Old Spanish Days

Old Spanish Days SUMMER, 1966

Old Spanish families in the parade of 1926.

NOTICIA5 QUARTERLY BULLETIN OF THE SANTA BARBARA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

HISTORY of SANTA BARBARA'S FIESTA //

Old Spanish Days in Santa Barbara

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Compiled and Edited by Paul G. Sweetser Santa Barbarans have long been proud of their city’s heritage from Spanish founders and from the Spanish, Mexican and North American pio neers who first settled here and built the city. The tradition of colorful music, dance, and song, together with a spirit of friendliness, hospitality, and tolerance are part of this heritage which the Fiesta, “Old Spanish Days in Santa Barbara,” seeks to preserve and perp>etuate.

Santa Barbara first came into being as a settlement of Spanish and Mexican people surrounding its Presidio, which was foimded in 1782. Some peoples of other nationalities, including some North Americans and Euro peans, settled in Santa Barbara prior to the time when California became a part of the American Union. A greater influx of “gringos” occurred shortly after California became American territory.

The first settlers from Spain and Mexico included the officers and soldiers of the Presidio, their relatives and friends and others who were able to secure grants or leases from the Spanish or Mexican Governments.

Many of the first “gringos” who came were former clipper-ship captains who became acquainted with Santa Barbara through their voyages in the China Trade. They, too, arrived with friends and relatives. These two peoples were of entirely different cultural backgrounds, but they nevertheless were able to work together to build Santa Barbara.

Fiesta and Ferias were, and still are, a part of the life of every village and hamlet, whether in Spain or in any part of the Spanish-speaking world.

Santa Barbara in its early days was no exception. Weddings, birthdays, and religious holidays were all occasions for Fiestas, either great or small.

1820—The Dedication of Santa Barbarous Mission The first of Santa Barbara’s important Fiestas was occasioned by the dedication of Santa Barbara’s Mission on September 10, 1820. It lasted for three days and of course centered about the religious ceremonies in con nection with the dedication. The ceremonies, however, were followed by merrymaking, music, dancing and feasting. Governor Sola arrived to take part in the celebration. The Rev. Father RipoU, in June of the same year, had written to Governor Sola to request permission for Salvador Bejar, a rocket maker and soldier of the Presidio of San Diego, to come to Santa 1

Barbara to prepare the fireworks for the ceremony. The record shows that he did come and prepared “rockets,” “serpents,” “firecrackers,” and a “castle of artificial fire,” all of which were discharged or exhibited as part of the celebration as planned. It is interesting to note that for many years the use of fireworks at the Mission for the opening of “Old Spanish Days” arose because of the precedent thus set. In recent years colored “flares” have been substituted for fireworks because of the fear of fires in the city.

1836—A Wedding Celebration One of the more notable celebrations centering around family life is described by Richard Henry Dana in “Two Years Before the Mast.” The author relates in some detail the story of the celebration held at the De la Guerra mansion in the year 1836, on the occasion of the marriage of Anita De la Guerra and Alfred Robinson. Dana describes the dancijig and merry making and tells of the many notables of the day who attended the celebration.

1842—California’s First Bishop Comes Another important celebration marked the visit to Santa Barbara of California’s first Bishop, Garcia Diego, in 1842. The ceremonies on this occasion were dominated by the importance of the visit of the Prelate but there was the usual accompaniment of song, dance and merrymaking to complement the joyful occasion.

Notwithstanding Santa Barbara’s steady growth, it was never entirely without its celebrations. There was for many years the “Sisters’ Fair,” and wedding celebrations of varying size and importance. One of the most consistent parts of every popular celebration was the presentation of the Spanish-California music and dancing. In private dancing parties, as well as in larger more public ones, a favorite music source was a “stringed orchestra” composed of guitars, violins, a bass viol, and sometimes an accordion. These orchestras played the Spanish Waltz, the Varsoviana, the Contradanza and Jota, as well as the Two-Step, Lancer’s Quadrille and the Virginia Reel.

1886—Mission Centennial Celebration The “Flower Festival” held in 1886 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Santa Barbara Mission was most outstanding. There was a formal parade with numbers of elaborately decorated carriages drawn by fine horses and filled with beautiful women, many of them wearing the traditional gala “Spanish” costumes and displaying lovely “mantones de Manila” (Spanish shawls).

The Spanish section of the procession included fifty or more men and women on horses and a band of descendants of the Mission Indians. There was also a musical program, activities at the race track and a costume ball at the Old Lobero Theatre with Spanish music, Spanish dances, and a grotesque Indian dance.

1891 and 1901—Presidents Visit Santa Barbara In 1891, the visit of President and Mrs. Benjamin Harrison was the occasion of another elaborate flower festival.

Another formal parade marked the celebration in honor of the visit of President McKinley in May of 1901. The inevitable parade was similar to 2

The coming of the Spaniards (Portola).

that in 1886, and it was also followed by a grand ball at the Arlington Hotel, at which Santa Barbara again entertained its distinguished visitor by showing him its heritage fr<»n the Spanish and Mexican builders. Members of the old Spanish families, in traditional costume, danced the Contradanza, La Jota, and some of the solo dances known to them. There was also the sing ing of Spanish songs.

1908—The Great White Fleet Travels from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean and Visits Santa Barbara In 1908 the Great White Fleet, which was sent from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean by Theodore Roosevelt, visited Santa Barbara, and this was an occasion for another Fiesta. There was, of course, a parade. This one, however, incorporated not only the features of former ones, but also march ing groups of sailors from the visiting ships, all with bunches of flowers inserted in their shouldered rifles. A huge tent was set up at Plaza del Mar, and a special program was designed for the entertainment of the ship’s officers and leading Santa Barbarans. Many prominent women took part in the “Dance of the Flowers,” and a group of young people of high school age, trained by Maria de los Angeles Ruiz, a member of an old California family, presented a program of traditional Spanish dances. All the partici in pants were garbed in authentic Spanish costumes. There were songs Spanish and solo dances^presented by Senorita Ynez Dibblee, a descendant of the distinguished De la Guerra family.

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As the town grew and the number of people having knowledge and appreciation of Santa Barbara’s heritage began to diminish, there were many who felt that something should be done towards the preservation of that heritage received from the city’s past.

1920—Primavera—‘‘The Masque of Santa Barbara” In 1920, under the leadership of James B. Rickard, a movement was begun towards the establishment of a permanent annual presentation which would incorporate the best features of the city’s heritage, including not only the more formal music and dance, but also the folk-lore type of song and music.

Through the generosity of Hobart Chatfield-Taylor and Victor Mapes, Wallace Rice was engaged to prepare a script for a dramatic presentation.

The result was Primavera, “The Masque of Santa Barbara.” The production was presented on the 28th of April, 1920, in a natural amphitheater located on Garden Street, just above De la Guerra Street, upon an especially built stage against a backdrop of natural scenery comprised of large tunas (cactus plants). The presentation was made under the general direction of Sam Hume, with Arthur Farwell as Music Director, Irving Pichel as Techni cal Director, and Eduardo Valencia as choreographer. The musical score for the orchestra was prepared by Harly Hamilton and Antone Van de Voort, under the direction of Mr. Farwell. The traditional songs and music, upon which the entire musical part of the program was based, were collected under the supervision of Mr. Farwell and were contributed by members of Santa Barbara’s old Spanish families. Among those contributing were Senorita Delfina de la Guerra, Senora Herminia de la Guerra Lee, Senora Francisca de la Guerra Dibblee, Senorita Delfina Dibblee, and the Rev. Father A. Serra.

Many of Santa Barbara’s leading families were represented in the cast.

The story of Santa Barbara was told in classic masque form in three acts: I—“The Coming of the Cross.” II—“Spain Yields to Mexico.” HI—“The Unlowered Flag.”

The performance was concluded with the presentation of a “Fiesta Pequeha,” which incorporated the traditional songs and Spanish-California dances. Here again the young dancers were especially trained by Maria de Los Angeles Ruiz, who for so long had contributed, of her talents to the preservation of this art. The group was accurately costumed in the tra ditional manner, all of the costumes having been made after models in possession of Miss Ruiz’ family and of other local families. The story in general was that of the growth of Santa Barbara from the time of its Indian inhabitants down through the American settlement.

