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VOLUME 2
JULY-SEPTEMBER
NO. 3
1 956
SANTA
BARBARA
HISTORICAL
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New Light on an Old Legend Song of the Bells,” this year’s Old Spanish Days mu sical extravaganza—wound it’s plot around a favorite bit of early Santa Barbara whimsy, the oft-recounted “lost cannon incident of May, 1848. The historical back ground surrounding “El Canon Perdido” is well known, but not so well known is the following account, told by one who participated in the action. We have our former president, Mr. Francis Price, Sr., to thank for a trans lation of notes dictated in Spanish by Don Jose E. Garcia in 1878, recounting how the “lost cannon” got lost, and his own part in the event. Mr. Price’s translation was made from a photocopy of the original manuscript, which is in the Bancroft Library. It bears the imposing title Episodios Historicos de California—Apuntados como los dicto a E. F. Murray en Sta. Barbara—Don Jose E. 5? Garcia—1878. Mr. Prices’s hitherto unpublished translation follows: I-IISTORICAL EPISODES OF CALIFORNIA Noted as they were dictated to E. F. Murray m Santa Barbara Don Jose E. Garcia 1878 Narrative of Jose E. Garcia, a native of Santa Barbarbara, California, aliout the theft and sequestration of the “Lost Cannon” and the part he look in the “Fiores Revolution.” —Santa Barbara, Cal., March 28, 1878 My name is Jose E. Garcia; 1 was horn in Santa Barbara in 1826 on the 6th of March; my parents were Jose Maria Garcia and Maria Antonia Ayala, liolh residents of this town; my father was born in San Diego, and my mother here in Santa Barbara; my paternal grandfather was Francisco Cano Garcia, born in Cadiz, Spain, and my paternal grandmother was Maria Louisa Ortega, of Real del Rosario, Baja California, and was the daugh ter of Don Josef Ortega, who came with Padre Junipero. My maternal grandparents were Jose Ayala, a native of Real de Alamos, and Juana Feliz, of Real de Casala. My father came here while very young and was raised in the Presidio, where he re sided until his death. THE LOST CANNON The plan to steal the cannon was conceived by Don Jose Antonia de la Guerra, son of Capt. de la Guerra, and Jose Lugo or “Chato.” I was invited by them, as well as my brother named
SOCIETY
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El Canon Perdido
Jose Dolores Garcia. Pacifico Cota also accompanied us. On the niglu llie plan was executed, there came to my house at about ten or eleven at night, Don Jose Antonia de la Guerra and Chato Lugo, and they invited mo and my brother to accompany them. We went to the home of Pacifico Cola, wlto also accompanied us. But I should say that Valentin Cola, father of Pacifico, had originally been invited instead of his son. But that night, being indisposed, Don Valentin told us that his son would go in his place, that it would be the same. We all mounted, I on the rump of Jose Lugo’s horse. When they came to my house, they brought a pair of yolked oxen, which I later learned belonged to Dona Bernarda Ruiz, who had loaned them. We went all together to the beach down the old road, which followed generally the course of State Street today, and arrived near the old wharf at the foot of Chapala Street. The cannon, as T knew, had once been in the headquarters of the company of .American soldiers who at that time occupied the house of Thompson, the one whicii is now known as the San Carlos Hotel, and on that same day, the date of which I do not rememher, or it might have heeii a few days earlier, the cannon had been taken to llie beach for shipping. It was a moonlit night, but quite foggy, and tiic tide was very high. We found the cannon near tlic wharf, lying on the ground, al)out 5 varas above the waterline. As soon as wc arrived, we fastened around the boll or button of the cannon a strong rope, wliich we had brought for tliat purpose. We tied the other end to the oxen’s yoke. It appeared (in the darkness) to be a cannon of some 4 or 5 feet in length and, therefore, I was rather surprised when, some years later they discovered it and it turned out to be 11 feet long, more or less. When the rope was secured, with the oxen moving in the water, we dragged it along the beach so as to leave no trace. The oxen were strong, hut nevertheless it was necessary to rest them twice before reaching the place where we buried it. The plan was to lake it to a small hill, wliich was called “Volunlario,” which was about a half a mile distant from the wharf and also located on the beach. As the oxen could go no further, we drew it out of the water and buried it, excavating the bole with our hands, on the sliorc of llie same beach about 500 or 600 varas distant from the big wliarf. Tlien Pacifico Cota and I went to bring a band of mares of the Noriegas, which we drove back and forth over the place where we had put the cannon to erase the evidence of burial. On finishing this we returned to our homes. On the following day, which was Wednesday or Thursday of Holy Week (if I remember correctly) my brother and I went to Mass at the Mission. Wiiile we were there, Don Francisco de la Guerra called us aside and look us to a room and very seriously told us that the Americans were very angry about the cannon and we should be very careful not to tell anybody about it. To this wc replied that, being well aware of our guilt, we would be very careful never to tell anyone. {Conlinued on Page 4)
PAGE 2
NOTICIAS
aware of the value which lies in retaining some of the best of the “old” things which we have here, and which draw others to our area. Too late we will awaken to the QUARTERLY BULLETIN OF THE SANTA BARBARA HISTORICAL SOCIETY Officers and Directors —1956 President Elbert S. Conner First Vice President . Hugh J. Weldon Second Vice President Charles A. Storke . . Edna Sharpe Recording Secretary. Paul G. Sweetser Corresponding Secretary' Treasurer Margaret Conklin Directors: Dr. Donald C. Davidson, W. Edwin Gledhill, Mrs. Henry Griffiths, Percy C. Heckendorf, Rev. Basil Kelly, O.F.M., Dr. Philip W. Powell, Francis Price, Donald B. Welch. W. Edwin Gledhill . . Mrs. W. Edwin Gledhill Wilberta M. Finley . .
