The Turlong Papers
Vol. XIII, No. 2
SPRING, 1967
BY LAND AND SEA The Story of Some Early Santa Barbarans By Martha R. Furlong Like a lode-star, Santa Barbara has guided its future citizens from all corners of our country to settle in this beautiful land. Each has left a heritage of accomplishments, and more than one thread that made the pattern of Santa Barbara’s history. Motives for selecting Santa Barbara as their goal for the Furlongs varied from founding the first Episcopal Church to carrying cargo between Santa Cruz Island and the Mainland. The story begins with the first arrival, Captain Matthew William Furlong, skipper of the beautiful schooner “Eustace”. Matthew Furlong was born in Providence, Rhode Island, 1826. In youth he went to sea in the employ of an English firm, Barron-Forbes, which had holdings in Mexico and California. Their interests were banking, mining and trading. Young Furlong’s skill and trustworthiness were rewarded by his being made captain of a schooner sailing from San Francisco. He made many friends, and proved an exceptional asset to the Barrens. So, when they decided to build one of the finest schooners afloat for the California coast trade, Matthew Furlong was chosen captain. Home port was to be Santa Barbara. The contractor was the famed ship-building firm of Manson & Co., Newburyport, Massachusetts. Captain Furlong was commissioned to oversee every detail, and he did this. The winter of 1863-4, was an especially severe one, and the Civil War raged; nevertheless, the schooner was launched suc cessfully on time, June 14, 1864. A picture of the launching shows a group of men on deck, and a group of ladies, in their summer dresses, gathered on the wharf. Robert K. Cheney, in his “Maritime History of the Merrimac”, quotes the Newburyport Herald of July 26, 1864: “Without doubt the fjnest and most up-to-date vessel ever launched anywhere. With a deck flush from stern to stem, with an exception of a small trunk over the main cabin, she is owned in San Francisco and intended for carrying horses and cattle to and from ports on the West Coast, and so has extra high bulwarks. The boom saddles are extra high to give extra clearance under the sails ... Only 1
the best material available went into her construction, and she cost more per ton than any other vessel ever built on the river. She is commanded by Cap’t. M. W. Furlong, formerly of this city.” The schooner was christened the “Eustace” for one of the Barrens. American Lloyds gives her statistics: Class 1, tons 235, Decks 1, Wood 0, Fast Cl, Dimensions 103' — 27' — 9'. Details of the perilous Cape Horn voyage will be quoted from the Diary kept by Mary Furlong, the Captain’s nineteen-year-old sister. The “Eustace” encountered the expected terrific storms and frustrating calms but sailed safely through the Golden Gate, January 14, 1865. After transacting business in San Francisco with BarronForbes Co., the skipper turned the schooner south for Santa Cruz Island and Santa Barbara. Many times in the next three years Captain Furlong success fully rounded Pt. Conception, which fortunately now had been made visible by the erection of a lighthouse, though these treacherous waters still were known as the “graveyard of the Pacific”. The protected harbor of Santa Barbara must have been a welcome sight! Many notices appeared in the “Daily Alta California”, San Francisco, under “Shipping Intelligence”, of sailing dates of the “Eustace” and of cargoes carried. On February 24, 1865, were listed 3,000 sacks beans, 200 sacks corn, 70 tons asphaltum. Again, July 10, 1866, importations from Santa Barbara, 800 sacks wheat, 800 sacks beans, 30 sacks abalones. On September 23, 1866, the schooner carried 228 sacks abalones, 8 sacks fish, 99 sacks beans, 19 sacks wheat, 5 hides, 50 tons asphaltum. Bales of wool from Santa Cruz Island’s sheep provided frequent cargo. These listings reflect activities on Santa Barbara County mainland farms, on Santa Cruz Island, and in waters that washed the shore. “Riding on the waters of the Channel, so spick and span, with her graceful lines, her exceptionally tall masts, and her snowwhite sails, the ‘Eustace’ was indeed a thing of beauty. Her Captain Furlong was one of the best skippers of his day. “Justin Caire, associated with nine other investors, purchased Santa Cruz Island from the Barron Company in 1869. The indenture, made on February 16, was signed by Thomas Bell as attorney-in-fact for William Eustace Barron. The Barron deed reserved to the United States a hundred acres for lighthouse purposes, with the right of selection and the right-of-way to and from the same across the Island.” So wrote Katherine M. Bell. Already Captain Furlong’s days as skipper of the “Eustace” had ended. The last notice, January 6, 1869, in the “Alta California” listed him: Sailed— Schooner Eustace, Furlong, Santa Barbara, via Santa Cruz”. Adverse weather had kept many ships in San Francisco Bay. It was in a storm coming down the coast that he was accidentally hit on the head by a flying boom. Though he lived twenty-two years longer, he never again went to sea. 'The “Eustace” was sold, and began a very different life. Under new owners, it sailed from San Francisco to Petropaulowsk. By November 2, 1869, it was back from Bering Isle with a load of 16,000 seal skins, 10 kegs of fox and otter skins for the American Russian Commercial Co. For over twelve more years the “Eustace” sailed under various captains and with various cargoes and destinations. Finally, June 27, 1881, this ghastly report appeared in the Daily Record-Union, Sacramento: 2
THE SCHOONER EUSTACE DISASTER “On June 13, Captain Hornsby was assassinated by the Chinese cook with a knife in the Gulf of California while in passage from Cape St. Lucas to Mazatlan. There were 2,000 kegs of powder on board. The ship was fired and blew up at 2 P.M. The crew escaped in a long boat.” In the San Francisco Examiner, Wed. A. M., June 22, appeared this further notice: “Details of the destruction of the Schooner ‘Eustace’ of this Port have arrived from Mazatlan. A dispatch states that she was completely destroyed by the explosion, and that the Chinese cook, Tom Hoy, who murdered the Captain and fired the vessel, was blown up with the 2,200 kegs of powdet which were in the hold. The mate and crew are in Mazatlan waiting the necessary legal steps before returning to this City.” In June, 1869, Captain Furlong’s sister, Mary, decided to marry Truman Chapman, a young druggist of Santa Barbara. She had been her brother’s housekeeper, had taught in the Congregational Sunday School, and served as assistant elementary teacher in the Girl’s School. After public school the young couple were quietly wed at the Santa Barbara Court House. Vacation had begun June 15, 1869. They left Santa Barbara to make Ventura their home. Mary Furlong’s close friend, a young widow, Mrs. C. J. Langley, was assistant teacher at the Boy’s School. The Captain had fallen in love with her, and he decided to remain in Santa Barbara and engage in business. What more thriving business could be found in those “horse and buggy” days than blacksmi^ing and wagon making? On August 7, 1869, the follow ing notice appeared in the “Santa Barbara Press”: RICH AND FURLONG “Respectfully announce Blacksmithing and Wagon Making, etc.. Business.” However, two and a half months later this was followed hy a second notice stating that the business firm had been dissolved by mutual consent, and that J. A. Rich would carry on alone at the old stand. The fact was that Matthew Furlong had decided that San Francisco was his land of oppor tunity. He had many friends there, and business and population were soaring. In the past, he had maintained that he would not marry while following the sea; now, as a “landlubber”, he could prepare a home in the City by the Golden Gate. So, after school was out in May, 1870, he and the Santa Barbara school teacher were married. San Francisco was to be their home for the rest of his life. Here he served on the Board of Health, engaged in an assay ing business, and lost an election for Port Collector by a small margin. The Captain died in San Francisco, September 13, 1891, aged sixty-five years, and is buried in the Masonic Cemetery in Colma. (The years in Santa Barbara he was a member of Masonic Lodge No. 192). The sextant that travelled on the “Eustace” now belongs to his grand son, Houghton Field Furlong, of New York. His grand-daughter, Mrs. Dorothy Furlong Wenz, now owns the silverheaded cane presented to the loved Skipper when he was forced to retire. 3
