The Fairview Plaza neighborhood was developed by Frank McCullagh in the 1880s and and a small park was incorporated into the design.
The fragrant, white flowering Cherokee Rose, known for its invasive nature, was probably not the best choice for the compact garden. The evergreen climber can reach between 16 and 33 feet in height, scrambling happily over any shrub or small tree in its path.
On this circa 1915 photo post card, the spaniel on the bench in front of the enormous rose is most likely “Rags.”
“Rags” was a friend to everyone in town, especially the children. He would greet them each morning on their way to school and visit them again during recess. He was also famous for escorting prominent citizens to the train station.
According to his obituary in the San Jose Evening News, “Rags” roamed the streets but had once belonged to Mrs. Purviance.
Warren Dorsey Purviance, a grocery salesman, and his wife Jessie, a stenographer in a telephone office, rented a house at 222 Santa Cruz Avenue.
Source: Hooked on Los Gatos, the Library and Museum History Project
http://www.losgatosca.gov/index.aspx?NID=902