Museum Director . . . Curator . . . . Editor
Thtrc are five classes 0/ membership: Benejaclor $100; Patron $25; Contribuiinz $15; Siistaininz $10; Active $5. Membership dues are tax deductible. MAILING address: OLD MISSION, SANTA BARBARA, CALIF.
Death Knel l for an Old Adobe //
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La Bodega Despite the lime, effort and persuasiveness of interested parties, inspired by tlie leadership of Mr. W. Edwin Gled hill, Director of the Historical Society, the destruction of the near-century old Packard Winery is a certainty. Demolition, scheduled to begin September 24, will clear the way for the erection of unit housing. Warned of the impending sale of the property almost a year ago, Mr. Gledhill began a campaign to interest community leaders, civic groups, and others, in an attempt to find a benefactor who would step forward and prolong the life and use of this outstanding specimen of the early builders in our city. Slate representatives were contacted, all were interested—but red tape and altered values of the property by the new owners, worked against a hope ful result. The steamroller of progress has taken another victim. Noticias carried a letter from Mr. Gledhill in the October 1955 issue, which may bear a second readin D’ now that the fate of the winery has been settled. We wish to extend our sincere appreciation for the interest and support and efforts expended by everyone who has worked for a more happy future for this historic structure, for the seeds of interest which were planted trying to save this adobe, may bear fruit at a later time when some other building valuable to the story of our “pueblo-ciudad days” is threatened with oblivion. Progress and history can walk side by side in the if new residents will take development of a community, ■ an interest in the historical background of the new area into which they move, and if the old-timers will assist in this educational program by placing a proper estimate upon those things which have a definite and distinct place in the history and growth of their community. History books teach us that changes will take place, and must be accepted gracefully, but we must become
fact that the very things which have made our “ciudad” desirable to others are gone. We must not be apathetic and let this happen to our beloved Santa Barbara, as it has to so many other communities in the last few years. Because of the interest of many in preserving “La Bodega” we summarize below some of the background facts surrounding this fine old building. Almost a century ago, perhaps as early as 1857, con struction of “La Bodega” (the winery) was begun. It was built by judge Albert Packard who had come from Rhode Island in 1845 to make his home in California. On his 200 acres which surrounded his beautiful home, “El Recodo” (the corner), he planted magnolia trees, lemons, and “aguacates” (some of which are still stand ing) and set out grapes for making wine. The vineyards stretched high up the hills of the Mesa. Even as late as 1887, when tlie Southern Pacific Railroad came to Santa Barbara, and the steel rails were laid through the vine yards cutting the property into two sections, the produc tion of choice wines and brandies was flourishing. A large percentage of the vintages were shipped to Europe under the name of his hacienda. When the Anaheim disease destroyed the vines, and the industry languished. Judge Packard shut down the winery and the building was used for storage purposes. Shortly after the Civil War Don Albert and his partner, John Erail Goux, imported silk-worms from Japan, planted mulberry trees and experimented with silk-grow ing on the upper floor of the winery. Silk from “La Bodega” made the first United States flag to be flown over the Sacramento State Capitol Building. Mr. Packard, discouraged by the low profit in this enterprise, ceased raising worms for silk, sending only the eggs to the French market, and finally gave up the business of silkculture entirely, sometime in the middle ’70’s. In May of 1922, Cleaves, the florist, bought a portion of the property, planning to use it for a nursery and flower garden, retaining the old winery to be used in this con nection. Residents greeted with pleasure the news that the building was not to be razed. Other adobe structures in this neighborhood had long since disappeared. The winery was still staunch and secure, and the timbers in the roof were as solid as ^v'hen erected. Built of adobe, it had withstood the destructive ravages of time and the elements, until the earthquake of June 29, 1925 opened up some seams in tlie sturdy \\'alls. Lumber for use in the building was brought by sea from the redwood forests of Northern California, dropped into the bay, floated on rafts to shore, then hauled by ox-cart to the building site. La Bodega consisted of three stories, including the basement, which was built of stone. In it ^ve^e kept the enormous casks for storing the wine. The main first floor was of thick adobe blocks, while the upper floor was covered with clapboard siding. Shingles were used for the roof, an innovation in building practices in those years which was introduced by Alpheus Thompson in his first home on State Street, built in 1836, or Captain Trussell’s adobe (now the Hasting’s Adobe) ... also built during the 1850’s. It was Captain Horatio Trussell who supervised and aided with his own hands, in the erection of the winery.