The Diary kept on the Cape Horn Voyage by Mary Furlong is on loan in Santa Barbara’s Historical Library. Two entries were lost long ago, but, fortunately, anecdotes on those dates were told by Mary to her grandchildren. One of these referred to the Rio de Janeiro slop-over. They attended a ball. Mary’s gown, especially made in Rio, was of black net in which numerous huge South American fire-flies were fastened, where they flickered on and off as she danced. Another favorite story was of a fearful Cape Horn storm. Captain Matt tied his sister into her bunk to keep her safe. In the noisy darkness, Mary felt something drench her head, and she screamed that she was drown ing. Her brother rushed in shouting: “My God, Mary, what’s happened?” A large bottle of ink (enough for the entire voyage) had toppled off a shelf and had “drowned” her. Obviously the Diary reflected Mary’s feelings, which fluctuated between storms and sunshine. Seasickness increased homesickness; the girl, who had neither mother nor sister, longed for her recently found brothers, Jim and Ned. Though older, they were of companionable ages; and she feared, as the schooner sailed farther away, she never might see them again. She loved her tall, bearded, keen-eyed brother Matt, but he was old enough to be her father. Also, he usually was absorbed in serious responsibilities of seaman ship, with, at times, the odds stacked dangerously against him. Only a year before, she had seen again these three brothers; before this latest meetin she was three years old when her mother died and the family was broken up. This had been in Providence, Rhode Island, where the children had been born. Mary and Ned had been placed in orphanages by their father, when he moved to Newburyport; and Jim had been apprenticed out. Matthew already had gone to sea. Twice adopted, once cherished and once abused, Mary finally had learned the whereabouts of James, a Philadelphia photographer. He had come to get her and, after visiting relatives in Ohio, they had been united with Matthew in Newburyport. The vicissitudes of her early life had pre pared Mary for the unusual adventures ahead. We caii not forget, also, that the voyage around the Horn was made in the perilous Civil War days, when Confederate encounters were a possibility. Excerpts from the Diary provide examples of the life on the “Eustace”. Oct. 16, 1864. “Made (and which proved by observation to be Cape Soris. Today saw a large sea-turtle—about 400 pounds. 4 P. M. We are about 50 miles from Rio—we hope to get there tonight.” Mon., 17th Oct. “This morning got up at four o’clock, went on deck. Found it cold and raining slightly—it was very foggy. About 5 or % saw sun, moon, and stars together. As the sun rose, the thick fog cleared away and we could see land very plainly. “It is a very rough coast and, Matt says, resembles California very much, high mountains 4 or 5 thousand feet high above the level of the sea. The soil I should think by the looks resembles the “sacred soil” of Virginia but for all that it looked well to me—it is quite a relief to see land again— one becomes weary of seeing nothing but water and sky. There is a splendid beach stretching for miles along the coast and the sand looks so nice and white I long to walk on it. I have been standing on the deck watching the breakers dash upon it. It is a splendid sight. This morning saw a whale 4
that was fighting something, as he would raise his tail and then bring it down with a vengeance. Saw two more large whales this morning and a thrasher. About 4 P. M. off the entrance to Rio spoke a Spanish brig. Squared away for Rio—about 8 P. M. came to anchor in the harbor. “It was a most magnificent sight—the city was one blaze of light. I sat on deck. On the left as you enter the harbor is an immense rock some hun dreds of feet high called ‘Sugar Loaf’ as it resembles one in form very much. On the other side is a large fort. I am in hopes to go ashore tomorrow. Tuesday, 18th. “Was awakened this morning by the sailors singing and holloing in Spanish and Portugese. About eight the Captain of the Port came alongside and, after he had satisfied himself all was right, left; but Matt could not go ashore until about ten when another one of the officers came aboard, and after he had written about a page of foolscap and asked innumerable questions in broken English told Matt he could go ashore. There was an American, a resident of the place, who sent his boat for him; so I was left alone but was very pleasantly engaged writing letters home. About 10 A.M. it began to rain and has been a dreary day so I have not been able to go ashore but have enjoyed it very much looking at the shipping for you see vessels from all parts of the civilized world. On one side of us are two large ‘Men of War’, one French and the other English. But of all the flags I have seen, give me the ‘Stars and Stripes’, Away off on the side of a mountain this morning someone raised the flag on the side of his house. It did my heart good to see it. “About noon Matt came off bringing the news of the capture of the Floriete—it was captured here. Oh! I was rejoiced to hear it—seems that our armies have been victorious also at Atlanta and Fort Morgan. Thank God for it . . . There was one of their Brazilian vessels took after the Wachiseh—but were unable to catch her. She fired right over the stern of the vessel killing fifteen of the men—most of the crew were ashore. The American consul of this place has just absconded with S30,000. They, of course, feel ugly about it. They had a severe haibtorm one week last Monday capsizing 14 or 15 vessels—about 12 lives lost. The pieces of ice came down about as large as goose eggs. Matt says there is not scarsely a pane of glass on the North side of the city. They have not had such a storm in twenty years . . . The Emperor came into the city today—Grand parade . . Dec. 20th. Tues., 1864. “This morning wind from the east—going along at the rate of six knots. Any quantity of Bonita and flying fish during the night and we have had them for breakfast. They were very, very nice .. . 4 P. M. still going along nicely. Matt seems to be happy, it does one good to see him. He thinks he is making a good passage—looks a little like rain— hope we shall have some soon for it is warm and I am obliged to wash in salt water as we are on an allowance. They are tarring the rigging and I was walking along when the peak halyard struck the bucket and spilled tar all over me. If we had had feathers I should have been a fine bird.” MERRY CHRISTMAS Sunday 25th. “We had a very nice dinner—roast chicken, green peas, string beans, green corn, tomatoes, cabbage and squash and potatoes that the cook had hid for the occasion—And his duff!” 5
