The Kohl Mansion (2750 Adeline Drive, Burlingame), one of America’s great private residences, was built between 1912 and 1914 by Charles Fredrick “Freddie” Kohl as a gift to his dear wife, Bessie.  The mansion was located on a majestic forty acre estate in the beautiful oak-covered rolling hills of the San Francisco Peninsula in the then fledgling town known as Burlingame.  Howard and White, the renowned architectural firm, created this Tudor-style red brick masterpiece complete with a commanding view of the bay.  It served as the centerpiece of the property then known as “The Oaks.”  Befitting the great heritage of this estate, the property also included a carriage house, sunken rose garden, tennis court and its very own 150,000 gallon reservoir.  In 1982 Kohl Mansion was entered into the National Register of Historic Places which lists historically significant sites throughout the United States.  The mansion has also been recognized by The California Historical Society.

The Kohl family hosted the first of many grand parties at the mansion on Christmas day in 1914 as they ushered in the age of opulence.  The mansion also served as the summer getaway for many of San Francisco’s elite.  In the early 1920s the estate was used as a movie set for Little Lord Fauntleroy starring one of the world’s greatest actresses, Mary Pickford.

After Mr. Kohl’s tragic death in 1921, the mansion was sold to the Sisters of Mercy in 1924 for the sum of $230,000.  The Sisters of Mercy used the mansion as a Convent and a Motherhouse until 1931 when they opened Mercy High School for Girls.  A classroom wing was eventually added to accommodate the school.  Additional expansion projects followed and today the sixty-three room Kohl Mansion serves as the heart and soul of Mercy High School, Mercy Center and the Mercy Convent.

Coming Events at Kohl Mansion in 2014!:

Kohl Nights:

• Local Authors’ Book Night,  Tuesday, February 25, 2014  @7pm:

This is your chance to engage with this trio of fabulous local writers who have chronicled many notable events and milestones of the Kohl property. Come meet Liz Dossa, Notable Excitement: 30 years of Music at Kohl Mansion; Joanne Garrison (Author and Burlingame Historical Society board member), Burlingame Centennial 1908-2008; and Kay Johnson, The Kohl Mansion Kaper.

Meet the Kohl Family-Live Historical Improv, Thursday March 27, 2014 @ 7pm:

Come meet the original residents of Kohl Mansion performed by the Burlingame Historical Society’s “Living History Presenters” team (direction under Cathy Foxhoven). You’ll meet Freddie, Bessie and others!

• Historical Kohl Mansion Lecture, Tuesday, April 29, 2014 @7 pm:

Come join Michael Svanevik, Professor Emeritus, College of San Mateo.    Noted historical writer, newspaper columnist, lecturer and author of Burlingame City of Trees.

NOTE:      Registration will open on Monday, February 10, 2014

 Historical docent tours will be available and light refreshments and wine will be served at all Kohl Nights events. A $15.00 donation is requested to help fund Kohl Mansion’s Restoration & Enhancement projects. 100% of the proceeds will go directly into the preservation of this magnificent structure.  The Kohl Mansion is listed in the United States Register of Historic Places # 82002258.

• Register for the events on-line at www.kohlmansion.com

100^th Year Birthday Party on the Green, Sunday, August 3, 2014 @ 1-3 pm:                                                 You’re invited to help blow out the candles and celebrate Kohl’s historical 100^th year birthday!  An afternoon gathering featuring music, mansion tours, a classic car show, a slice of birthday cake, and proclamations presented by our community leaders and public officials. Open to the Public -No registration needed.

10^th Annual Café de Kohl, Monday,December 8, 2014- @ 5-9 pm:                                                                                           Kohl Mansion will be lit up in glorious 1914-style to celebrate! This popular holiday fundraiser will benefit the restoration and enhancement of Kohl Mansion.  Come and enjoy an elegant holiday evening with light supper, holiday spirits and entertainment. holiday-themed boutique shopping and more.  Registration required –Space is limited!

Grand Finale, Sunday, December 14, 2014                                                                                                              Ring in the holidays with this wonderful live music concert. Sure to be a memorable evening of lively music and festivities with Kohl family and friends! Limited space, Registration required-Space is limited!