and worked to preserve the town’s rich history, according to the committee.
His 94-year-old wife, Betty, was recently recognized by the Saratoga Historical Foundation for her contributions to the Saratoga community as a schoolteacher and published author who spent more than 40 years in education. She’s also credited for founding the Easterbrook Farm School, which now goes by the name Los Gatos-Saratoga Observation Nursery School, and building a community garden in 1971 that was used by thousands of children over the course of 15 years.
Peck continues to hold weekly salons at her home, gathering local artists, writers and educators over a potluck lunch, a tradition she started with her late husband 30 years ago.
Roberts met the couple when he performed in a production of “Romeo and Juliet” (he played Tybalt, Juliet’s cousin) in their backyard in 1955. He’s had it in his mind for years now that Saratoga should give back to the Pecks. One way to do that, said Roberts, is through art.
“Everyone thought it was a great idea because Willys and Betty are really the essence of Saratoga and they have been for decades,” he said. “The idea of creating the city of Saratoga originated in the Pecks’ garden with a group of like-minded individuals, and the Pecks have always embodied the heart and spirit of Saratoga.”
The Saratoga Historical Foundation is sponsoring the creation of life-size bronze figures of the Pecks sitting on their “Count Your Blessings” bench, with room for people to sit next to them. The city of Saratoga has tentatively agreed to provide the bench, Roberts said. Jerry Smith, the sculptor behind works at the Saratoga Foothill Club, Bellarmine College Preparatory and Santa Clara University, has agreed to render the statues using the “lost wax” process, according to Roberts. Smith also happens to be a former Saratoga mayor, state senator and an appellate judge.
While the exact location for the statues hasn’t been determined yet, two spots are under consideration: Blaney Plaza and in front of the Saratoga History Museum. If all goes according to plan, the statues should be installed by next year.
The statues will cost about $70,000, according to Roberts, a cost that his committee is seeking to cover through fundraising and private donations. Contributions are tax-deductible and can be sent to Saratoga Historical Foundation, ATTN Peck Bench, P.O. Box 172, Saratoga, CA 95071.
Donors who give more than $250 will receive a copy of Willys Peck’s book, “Saratoga Stereopticon,” autographed by Betty Peck.