Although very well received by the Santa Barbara citizenry at the time, this beautiful and splendid cultural presentation did not persist and was never undertaken again; but it did result in two things. A considerable group of people had come to know and appreciate the traditional music, dance and folk song. Also, the study of the Spanish songs resulted in the collection of a group of them; the music by Mr. Farwell and the Spanish words and their translation by Charles Lmnmis, former Editor of the Sunset Magazine.

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The coming of the Mexican flag.

“Old Spanish Days in Santa Barbara”—Its Beginnings and Development In the year 1924, two circumstances motivated the first Fiesta Spanish Days. In the first place, there had for some time been a feeling among the business people of the city that Santa Barbara should have an annual summer event to entertain and attract visitors. The city had come to be a favorite place for winter tourists, but these visitors had not been drawn here in any considerable number during the summer months.

Secondly, in August of 1924 the Commimity Arts Association of Santa Barbara planned the opening of the new Lobero Theatre, which had been erected on the site of the old historic theater founded by Jose (Giuseppe) Lobero and built by the assistance of Col. Wm. Hollister. J. Wm. McLennan, a member of the Community Arts Association, conceived the idea of having a celebration to mark the opening of the new theatre. He approached a merchants’ association and a committee was formed, of which Charles E. Pressley was elected Chairman. The interest of Herbert Nunn, who was then the City Manager, was enlisted. The group began to formulate plans for the celebration, to be comprised of a number of. activities to include a parade, 5

aquatic and sports events, and, of course, a gala celebration at the theatre on its opening night.

As news of the plans became noised abroad, some members of the community, more particularly T. Wilson Dibblee, a descendant of the prominent de la Guerra family, and James B, Rickard, became apprehensive lest the celebration should not fully represent Santa Barbara’s standards.

A number of like-minded persons became interested, and it was their opinion that the large amount of material originally gathered at the time of the presentation of La Primavera should form the backgroimd for the proposed celebration.

The original “Executive Committee” is shown on the page opposite in the reproduction of the front and back covers of the original program for “The Beggar on Horseback,” presented by the Community Arts Players in Lobero Theatre, August 4th to 16th, 1924.

1924—The First Historical Parade As mentioned previously, the original celebration was planned to in clude a parade. The Parade Committee was headed by Dwight Murphy, who had come to Santa Barbara County and purchased large ranch holdings in the area of San Marcos Pass. He was by advocation a fancier and breeder of Palomino horses and possessed many of the finest of these animals. Let him tell the story of the first parade: “Approximately two months prior to the first Fiesta Parade in 1924, while I was walking down State Street, I was asked by someone—I can’t recall who—if I would bring one of my horses in from the ranch and ride in a parade. I said that I would be glad to do so provided I was given ample notice to get my horse properly groomed; and, approximately two weeks after I had agreed to bring my horse to Santa Barbara and ride in the parade, I received a telephone call from Herbert Nunn, City Manager, ask ing me to meet with a group at the City Hall. I attended this meeting and the discussion was mainly about the type of entertainment that would be held in connection with the opening of Ae Lobero Theatre. Mr. Nunn, the spokesman for the group, asked me if I would arrange to have a parade.

I asked what type of parade was desired and Mr. Nunn said that he would leave that to me. I asked Mr Nunn the amount of money available to put on a parade, and he said that they had $200 which could be allotted for that purpose.

“As 1 had no idea at the time what sort of a parade was to be arranged, I called a meeting to be held in ray office of the following individuals:— Francis Price, Sam Stanwood, Ed Borein, Harry Sweetser, James B. Rickard, and Wilson Dibblee. I told this group of Mr. Nunn’s request. The group had several meetings, and during one of these meetings in the office of Francis Price in the Granada Building, some one of the group suggested that we have an historical parade, and this group requested that I arrange for such a parade. Shortly thereafter I again was called to the City Hall by Mr. Nunn and asked what I had done regarding a parade. I advised Mr. Nunn that the group with whom I was working desired to have an historical parade. He stated that this was satisfactory, and Mr. Pressley, who was at the meeting, said that the Indians he intended to use at the Lobero Theatre would be available to our committee for the parade.

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Old Spanish Days Fiesta, organized this year, is an attempt to establish as an annual event a few days of festivities in Santa Barbara in which all the people can participate. We hope everyone will enter into the spirit of the occasion and have an enjoyable four days.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE John N. Moore, Miis Santa Barbara Co nCharles E. Pressley, Chairman test Byron Z. Terry, Fice Chairman T. D. Stevens, Secretary Claude D. Fish, Decorations Hamilton MacFadden, Payeant Chairnusn Jack Hayden, Sports Herbert Nunn, Finance Bob McCade, Dance J. K. T. Porterfield, Advertising Geo. D. Morrison, Concessions J. Wm. MacLennan, Publicity Jack Mathews, Ssunts Paul Whitney, Publicity W. B. V. Smith, Golf R. O. Martinson, Publicity

COMMIFTEMEN: C. H. Johnson, Mr. Petras, Charles Shedd, S. W. Gcrow, Victor M. Bernard, T. C. Harvey, Harry C. Smith, Wm. de Lron, Mrs. A. J. Verhcllc, Wm. Clarke Poillon, Arthur Cram, Sydney McFarland, Ralph Runkie, Mis. Petras, Dr. H. J. Profant, Mrs. Edward Ruiz.

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Charles E. Pressley

Robert V. Phelan

“Mr. Price, Mr. Sweetser, Mr. Dibblee and I visited Miss Delfina de la Guerra and obtained from her information regarding the early Spanish customs. We also went to La Honda Ranch and discussed with Hermocules Ortega the question of having an historical parade. After these visits with Miss De la Guerra and Mr. Ortega, our committee met, and after consider able discussion I was asked to appoint the various committees and arrange for the floats, and Sam Stanwood to arrange for teams to haul the floats and to obtain carriages and other vehicles and the horses to draw these vehicles. I assumed the responsibility of getting horsemen to ride in the parade. Having known Mr. Camarillo, and many of the men in Ventura who had good horses, I invited them all to a dinner at the Arlington Hotel and asked their assistance for our historical parade. They unanimously agreed to come and ride in the parade in Spanish costume. Mrs. Murphy, Francis Price and I went to Hollywood to the Western Costume Company and arranged to rent the costumes required for the different periods which were to be portrayed. Mr. Parsons, who was manager of the Western Cos tume Company, was of invaluable help in this connection. Mr. Parsons also advised Mr. Price and me where we could rent an ox cart and oxen from a Mr. Flores, which we proceeded to do. Costumes were sent to Mr. Price’s office in the Granada Building, and I appeared before the various service clubs, asking them to delegate a certain number of men to wear these costumes of the various historical periods which were to be depicted in the parade. All the service clubs willingly cooperated.

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“To the best of my recollection, this is how the first historical parade came about, and, as I previously said, of the original committee only Mr. Sweetser, Mr. Price and I are alive. (1954—^Harry Sweetser is now de ceased, Ed.) Therefore, if what I have said is to be of record, may I suggest that you check my statem^ts with them? Many details of course are not covered in these statements, but the main points are enumerated.

The celebration included, in addition to the parade, a tea at the historic de la Guerra Mansion, sporting and aquatic events. It attracted participation of many civic groups, more especially the Native Sons and Daughters of the Golden West, who have as one of their common objectives, the preser vation of California traditions.

Old Spanish Days, Incorporated The Fiesta of 1924 was so successful and well received by the citizenry of Santa Barbara that it was determined that an attempt should be made to continue it as an annual event.

Immediately following the conclusion of the first Fiesta in August, members of the group that had formed the first original “Old Spanish Days” Committee and members of the original Parade Committee were brought together imder the leadership of Dwight Murphy. A number of meetings were held, looking towards the formation of a permanent organization.

Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Secretary of State of California on August 28, 1925, and “Old Spanish Days in Santa Barbara became a corporate entity, as it has continued to be down to the present time.