PAGE 3
JULY-SEPTEMBER
Report of the Director Impressive Visitor Totals Here at the Old Mission, where thousands of people come yearly to see this outstanding landmark, many of them visit the exhibit rooms of the Historical Society. We have come to realize that by far the majority of these tourists appreciate what is historic and authentic. It is these vacation treks from Mission to Mission and to land marks and historic exhibitions that are rapidly cultivating an appreciation of the colorful heritage of California. From July 24 to August 29 of this year the Society had 5,428 visitors—1,328 were from 43 states and 140 regis trations were from the following 26 countries: Lo Bodega"—the Pockard Adobe
Losing interest in the property after the loss of his vineyards by disease, and the despoiling of the beauty by the railroads coming, Judge Packard moved to San Francisco, and his family, including seven children, scat tered from Los Angeles to Belgium. W.M.F.
Gifts to the Society The Society is grateful to the many friends and mem bers who have contributed so generously to the growing collection of historic treasures, and to those who have provided additional funds with which to supplement needed equipment. Our new microviewer is serving in creased demands for use of reference material, and the need continues for this type of gift. A larger membership which would reflect a better percentage of the population of our growing community would also enable the Society to expand its services to the many visitors and serious students of history who come to the Society’s head quarters. The following list includes the donors during the period July 1 to September 1, 1956. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph L. Acquistapace Mrs. Richard T. Ambrose Mrs. Nellie Beckley Mrs. Arthur M. Burton Mrs. Orton D. Clark Mr. Edmond D. Coblentz Mrs. E. A. Coffin Miss Theodora L. Coffin Misses Yris and Aurora Covarrubias Mrs. E. L. Davis Mrs. Elliott Evans Mr. Albert Falve Mrs. Maria Antonia Field Mr. and Mrs. George H. Finley Mr. Norman Foerster Mr. and Mrs. James A. Forsyth Mrs. Fred Griffin Mr. Thomas P. Hazzard Mr. John J. Hollister, Jr. Mrs. Charles O’Donnell Lee Miss Anna B. Lincoln
Miss Maria E. Locke Mrs. Mabel G. Mahan Mrs. J. McIntyre Mrs. Lucile H. Merchant Mr. S. L. Merrett Mr. A. S. Miller Mrs. Lawrence More Mr. Dwight Murphy Miss Chris Noble Mrs. Elizabeth Patterson Mrs. Charles Perkins Mrs. David Banks Rogers S.B. Chamber of Commerce S.B. Museum of Natural History Mrs. J. W. Taggert Mr. Robert Wilhelm Teschan Fr. Joseph Thompson, O.F.M. Miss Margaret Thorpe Miss Maria L. Trussell Mrs. Jane H. Wheelwright Mrs. R. H. Wilson Woman’s Relief Corps, Auxiliary to G.A.R., Starr King Post No. 52.
Australia Alaska Bavaria Canada Chili Cuba Columbia Denmark Dominican Republic England Finland France Germany
Hawaii Holland Israel Italy Japan Mexico New Zealand Philippines Porto Rico Scotland Sweden Venezuela Wales
The interest of these visitors in the papers and documents in the present exhibition has been both sur prising and gratifying. The important papers loaned by the Old Mission, through the kindness of Father Maynard Geiger, O.F.M., the Vallejo papers (original letters con cerning the establishment of the State Capitol at Benecia), a gift from Mr. Edmond D. Coblenz; the Alpheus Thom son letters; documents and signatures of the 1849 Con stitutional Convention at Monterey (described in the April-June, 1956 Quarterly) have had interested and studious attention. Spanish-Colonial Exhibit For the Fiesta period this year, the “Mirrors of the Past” Spanish-Colonial exhibit was revived, opening with a well-attended members’ tea on Tuesday afternoon, July 24. Many items never exhibited before were available through the courtesy of members and friends extending loans. They included such rarities as Governor Pio Pico’s music box, a wooden brass-fitted chest used by Don Jose de la Guerra, portraits, Spanish fans, shawls, fine exam ples of Spanish costumes, silver, glassware, silver-mount ed saddles and firearms. A collection of paintings of early sailing vessels, one of which was the brig “Pilgrim,” by Frank A. Thompson, attracted particular interest. Honored guests at this festive event were the Society’s president, Elbert S. Conner, Mrs. Conner, El Presidente of Old Spanish Days Grover Drake, and Mrs. Drake. Window Displays for “Old Spanish Days Your Society is pleased to report that during “Old Spanish Days,” it was called upon to cooperate with vari ous merchants who were desirous of displaying relics of the past in their show windows. Feeling that such in(Continued on Page 5J
PAGE 4
NOTiCIAS n
n
El Canon Perdido
(Continued from Page 1) I believe that no one knew about the cannon except we who had hid it and our families. I do not remember if my family had to pay part of the fine- but I suppose they did since my mother had some property in the town. #4—
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The motive in hiding the cannon was, according to my recollec tions, the desire to have a piece of artillery for our defense in case of an opportunity for a revolt against the Americans, as we had known that in Los Angeles they had hidden a cannon which later was very useful in the engagements they had with the Amer icans at Rancho Dominguez.
