Fremont’s Historic Patterson House Hits Jackpot with $50,000 Appraisal at Antiques Roadshow

The City of Fremont’s Ardenwood Historic Farm, more commonly known as “The Patterson House,” has announced that a painting found in its attic was appraised for between $45,000 and $50,000 at the “Antiques Roadshow” held in Santa Clara earlier this month.

Although thousands of people applied, tickets to the Roadshow were given out by lottery system. “This is a true tale of discovering hidden treasure,” said Patterson House Manager Christie Dentry. “The painting was found tucked back in the attic of The Patterson House, covered with a simple white sheet. We had no idea of its value until we did a little research. What’s even more exciting is that The Patterson House will be one of the only West Coast institutions to have the honor of displaying a John Koch painting.”

The artist, John Koch, known most for his portrayals of New York social life, is believed to have been commissioned to paint the piece. Through research and various archival photographs, The Patterson House’s staff believe the portrait to be of May Morgan, the sister of Sarah Patterson who lived in Patterson House with her husband, Henry, and their three daughters.

Although an exact date cannot be pinpointed, it is believed that Koch painted the work in his hometown of Ann Arbor, Michigan, before attending formal art school in Paris. The painting’s subject, May Morgan, lived in Ann Arbor during the same time with her husband who worked for the University of Michigan, where coincidently, Koch frequently sat in on art classes.

The painting, as well as the history behind it, will be revealed at the Friday Night @ the Museum Event on July 18 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at The Patterson House. Live music, great food, beer from a local Fremont brewery, and an opportunity to view this great work will be available for $15. Register online atwww.RegeRec.com using barcode 208988. For more information about Patterson House, please visit www.Fremont.gov/PattersonHouse or contact Patterson House Manager Christie Dentry at cdentry@fremont.gov or (510) 791-4196.