Mr. Murphy was elected President and thus became the first “Presidente.” Mr. Pressley, who had been chairman of the merchants’ committee, became Vice-President. The Executive Board consisted of George McCon nell, Byron Z. Terry, Harry C. Sweetser, and E. F. McDonnough. The list of Directors and Honorary Vice-Presidents included a large number of Santa Barbara’s most prominent citizens.

In June of 1925 Santa Barbara was visited by a serious earthquake which destroyed much of the central part of the city and did excessive damage to many parts of the residential section, and no Fiesta was held.

TTiere was, however, an evening “pageant” presented in Peabody Stadium. It was called “A Night in Spain,” and was written and produced

by Charles E. Pressley. This was the first of the Fiesta night pageants.

The Fiesta of 1926 In the year 1926, plans were set in motion for a full scale Fiesta.

It was the consensus of opinion of all of the members of the committee that the celebration should continue the plan of presenting California tradi tions as exemplified in Santa Barbara’s own history. A committee of local persons having special knowledge in the field of California and Santa Bar bara history was appointed. It included representatives from both the Native Sons and Daughters of the Golden West, of Santa Barbara’s educational establishment, and a representative of the Old Mission. The committee se cured the assistance of Mrs. Laura Bride Powers, who was Curator of the Museum at the Customs House in Monterey. Mrs. Powers, in her opening preface to the official program of that year, says: “In Santa Barbara, above any other spot in California—or out—live a hundred times as many descendants of the First Pioneers of California as 9

are elsewhere. Here reside Ortegas, descendants of the first Comandante of the Santa Barbara Presidio, who came with Fray Junipero Serra, “Father of California,” in the Spring of 1782; Carrillos, (whose crest goes back to the days of Queen Isabella), also in Fray Serra’s band, De la Guerras, Gutierrez, Lugos, Aguirres and Ruizes—the whole gamut of soft-voweled names that might appear in the Blue Book of Seville or Andalusia or Mexico City or Guadalajara—if they had need of a Blue Book.

“Because of the unbroken presence of these truly pioneer families in Santa Barbara since Pr^idio-Mission days, when the Revolutionary War was being fought out on the Atlantic Coast by the Makers of Our Nation, the atmosphere of Old Santa Barbara still clings—ever will cling—to the City, founded in Brotherly Love—even as was the City of the Liberty Bell, now celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Nation’s birth.

“Not only does the historic atmosphere of Old Santa Barbara remain, but the gentle manners, the love of music and the dance, the Fiesta, the architecture and the art of the Mission period still live. Witness the art and charm of Dona Maria Antonia Y Jimenez, eighty-nine years young, whose songs of the Mission days—learned, many of ^em, from Padre Narciso Duran, who died in 1846 (the year the Stars and Stripes was raised in Santa Barbara)—will be often heard during the Fiesta. It is interesting to learn that these historic old songs of Spanish Days have been gathered together for a commimity inheritance.

“Gay lilting ballads, intriguing love songs, hymns of the Church, sere nades that rose to the moon past latticed windows, all these will be heard during the three days of Fiesta. You’ll hear them along the line of the Parade, in the ‘Street in Spain,’ in the stadium where the Night Pageant will be staged, because the airs are native to the people of Santa Barbara and capture the ear.”

The principal emphasis of the plan finally developed was placed upon the historic parade, entitled officially, “Episodes in the History of Santa Barbara” and “California under Twelve Flags.” Its purpose was to present Santa Barbara history from the time of the Chumash Indian culture to and through the coming of the American settlement here.

The Fiesta was officially opened at 10 a.m. Thursday, August 26th, by the portrayal of the landing of Cabrillo in the harbor. This was followed by the historic parade at 10:30. In the afternoon at three o’clock the “RuizBotello Pageant,” which was the forerunner of the present courthouse eve ning entertainment, was presented. Whippet races, a ’49 camp, street dancing, and more formal dancing held at three different locations comprised a part of the celebration.

On Friday, August 27th, the program included a street festival, a rodeo, the ’49 camp, and at 8 p.m. an “Old Spanish Days” night pageant. The program on Saturday added a “Sunset Service” held at the Old Mission at

5 p.m.

The “Romantic Young Lady,” produced by the Community Arts Asso ciation, was advertised by Lobero TTieatre for all of the days of Fiesta.

On Saturday night at 9 p.m. there was a “Grand Ball” held at La Fonda, Recreation Center, and the Beach Pavilion.

The 1926 Fiesta more or less set the pattern for all celebrations of “Old Spanish Days” which have followed. The two original events, the parade and 11

American period.

the Fiesta night pageant, have persisted. Both of these have been altered in character through the years. Some of the events which formed a part of the early Fiestas have been discontinued and others added. Aquatic sports have been taken over by the Semana Nautica celebration which occurs in July of each year and are not usually repeated during the Fiesta period.

El Desfile Historico The Fiesta parade has undergone many changes. This has been due to several causes. The early parades were strictly historic pageants, present ing in regular sequence events in Santa Barbara’s history, either upon decorated floats or by marching bodies. In that part of the pageant which depicted the later days of the American settlement there were included many fine horses ridden by prominent Santa Barbarans. Mr. Murphy’s group of fine Palominos and the Camarillo family of Ventura County with their Arabian horses were a prominent feature. All of the floats were horse-drawn, and were escorted by well-mounted riders in costume. Other than those men tioned above, the first mounted riding group was the Los Angeles SherifFs Posse, headed by Eugene Biscailuz. This posse ordinarily escorted the float representing the city’s patroness, St. Barbara, or preceded the Native Sons stagecoach entry. Each of the episodes, whether represented by a float or a marching group, was furnished by one of Santa Barbara’s organizations.

These included the Service Clubs, the Native Sons and Daughters of the Golden West, the Elks Lodge, and many others. The floats were built and decorated by representatives of these groups.

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As the years have passed, it has become more and more difficult to secure horses with which to draw the floats. The surrounding ranches that originally furnished these animals have become motorized, and those horses which are used must be rented, and even these are very difficult to secure.

For this reason the parade has to a great extent become motorized.

Over the years more and more riding groups and marching bands have been added. Not-withstanding this, it has been increasingly difficult to secure marching groups to represent the Chumash Indians, the soldiers of Spain and Mexico, and others which were included in the original parades. Because riders in the parade wish to do so either as individuals, with their own per sonal silver mounted saddles and costumes, or as members of a distinctive riding group, they are usually un\villing to don costumes and ride as repre sentatives of one of the historic riding groups that entered Santa Barbara.

The number of marching groups of bands and of precision drill teams gradually increased to a point where the historic character of the parade was in.danger of being completely submerged. In recent years an effort has been made to deal with these problems. The parade has been divided into two sections. A division depicting the historic past, which has been carefully revised, is presented principally on floats picturing most of the episodes. exIt is hoped that as the years go on, this section of the parade may be secpanded to represent Santa Barbara’s story more adequately. The second tion of the parade, “Santa Barbara of Today Celebrates Fiesta,” is design^ to include many types of participation, more esj^cially those which are in accord w'ith the spirit and purpose of Fiesta. This division is being contin ually revised and reformed in order to make it more truly in harmony with the purposes of the Fiesta celebration, and truly “El Desfile Historico.

Old Spanish Days Night Pageant The 1926 Fiesta included, among other events, an evening entertainment. were all It was produced by Charles E. Pressley in Peabody Stadium, as succeeding evening presentations until the year 1936, when the performance was transferred to the Santa Barbara Bowl, later known as the “Will Rogers Bowl.”

The “Old Spanish Days Night Pageant,” as it was called, was presented against a background of scenery representing selected buildings which formed a portion of the Santa Barbara scene. Included were the “Ung Hi Laundry,” the Presbyterian Church, a saloon, a building containing several businesses (among them Joe Rich’s Blacksmith Shop), and several other Santa Barbara stores. There was also conveniently located a replica of an adobe building.