Sat. 31st. “Tomorrow is my birthday. I have just begun to live this past year. I never knew what it was to be truly happy before. We are lying still all the time and no knowing when we shall arrive at our journey’s end.” Jan. 1st, 1865. “Wish you happy New Year. Cold and dreary. No chance for a sight today.” Wed. 4th. “Clear. Men have been busy on deck fixing up things tn general. Do so hope to get to Frisco this week. Came up an awful squall— took in all light sails, reefed the main and foresail—still heaving and pitch ing. I have been steadily sick.” Friday 6th. “Raining this morning and really cold. Wind ahead. Shan’t get there this week ...” On January 14, 1865, the beautiful schooner sailed through the Golden Gate, 138 days from Baltimore, as noted in the “Daily Alta California”. In February, they sailed down to Santa Barbara. On board was a loquacious parrot, given to Captain Furlong in Rio by some Spanish sailors. Polly learned to imitate Matt’s orders so well that finally she had to be left in Santa Barbara. Here she amused herself walking from picket to picket on the white fence surrounding the place Captain Furlong had bought. How ever, it proved embarrassing when Polly indulged in vile Spanish words taught her in Brazil. Also, she annoyed certain passersby by shrilling: “Walk along there, old fat woman, walk along.” One day Mary discovered the parrot desperately ill. She had eaten the tops off some sulphur matches, and had laid herself down to die. Voluminous letters written in 1865 and 1866 by Mary Furlong in Santa Barbara to her brothers in the East give- vivid pictures of her experiences. “Sunday morning, August 13th, 1865 My dear Brother James, Another dear kind letter from you last night. If you were only here this morning, we would have a splendid walk, for it is delightful. I do think this is the most delightful climate I ever saw. It is as I always imagined Italy to be, so soft and balmy, and never the intense heat or cold that we have at home. It is always cool at night, so you can rest so pleasantly. Matt is here with me today. He is not always able to be with me but is most every Sunday, which is most pleasant . . . I wish you were going to be here during the rainy season. What glorious times we would have sitting up under the roof and listening to it . . . If there are mistakes blame Matt for he sits here telling me what to write for him, but I am not going to do it. He may write for himself. Says he is going to just as soon as he gets his sheep over. We are going to take a walk on the beach. Matt is waiting . . . Home again after a two mile walk. It was delightful. I have just refreshed myself with some splendid melons. This melon is as nice as those you and I used to eat in Baltimore and a great deal larger. I do think they have the largest things here I ever saw. I saw a squash the other day that weighed three hundred pounds and a pear that weighed three pounds, what do you think of that? And the sweetest, nicest grapes you ever saw; one bunch will weigh from four to five pounds. The steamer has come. She has fired her gun. That is all the excitement we have in this place. It comes three times a month. 6
Mary Elizabeth Furlong, sister of Captain Furlong.
I guess I will go down and see Cap't. Bulters and take him some fig.s. lie and his wife were very kind to me when in Frisco. I have been and returned. Had a pleasant time and a kind invitation to visit the City free of charge whenever I wish. The Cap’t. has just got a new baby. I must bid you goodnight. From your sister who ever prays for your happiness.
(Signed)
Mary”
“Monday evening and I thought I w’ould try and finish this letter. I got up this morning at 4 o’clock and washed till noon . . . in this country you get more dirty than you do at home. Well, I just got through and was getting ready to sit down when up came a carriage full of ladies to see Miss Fur long (that’s me), so of course I had to drop all and render myself as agree able as possible and you know I am remarkably interesting when I try to be. Well, dear, I jjromised to tell you all about my visit up country . . . The schooner left here on the evening of the Fourth of July. The morning was heavy and a light misty rain fell all day. Matt fired that big gun of his off, and they had a still smaller one up town. With which they saluted the 4th on his Majestie’s appearance into town, and I had a bunch of fire crackers that I fired . .. Well, that night I went on board my floating home and about ten in the evening a breeze sprung up and we sailed for the City. After a very pleasant voyage of five days we reached our destination. I staid on board that night and in the morning Cap’t. Butters and his wife came down and look me home with them. Well, I had a fine visit there and then went to a Mr. Edgerly’s. They live in grand style and they are so pleasant you would love them dearly. We went to the Theatre. I did enjoy it hugely. Did you ever see “Colleen Bawn” and “Enoch Arden,” one of
7
Tennyson’s poems dramatized? They are both splendid and quite well per formed. On Sunday I went on board Cap’t. Seymour’s ship to take dinner. We had a splendid time only I was the only lady with about a dozen gentle men. They had to hoist me on board in a chair, it was so high out of the water. Do you remember the vessel that was built by the side of Matt’s at Newburyport? Cap’t. Curtis’ (the Portlaw)—well, that is expected in very soon. It will seem like seeing some one from home . After leaving Frisco we came as far as Santa Cruz, and remained a week. 1 went to the natural cave. There were about a dozen in the party. Among them was a nephew of Henry Ward Beecher’s and after we left the cave he invited us to visit the paper mills of which he is the proprietor. Next morning rode (horseback) about 20 miles. Visited the Powder Mill, Steam Saw Mill, and went over to the “Rancho.” You ask if Matt wrote anything encouraging to Miss Aplin in regard to Oil. No, for there is nothing at present to write. They have bored to a depth of 450 feet but get no oil as yet. The well is full of water, and the other day while boring the well filled w’ilh gas and nearly killed the men. Everyone says there are strong indications of Oil and it looks very reasonable for where there is so much Asphaltum there must be Oil. and then they find it in such quantities on the surface; but it is all in the hands of speculators yet ... I told you in a letter before that Matt bought a place and made me a present of it, and we are both working and trying to fix it up. He got it very cheap indeed, for everyone says it is as nice a lot as there is in town. Matt thinks that with a very little expense he can repair it so we can live in it nicely until he has a place better suited to our tastes . . . Matt has never been unkind to me. He has ever been the best of brothers, has always studied my happiness before his own . . . It is a glorious day. Matt is out in the Channel trying to get in some sheep but there is no wind so he must pray to San Antonio. One of our neighbors has just stumbled and fell on an iron wheel and broken his breast-bone. They think he can not live. Poor man . . .” Over five months later another letter picks up the threads of events in Santa Barbara. 'Jan. 31st, 1866 My darling brother James, Your two good letters came this week and you don’t know how happy they made me . . . You ask me to advise as to what is best to do. How I wish 1 could see into the future far enough to tell but I dare not. Business of all kinds is in such a state at present it seems to me there must be a change soon. There seems to be a complete stagnation, everyone is complain ing of dull times, and if you are making a comfortable living, my dear, you are doing well. I have set out a nice strawberry bed this morning and a number of Peach trees. We have about thirty Fig trees planted and are going to set out Apples and Pears as soon as possible. We have some nice Grapes started, and some Oranges, Lemons and Almonds, and such beautiful Roses. Oh, I wish you could see how fast they grow! There is a fine old gentleman by 8
