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BOOT BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President: Jeanne Ferrell (619) 543-9057
Vice President: Gary Turton (619) 222-0047
Secretary: Zulema Franco
Treasurer: Deanna Turton (619) 222-0047
BOOT Store: Mary Jones
Membership: Shirlee Rodriguez
Historian: Bob Wohl
Restoration Spec: Chuck Ferrell
Web Master: Bob Jones
Board Members: Mary Ellen Young
Tom Young
Cindy Furlong
Chuck Ross
Poppy Paper Editor: Ruth French (858) 583-1269
BOOT Website: http://boostersofoldtown.com/
Park Website: www.parks.ca.gov/oldtownsandiego
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THE POPPY PAPER
August 2012
Official Monthly Publication of the
Boosters of Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
A Non-Profit Organization
During a summer morning, on July 5th 1865, as the fog lifted
from the San Diego Bay, Mary Chase Walker looked from the
deck of the steamer at what was to be her new home. The sparse
landscape was a world away from Massachusetts where she had
been born.
Already in her mid-thirties, she was not a young woman and, as
the first school teacher in San Diego, she faced many challenges.
The school was not ready when she arrived, and the children
attended school irregularly.
As time passed, she grew to love San Diego, the Spanish social
life, the weddings, fiestas, the warm San Diego winters, and even
the Mexican cuisine that she described as containing a sauce of
tomatoes and chili peppers that would "bring tears to the most
stony eyes.” She lived the rest of her life in San Diego, and was a
fierce supporter of suffrage and charities for the poor.
Today, Mary Chase Walker is again teaching the children of
San Diego through the interpretive work of seasonal Park
Aide Vanessa Jones. Vanessa has brought Miss Walker to
life for the past three years. “Miss Walker” and many other
characters are part of the living history programs offered
through the Visitor Center. With the hard work of
individuals like Vanessa, the stories and lives of the people
of Old Town are brought to life. Thanks Vanessa!!!
Submitted by Richard Dennison
Senior Park Aide Vanessa Jones
as Mary Chase Walker
More about Mary Chase Walker:
“Miss Walker taught for 11 months in the Mason Street
School. She became the center of controversy when she
invited a black woman to lunch at the Franklin House and
some diners stormed out, while others stared with contempt.
School enrollment plunged from 36 to 15 students. While
supported by Robert D. Israel and Ephraim W. Morse,
Walker resigned and later that year married Morse, who
was president of the school board.” http://www.sandiegohistory.org/bio/walker/walker.htm
pg. 2
Treasurer's Notes by Deanna Turton
I am pleased to say that June was definitely NOT one of "those" months, because BOOT showed a gain of $4287.00
in our checking account after all bills were paid. Although most of this income was from the BOOT Store, other
sources of income were also important.
BOOT rented out our new generator to the Cinco de Mayo folks for $175.00. Donations averaged $55.62, which is
almost exactly the figure we use to plan our annual budget. The Soap Guild turned in $75.00 in donations, as well as
several bars of soap for sale in the BOOT Store [thank you ladies]. Proceeds from Ladies Day included: $143.92 –
Donations, $255.00 - Garden Tea, $112.50 - Plant Sale, $79.25 – Crafts, and $20.00 - Hat Contest.
On the other side of the ledger, of course, are the expenses. Although 15 spending accounts were drawn on in the
month of June, only three were over $300: $606.37 - BOOT Store inventory replacement, $360.23 - Descendant
Luncheon guest speaker (as well as his lodging for one night), and $525.00 - Descendant Outreach Project for legal
fees and consultation.
BOOT has once again received a $2000 County grant to enhance Ladies Day and the July 4th events next year!
Thanks to Jeanne Ferrell for completing all the necessary paperwork, and to Bob Wohl for his professional
oral presentation to compete for the grant. At the same time, I was gathering financial data so that this year's
grant expenditures could be justified before the July 31 deadline. Although the reporting form is not too difficult,
one does have to make sure all the rules are followed and all the requirements are complete.