Some loosely-connected occurrences familiar to Barbarehos were enacted in front of the several buildings. Among other episodes was the showing of activities in the Chinese Laundry, such as the method of sprinkling clothes by taking a mouthful of water from a bowl and spraying it upon the clothes to be ironed. Also, when an overheated iron ignited a shirt being pressed, one of the Chinese laundrymen promptly rushed out and extinguished the flames in the horses’ water trough conveniently placed in front of the laundry building. There were other similar amusing happenings acted out.

These showings were followed by the entry of a bride and groom who had been recently married at the Old Mission, and there ensued a Fiesta scene. Guests in costume arrived on horseback and in carriages dra^vn by 13

prancing steeds. The “Fiesta” included the singing of traditional Spanish songs and the dancing of “La Contradanza,” “La Jota” of California “El Son,” and also solo dances.

Description of Early Presentation from the Night Pageant Programs This Pageant Play is written around actual happenings of over 50 years ago. It is as authentically correct as possible. Many of the actors in the sequences of the Pageant were participants or spectators in the actual events as portrayed for your evening’s enjoyment. Santa Barbara is too proud of her history and romance to change or add to it in any manner would be to rob it of its beauty, therefore the Pageant Play is unchanged from its original conception, except in personnel, settings, dances and song numbers.

The Spirit of Fiesta, the heritage of Santa Barbara, your pleasure and enter tainment are always kept in mind.

“Come with us back to the romantic old days when Santa Barbara was a little Spanish frontier settlement. Meet the haughty old Dons who dispensed hospitality at the frequent fiestas in their low-gabled adobe homes; join in the light-hearted songs and laughter of the dashing young caballeros and lose your heart to the far-famed beauty of the dark ey^ sehoritas they serenaded, whose litle feet twinkled through the maze of the old dances of Spain on the patios in the warm dusk of evening. Celebrate with us the marriage of the fairest and the bravest of these, our pioneer predecessors. Come walk down Estado of the old days, and watch the every-day life of the inhabitants, as they went about their affairs in this colorful old town with soldiers of Spain, pony express riders, Indians, gentle padres of the missions and ad venturous Yankees from the east. In other words, turn back the scroll of time a century and a quarter and join us as we re-live these days of Santa Barbara’s golden youth.

‘Nature made a picturesque little amphitheater in a broad barranca in the foothills of the Santa Barbara Riviera, and on this natural out-door stage, takes place every year a thrilling pageant, that sends thousands of spectators back into the fiesta-gay streets of the city, inspired by the beauty of Charles Pressley’s “Nacimiento de Santa Barbara.” The hill in back of the stage becomes part of the stage scenery as the pageant unfolds from the town’s historic beginnings as an Indian Village to the coming of the Gringos.

The pageant reaches its breathtaking climax in the fiesta scene that takes place on a veranda of a Spanish California hacienda and soars to even greater heights as the caballeros and sehoritas, led by El Presidente Samuel J. Stanwood of the “Old Spanish Days,” and wearing the handsome garb of the early-day California, comes riding down from the crest of the hill, across the fiesta stage and into the grass court in front of the spectators. As long as you live, this will be a memory that will stay with you and regale you. There never was such a pageant for color and sparkle and enchantment. It is makebelieve and sometimes garish but it has magic and music and tradition.”

Litti Paulding—Santa Barbara News-Press In succeeding years the general format of the pageant was followed under various names. It was generally arranged to present phases of the Santa Barbara story. The emphasis varied, sometimes being placed on the early Spanish and Mexican part of our history, the founding of the Mission and attendant happenings; and sometimes upon the coming of the American; 14

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and for several years on the Indian Period, including the arrival of Portola and later the Franciscan Missionaries. The story was told under various names. As indicated before, the first pageant was denominated the “Old Spanish Days Night Pageant.” This was followed by “The Romantic Spanish Days of Santa Barbara,” “Romantic California,” “La Entrada de los Ameri canos,” “Memorias de Santa Barbara,” and “Nacimiento de Santa Barbara.”

Several of these pageants were repeated on different occcasions.

All of the night pageants produced in Peabody Stadium and in the Santa Barbara County Bowl, beginning with the very first in 1925 and down through the years including the pageant produced in 1947, were written, produced and directed by Charles E. Pressley, ably assisted by Robert V. Phelan, who came to Santa Barbara during the days when the Flying A Motion Picture Studios were operated here. He had a wealth of experience in showmanship and in the filming of many dramas in which had appeared some of the great stars of the early movies. He is still with us at this writing and has the finest collection of memorabilia of the fiestas available. In the year 1949, the opera, “Noche Serena,” was presented in the Bowl. In the year 1950, California’s Centennial year, when Francis Price became El Presidente, an historic drama, “Rosita,” written by El Presidente Price, a dis tinguished California historian, was produced by George Gerwing. During the second year of Mr. Price’s presidency, “The Yankee And the Senorita” was presented under the direction of Jonathan Seymour. Both of these dramas depicted phases of Santa Barbara history against the general background of the California story. A drama of Santa Barbara, especially written for the occasion, was produced during the presidency of Charles A. Storke.

Subsequently, the presentations in the Bowl reverted to the earlier for mat, principal emphasis being placed upon a “Fiesta” scene. They were variously directed. In 1962 a drama based upon the book, “The Royal Ran cho,” by Walker Tompkins, was written and produced by Dr. Frank Fowler.

Many of the later pageants have been directed by Henry Reese, an impresario and director of wide experience. In 1963, during the administration of Pres idente Miguel J. Lemus, the “Ballet Folklorico de Mexico,” a highly trained group of singers and dancers from Mexico, presented as the Fiesta pageant in the Bowl one of the finest entertainments ever seen during Fiesta. As this story is being written, plans are underway to present “Antonio and the Ballet de Madrid, distinguished company from Spain.

As in all other parts of the annual Fiesta, the original night entertain ment has had to be changed. There were many reasons for this, among them the change in the character of the audience and the type of entertainment desired. There was also difficulty in securing talent which could produce the pageants of yesterday within a short rehearsal period. For these reasons, it is presently the policy of the Fiesta organization to develop the historic portions of the parade so that, with variations from year to year, the Santa Barbara story may be kept alive, and to present outstanding entertainment in the Bowl which may or may not be historically motivated, but which will be in harmony with the Santa Barbara tradition and the original purpose of “Fiesta.”

It should be pointed out and emphasized here that, in addition to provid ing a period of relaxation and merriment, the overriding purpose of the Fiesta was and is to present the Santa Barbara story in parade and pageant.

15

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W'rison Dibblee

James B. Ricar«f

Harry C. Sweetser

The first pageant and the parade itself, and other activities sought to recreate and represent Santa Barbara as it was from approximately 1850 down to and including the first decade of the present century. The Spanish heritage which belonged to Santa Barbara during that period was principally rep resented by the members of the accurately-costumed groups originally trained

by Maria de los Angeles Ruiz for “La Primavera.” There was also a goodly representation of Santa Barbara’s Spanish-Califomia families. In the parade, the American settlement and the American Period were represented by many Anglo-Americans wearing the costumes of the “Gay Nineties.” This latter feature of the early Fiestas has been largely lost in recent yedrs. f9

Entertainment at the Courthouse

The program of events for the Fiesta held in 1926 included the “RuizBotello Pageant,” which was to be held at the City Hall Plaza at three o’clock in the afternoon of the first day of Fiesta. This presentation came about for the following reasons. While the “Fiesta Night Pageant” was being rehearsed Charles Pressley, who directed the production, was of the opinion that a fuU presentation of all of the elaborate figures of “La Contradanza” and “La Jota” did not have sufficient audience appeal to be included in the closing Fiesta scene. Maria de los Angeles Ruiz, who had carefully trained her group in the intricate figures of both of these dances, was very unhappy at having any of the figures omitted, as suggested by Mr. Pressley. Fortunately a com promise was arrived at by which a shortened form of “Contradanza” and “La Jota” were included in the “Fiesta Night Pageant” and in successive pageants and the special program, “The Ruiz-Botello Pageant” offered an opportunity for the presentation of the dances referred to, in their entirety, as well as many other of the traditional Spanish-Califomia dances and songs.

Senorita Ruiz was assisted by Sehor (Coronel) Maclovio A. Botello, a be loved and delightful “Californio.”