the name of Burton. He is an American who gives me such beautiful flowers of all kinds, so it will look very cheerful soon. Everybody is very kind indeed to us. I could not believe it possible to have such weather in winter. It rains a little while and then the Sun comes out, and it is warm and pleasant as Spring and the streets are as hard as a floor. But still there are very many unpleasant things, too. The streets are not kept clean, and the low adobe tile-roofed houses present a very dilapidated appearance; but just think, the Orange trees hang full of fruit, and the Peach and Almond trees are in full bloom and the grass is like a green velvet carpet. All nature looks fresh and beautiful. Matt has gone two days to the Island and I do not expect him for two days more and then he will not stay long as he is going up to the City very soon. I do hate to have him go as I am so lonely. I am going to have my face and my dog’s taken at the earliest opportunity. Oh, she is a beautiful creature, and a splendid watch dog. Good bye, with many kind wishes for your future happiness, I am as ever your loving sister.” Some absences of Captain Furlong were still longer when the “Eustace sailed down to San Bias, on the west coast of Mexico. But, when he was iji Santa Barbara, they attended oyster suppers, strawberry festivals, May Day celebrations, and enjoyed horseback rides to Mission Dam, Indian Cave was paintings, and the gigantic grape-vine. “Everyone loved El Capitaine, Mrs. Rebecca Ord Peshine’s girlhood memory. Mary’s marriage to Truman Chapman, June 15, 1869, was mixed with sadness not only because parting from friends but because she was leaving most of her belongings in Santa Barbara. Taking only very personal posses sions, she and her newly-wed husband started for Montecito, where they had been invited to visit friends en route to Ventura, their future home. Sad to relate, the horses became frightened and plunged over the cliff. Mary was thrown from the carriage and severely injured. She lay for several months in a Montecito doctor’s home before recovering. The Chapmans later moved to Las Vegas, New Mexico; then to Colo rado, following Truman’s mining ventures. At one time he was worth over three million. A handsome home was l)uilt by Lake Merritt, in Oakland, nth stables and landscaped grounds. They had a son, and two daughters, who graduated in the first class at Stanford, 1895, with Herbert Hoover. But mining fortunes are fickle: the millions were lost. Later one daughter, Bertha, became a Santa Barbara teacher. Here she made a life-time friend. Miss Gail Harrison, niece of the banker, Mortimer Cook. Bertha later became Mrs. Vernon Cady. (It was one of her two daughters, Carol Montoya, who sent the Diary to the Historical Museum.) James Furlong, the tall, smooth-faced, handsome brother, spent his last years in Berkeley with his devoted sister, Mary. Neither Jim nor Ned mar ried. After Jim’s death, Mary lived with her widowed daughter, Elizabeth Donald, in Portland, Oregon. There she died in 1928, aged eighty-four. REV. THOMAS GEORGE WILLIAMS This partial biography would not be included here had it not been for the insistence of two would-be Santa Barbara residents that they did not care to make the town their home unless an Episcopal Church was estab9
Rev. Thomas G. Williams
Mrs. Thomas G. Williams
lished. In October, 1866, Mr. Fitzhugh and Mr. Church met their Santa Bar bara friend, Dr. Shaw, in San Francisco, where he was visiting, and dis cussed with him the advantages of Santa Barbara. The three then called upon Bishop William Ingraham Kip, “No clergyman is available,” the Bishop reluctantly told them. Providentially, a few days later, the Bishop heard from Thomas G. Williams, who had served as lay reader in Salem, Oregon, but wished to return to California. Bishop Kip sent for him and, after licensing him deacon, commissioned him to establish immediately a Protestant Episcopal Church in Santa Barbara. “By Land and Sea” he had come. Born in London, England, 1812, at the age of seventeen he had sailed for New York. There he had studied law, and had been admitted to the bar in St. Louis, Mo. He had arrived in San Francisco in October, 1850, and had joined the trek to the Gold Fields. He had become Wells Fargo representative in Sonora, bad settled mining controversies, and had been named Judge. One friend of his was George Durrant. When this young man myster iously disappeared, Mr. Williams settled his mining claims. In 1851, he married the young widow, Orcesna Durrant, who had been left with four daughters. The next year, they moved to San Francisco, where he was asso ciated with the legal firm of Shafter, Park, and Heydaufeldt. In 1858, his adventurous spirit again urged him to join the pioneers bound for Victoria, B. C, Pacific Mail Steamers were jammed because of 10
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the rumors that had spread of new mining discoveries. He became Registrar for the Supreme Court of Vancouver Island in 1858 and served in this capacity for five years. He became, also, the valued assistant to Governor Sir James Douglas. He often served as lay reader in the Episcopal Church in Victoria. More and more he came to feel that the Church and not the Law should be his life’s work. He gladly accepted assignment to Santa Bar bara. With his wife and their daughter and son, Orcesna and Frank, they boarded the steamer for their new home. First services were held in the adobe Courthouse in late 1866. Mr. WilHams’ former legal training helped to clarify points of law in establishing the church. On March 27, 1867, a meeting was called, which formed a corporation named “Trinity Church, Santa Barbara”. Mrs. Kimberly had suggested the name from “Trinity Church, New York”. Mrs. Fernald was another of the founders. The first vestry included Dr. James B. Shaw and Russell Heath, wardens; Dr. S. B. Brinkerhoff, Captain Martin Kimberly, and John R. Reddick. Mr. Williams was ordained Priest by Bishop Kip and he became the rector. Every week durin 1868 the Santa Barbara Post (published every Saturday by Boust and Ferguson) carried notices of church doings. July 18, 1868 Divine Service will be held every Sunday at the hour of half-past ten in the morning. Rev. T. G. Williams, Pastor Post, August 29, 1868 Ladies Fair: The ladies of our town will hold a Fair at the Post Office on Sept. 1th. It is for the benefit of Trinity Church (Epis.). The building for church purposes has already been commenced, the walls are completed, and the proceeds which the ladies who are engaged in this enter prise hope to realize from this Fair are to be devoted to the completion of the structure. Post, Sept. 12th, 1868 Acknowledgment: The ladies of the Episcopal Church of Santa Barbara wish to return their thanks for the very liberal response at the Fair. $563 above all expenses. Post, Sept. 12lh, 1868 In District Court 1st Judicial District, State of California, County of Santa Barbara. On reading and filing the petition of James Barron Shaw and M. M. Kimberly, trustees and others, praying among other things to borrow the sum of 2,500 dollars in coin to complete the construction of the church, be allowed to mortgage the land and building thereon—to be paid in three or four years. The hearing 10 A. M. Sept. 28, 1868 But for Rev. Thos. Williams and his family a terrible heartbreak oc curred in November. The following notice appeared in the Santa Barbara Post:
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Orccsna Field Williams
Headstone in Santa Barbara Cemetery.