As a final note, next month will be one of "those months" because I recently wrote the second check for $10,000 in
BOOT's ongoing commitment to repair the Machado-Stewart area. BOOT has pledged $50,000 to this endeavor. At
the moment, the new horno is completed, the casa termited, the roof repaired and some wooden poles restored.
Many thanks to Park Historian Victor Walsh for working out all the specifications for this project.
In addition, Bob Jones, along with Jim Hull, Chuck Ferrell, and Gary Turton have moved the tool shed and
completely restored the outside. All that remains is making a new roof, and those materials were delivered this
week! Furthermore, at the July BOOT Board meeting, we approved an additional $10,000 to repair the Machado-
Stewart fence. Since the fence is in such bad condition, all vertical poles and horizontal poles will need to be
replaced, and the gate rebuilt. . Many thanks to Bob Jones for heading up this project, as well.
So, perhaps a word to the wise....make yourself a cup of tea and
sit down before reading next month's treasurer's report!!!
President’s Notes by Jeanne Ferrell
First of all, sorry I did not get an article into the Poppy Paper last month. I was in Nebraska watching the corn grow!
Actually, we were in an RV Park in Hastings, Nebraska…surrounded by cornfields. I went to help my sister, Mary,
with some family business. My advice, should you be contemplating a trip to the Midwest…DO NOT GO to
Nebraska during July or August…HOT-HOT-HOT and HUMID-HUMID- HUMID!!! I was so very happy to
come home to San Diego.
Back to business - Our July BOOT Board Meeting was busy. We enjoyed a presentation by Edward Garcia
concerning Vaquero Days. Janis Cantu and Joe Vasquez accompanied him. We were pleased to be able to approve
additional funding for their activities.
We also made plans with the Park to repair the fence around La Casa de Machado y Stewart. The entire fence
around the perimeter of that area needs repairing…so the future looks busy.
Warm regards to all. Hope to see you soon in the Park!
pg. 3
Laughter and music permeated the Park on the 4th of July, as the loud boom of the anvil firing announced the beginning of our historic Old Town celebration. Eager visitors kept busy, as they participated in the parade, historic cake walk, pie eating contest, games, anvil and cannon firing, and interactive dancing. Attendance records were set, as over 2,200 visitors were recorded at the Robinson-Rose Visitor’s Center and 2,500 at Seeley Stables.
The success of this year’s 4th of July celebration was due to the dedicated time and effort expended by over 100 Old Town volunteers, the Park administration and employees, and the support of Sprouts Farmers Market, Fandango Restaurant, Rust General Store, Cold Stone Creamery, Fiesta de Reyes, Wells Fargo and Old Town Concessionaires.
Special thanks to Boosters of Old Town for providing the funds, and to Jeanne Ferrell for obtaining a County grant to provide additional financial support. Amy Lew did a great job as assistant coordinator, and was responsible for obtaining the Patrick Henry High School Band, bringing music to the Park. As in past years, Joe Vasquez was there overseeing the festivities and keeping things going behind the scenes. It was a great day, and a great celebration in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park!
by Shirlee Rodriguez
Photos courtesy of Bob Jones: Boosters of Old Town marching in the parade (upper left); wagon rides around the Plaza
(upper right); Gary Turton raising “Old Glory” (lower left); young visitor waiting patiently for the parade to begin (lower
center); visitors listening to the Patrick Henry High School Band on stage (lower right).
pg. 4
PARTICIPATE IN OUR SUMMER LIVING HISTORY PROGRAMS! By Gregg Giacopuzzi
Volunteers are needed to help staff a series of enhanced living history programs. Every Saturday during the months of July and August our focus is on “Stage Coach Days: Celebrating the West on the Move.”