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They notified the de la Guerras and it was dug up and taken to their house, in the patio of which it was for some time.
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I did not witness the discovery of the cannon, but those who found it told me that it occurred in this manner: Having gone to the beach to break a colt, they saw the ears of the cannon, which the wind had uncovered and attracted their curiosity, and they investigated, and excavating a little of the sand, they found it was a cannon.
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On the day of the discovery, I went to look and found some peo ple gathered around the cannon. Among them was Don Pablo de la Guerra. He said to those present, “Who can say whether among us is one of those who stole the cannon?” Each looked at the other, and to cover up I left. On parting from the others, Don Pablo, pointing at me with a finger, said> “There he goes.” Later I demanded of Don Pablo why he had disclosed me to the people, and that it could only have a bad outcome, but he assured me that I need not be careful, that no one could do anything to me. I am not sure that others than those named as actors had any part in the plan. I do not positively remember anything after that date. Of the 5 actors who participated only Pacifico Cota and I are
living. State Dept, of the Territory of Califs. Monterey April 30th, 1849
Sir.
I have also informed you that the Governor will order to be paid over to the Town of Santa Bar bara the sum of five hundred dollars and fifty cents, to be expended in the purchase or erection of a suitable building for a jail. This money accrued from a military contribution levied on the Town of Santa Barbara during the war; and it will be paid over to the Syndic as soon as proper evidence is given that a suitable jail has been purchased or erected.
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Here Don Jose’s recollections come to a pause, but the lost cannon” episode was far from ended. It will be remembered that a tax of two dollars a person was levied upon the Barbarenos in punishment for the cannon’s theft. In a letter dated April 30, 1849, to Don Raymundo Carrillo, Alcalde of Santa Barbara, H. W, Halleck, Sec retary of State, offered refund of the fine to Santa Barbara on certain conditions. The original letter is in duplicate, one written in Spanish, one in English (reproduced here with) and may be seen at our Society Headquarters. a
1 am directed by the Governor to inform you that he has approved the election held March 4th for the District of Santa Barbara at which you were elected Alcalde, and certain others Regidores and Syndico. (Treasurer).
a Q.
The cannon was made of brass and would be about 11 or 12 feet long. It had stamped on it the words “Sn. Franco de Paula, Lima.”
A letter was received at this office some time since from Narciso Fabregat claiming remunera tion for a room occupied as Alcaldes office. The Alcalde is the proper person to settle such questions. Very respectfully, Your obedt. Servt.
H. W. Halleck Bvt. Capt. Secty of State Don Raymundo Carrillo Alcalde of Santa Barbara
Return of the five hundred dollars (and fifty cents?) mentioned in Mr. Halleck’s letter was actually made, but no jail was built, and tlie final disposition of the money is unknown. Some tangible reminders of the lost cannon 55 affair are with us in our street names “El Canon Perdido, U Quinientos,” (Five Hundred) and “Mason,” (named for then-governor Colonel R. B. Mason, who levied the fine and later returned it). Indicating how vividly Santa Barbarans of that day remembered the events connected with the lost canon, the first city council, upon Santa Barbara’s incorporation on April 9, 1850, selected as its official city seal a device featuring a canon lying on a wave-washed beach surrounded by hills, encircled with these words: “Vale Quinientos Pesos”—“Worth Five Hun dred Dollars.” This seal was used from 1850 until May 18, 1861, when the State Legislature designated a new
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JULY-SEPTEMBER
Traditionally, the first celebration, for members of the Spanish-American families was established in 1924, at the time of the opening of the newly-built Lobero Theater when “Old Spanish Days was first presented. N.D.G.W. were asked to assist with the historical accuracy of the parade, as well as to honor the descendants of the “first families” with a Fiesta party. This year’s reception, was held August 5, in Restaurante del Paseo. Our original City Seal, used from 1850 to 1861
Report of the Director (Photographed by W. Edwin Gledhill from early documents,
(Continued from Page 3)
and sketched by Wiibcrta M. Finley)
corporation to take over the rights and duties of the “ciudad” of Santa Barbara, and a new seal for official use was adopted. Director Gledhill has been good enough to photograph one of the seals in the possession of the Society, from which the accompanying sketch was made.