Nov. 28, 1868. Died in Santa Barbara, Nov. 24, of scarlet fever. Miss Orcesna Field Williams, age 16 years and 4 months, daughter of Thomas G. Williams and Orcesna Williams. San Francisco papers please copy. The white marble headstone may be seen in Santa Barbara’s beautiful cemetery by the sea, its inscription still visible. Unchecked childhood epi demics had struck the family twice, as four years earlier, in San Francisco, ten-year-old Thomas George Williams, Jr. had been taken from them. Post, Dec. 19th, 1868 CHRISTMAS DAY DIVINE SERVICE The Church recently erected will be opened for Divine Worship at 11 A.M. Beginning Dec. 27, S. S. at 9:30. Mr. Williams was a prolific writer, but the only extant examples of his vigorous style are from old newspapers. Dec. 30th, 1868, the Post printed a lengthy article by him entitled “The New Road”, which said in part: “On Thursday, the 10th of the present month, I had the privilege extended to me of ascending the San Marcos Mountain on the new road. We went by stage drawn by four horses. Went to the summit. Saw Chinese coolies at work on the road. It took two hours from the summit back to Santa Barbara. Having had some experience in the last 18 years along the coast from here 12
up to the 49°, I but express my conviction in saying that I have not visited a more inviting spot for a permanent settler than in and around Santa Barbara”. More responsibilities were heaped on Mr. Williams during 1869 for he was elected eighth County Superintendent of Schools for Santa Barbara. Two long articles appear by him, one on County Schools, the other on the City. Santa Barbara College was incorporated in 1869 by public spirited citizens, but the common schools needed drastic changes, as Mr. Williams’ second article charged. Santa Barbara Post, June 10th, 1869 . . . We have the Girl’s School built upon ground not owned by the school officers, and the Boy’s School is in the most unsuitable place in town. The attendance of the boys is very irregular, the larger boys being with drawn to assist in farm or garden labor, and the smaller boys being allowed by their parents to stay at home or play about the town . . . The teachers labor under great disadvantages. On the last Saturday of this month a new School Trustee will be elected. Will our citizens see to this and attend, and elect a suitable person?
(signed) T. G. Williams
For whatever reasons, restive, brilliant Mr. Williams decided to seek “fresh fields and pastures new . Santa Barbara Press Oct. 22nd, 1870, had this appreciative farewell notice:: “After three and a half years of arduous labors in his holy calling, Rev. Mr. Williams has just closed his connections with the excellent Church and Congregation which he has gathered and faithfully watched over. A commodious and substantial church edifice of brick attests to his zeal and perseverance and will continue a monument to his praise. He has won the general esteem of our people, and will be greatly missed in many ways by the whole community in which he has been a highly esteemed and useful man”. He was missed personally by those upon whom he made pastoral calls. Mrs. Anna Blake Lincoln, a newcomer, wrote in a letter December 21st, 1869, “I have been with Halley, who had a letter to Mr. Williams, the Epis copal minister. He is a very pleasant man. Said he would call on me very soon. They are busy trimming the Church for Christmas.” January 5th, she wrote to her cousin: “Mr. Williams, the clergyman, called yesterday just as I got my dinner on the table but I did not mind, asked him right into the parlor and dining room”. The Los Angeles Star had several items which tell of Mr. Williams’ further travels and assignments: Oct. 19th, 1870. Rev. T. G. Williams of the Protestant Episcopal Church and for some time past located at Santa Barbara, reached this city yesterday by the Overland Stagecoach. The Reverend Gentleman will, we understand, look over the valley and its towns with a view to the publication of some notes on California which, as a former member of the Bar and subsequently a minister of the Church, he has kept during his residence of more than twenty years in California”. No record remains of the “notes” and all further notices deal witli his 13
church assignments. Santa Barbara Daily Press, Saturday, March 15th, 1873, printed a last notice concerning their former citizen: RECOVERED “Rev. Thomas G. Williams, formerly of Santa Barbara, has accepted and entered upon the Rectorship of St. Stevens Episcopal Church, Beverly, New Jersey. His friends are glad to learn that he has recovered from his long and painful illness.” He returned to California, 1874, to become assistant rector at Grace Cathedral, San Francisco. He and his wife, with son Frank, lived with Captain and Mrs. Furlong. Later he became missionary-at-large for North ern California. In 1888, he retired and lived quietly with the family in San Francisco. His obituary appeared in the San Francisco Examiner: Williams—In this city, on July 13, 1893, Rev. Thomas G. Williams, a native of London, England, aged 81 years. Friends invited to attend funeral services tomorrow (Sunday) at Grace Episcopal Church corner of Stockton and Calif. St. Interment Cypress Lawn Cemetery.” Mrs. Williams outlived her husband nine years. She, too, had had adventurous travels before they met. Orcesna was born in Kentucky, 1819. She was the daughter of John McCasland and Ann Field McCasland, Vir ginians. They had owned many slaves on their extensive tobacco plantations but, on becoming Quakers, they had freed them. Orcesna married George Durrant, a young lawyer from London. He was of French Huguenot stock. He had been brought up a Quaker, “without singing or levity”, but, loving music, he had become an Episcopalian. He, too, freed his slaves, giving them land as lease-holders. Some of these negroes accompanied them to Illinois, where the four Durrant daughters were born. In 1848, the Durrants joined a caravan moving to California. With their little girls, Orcesna’s brother, some freed negroes, and household necessities they set out for St. Joseph, Mo. where they arrived during a cholera epi demic. Several of the freed slaves died and others returned home, but two faithful servants continued on west, across the Plains, the Rockies, the Desert, and the Sierras, facing the possible attacks by wdld beasts and by Indians. A terrifying experience was the capture of the Durrant’s oldest daughter, eight-year-old Sarah, by roving Indians. The men of the caravan dashed on horseback after the fleeing band. Sarah was found in a squaw’s tepee, frightened but unhurt except for the loss of her beautiful curls. The Indians had thought the hair was gold! Finally the covered wagons reached Donner Lake. Knowing of the Donner Party’s awful fate, they were thankful to have “made the grade” safely. They chose Sonora as the most flourishing mining center and went there. George Durrant was lucky in mining claims but unlucky in partners. Foul play was suspected when he failed to return from searching for a lost pioneer. Suddenly Orcesna found herself alone with her four children in a wild mining camp. It is not surprising that, in 1851, she married the cul tured lawyer who had taken charge of her husband’s affairs. Henceforth her travels would be with Thomas G. Williams, to San Francisco and then to Victoria. In the latter community her dignity and charm were great social assets—she often served as “First Lady” by Gov. Douglas’ side at official 14