We need your help demonstrating and interpreting 19th century crafts, trades, and skills; assisting with the set-up and take-down of the events; and serving as event greeters. A majority of the events will occur in the Plaza. The following are the focus for each of the dates:
Theme Date Time
Trades that Shaped the West August 4th 12-4
Vaquero Days August 11th 11-5
Twainfest August 18th 11-5
Soldiers and Citizens August 25th 12-4
Join us on any or all of the Saturdays. Call or e-mail me and let me know when you can come! Gregg Giacopuzzi (619) 921-2516 or [email protected]
OUR STORIES: EARLY SAN DIEGO COMES ALIVE by Victor Contreras
The project previously referred to as the Outreach Project, because by design it was developed to bring
people into Old Town, has taken many forms as the project continues to evolve.
Presently the logistics of the diverse partnerships is being challenged and, until something is worked
out, the projects development of instructional guides and specific coordinated outreach to public schools
has been postponed. We are booking presentations to schools, private parties, conventions, conferences,
and special events. There are fees associated with scheduling a presentation which are assessed
depending on the demands of the presentation. We have different stories that are available and we are
currently in negotiations for different performance venues outside of the Park. We have a library of
short (approximately ten minute) monologues depicting a specific person who lived in California in the
1800's. Each performance piece focuses on an aspect of life during that time besides sharing their
personal story. The presentations are meant to engage the audience in a discussion or question and
answer session about the times.
Presently our performance schedule in the Park is:
August 11, August 25, Sept. 8 and Sept. 22 at 2:00 pm
Behind the Machado Silvas Building (also known as the Commercial Restaurant)
*Three presentations will be performed during TwainFest On August 18th.
(Please check with the Visitors Center in the Robinson-Rose Building for more information.)
We are also scheduled to perform three of the presentations at the annual San Diego Regional History
Conference Oct. 27 to be held at the San Diego County Office of Education.
The efforts are currently being produced by Chronos Theatre Group, and we have partnered with the
Playwrights Project and others to develop the scripts. Arrangements for presentations can be made by
contacting Victor Contreras at (619) 301-8126 or [email protected].
Descendants Group of Old Town San Diego
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
4002 Wallace Street
San Diego,Ca. 92110
Come see our engaging presentations and learn a little more about San Diego history!
pg. 5
August 2012 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Stage Coach Days Every Saturday
Celebrating the West on the Move 8/4, Trades that Shaped the West
8/11, Vaquero Days
8/18, Twainfest 8/25, Soldiers and Citizens
1 2 3 4
5 6 Garden Group Los Bailadores
5-6:30 pm McCoy House
7 8 9 10 9am
Crafting/ Sewing
Committee
11
12 13 Garden Group
Los Bailadores
5-6:30 pm McCoy House
14 15 1pm
BOOT Board Mtg. Café Coyote
16 17 18 10am
VIP Mtg. McCoy House
19
20 Garden Group
Los Bailadores 5-6:30 pm
McCoy House
POPPY PAPER
Submission
Deadline
21 22 23 24 25
Descendants
Historical
Workshops
11am–3pm
McCoy Museum
26 27 Garden Group
Los Bailadores
5-6:30 pm McCoy House
28 29 30 31
GUILDS MEET ON THE FOLLOWING SATURDAYS: 1st - Print Guild and Tintype Guild 10 to 2 pm
2nd - Californio Living History 1 to 4 pm; Native Plant Garden work party 1-3 pm
3rd - Quilt Guild, Fiber Arts Guild 12:30 to 3:30 pm; Mormon Battalion 10 to 4 pm
4th - Mountain Men and Soap Makers Guild 11 to 4 pm
Every Wednesday - Quilt Guild, Blacksmith and Woodworking Guild’s
PLEASE CONTACT YOUR GUILD LEAD PERSON(S) FOR INFORMATION ON MEETINGS, ACTIVITIES, AND SPECIAL EVENTS!!!
pg. 6
From the Editor’s Desk…
How wonderful to receive the submission from Richard Dennison about Vanessa Jones’ portrayal of
Mary Chase Walker! I am ALWAYS hoping for an engaging article for the front page of The Poppy
Paper…and, this one fit the bill. Thank you, Rich!
