John D. (Johnny) Marchant was interviewed by Annie Lupardus on March 23, 2025. He is one of two adopted sons of Jack and Esther Marchant. His brother Donny was three months older, and the two of them shared many experiences together as they grew up and attended local schools. Their family first lived in a house on McGraw Lane, then later moved to Meadowlark Court off Black Hawk Road, two of the several thousand homes built by Jack Marchant in Lafayette–including in Burton Valley, Silver Springs, and Silver Dell–as well as in the surrounding communities. Johnny attended the California College of Arts and Crafts and is a noted local artist. His father, Jack Marchant, who was a member of the first city council elected in newly-incorporated Lafayette in 1968 and was also one of the founders of Lafayette Savings and Loan, recorded his own oral history interview with the Historical Society.
I am the only survivor of Lafayette’s first City Council. It was a privilege to serve with Jack Marchant during his two-year term (1968-1970). He was a thoughtful, wise man of impeccable integrity and a delightful colleague.
Could you replay the Miler Magrath (Diamond K) interview sometime? That would be great.
Here’s a link…
https://lafayettehistory.org/oral-history-miler-magrath-october-2005/