receptions. Mrs. Douglas was part Indian, and this “half-breed” stigma caused the English gentry to give her the “cold shoulder”. The Durrant girls had gay times at the Balls. In 1863, Clarissa Jane married Mr. Edward Langley, a member of the wholesale drug firm, Lang ley Bros. He died the following year, when their son was only four months old. Clarissa, or Clara, as she was called, joined her mother and step-father in San Francisco, and went with them to Santa Barbara. She had graduated from Petaluma Hill Seminary, and was qualified to be assistant teacher in the Boy’s Elementary School. Two vivid memories often were recalled by her. A mischievious little pupil would arrive witH bulging shirt. When asked what he had, he would grin “Cheeli peppers”, and would empty them on the teacher’s desk. But, next day, there would be more Cheeli peppers. Another incident was not amusing. There were pupils from Confederate states. Once, when a Yankee pupil cast slurs on the South, Johnnie Reb shouted, “You lie!” Leaping through the open window, he sprang on his horse and was gone before schoolmarm Langley could catch her breath. Though school buildings were inadequate, the quality of the teachers was kept high by examinations. Santa Barbara Press noted, on August 7th, 1869: “The Board of Education met in the brick school house, July 30th. The examinations occupied all of the 30th and part of the 31st ult. and were pretty thorough and satisfactory. (Signed) Thos. G. Williams, Ex of ficio Chairman.” Mrs. Langley’s niece, Clara Somerset, came from San Francisco and shared in school celebrations. The Santa Barbara Press for May 14th, 1870, under “Public Schools”, noted: “On Friday, May 6th, a picnic was held, with a May Queen and a Maypole Dance. Among the Maids of Honor to the Royal Princess was Clara Somerset, dressed in white with pink sashes, and wreathes of Myrtle and pomegranate”. In the same issue a personally gratifying tribute from the County Superintendent of Schools appeared: OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS “Before leaving this topic we desire to recognize the faithful and labor ious teaching of Mrs. Langley, who has recently left the assistant’s position in the Boy’s School. Our visit to the department in her charge impressed us unusually with the extreme earnestness and fidelity of the lady who honored the place in which she taught.” Mrs. Langley had resigned at the close of the School year to marry Captain Furlong. They lived in San Francisco for 21 years. Several years after his death, she moved to Berkeley so that her two sons could attend the University of California. Her beloved mother made her home with them until her death in 1902. Mrs. Furlong’s last years were spent with her married sons, Herbert and Eustace, and daughter, Madeline. Her journeys ended in 1923, when she was seventy-nine.
15
Four generations of Glcd> hills, photographed at the library dedication ceremonies: Left to right—W. Edwin Glcdhill; his great-grandson David Gledhill, Jr.; Mrs. David Gledhill (standing in for her husband Captain David Gledhill, Sr., now stationed in Saigon); and Keith Gledhill, son of W. Edwin and father of David, Sr.
Dedication of the Gledhill Library By Edna Shakpe Cannon The dedication of the Gledhill Library of the Santa Barbara Historical Society on Sunday, February 27, 1967 will go down in the annals of the Society as a most important historical occasion. Long awaited by the Santa Barbara Historical Society officers and directors since its minutes of Sep tember 24, 1964 provided “That in view of the long and dedicated service of W. Edwin and Andrielte Gledhill, the library should be known as the ‘Gledhill Library’ ”, it was the happiest of occasions, attended by approxi mately three hundred members. The audience gathered in the outdoor patio, facing the veranda off the library, from where the ceremony took place. Paul Sweetser, master of ceremonies, used the quotation of Cicero complimenting the writer Archias of Rome, w'ho “made known the glories of Rome”, and stated, “they collected the story of the city and state and made known the story of their land”. President Hilmar Koefod said he considered the library as “one of the most coveted departments” of the museum and praised the Gledhills for the part they have contributed to its building. He would hope it would complement the Old Mission and Univer sity of California at Santa Barbara libraries. Edwin Gledhill, on behalf of Andriette and himself, accepted the honor with pleasure. He reviewed the pioneer days of the Society prior to tempo rary quarters at the Old Mission, when the late Miss Elizabeth Mason and the late Mrs. Katherine Bagg Hastings housed much of the documentary material until the day the Society could have quarters. In honor of the occasion, Mr. Gledhill’s son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Keith Gled hill from Van Nuys were present with their daughter-in-law, Mrs. David Wheeler Gledhill, w'ith little six year old great-grandson, David, Jr. His father, Captain David Gledhill, is in Saigon. Edwin Gledhill said, quoting 16
from the News-Press, “I hope that in the year 2017 my great-grandson, David Gledhill, Jr., if he visits the library will find that research continues to make this one of California’s outstanding collections of historical material.” It was announced that the committee under which the library will now operate includes Mrs. Sylvia Griffiths, chairman; Rev. Maynard Geiger, O.F.M., Cliff Smith, Russell Ruiz, Yale B. Griffith, Hobart Skofield, Judge Atwell Westwick, and Mrs. I. A. Bonilla. In a brief ritual. Reverend Virgil Cordano, O.F.M., of the Santa Barbara Mission, garbed in beautiful vestments, blessed the library, as in the Mission days of long ago. Spanish solos were sung by Lucia Malik and the Ricardo Castillo orchestra serenaded the Gledhills and later played for the guests at the indoor reception following the dedication ceremonies. Members admired the wrought iron sign over the door of the Gledhill library, a gift of Griffith and Thornburgh, attorneys, and the work of the late Joseph Plunkett. In the Carrillo Room, members gathered around the tea and coffee table at which old friends of the Gledhills helped serve, among them Mrs. Mamie Goulet Abbott, Mesdames Wm. Hunt, Hilmar Koefod, Lawrence More, Thomas More Storke, and Mrs. Don W. Woods. Directors who dis pensed hospitality at the champagne comer were Messrs. John D. Gill, John Jordano, Jr., Thomas J. McDermott, R. Lockwood Tower, Garrett Van Horne, and Dr. Irving Wills. Bouquets of spring w'ildflowers gathered by Julia Forbes and Helen Greenough decorated the museum and patio. The strains of early Spanish day melodies added to the feeling of gaiety and happiness where friends, many of whom had “pioneered” during the begin ning days at the Old Mission quarters with the Gledhills from 1954, were able to express their appreciation and approval of the dedication of the library. It was a renewal, too, of old and new friendships with the recent members. It is a source of gratification to the officers and directors that the unselfish work of the Gledhills since 1953, collecting data, artifacts, paint ings, documents, books and microfilms of precious records at the Bancroft Library, and “selling” and making known up and down this County and State the value of preserving the history of our city and state, has finally brought to fruition the hope of these two dedicated people with that of the three gentlemen Charles A. Storke, Paul Sweetser and the late Francis Price, Sr., who first envisioned the day the Society would have its own Museum buildings. It was Francis Price, Society President 1953-1955, who was able to arrange with Rev. David Temple, O.F.M., Provincial of the Franciscan Fathers, that quarters in the Old Mission be given the Society for ten years, and from that period the Society grew in prestige and appre ciation in the community. During his administration, following Mr. Price, past president Elbert S. Conner added precious paintings to our collection and located others undiscovered until that time. To the present administration with Dr. Hilmar 0. Koefod at the head, with his Building Committee of Messrs. Thomas J. McDermott, Dr. Irving Wills, and Elmer Whittaker, with Honorary Directors John Galvin and Thomas More Storke, came the honor with W. Edwin Gledhill of providing a permanent Museum Building. 17