The present Courthouse building which replaced the buildings destroyed by the 1925 earthquake, was completed and dedicated in the year 1929 and the “Ruiz-Botello PageanC’ was presented in the Sunken Garden at the Court house for the first time in that year. It continued to be presented at the Courthouse sometimes on one day during Fiesta, and in other years on all of the Fiesta days down to the year 1947.

After the death of Maria de los Angeles Ruiz in 1934, the presentation was under the direction of Charles E. Pressley, and it was discontinued after Mr. Pressley retired from the management and direction of the Fiesta.

“Noches de Rondo” A second imjx>rtant group of persons interested in the preservation of the traditional music and dance of California was formed in the very be ginnings of Old Spanish Days in Santa Barbara. This group came into being under the leadership of Leontine Carteri Verhelle (Mrs. Arthur Verhelle) and Mr. William Poole and his wife, Rosa Pendola Poole. Several of the people from this group had been members of dancing groups which had taken part in “La Primavera” and in many of Santa Barbara’s earlier Fiestas.

As soon as Santa Barbara’s Courthouse was completed they began the presen tation of an evening program in the Sunken Gardens, and this program soon became one of the most important parts of Fiesta. The official program for

17

that year announced the appearance of the “Poole-Verhelle Entertainers” at the Courthouse on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings from 9:30 p.m. to 12:00 p.m.

This feature of the Fiesta has continued down to the present, and throughout the entire period of its existence has attracted thousands of people on each Fiesta night. ^Tiile it now includes many and varied numbers of songs, instrumental music and dance, it has constantly included in its pro grams as featured numbers the traditional California songs and dances. In the early presentations, Eben Coe, a son of Mrs. Verhelle, who was himself an entertainer of notable ability, acted as master of ceremonies and himself added of his gifts to the program.

In the year 1951, after the retirement of Mrs. Verhelle and Mr. Poole, the presentation of the program was taken over by Reina del Mar Parlor of the Native Daughters of the Golden West. ITie Native Daughters’ Committee was headed by Mrs. Dorothy Poole Russell, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wil liam Poole. She was assisted by her husband, William Russell. The program then became known as “Noches de Ronda.” The Native Daughters, who had always taken an interest in Fiesta, could offer their beautiful traditional num bers performed by their own members. Mrs. Teresa de Piazzi Janssens (Mrs. Augustine Janssens), who later became Mrs. Bert Lane, one of the members of Reina del Mar Parlor and herself a distinguished performer of the Spanish solo dance in many of its phases, had trained a considerable number of the members of the Parlor in the performance of the traditional “Contradanza” and “La Jota” and also the Spanish Waltz and a “Shawl Dance” created by herself in the Spanish-Califomia traditional manner. Mrs. Janssens had her self been trained by Maria de los Angeles Ruiz and had danced with the Ruiz-Botello group and later with the Poole-Verhelle entertainers.

The Native Daughters, with the Russells heading their committee, have continued to sponsor the event.

“La Fiesta Pequena” We have already pointed out that the most important Fiestas in the Spanish and Mexican tradition have always been closely connected with church celebrations. From the very beginning Santa Barbara’s annual Fiesta has included traditions surrounding the City’s historic Old Mission. The Franciscan Fathers, who have always been a part of the Santa Barbara scene, have cooperated generously; and their cooperation has added greatly to the authenticity of the whole production.

The 1926 Fiesta included in its program a “Sunset Service” at the Old Mission at five o’clock in the afternoon on Saturday.

The following year, 1927, marked the completion of the restoration of the Mission after its severe damage in the earthquake of 1925. The oc casion was celebrated on Wednesday evening as a prelude to the opening of Fiesta. There was an Ecclesiastical Procession along the Mission corridor which continued to the steps of the Mission. A solemn “Te Demn” was sung, and a program followed. There were addresses by visiting dignitaries, in cluding the Governor, the Mayor, and the Provincial Superior of the Fran ciscan Order, the Rev. Father Augustine Hobrecht, who recalled the Fiesta of 1820 at the time of the dedication of the Mission, calling attention to the circumstance that on the present occasion, as upon the first, the Governor 18

had come to the Mission, and all phases of the city’s life were represented.

The program concluded with music and dancing and was followed by a reception in the corridor of the Mission.

From that time to the present. Fiesta has been opened at the Old Mission with a program which is now known as “La Fiesta Pequena.” On practically every occasion since the first, the Governor of California has been present, as have also the Santa Barbara city officials and many other dignitaries, among them the Consular Representatives of Spain and Mexico, in recognition of Santa Barbara’s heritage from these two countries.

In 1936, which marked the sesquicentennial of the founding of the Mission, Solemn High Mass was sung on the first day of Fiesta in the Mis sion Chapel by the Padre Choristers. The music was taken from the manu scripts of Ancient Masses which were sung in the early days of the Mission.

The public was invited to attend in costume, as in days of old on gala oc casions. This religious observance has continued to be a part of the opening day of Fiesta and is celebrated each year in the morning. It is attended by people of all faiths. In recent years the Padres have received the distinguished visitors in the Sacred Garden in back of the Mission at an informal reception. “£Z Mercado” The name tl Mercado signifies the “market place.” In Spanish'speaking countries, as well as in most cities of the ancient and even of the modern world, the “market place” has been a picturesque center of village and city life. Actually, the City of Santa Barbara, which in Spanish Days was a gathering of people around the Presidio, had no “mercado.” During many of the Fiestas before 1924, simulated centers were set up, “puestos” or booths were arranged or “ramadas” erected in various parts of the city.

Merchandise was sold in some cases and food and entertainment was pro vided. These activities partook to some extent of the nature of a market place during the period of a Fiesta or Feria.

The custom thus established has been continued in the Annual Old Spanish Days. In the early Fiestas it had several different locations and was variously known as the “Spanish Market,” the “Mexican Village” and “Mexican Market.” In some years only the Spanish flower market or “Feria de las Flores” was held. This feature was sponsored by the Plans and Plant ing Commission and personally directed by Miss Pearl Chase.

In 1949 during the Presidency of John T. Rickard, the foundations for the present “Mercado,” now held in De la Guerra Plaza, were laid. Miss Rosario Andrea Curletti, a descendant of many distinguished California families, who wished to be known as “La Madrina del Mercado,” was in charge of the undertaking. She deligently insisted that all things having to do with the “Mercado” should be authentic. Robert Ingle Hoyt, a wellknown Santa Barbara architect, gave his services in the design and con struction of the “puestos” or boo^s and assisted in determining the rentals to be charged for each booth in order that the “mercado” might be selfsupporting. For the first time each of the booths was sponsored by a charitable or religious institution of the City of Santa Barbara, and the monies earned w'ere to be used for their charitable objects. The booths purveyed various types _of merchandise and foods, candies and refreshment.

All of these items were strictly limited to types of merchandise which would 19

Fi«sta fruit and flower market.

have been found in a “mercado” of the Spanish and Mexican California Period.

The tradition thus established has been to some extent continued. The booths are still sponsored by local charitable or public service groups, and the proceeds go to help support their programs. The form of the booths has been standardized and facilities added in order to meet the minimum requirements of the Health and Safety Ordinances of the City. Programs are given throughout the day and evening for the entertainment of the patrons of the various booths, and “El Mercado” presents a joyous and festive picture throughout Old Spanish Days.

“La CompeticioTi De Vaqueros” In the days of the ranchos, the annual roundup and branding of cattle was always the occasion for a display of horsemanship and the roping of cattle. When the principal chores of the occasion were completed, there usually followed an exhibition and contest of skills by the “Vaqueros” (cowboys). This was usually followed by a barbecue, the steer or steers for the occasion having been furnished by the ranch owners.

20

The program of early Fiestas included what was known as a 'Stock Horse Show, and cowboys from the surrounding ranches, together with other horsemen, took part in a riding and roping competition. For many years this was a strictly amateur presentation. Today a “Rodeo” is pro fessionally staged annually; but in addition, the competition of amateurs still continues, and the Spanish name by which the event is known is remi niscent of the customs of an earlier day.