in Appreciation Continuous and worthwhile support is rendered on the historical front by many of our local organizations, which are due the appreciation of all who place value in the traditions of our region. Noticias points below to a few examples of this good work.
tegration is of prime importance to the community as well as to visitors to the city, many items of great value and interest were loaned. We appreciate this opportunity to extend our exhibit in this manner, as many were en abled to become better acquainted with Santa Barbara’s early beginnings—particularly those who could not visit our headquarters in the Old Mission. Listed below are the firms who participated in this down-town display: H. T. Bennett Music Co., Roy E. Gamraill’s, Holiday Hardware Co., Michel A. Levy, Inc., Lindy’s Luggage Shop, Ott’s Hardware, Pacific Coast Publishing Co., Red Cross Drug Co., Rogers Furniture Store, White House of Santa Barbara.
In celebration of the day on which California officially became a state, September 9, 1850, Reina del Mar Parlor No. 126, Native Daughters of the Golden West, enter tained members of pioneer families and their descendants from Lompoc, Ojai, Ventura, Goleta and Carpinteria, on September 9, 1956. The annual tea and program was held in the patio of the Covarrubias adobe, arranged by Miss Ellen Hayward, chairman, and Mrs. Henry
Again, in the new school year ahead the Santa Barbara Historical Society invites both the City and County schools to take advantage of class tours to be given by Miss Anna B. Lincoln, assistant curator. The microfilm program, started last year, has en couraged us to further increase our microfilm library of Santa Barbara County records. The microfilm records of the Padrone and pioneer periods have been in constant use in the library by researchers and students.
Griffiths.
In Memoriam
Daughters of the American Colonists carries on a pro gram of marking places of historical interest, in Santa Barbara and Ventura. One of the plaques will be placed soon at the Whittaker adobe, 123 E. Canon Perdido Street. The adobe, restored by Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Whittaker, was once a part of the Royal Presidio, estab lished April 21, 1782, having been used as a military post for 70 or more years. Flags of three nations, Spain, Mexico, and the United States, have flown over the build ing, now the home of the owners. Tierra de Oro Parlor No. 304, Native Daughters of the Golden West will present a plaque commemorating the establishment and location of the first Protestant church in Santa Barbara, such presentation to be made to the First Congregational Church on October 21, 1956. Mrs. Rudolf Ziesenhenne is president of the Tierra de Oro Parlor. Miss Helen Drew is chairman of the history and landmarks committee. The first Protestant church service was held in the Aguirre House, on November 25, 1866, services conducted by Rev. Joseph A. Johnson, Congregational minister. In 1867 organizational meet ings followed, and in 1870 a brick church was built at the corner of Ortega and Santa Barbara Streets. It is at this site that the marker will be placed. Reina del Mar Parlor No. 126, Native Daughters of the Golden West, presents two fall teas in which are honored the descendants of early California families and pioneer families.
Here at the Society we will miss Mr. William Henry Dibblee who died July 13, and whose great-grandfather was Don Jose de la Guerra y Noriega. He was an impor tant patron of your Historical Society, his interest being manifested on every possible occasion. It is with sorrow that we have to announce also the recent passing of the following members of the Santa Barbara Historical Society who contributed so much to its growth: Mr. Walter Briggs, Mrs. William H. Conklin, Mr. Lawrence de Koch, Mrs. James J. Hollister, Mrs. Eugene King, Mr. William H. Lazear, Mrs. Henry Lin coln, Mrs. W. Starbuck Macy, Mr. Harry Sweetser, Mrs. Earnest Thayer, Mrs. E. G. Woodruff. A memorial fund has been established to purchase books needed for the Library in which the name of the deceased and the donor will be inscribed. Sunday Hostesses The following organizations continue to supply host esses for the Sunday afternoon exhibit hours at the Old Mission headquarters: First Sunday in the month: Soroptimist International, Santa Barbara Chapter. Second Sunday in the month: Reina del Mar, Parlor 126, Native Daughters of the Golden West. Third Sunday in the month: City Club. Fourth Sunday in the month: Tierra de Oro, Parlor 304, Native Daughters of the Golden West. Fifth Sunday in the month: Zonta Club.