Director's Report The new exhibition entitled “Horse and Cattle Culture of California” has recently opened. It has enjoyed wide publicity on television and radio, and in newspaper and magazines. Attendance at the Museunr is increasing, and it is hoped that with added activities and publicity the Society will experience stronger community support. The Hammil Collection of Borein etchings is now being displayed in the Board of Director’s room at the Museum. This is a special show open only to members of the Santa Barbara Historical Society. We do hope you will drop by the Museum to see this especially fine collection of etchings. On the drawing board now are plans for a new display of Santa Barbara bottles and containers. This will be a display in the American Room of the Museum, and will be completed by May. Donations of any old Santa Barbara bottles will be gratefully accepted for this show. On February 26, 1967 the library of the Santa Barbara Historical Society was dedicated the “Gledhill Library” in recognition of the years of devoted service the Gledhills have donated to building the library’s collec tions. The event was a very pleasant occasion for all who attended. The brief, but lovely, dedication ceremony was followed by a champagne recep tion in the Museum. Members are encouraged to use the facilities available to them at the Gledhill Library, which is open 2-5 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday or by appointment. I am pleased to announce that the photograph collection is completely organized and ready for use. It should prove to be a valuable asset for local research. Numerous photographs of individuals are as yet unidentified. Any help in identification of these portraits would be greatly appreciated. Also I wish to remind everyone to label their photographs. The Museum possesses numerous family photograph albums with unlabeled pictures, which render the albums practically useless. Original court records of Santa Barbara County are part of the Museum’s document collection. This material from 1850-1900 has been systematically ordered and cross-indexed, and is ready to be utilized for research. In keeping with our present goal of internally organizing the Museum, the next project to be undertaken is the organization of our map collection. The Museum owns numerous old maps relating to Santa Barbara County, which are an invaluable research tool. This facility will become more readily accessible once the material is systematically ordered and stored properly. While on the subject of storage, I might mention that we need old sheets and blankets to cover the furniture stored in the basement. So, if you have any extra old sheets or blankets, the Museum would be a good place for them. Recently, several spectacular accessions have been donated to the Museum. Among them is the Gale collection of equestrian equipment, a gift of Robert Gale. Many of these items are currently on display. Also on display is the working model of the Sedgwick equestrian statue, donated to the Museum by Francis M. Sedgwick in honor of Dr. Hilmar 0. Koefod. April 21st marks Santa Barbara’s birthday. As usual, the Historical Society is participating in this celebration. A beautiful display of flowers 18
in the patio and on the grounds of the Museum will be set up by the Garden Club of America. The show will be free and the public is invited. In reference to Santa Barbara’s birthday, it is appropriate to mention something of the archaeological activities at the presidio Chapel site, since Santa Barbara started with the founding of the presidio in 1782. Excavation has been progressing slowly due to weather conditions, but progress con tinues. As of March 2, 1967, both side walls have been located. The 1781end wall has been completely unearthed. In the process, two burials were discovered. Both burials had been disinterred, leaving only a few remains. In closing, I wish to remind all Society members to help in the mem bership drive whjch is now in progress. To improve our program and increase our activities we need more support. Remember, too,that member ships to the Society make welcome gifts. Timothy S. Hillebrand
NEW MEMBERS ACTIVE Mr. and Mrs. Eduardo Barananos Mrs. Nelson Birkhead Mrs. Adolph Briggs Mr. and Mrs. Dale L. Brown Mr. and Mrs. Philip J. Burton Mr. and Mrs. H. P. Byrd Miss Theodora L. Coffin Mr. and Mrs. George R. Collins Mr. and Mrs. Reynold Heinrichs Mr. William 0. Hendricks Mr. and Mrs. James B. Keith Los Angeles Museum of Natural History
Mr.and Mrs. Richard H.Peacocks Mr. and Mrs. Barney C. Ruben Mr. Selden Spaulding Rev. Joseph A. Thompson SUSTAINING Mrs. Ruth McK Mayer Mr. and Mrs. Philip Siff Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Travers CONTRIBUTING Dr. Joseph J. Shebl LIFE MEMBER Mrs. Alfred Millard
Activity Report—Women's Projects Board The annual meeting of the Women’s Projects Board was held in the Music Room of the Femald House on the afternoon of February 9, with Mrs. George H. Finley presiding. Introduced were honorary members Miss Pearl Chase, Mrs. Mamie Goulet Abbott, and Dr. and Mrs. Hilmar O. Koefod. Welcomed also were Associate members Mmes. Edward Toporeck, Edward Bouton and Eduardo Orias. Mrs. Arnott J. Nall, was introduced as the first chairman of the W.P.B. when it was organized on February 4, 1960. Mrs. Nall, membership chair man, introduced new members, Mmes. John Bartol. Nelson Birkhead, Adolph Brij^gs, Dale Brown, Henry Byrd, Walter H. Gainey, Richard H. Peacocke, and Margaret M. Taber. Mrs. John J. Hollister, Jr., and Mrs. Frederick Brossy, former active members of the board, are returning after a year’s absence. Following reports of the year’s activities by committee chairmen, Mrs. Leo McMahon, nominating committee chairman, presented the slate of new officers, who were elected and installed. These were: Chairman, Mrs. Robert Janda; 1st Vice-Chairman (Program and Teas), Mrs. Lloyd F. Wheeler; 19