La Cabalgata’ “La Cabalgata,” a name which translated means cavalcade, properly designates a group of people travdling by horse. During the early Fiestas it was the custom for the horsemen who had arrived for the Fiesta Parade to appear on their mounts on State Street on the following day. Likewise, the owners of carriages with fine horses would appear on the street. There were musicians and members of the citizenry garbed in Spanish costume or in costumes of the “Gay Nineties” strolling up and do^sm the street. This feature gradually became more formal and was established as a regular part of the Friday program. It was variously known as “Spanish Street Scenes,” and later as “Santa Barbara’s Street Scene Fifty Years Ago.” Gradually the carriages disapj>eared, and the horsemen remained. Today this part of the program offers an opportimity for the visiting and local “caballeros” to dis play their fine animals, together with their silver-mounted equipment and colorful costumes.

Desfile De Los Ninos One of the loveliest features of present-day Fiestas is the Children’s Parade. In the year 1928, a children’s Spanish costume party and enter tainment was held on Saturday afternoon at Recreation Center. Children twelve years old and under were invited. The Directors of Recreation Center were the hosts.

In 1929 the first Children’s Parade was held at the waterfront. The line of march extended from Plaza del Mar to Chapala Street. It was held on Friday morning. The children’s party was held from two to five in the afternoon at Recreation Center. There was a Junior Spanish Chorus and the presentation of several puppet shows.

The Children’s Parade thus established has been continued and is now known as “El Desfile de los Ninos.” Over the years it has been sponsored by the City Recreation Department with the cooperation and participation of the City Schools. In general this colorful presentation is a replica of “El Desfile Historico.” There are floats, bands, and marching groups, all gaily costumed. It includes among its participants children who have scarce ly ceased to be infants in arms to others ranging from fourteen to fifteen years of age. While originally staged in the afternoon, this parade now takes place on Saturday morning of each Fiesta, For many years this delightful feature of Fiesta was presented under the direction of Miss Joyc» Gardiner. Several other persons, members of the City Recreation Department, have given assistance and direction in the production, among them George H. Adams, now El Presidente de la Fiesta, C. C. Christiansen, E. L. Bergman and Don Paulson.

21

Lobero Theatre Lobero Theatre, the grand opening of which served as a motive for the 1924 Old Spanish Days Fiesta, has continued to offer entertainment during each Fiesta. Entertainment there, while not sponsored by the Fiesta management, always attracts large audiences. The features offered have not always been traditional in character, although even during the earlier periods of Fiesta, good drama with a traditional flavor was offered, sponsored by the Community Arts Association and the Players Cliib.

In later years Don Marteen, a Santa Barbara hoy with Spanish-Califomia blood in his veins and a popular singer of traditional song, gathered to gether a group of entertainers and for many years presented a program in the form of a Spanish and Mexican variety show known as “Quisicosas.”

Upon Don Marteen’s death, the production was carried on by the famous magician, Maldo. More recently La Union Civica Mexicana of Santa Bar bara has sponsored the Lobero Theatre programs. This organization, which seeks to present the best in Mexican and Spanish culture, has brought several fine attractions to Santa Barbara for Fiesta. It would be impossible to describe all of the various events and activities of Fiesta. As mentioned before, some of these are the continuation of the very early events of Fiesta, and there are others which have been added through the years.

Fiesta activities now begin in Santa Barbara with a party given by the Native Sons of the Golden West to honor El Presidente. There follows a Pre-Fiesta Tea given by Reina del Mar Parlor, Native Daughters of the Golden West, “El Fandango” and “La Posada,” colorfully costumed eve ning parties, given respectively by the Chamber of Commerce and the Ad vertising and Merchandising Club of Santa Barbara. These two parties generally take place in the early days of Fiesta Aveek. During Fiesta itself there are many colorful gatherings, among them the reception for the Flower Girls and the party given by El Presidente for the Board of Directors and his friends. These two gatherings, principally of Santa Barbarans in cos tume, have for many years been held on the beautiful lawn in back of the old “Covarrubias Adobe” on Santa Barbara Street. There is also La Senora Belen Castro’s “Spanish Party.” Then on parade day the Mayor’s Fiesta Hour at the Coral Casino draws hundreds of costumed Fiesteros for an hour or two’s relaxation and friendly chatter.

The strolling groups of children singing the traditional songs should be mentioned. These first came into being under the leadership of Mrs. Daisy Prideaux, who was assisted by Leontine Birabent Phelan. Today the tradition is devotedly carried on by Senora Belen Castro and Mrs. Liam O’Sullivan.

During practically all of the Fiestas from the very beginning, there has been dancing in the streets at one or more places. On many occasions these dances were picturesque and colorful and enjoyed by Santa Barbarans and their many visitors. In recent years the problem of policing these events have become extremely difficult, and for this reason they must now be dis continued, and interior dancing parties must replace them.

The Flower Girls One of the more recent and loveliest of the later additions to Fiesta began in the year 1949. Mrs. Ruth Dowell Figg-Hoblyn of Carpinteria, at the suggestion of her husband. Francis Figg-Hoblyn (who was in charge of 22

forming the first portion of the historic parade for that year and suggested that a number of pretty girls should follow and support the yoimg woman who was to represent the “Spirit of Fiesta”) recruited, costumed and organ ized this first group of girls who took part in the parade as planned, carry ing flowers. In succeeding years, this group was expanded by Mrs. FiggHoblyn, who was its guiding spirit until 1956 when the sponsorship was taken over by Tierra de Oro Parlor, Native Daughters of the Golden West.

Barbara Gray Upton (Mrs. Dean Upton) was Chairman of the Native Daughters Committee. Now between 100 and 150 girls take part. AH of the girls supply their own gaily-colored costumes. They are the official hostesses for the Fiesta. They meet trains, visit hospitals and rest homes, and color fully escort El Desfile Historico, carrying baskets of flowers as they march along the various parts of the parade and distributing their blossoms to the spectators.

Art Exhibit Another important addition to the Fiesta is the Art Exhibit held on Sunday afternoon at the waterfront. Earlier Fiesta programs included art exhibits at the Museum and at several other places; but this new event, which attracts many exhibitors and thousands of visitors each year, was originally organized and is still presented by Miss Maria Margelli, a recent comer to our city, who arrived from her native Italy via England and our eastern states.

Los Presidentes As mentioned previously, Charles E. Pressley was the “Chairman” of the first official over-all committee organized in 1924 for the purpose of presenting Old Spanish Days in Santa Barbara. In 1925, as noted, Dwight Murphy became the first “Presidente,” while Mr. Pressley became first CamarrUlo horses.

Vice-President. In 1927, Samuel J. Stanwood became Presidente with Mr. Murphy and Harry C. Sweetser as Vice-Presidents. Mr. Stanwood, always known as “El Presidente,” continued to guide the destiny of Fiesta from 1927 to and including the year 1947. Mr, Sweetser continued to act as Vice-President for the samfe period of over twenty years. His particular interest was in El Desfile Historico, and he acted as Parade Chairman from the year 1926, later being given the title of Parade Marshal. No Fiestas were held during the war years, beginning in 1942 and including 1945. In the year 1947 Presidente Stanwood suffered severe injuries in an automobile accident and was unable personally to direct the Fiesta. Owen H. O’Neill and Mr. Sweetser assumed the active management and produced a fine Fiesta.

No Fiesta was held in 1948, but John T. Rickard succeeded to the office of Presidente.