Although the article states that Vanessa has been portraying San Diego’s first school teacher for the past
three years, Vanessa has actually been in the Park for close to a decade! She began as a volunteer back in
the Spring of 2003, and was hired as a park aide shortly thereafter. She has done everything in the
Park…from cooking demonstrations to theatrical performances. She is also in charge of the Period Attire
“Bank,” making sure that everyone is properly dressed for all of our special events.
When I first became the editor of The Poppy Paper four years ago (EEEK…has it been that long?!?!), I
envisioned a monthly “spotlight” on a volunteer or a park aide. In the first year or so, Mary Byrne wrote
wonderful tributes. And, Deanna Turton has written a good number of “tributes” to her loyal gardening
and crafting helpers. Thank you, Mary and Deanna! However, lately the submissions have been few and
far between. It seems that we like to “welcome” new volunteers and employees, and then forget to
mention them again. Yet, our Park relies on the daily contributions of talented people like Vanessa to
keep the visitors coming back.
Sooooo, my challenge to you is…SEND IN YOUR TRIBUTES!!! I would LOVE to have too many to fit
into an issue. Let us know who is doing great things in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park!
Happy Reading! Ruth French
WELCOME NEW BOOT MEMBERS!!!
Boosters of Old Town is so pleased to have new members join us in providing support to the Park. It is through the continuing dedication of our members that we are able to have ongoing special events and improvements that make Old Town San Diego State Historic Park such a special place in our community.
Our newest members who have joined in the past few months are: John and Dahlia Livsey of La Mesa, Kenneth G. and Beatriz Sayles of San Diego, Mary Alice Kessler of Spring Valley, Leonor X. Perez of San Diego, and Arline Perez of San Diego.
We also appreciate the ongoing support from the Old Town businesses and concessionaires through their corporate memberships. Thank you to Captain Fitch’s for their annual membership renewal.
If you would like to join us, an application form is on the back page of this issue of The Poppy Paper.
Shirlee Rodriguez BOOT Membership Chair
pg. 7
THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE MEMBERS!
pg. 8
Over 100 people attended the Annual Descendants Luncheon on June 30, 2012. The activities of the
Descendants Group were reported to the main body, including some of the challenges that need to
be taken on, such as the upkeep of the Machado Silvas Building. Other activities, such as the
displays we are working on celebrating women in partnership with the Women's History Museum,
was reported on. The Outreach Project, in partnership with Chronos Theatre, was reviewed and
two presentations were performed. Aminah Al-Jaber and Reina Mensache each performed
monologues portraying characters from early San Diego. Key Note Speaker Doctor John Johnson
focused on the topic of DNA (pictured below). Seasonal Park Aide Guire Cleary also gave a report
on the recent DNA studies of four descendants.
The luncheon included elections of new
officers. We appreciate our outgoing
officers: Victor Crosthwaite Contreras as
Chairperson, Corey Braun as Vice-Chair,
Benita Gray as Treasurer, and Elena
Orozco as Secretary.
We are most happy to announce the new
officers of the Descendants Group and
Committee:
Chairperson Connie Gunther
Vice Chairperson Stanley Rodriguez
Secretary Linda Jacobo
Treasurer Leonor Perez
(biographies included on page 9) Key Note Speaker Johnson
pg. 9
Chairperson Connie Gunther: Connie holds advance degrees in business and works for an
international company. She lives in North County San Diego, is married with a son who is currently in
middle school. She has been working with the Descendants group for almost two years. Among her
work for descendants was the heavy task of chairing the Luncheon Committee which included getting
guest speakers, raffle prizes, location and logistics of luncheon, business plan and much more. She also
was the chief researcher for one of the “Our Stories: Early San Diego Comes Alive” plays focusing on
her ancestor, Santiago Arguello.