PAGE 6
Hastings Adobe Is Rich Addition to Society's Resources In our last issue announcement was made of the action by the Historical Society’s Board of Directors to accept the bequest of the Trussell-Winchester adobe (now called the Hastings adobe) located at 412 West Montecito Street. An inventory of the contents has recently been completed by Mr. and Mrs. W. Edwin Gledhill. While it is not feasible to give an itemized list of the furnishings, it still might be of some interest to our members to have a selected few of the outstanding pieces described. This historic adobe, an excellent example of the transi tional period between the Spanish and American oc cupancies, was built about 1854 by Captain Horatio Gates Trussed, a native of Orland, Maine. He arrived in Santa Barbara early in the 1850’s on the first steam boat to enter this harbor. In constructing the dwelling for his bride, Ramona Burke of Santa Barbara, Captain Trussed used all of the craftsmanship which his early training in ship carpentry could command. One hundred years later it is still a sturdy cottage which reflects the stout Yankee heritage of the builder. Incorporated into the adobe are beams which Captain Martin Morse Kimberly, of Santa Barbara, salvaged from the old side-wheeler Winfield Scott when it broke up off Anacapa Island about 1849, enroute from San Francisco to Panama laden with mail and a cargo of gold. Captain Trussed and his family lived in this home for almost twenty years, then moved into the new residence he had built nearby, in which his daughter. Miss Maria Lorenza Trussed, lives today. The adobe was sold to Herman Eddy; then, in 1881, it was purchased by Miss Sara Winchester. At a later date, her brother Dr. Robert F. Winchester acquired the property, followed by Mrs. Charlotte Bagg, another sister, as owner. Mrs. John Russell Hastings, her daughter, was living here at the time of her death, June 2, 1955. It was through her great interest in the Historical So ciety that the property was bequeathed to this organizaion. Mrs. Hastings was an untiring collector of antiques, willing to pursue the slightest lead if it would give her the answer to the background of the piece she was investi gating. In the tall mahogany bookcase, behind locked glass doors, are her many manuscripts and books which grew out of this detailed research. Here too, are the prized first editions of her literary friends, as well as a part of the library once belonging to Miss Sarah and Dr. Robert Winchester. As the visitor steps through the doorway into the liv ing room, a warm feeling of welcome greets one. The cherry-red velvet-covered sofa is to the right, over which is hung a large oil landscape of the cliffs and shoreline of Santa Barbara harbor. This painting is by Frank A. Thompson, a nephew of Francis A. and Alpheus B. Thom son, sea-going brothers from Maine, engaged in the China trade during the 1830’s and ’40’s. The former was made famous by Richard Henry Dana in his classic story “Two Years Before the Mast,” the other became better known as a good citizen of our young but enterprising community.
NOTICIAS
Paintings of the Santa Barbara coastline predominate in the living room, with a view of Castle Rock, titled “Going Out to Sea,” by Frank A. Thompson, hung over the chaste white fireplace. Oriental rugs, their colors muted by time, lie on the black-painted floors, a fitting background for the mellow period furniture. There is a happy blending of types, harmonious because of their simplicity of line. A small 17th century table on which was placed Clarence Cullimore’s “Santa Barbara Adobes” seems quite at ease between two upholstered fireside chairs which are restrained examples of the PreVictorian American style, thought to have been created by Roswell Forbush, an American cabinet maker who came to Santa Barbara in the Pueblo days. The Forbush residence was on State Street, between Gutierrez and Haley Streets. He was considered to be an expert crafts man, skillful in carving ornamentations on doors, panels, lintels, wainscoting, and anywhere decoration was re quired. His furniture is a classic example of the period. The Judge Charles Fernald home, built in 1863, is a product of the artistry of Roswell Forbush. In the bedroom of the Hastings house, located to the right of the living room, stands today one of the most complete Forbush-manufactured bedsets. The illustration suggests the ornate, solid design of the pieces, but it can not convey the charm and dignity of the ensemble. Con structed of a combination of woods, it is a melding of pine and light oak, with insets of curly maple in the foot and headboards, as well as in small panels on the dresser. Three pieces—a small chest, a washstand (not illustrated) and the dresser—have tops of white marble in perfect condition. In the room are two matching chairs—one a straight chair, the other a low rocker. Later a second straight chair was noted in the room used for dining. A massive mahogany table, used as a desk, occupies one wall of the bedrom, and is surrounded on three sides by bookshelves filled with loved books. Immediately over the table is a recessed wall on which are hung photographs of Mrs. Hastings’ immediate family and intimate friends. The small dining room has one round table of no par ticular style; in one corner is a tiered “what-not” on which are objects of china and small trays of copper. Chairs of several periods are arranged in an orderly manner beneath the window ledge. On the far wall is a cluster of blue and white plates, several of which are commemorating the elevation of Hollands’ Princess Juliana to the throne.