From the beginning of “Old Spanish Days” until the present day the following persons have served as El Presidente: «* Dwight Murphy—1925-1926 Lloyd F. Monk—1957 * Samuel J. Stanwood—1927-1947 James Van Etta—1958 No Fiesta in 1948 Leonard W. Kummer—1959

««

**

John T. Rickard—1949 Francis Price—1950-1951

* George V. Castagnola—1960 Elmer Awl—1961

Duncan McDougall—1952 Charles A. Storke—1953

* Paul G.'Sweetser—1962 Miguel J. Lemus—1963

* Thomas J. McDermott—1954

George H. Adams—1964 Thomas W. Fair—1965

Norris Montgomery—1955 Grover Drake—1956

Terence P. Daly—1966

** Santa Barbara-born descendants of Spanish-Califomia families. * Santa Barbara-born descendants of Pioneer families.

It would be impossible here to tell of all of the contributions which each succeeding Presidente has made to Fiesta. Some events have made Fiesta different and perhaps more memorable than others. As previously indicated, the Fiesta of 1927 marked the restoration of the Mission after its destruction in 1925. In the year 1929 the present courthouse building was dedicated by the Grand Officers of the Native Sons of the Golden West with appropriate ceremonies. The Santa Barbara Parlor, Native Sons of the Golden West, together with the Grand Officers of the Order, dedicated a bronze plaque on a building in the 800 block on State Street, which stands on the site of the adobe built by Alpheus B. Thompson in 1835 and was one of the largest adobe buildings in California. It was used as the headquarters of General Fremont when he entered Santa Barbara in 1846. This latter event was the motive for the placing of the plaque.

In the year 1949, Reina del Mar Parlor of the Native Daughters of the Golden West invited Senor Jose Perez del Arco, the newly appointed Consul for Spain in Los Angeles, to attend their pre-Fiesta Tea. The invitation was accepted and while the Consul was in Santa Barbara he was invited to return for Old Spanish Days Fiesta to be held that year, and he again accepted the invitation. In the year 1950, during Mr. Price’s presidency, Consul Perez 24

del Arco brought to Santa Barbara “Coros y Danzas de Espana,” a group of folk dancers and singers selected from all the provinces in Spain after contest held in each. This group was presented at the Courthouse and de lighted thousands of visitors. They were accompanied to Santa Barbara by a large delegation from Spanish organizations in Los Angeles. This group was again presented in Santa Barbara, both before and during the Fiesta over which Charles A. Storke presided.

The Spanish Consul was so favorably impressed with Santa Barbara’s Fiesta that he wished members of the organization to visit Spain and ob serve the “Feria” held at Sevilla in the week following Easter. In the year 1950, El Presidente Price and Paul G. Sweetser visited Spain and the Feria de Sevilla as guests of the Spanish Government. Senor Perez del Arco’s enthusiasm for Santa Barbara’s Fiesta continued, and his sincere appreciation of Santa Barbara’s love and admiration for its Spanish heritage led him to secure for the city, in the year 1952, the Award of the Order of Carlos El Sabio (the Emperor Charles V). It was during the reign of this monarch that the Presidio of Santa Barbara was founded. This recognition of Santa Barbara’s Fiesta and of the city’s reverence for its heritage, came during the presidency of Duncan McDougall. The exceedingly great honor is possessed by only one other city in the world and was and remains an outstanding tribute to the efforts of all of the men and women who have given of their time and talents to keep alive the Fiesta and Santa Barbara’s traditions and our other important accomplishments which cannot be de tailed here.

The scope of this article does not permit the mention of the many people who have contributed their talents to the development of the events which go to make up Fiesta, HoweVer, it is appropriate to mention Juan Cota and his family. These descendants of a proud old California family have consistently taken part in the presentation of authentic California dances. Also, in later years, the beauty of the Fiesta has been greatly en hanced through the contributions of Jose Manero, an exceedingly competent exponent of the Spanish and Mexican dance.

Santa Barbara’s Fiesta is known throughout our nation, and in the year 1961 Sunset Magazine published a long and detailed account of our Fiesta with many illustrations. Articles concerning it have been published in Spain and other European countries. It ranks as one of the great world celebrations.

The “Fiesta Edition” of the Santa Barbara News-Press is mailed by Santa Barbarans, as well as by visitors to the city, to all parts of the United States and the civilized world. The Editor and Publisher Emeritus of the Santa Barbara News-Press, Thomas M. Storke, himself a descendant of Capitan Jose Francisco Ortega, the first Comandante of Santa Barbara’s Presidio, has maintained an untiring interest in the Old Spanish Days Fiesta.

He has never failed to appear in costume at all of the important events and, in earlier Fiestas, made a striking figure on horseback in the parades. The paper, of which for so great a number of years he was the Editor and Pub lisher, has consistently devoted column after column to the story of the pro duction of Fiesta.

On April 14, 1963, the Santa Barbara News-Press re-published an article originally written by Charles F. Lummis, former Editor of Sunset Magazine 25

and a devoted adopted son of California and the West. The article was entitled “Stand Fast Santa Barbara. This Editor would repeat the heading.

Let us stand together to preserve all that is best in the precious heritage that we have from our city’s past.

A cknowledgments The compiler and editor of the foregoing history of Fiestas in Santa Barbara wishes to acknowledge the assistance of many persons who have been interested in Fiesta and have had knowledge of its story from its inception. Following are those who have assisted either by furnishing written materials or by carefully detailing their recollections of what has taken place: The Rev. Father Maynard Geiger, OFM; Dwight Murphy; Francis Price; Robert V. Phelan and his wife Leontine; John T, Rickard; Geraldine Sayhun; Virginia Dibblee Hoyt and Rosario Andrea Curletti.

For some detail the Editor has also drawn upon an early story of Fiesta

by Delia Haverland published in August, 1938 in a magazine supplement to the Santa Barbara IJnioTi Labor News; also, upon the beautifuUy written story of “Fiesta” by Luisa Peck, published for several years in the Official Fiesta Program.

Specid thanks are due to Mr. Robert V. Phelan for many of the pic tures of early Fiestas.

Edwin Gledhill On July 1st, the resignation of Edwin Gledhill, as Director of the So ciety, which was presented to our membership in February, went into effect.

It is with deep regret that we realize that, though Mr. Gledhill goes to larger responsibilities and wider fields of influence as President of the Conference of California Historical Societies, we no longer shall have the benefit of his intimate, energetic direction. We cordially wish him every success in his new work.

Mr. Timothy S. Hillebrand, of the Graduate School of Anthropology, University of California at Santa Barbara has assumed the duties of Assistant Director of our Museum.

GIFTS Gifts from the following are gratefully acknowledged by the Society: Abbey Rents, Mr. N. R. Baker, Mr. Robert Bates, Mr. Marshall Bond, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. I. A. Bonilla, Mr. Robert K. Booth, Chace Advertising Company, Miss Maybelle E. Davis, Estate of Samuel Stanwood, Mr. and Mrs. Wilson Forbes, Mrs. Francis V. Franklin, Mrs. Robert P. Gleason, Mr. and Mrs. W. Edwin Gledhill, Mrs. M. R. Har rington, Mr. and Mrs. Gene Harris, Mr. and Mrs. Timothy S. Hillebrand, Mr. J. D. Homm, Mrs. L. L. Ingraham, Mr. Curtis C. Jordan, Mr. Harry Kaplun, Dr. Hilmar O. Koefod, Mrs. Donald Kellogg, Mr. Frank Kirk, Dr. Edward Lamb, Mr. Bert Lausch, Mrs. Marcel Le Comte, Miss Elizabeth Linqucst, Mrs. Roscoe C Lyans, Mrs. Charles Mattel, Mrs. G. H. Meuron, Mrs. Goldie Salterlee Moffatt, Mr. Courtenay Monsen, Mr. Dwight Murphy, Mr. David Myrick, Mr. Ray I. NeiU, Mr. Ralph B. Ortel, Talmage Parsons Family, Mrs. Elizabeth A Paysen, Mrs. Horace F. Pierce, Mrs. Lewis Pierce, Mr. Victor Rohrbach, Santa Barbara News-Press, Mr. Karl Saunders, Miss Helene Seeley, Mr. Albert Silva, Mr. Hobart Skofield, Mr. Cliff Smith, Mr. Selden Spaulding, Mrs. Pamela Stivers, Mrs. Guy Stockton, Mr. Thomas M. Storke, Mrs. Evelyn Studebaker, Mrs. E. Murray Sullivan, Mr. Geronimo Terres, Miss Helen Thomson, Vassar Book Sales, Mr. and Mrs. Vern Vawter, Mrs. William Weisman, Mr. James A. Westcott, Mrs. Atwell Westwick, Mr. Samuel Williams.

