By Douglas L. Graham, Barron Park Historian

Party at the Bol Family Home

About 25 or 30 people gathered at the historic Bol family home on Roble Ridge  for a family gathering/reunion on July 13,  2025. At least 14 family members who  attended carry the Bol family name.  Spouses and a scattering of children and  grandchildren accompanied them. The  “children” at the party are  greatgrandchildren of Cornelis and Josina  Bol. The grandchildren are the Bols’ great- great-grandchildren (fifth generation).  They gathered from many places – one  person from her home on Matadero Avenue  in Barron Park, and quite a few  from other Bay Area cities and towns.  Gatherings have been held almost every  year – many in Bol Park – since the first with 15 family members on August 28,  1998.

James Witt Was the Host

The 2025 party was hosted by James Witt  who has owned the Bol property, which  includes the current donkey pasture across  Matadero Creek from the Bol cottage, since  1998. The party was held outdoors near the  Bol cottage, on the side where the land  starts to slope down to Matadero Creek. It  was a warm Sunday afternoon with bright  sunshine and an occasional light breeze. The program was simple: Nibble on snacks  from a generous buffet, meet the cousins you don’t get to see very often.