Forbush bedset in Hastings Adobe
JULY-SEPTEMBER
The graceful Duncan Phyfe chest on the other wall catches the eye. The lower part has three wide drawers for linens, while above these are a pair of doors which reveal, upon opening, a variety of small drawers and shelves for storing silver or dishes of odd shapes and sizes. A small bluish-white china teapot, trimmed in silver, had to be examined. A tag on it written by Mrs. Hastings, informed the observers that “This antique tea pot was much admired by Irvin Cobb.” Wandering back through the hallway, a guest book lying on the table had to be glanced into. It proved to be the list of friends who have, at one time or another, visited the adobe when the doors were opened for His torical Society parties. It was a pleasure to see how many of those whose names were written there are still giving their time and interest to the organization today. A small bedroom between the living and sunrooms, held interest with its small black sea-chest, spool legged table, window recesses with more family pictures; also a framed document telling about the Historical Society of some years ago. On the door lintel were pictures and diplomas belonging to Dr. Winchester. The sunroora is sparsely furnished, except for a pine desk at one end, and a round table at the other end. On the inside wall is a glass case sitting atop a bookcase. On close examination, it proved to hold a model of the brig “Pilgrim,” with a painting of San Francisco Bay behind it. Other sailing ships, one bearing the name “Tropical,” and a steamer, seem to be blowing before a spanking breeze, on a very rough sea. The painting is signed, “Frank A. Thompson.” The bookshelves below the windows of the sunporch, are filled with encyclopaedias of the years 1878, 1890, and 1929. There are many other books of value for reference, some of a technical nature, covering the period between 1854 and 1890. One last piece of furniture must be mentioned, for it also will call to mind an early merchant who had an im portant place in the cultural life of the community. This is a beautiful old rectangular piano, finished in the “black satin” so popular in the 1880’s. It bears the name “McPhail.” Presumably the piano was first sold in Santa Barbara by H. A. C. McPhail and his son, A. F. McPhail, who operated the McPhail and Son furniture business on the east side of State Street, in the 1870’s. The son, A. F. McPhail, acquired the Champion Livery Stable, later helped establish and served as president of the Santa Barbara Hack and Carriage Co. He managed the street car line for 10 years, and served as Council man from the Second Ward for two terms, 1884 and 1886. This McPhail piano suggests how the contents of the Society’s new bequest are interwoven into the fabric of our early community, and should prompt further re search among the items which have come into our pos session through the rich gift from Mrs. Hastings, whose interests were so closely wrapped up in the organization and early stages of the Santa Barbara Historical Society. Mr. and Mrs. W. Edwin Gledhill have returned from a much needed vacation spent in and around the Mother Lode country.
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Noticlas Salutes . . La Independencia de Mexico Se Celebra . . . the celebration of the 146th anniversary of Mexico’s Inde pendence from Spain. Sponsored by the Mexican Garden Club, and the Union Civica Mexicana, with Richard Hidalgo, chairman; the Mexican consul general from Los Angeles crowned Miss Margaret Bonilla, as queen to reign over the three-day celebration, September 14, 15, 16. El Pueblo de Nuestra Senora la Reina de los Angeles . . . on the 175th anniversary of the founding of the pueblo by Felipe de Neve on September 4, 1781, cele brated with appropriate ceremonies on September 4,1956, in the Old Plaza, the heart of the original settlement. Our Lady of Carmel Church in Montecito . . . for having been in active service for 100 years. Established on July 15, 1856, by the Fathers of the Old Mission, the first church, an adobe, was erected in that year. The present church was built in 1936, consecrated by Arch Bishop John J. Cantwell in 1938. Fr. Ozias B. Cook serves as pastor. Mission San Gabriel Arcangel ... on the 185th anni versary of its establishment on September 8, 1771. The Franciscans, Frs. Gambon and De La Somera dedicated this Mission during Father Junipero Serra’s absence on business in San Diego. Fr. Miguel Montoya, CMF is pas tor of the Mission. Old Mission Santa Ines ... founded on September 17, 1804, by Fr. Estevan Tapis, the 19th in the chain of Mis sions in California, the last of the southern Missions to be built. After a turbulent history, it has been restored and is once again reaching a peak of activity under the guidance of Fr. Tim O’Sullivan, OFM, (Cap.), pastor. Fr. Maynard Geiger, O.F.M., Ph. D., historian for the Old Mission ... upon the publication in July of a booklet which tells the history of the bells which have been used in the Presidio, in the little chapel at Cienigitas on Modoc Road—long since passed into oblivion—-and in the Old Mission. It is very well written and full of lore for all who love the sound and color of the old bells. Miss Pearl Chase, head of the Plans and Planting Com mittee of the Community Arts Association . . . for the perseverance, patience and energy she has put forth in attempting to bring to fruition her dream of preserving for posterity the ruins of the original water works. There is an old pottery works, grist mill, aqueduct and dam which were built between the years 1799 and 1827—by Indian neophytes for the Old Mission. Cooperation with the City Park Department and various other committees will see this project develop before too long, into another beautiful park area, which will be of great interest to visitors. When completed, it will stand as a memorial to Miss Chase as well as to the Old Mission. State Lands Commission . . . for the removal of the old oil casings on the Summerland beach. These aban doned jagged, rusty oil casings have been a hazard to bathers for many years. The wells were first sunk about 1891. There were from 300 to 400 wells in the field. Summerland was the first locality in the Pacific Coast to drill for oil in the ocean. Some of these wells are still in production.