2nd Vice-Chairman (Fernald House manager), Mrs. Park Darlington; Recording Secretary, Mrs. Adolph Briggs; Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. Richard Peacocke; Treasurer (Budget committee), Mrs. Edwin W. Deuter; Liaison, Mrs. Wilson Forbes. Other committee chairmen named by Mrs. Janda were: Mmes. Arnott Nall, membership; Harold Gillette, staffing; Leo McMahon, acquisitions; John H. Locklin, Trussell-Winchester Adobe; Bertie De L’Arbre, garden; Dale Brown, Associate members; William Helmbold, ways and means; Jay Chilton, public relations, press; Nelson Birkhead, Casa Tour. Also named were: Mmes. George Finley, tours and education; T. S. Fandrich, door hostess; James Boyce, historian; Margaret M. Tabor, flowers; John Bartol, Memorial Garden; Arnott Nall, nominating committee. Mrs. Janda closed the meeting, after which tea was served in the dining room by Mmes. Wheeler, Melville Sahyun, Guy Chase, and the new members. Using the theme “Hearts and Flowers”, the Fernald House was opened to the public on Tuesday, February 14, for the first fund-raising event of the year. On display were many lovely examples of heirloom Valentines, some dating from 18.30, 1850 and 1860, from the collections of Mrs. Irma Rub and Mrs. Edwin Deuter. Quaint flower arrangements by Mmes. Hamil ton Greenough and James Boyce were especially appropriate in carrying out the theme of this successful event. Mmes. Deuter and Wheeler were cochairman, assisted by members of the board. In co-operation with the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation, under the general supervision of Miss Pearl Chase of the Plans and Planting committee, the W.P.B. held a special Open House on Sunday, April 16, from 1 to 5 o’clock, in celebration of the 185th year since the founding of the Royal Presidio in Santa Barbara on April 21, 1782. Hostesses were also provided for other historic adobes, including the Caneda (the Elmer Whit taker’s), a portion of the original presidio; the Casa de Ramirez (Mrs. Murphy Vhay) built in 1825, restored 1923; El Cuartel (the Guard’s House) 1782, part of original presidio, recently purchased by the Trust and restored, now owned by the State of California. More than 100 visitors toured the Fernald House and Trussell-Winchester Adobe, many from out-of-state, but many were newcomers to our city who availed themselves of the opportunity to view these historic places. Also as a part of the St. Barbara birthday festivities, the two Historical Society houses w’ere opened to a group of 50 Senior Citizens, members of a “walking tour” sponsored by the City Recreation Department under the direction of William W. Bertka, on Monday morning, April 17. Overlapping this group was a class of 30 fourth graders from the McKinley School, accompanied by four mothers and their teacher, Mrs. Cook. Especially enjoyed (by the little girls) w'as the children’s room with its collection of dolls and toys. On March 8, Mrs. Harriet Baker brought her 30 pupils in the fourth grade class from the Goleta Union School for a tour of the two homes, to better illustrate to them the way of life of the early pioneers. Mrs. Frank Andrew Lane (Mary Rogers) brought her Cub Scouts on February 23, to show them where her great-grandparents had lived, and where she had spent many happy hours in the company of her grandmother, Beatrice Fernald Roberts-Rogers, when Mary was a small girl. 20
On March 21, Mrs. Janda and Mrs. Finley escorted 30 visitors from San Francisco through the two homes, the first stop on a guided tour of the city which included the Historical Museum, the Old Mission, and the Pueblo Viejo area. Mrs. John H. Locklin, who was chairman of the last two Casa Tours for the W.P.B., has been asked by Mr. and Mrs. W. Edwin Gledhill to arrange for the walking tours for the members of the California Historical Society when they make their Romeria to Santa Barbara this June 9, 10, 11. Members of the board will assist as hostesses at the historic adobes in the morning, on Saturday from 10 to 12 noon, and at the Fernald House and Adobe, from 2 to 5 o’clock. Several members of the board assisted Miss Rosario Curletti as hostesses on April 23, when the Old Mission opened its library to the public, from 1 to 6 P.M., in a Farewell Open Houe of the westerly wing of the Old Mis sion, prior to demolition. Plans are ready for the construction of a new wing to house their large collection of rare manuscripts and books. Maynard Geiger, O.F.M., Archivist, was host on this important day. April 22 and 23, the fourth annual Santa Barbara Flower Show “Swing With Spring”, for amateurs only, was held in the patio of the Historical Society Museum and Covarrubias Adobe, in spite of the inclement weather. Participating were 23 local garden clubs, plant societies and conservation organizations. Mrs. Edwin Deuter, a member of the Transplants Garden Club, was general chairman. Other W.P.B. members who assisted with the show were Mmes. John Locklin, James R. Boyce, Wilson Forbes, and Leo T. McMahon. On May 28, a special fund-raising party, open to the public, will be held at the Santa Barbara Polo Club. This is the James W. Colt Memorial Trophy Day; it will also recognize the birthdate of Judge Charles Fernald, born in North Berwick, Maine, on May 27, 1830. Coincidentally, it is the date chosen by the board members for a “thank you” party for the imme diate past chairman, Mrs. George Finley, whose natal day it is. Plans are developing for a display of table settings showing arrange ments for bridal parties, to be held at the Fernald House and Adobe, on June 2. Mrs. Margaret M. Tabor is chairman for this event. She will be assisted by members of the board. Sunday, August 13 is the day selected for the annual Casa Tour, the 8th to be given by the W.P.B. members. This is the major source of income which enables the Historical Society to maintain and operate the two homes as museums, without charge to the public. Mrs. Nelson Birkhead is chair man of the Casa Tour, and will be assisted by co-chairmen Mmes. John J. Hollister, Jr., and William S. Lasarzig. In late March, Mr. and Mrs. Dean Blanchard presented to the Historical Society, a magnificent black four-poster bed which had belonged to Mr. Blanchard’s grandparents, Nathan and Sarah (Hobbs) Blanchard, founders of Santa Paula, California. They included two marble-topped commodes which are on display also, in the upstairs bedrooms. Mrs. Nathan Blanchard was the sister of Mrs. Charles Fernald (Hannah Hill Hobbs) so it is very appropriate that these pieces join other family memorabilia on exhibit in this house. These gifts are deeply appreciated. WiLBERTA M. Finley
Non-Profit Org. U. S. Postage PAID
QUARTERLY BULLETIN OF THE SANTA BARBARA HESTORICAL SOCIETY
Santa Barbara, Calif. Permit No. 534
136 EAST DE LA GUERRA STREET SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA 93101
SANTA BARBARA HISTORICAL SOCIETY OFFICERS Dr. Hilmar 0. Koefod
President First Vice PresidentSecond Vice President.
Edward Selden Spaulding Mrs. Wilson Forbes Paul G. Sweetser
Secretary Treasurer Past President
Mrs. Henry Griffiths Thomas J. McDermott
DIRECTORS Mrs. Charles II. Cannon Rev. Virgil Cordano
John D. Gill Mrs. W. Edwin Gledhill Yale B. Griffith
Elmer H. Whittaker
John Jordano, Jr. Mrs. Godwin Pelissero Lockwood Tower Garrett Van Horne
Dr. Irving N. Wills John Galvin* Thomas M. Storke*
Hugh J. Weldon
● Honorary Directors
Timothy S. Hillebrand Mrs. Henry Griffiths Mrs. Robert Janda
Acting Museum Director Executive Secretary .Chairman, Women’s Projects Board
HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP Classes of membership; Benefactor $5000, Life $1000, Patron $500, Fellow $100, Associate $50, Contributing $25, Sustaining $10, Active $7.50, Student $5. Dues are tax deductible. MAILING ADDRESS; 136 E. DE LA GUERRA STREET, SANTA BARBARA, CALIF. 93101