Vice Chairperson Stanley Rodriguez: A well-respected member of the Native American Community,
Stanley is recognized nationally as an expert in Native American issues, history, language, and culture.
He teaches at Kumeyaay Community College. He is tri-lingual speaking English, Spanish and Native
Kumeyaay. His wife comes from the band of Kumeyaay which reside principally in Baja California.
He will take a lead with the Committee in working with the Park and Native American Community to
improve the presentation of the Native American experience in Old Town San Diego.
Secretary Linda Jacobo: Linda is a 4th generation San Diego descendant. Her great-great
grandfather was Albert B. Smith who arrived on the whaling ship Stonington in 1846. Linda’s
descendants also include the Machado and Cota families. Pride in her San Diego heritage was instilled
at a young age by her mother and several uncles who have participated in Old Town’s development
through the years. Linda grew up in San Diego, graduated from high school and attended Mesa
College. She moved to San Jose for several years where she attended San Jose State. She returned to
San Diego where she met and married her husband of 40 years. Linda retired after 38 years as an
advertising manager for the San Diego Union-Tribune. She has 3 sons and 3 granddaughters.
Treasurer Leonor Perez: Leonor married into a descendant family, and
her 11-year-old daughter, Eliana, is a descendant of Prudenciana Vallejo
Lopez and Jose Matias Moreno (daughter of General Mariano Vallejo
and wife of Jose Matias, the last Secretary of State for Governer Pio
Pico). Leonor is currently the Senior Dean of Research, Planning and
Institutional Effectiveness at the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community
College District. She has a Ph.D. from UCLA in Education Research and
Evaluation and a Master's Degree from Harvard University in Human
Development and Psychology. Leonor enjoys motherhood, writing and
conducting historical research on women in mariachi music. She has
been a mariachi violinist for over 30 years.
Photos Courtesy of Linda Jacobo: “Master of Ceremonies” Victor Contreras (top right);
Aminah Al-Jaber portraying Juana Machado (bottom right).
Descendants Annual Luncheon (continued from page 8)…
Upcoming Descendant’s Meetings are scheduled for
September 8 and November 10, 2012 at 10 am, usually held
in the upstairs meeting room in the McCoy Building.
Meetings are open to all descendants; participation in free
Research Workshops is open to the public, scheduled on
August 25 and November 3 from 11am to 4pm.
pg. 10
BOOSTERS OF OLD TOWN San Diego State Historic Park
4002 Wallace Street
San Diego, CA 92110
NOTICE: If you have a friend who would like to learn more about San Diego History, enjoys meeting
people, and likes to have a good time, give him/her this application form to fill out and send in. New
members are always welcome. And, if you have forgotten to renew your membership…it’s never too late
to send it in. We miss you!
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION ____$ 20.00 – Single Supporting Member ____$ 50.00 – Corporate Membership*
____$ 35.00 – Family (2 or more individuals) (includes business card sized ad in the Poppy Paper
____$ 15.00 – Senior (62+ years)/Student Single and on our website for one month)
____$ 25.00 – Senior Couple (62+ years) ____$125.00 – Enhanced Corporate Membership*
____$150.00 – Life Member (62+ years) (includes business card sized ad in the Poppy Paper
and on our website for 12 months)
*Corporate Applications Only: Please enclose a business card or corporate logo with your payment.
NAME(S) ________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS _______________________________________________________________
CITY __________________________________STATE _______ ZIP________________
PHONE ______________________E-MAIL ____________________________________
I belong to the following group(s): Docent____ Military____ Descendants ____ Californios ____
I am also interested in volunteer opportunities, please contact me! _____
Make your check out to “BOOT” and mail to:
BOOT Membership Committee, 4002 Wallace Street, San Diego, CA 92110