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NOTICIAS
Membership Work Effective Member Effort ResuUful The work of our recently formed membership com mittee has resulted in securing 66 new members to date. Special acknowledgment should be made of the fine leadership of the chairman, Mrs. Henry Griffiths, and the appreciated cooperation of Mr. James A. Forsyth, whose efforts brought in a number of new members. The com plete committee membership includes Mrs. Griffiths (chairman), Mrs. James W. Colt, Miss Margaret Conklin, Mrs. George H. Finley, Mrs. Wilson Forbes, Mr. and Mrs. James A. Forsyth, Mrs. Walter Graham, Mrs. Robert Ingle Hoyt, Mrs. Lawrence More, Miss Edna Sharpe, and Mrs. Elmer Whittaker. Since publication of the complete membership roster in April-June Noticias the following new members have joined the Santa Barbara Historical Society: New Members Patrons
Maj. Gen. Pierpont M. Hamilton Talk of the Town The Harbor Restaurant This Week in Santa Barbara
Sustaining Members Mrs. Robert I. Gale Mr. and Mrs. Yale Griffith Mrs. Michel A. Levy Dr. and Mrs. James H. Saint Mrs. George F. Sleedman Mrs. J. W. Taggart Mrs. Reginald Thomas Mr. and Mrs. Stuart L. Wing Active Members Mrs. H. A. Adrian Mr. and Mrs. Standish Backus, Jr. Mrs. Rosamond Pierce Barry Mrs. Frank L. Birabent
Mr. and Mrs. Reginald Vaughn Mrs. Elizabeth Zimdin
Mr. and Mrs. R. E. Bixby Mr. Bennett Bray
Mrs. Howard N. Hanna Mrs. C. Tutenberg West Beach Motor Lodge Contributing Members Mr. and Mrs. G. Gifford Davidge Mrs. Charles Wiley Davis El Paseo Restaurant
NCTICIA5 QUARTERLY BULLETIN OF THE SANTA BARBARA HISTORICAL SOCIETY OLD MISSION SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Cooper Bryce Mr. Warwick S. Carpenter Mrs. Elsie B. Cook Mr. and Mrs. Gael 0. Crowell Mr. and Mrs. Bertie De L’Arbre Mrs. Helen Balfe DeMott Mr. and Mrs. George W. Edmunds Miss Angela C. Fox Miss Carmelita Freeman Mrs. Frank J. Frost Dr. and Mrs. Milton J. Geyman Mr. and Mrs. Charles Glasgow Mr. James J. Giusto Mrs. Miles Gray Mr. Charles W. Hague Mr. Jeremy Hass Dr. and Mrs. Clinton Hollister Mrs. Kate Jarmal Mr. and Mrs. W. Randolph Jouett Dr. Granville F. Knight
Mr. Stanley Lowry Mrs. Edward Marton Mrs. Robert S. McCreery Mills College Club Mrs. James Ord Mr. Joe D. Paxton Mrs. Wilfred H. Perry Miss Elsie Phelps Dr. and Mrs. Louis A. Rezzonico Mr. and Mrs. John Rock Mr. and Mrs. William Serumgard Miss Leona Thomas Miss Mildred Valentine Miss Marian Valentine Mr. and Mrs. Garrett Van Horne Lt. Col. Van Svarverud Miss S. Adele Voorhees Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Walters Miss Viola Wilkins Mrs. Arthur H. Williams
REPRESENTATION AT STATE MEETING Director and Mrs. W. Edwin Gledhill, official represent atives of the Santa Barbara Historical Society to the annual conference of the California State Historical So ciety in San Jose, June 21, 22, 23, reported a very stimu lating and worth while experience. The discussion groups exchanged techniques of the trade. Problems of preserv ing historical data and obtaining tape recordings of pioneers, as well as the value of keeping recordings of modern historic events, were discussed. Other members of our Society who attended the con ference were Miss Edna Sharpe, a director and secretary of the Santa Barbara Historical Society, and Miss Verne Linderman, of the Santa Barbara News-Press staff.