26

Activity Report—Women's Projects Board April, May and June have been months filled with a variety of activities for the members of the Women’s Projects Board. The loss in February of 15 charter members because of their completion of six years of service on the board, was a big problem to surmount, as their devotion and experience in the program was a great loss to the ongoing work of caring for the needs of the Fernald House and Trussell-Winchester Adobe. However, the new mem bers who have joined us since February are now beginning to participate and contribute their time and talents to the maintenance and Sunday staffing.

On March 31 Mrs. Baker’s Fourth grade class from Goleta visited the two historic homes, as a part of their studies of California history. Mrs. James Lindsey, Tours and Education chairman, gave the 30 boys and girls her usual fine tour.

April was filled with “Spring cleaning,” under the direction of Mrs. Leo McMahon, House and Acquisitions chairman, assisted by the Mmes. Cedric Boeseke, John Vesey, James Boyce, Wilson Forbes, John Locklin, Richard Praul, Jerome Waldref and George Finley. Exhibits have been changed as new acquisitions have arrived, costumes have been cleaned and mended, with the help of Mr. and Mrs. T. S. Fandrich.

April also gave our members an opportunity to cooperate in the annual 184th birthday celebration of the founding of Santa Barbara, by assisting Miss Pearl Chase in addressing invitations to the dinner at El Paseo on April 21, arranging flowers for the banquet tables, and by a special Open House on Sunday, April 17. Assisting our regular hostesses at this last event, were members of the Ticktockers, of the National Charities League.

May was spent primarily in advancing plans for the 7th annual Casa Tour, to be held on Sunday afternoon, July 24. Mrs. John Locklin, chairman, kept her committees busy completing details for this fund raising event which draws visitors from near and far. So many people had requested that we show the old adobes in the Pueblo Viejo area again this year, that it was decided to do so.

The Trussell-Winchester Adobe and Fernald House will also be open to visitors during the tour, at no extra charge. Information about the tour may be obtained from Mrs. John Locklin, 401 Via Dichosa, Hope Ranch, Santa Barbara, Calif., 93105, or the Santa Barbara Historical Museum, 136 E. De la Guerra St., this city.

Members of the board were saddened by the death of Miss Maria Lorenza Trussed, who was an honorary member of our organization, on May 30, following a short illness. Miss Trussed would have celebrated her 94th birth day on August 10.

A recent acquisition was a beautiful silver coffee service, which arrived in time to grace the tea table for the benefit bridge luncheon given on June 2, chairmanned by Mrs. Vincent H. Grocott. Members of the Steering Committee contributed the food and door prizes, also serving as the hostesses and clean up committee.

On June 12, the Fernald House was closed to visitors, to enable the committee chairmen of the Conference of California Historical Societies to hold a meeting, to wind up the details of the conference to be held at the Mira Mar Hotel on June 16, 17, 18. Called by Vice-President W. Edwin 27

Gledhill, the meeting was presided over by Paul Sweetser, in charge of arrangements for the conference. Following the business meeting, refresh ments were served by members of the Women’s Projects Board.

Preliminary to the opening of the conference, members of the board assisted Mr. and Mrs. Gledhill with clerical work. Flower arrangements for the luncheon and banquet tables were also provided by members of the W.P.B. On Thursday, June 16, a “walking tour” of the Pueblo Viejo area, including the Rochin-Birabent adobe, Whittaker home. Historic and GDVarrubias adobes and the Historic Museum, was conducted by Mrs. John Locklin and her committee, who assisted with disseminating information about the adobes, and providing transportation to the visitors. The tour ended at the Fernald House and the Trussell-Winchester adobe, where the Conference members enjoyed refreshments. Later that evening, the directors of the Santa Barbara Historical Society held a reception in their new headquarters, where Dr. Hilmar Koefod (President of the Board), with Mrs. Koefod, greeted the conference guests. Mrs. Wilson Forbes, a director, was in charge of refreshments. Giving the event the “old Spanish custom” flavor, were the strolling musicians, and demitasse coffee and Spanish brandy and cookies.

New members of the Women’s Projects Board who have joined since the last Noticias, are the Mmes. Robert Gillette, Carl Casad, John Maclaurin, and Miss Elizabeth Howland. New Associate members are the Mmes. W. Edwin Gledhill, Milton Weinstein, John J. Hollister, Jr., James Webster, Douglass Parshall, Leland Hughes, T. S. Fandrich, Pauline Brockman, Walter Gainey, and Jules Dehvdche.

Mrs. Leo McMahon, House and Acquisitions chairman, has received many lovely heirlooms during the past few months, from interested donors: From Miss Minerva Cross, a set of Old Staffordshire china dinnerware; a dollhouse, wmplete with miniature furniture, and a painting of the De la Cuesta red bam near Buellton, from Mrs. Gene Harris; a Victorian carved oak desk and large plate glass mirror, from Mrs. A. J. Strickland; a large framed wax and shell flora] arrangement and a child’s scrapbook, ca. 1884, from Mr. J. Raffetto; a large collection of family treasures from Mrs. Charles S. Stevens, Sr., (a former member of the active board) including lamps, vases, trays, a bisque doll, a child’s wicker chair, sparkling cut glass nappies, bowls, plates, cruets, Victorian wall clock made by Ansonia, Limoge chocolate pitcher with hand-painted yellow roses, oriental rugs, a picture of Mrs. Stevens as a child, with her mother, a silver embossed coffee um, and a beautiful combination radio-phonograph; from Mrs. T. S. Fandrich, a slipper rocking chair covered in rose velvet;a gold glass Tiffany lamp from Mrs. Jerome Waldref; and from Dr. Frank Fowler, director of Alhecama Theater, several manikins on which to display period costumes in our collection, and a large collection of Victorian costumes; from Mrs. James Boyce a silver butter dish and a Limoge sugar and creamer.

28

SANTA BARBARA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

OFFICERS President First Vice PresidentSecond Vice President

Dr. Hilmar 0. Koefod ●Edward Selden Spaulding Mrs. Wilson Forbes Paul G. Sweetser

Secretary Treasurer Past President

Mrs. Henry Griffiths Thomas J. McDermott

DIRECTORS Mrs. Charles H. Cannon

John Jordano, Jr. Mrs. Godwin Pelissero

Rev. Virgil Cordano John D. Gill Mrs. W. Edwin Gledhill Yale B. Griffith

Timothy S- Hillebrand.

Mrs. Henry Griffiths....

Wilberta M. Finley

Elmer H. Whittaker

Lockwood Tower Garrett Van Home

Dr. Irving N. Wills John Galvin* Thomas M. Storke*

Hugh J. Weldon

* Honorary Directors

Assistant Museum Director Executive Secretary Chairman, Women’s Projects Board

NEW MEMBERS ACTIVE Mr. George A. Adams Mrs. May Serrell Armstrong Mrs. Carl Casad Mr. Joseph F. Cattrell Mrs. R. E. Curry Mrs. Rosemary Hobson Duncan Mrs. Harold L. Gillette Miss Elizabeth Howland Mrs. Lloyd Huckins Mrs. John Mac Laurin

Miss Irene Pilat Miss Elizabeth Patton Reeves Mr. Gilbert Ritchey Mrs. Wilkens B. Sheldon Mr. Frederick Steams

PATRON

SUSTAINING Mr. Wiliam C. McKenzie Mrs. William S. McKenzie Col. and Mrs. Ralph F. Miles, R’td Mr. and Mrs. Richmond P. Miller, Jr. Mr. George F. Weld

Mrs. W. W. McKee Dr. Hilton P. Goss Miss Maria Trussell Mrs. Warren C. Foster

HaUock Hoffman Family

IN MEMORIAM

HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP Classes ot membership: Benefactor, $100; Patron, $25; Contributing, $15; Sustaining, $10; Active, $7.50; Student, $5. Dues are tax deductible.

MAILING address: 136 E. DE LA GUERRA STREET, SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA

Non-Profit Org, QUARTERLY BULLETIN OF THE SANTA BARBARA HISTORICAL SOCIETY 136 EAST DE

LA GUERRA STREET

SANTA BARBARA. CALIFORNIA

U. S. Postage PAID Santa Barhora, Calif, Permit No. 534