THE POPPY PAPER. The Park Store By Mary Jones

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1 THE POPPY PAPER Official Monthly Publication of the Boosters of Old Town San Diego State Historic Park A Non-Profit Organization November 2018 The Park Store By Mary Jones Sales have been steadily increasing over the past five to ten years. The last twelve months brought in a gross income of $72, These monies are a major source of funding for Boosters of Old Town (BOOT). The Park s interpretive programs have been greatly enhanced by these funds. As the store has evolved, we have included more unique local and U.S. made items for our shoppers pleasure, as well as the handcrafted items (see page 4) made by our craft volunteers. With the holidays approaching, we have added locally produced photo magnets, cards and the newest line...postcards (pictured above), all of which highlight Old Town places of historical interest. Many customers asked for postcards, so we collaborated with Designs by Lallier to come up with a line of postcards. In the first several hours that the postcards were available, we sold sixteen. Looks like a winner! Come see our great variety of handmade tortilla warmers, coasters, aprons and tote bags. We also have a good selection of Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) items, witches, yarn, and wagon train dolls. Toys from the past, such as marbles, jacks, dominoes, and pick-up-sticks make great stocking stuffers! BOOT members receive a 10% discount, when you bring in your membership card. You can sign up at the information counter for a membership. A membership as a gift, or a donation in someone s name is always a nice way to support your Park. Stop by The Park Store in the Robinson-Rose Visitor s Center and look at all our great gift ideas. pg. 1

2 Treasurer's Notes By Deanna Turton Although September showed a loss, when one compares how much money was earned and how many checks I wrote, I think September was a good month, all in all. First of all, BOOT received its annual grant from the San Diego County Community Enhancement Program - $8, These funds need to be spent between July 1, 2018 and June 30, In actuality, most of this money is already spent on the summer and fall programs that were held this year. Until the grant check arrives, of course, BOOT funds the events and pays the bills, in the hope we are awarded the grant. The Park Store also did well, but, somewhat less than August. This is not surprising because school started in September, and tourist visitation has dropped. However, the visitors that did come were very generous in dropping bills in the donation boxes, and the daily average for all the boxes was $ Membership income was also strong in September at $ Many thanks to BOOT Board Member Susan Hector for her hard work in keeping our membership numbers strong. On the expense side of the ledger, checks written over $ were: $5, Machado-Stewart Casa, new electrical system. This is part of BOOT's $50,000 commitment to improve that casa. $5, State of California Parks and Recreation (salaries to keep the Mason Street Schoolhouse open three days a week - Round it Up America funds) $2, Fiestas Patrias (entertainment and supplies) $1, BOOT Store (inventory replacement) $1, Period Attire Bank (supplies and subsidies). These funds were NOT charged to the generous grant that Patt Seitas gave for updating the Period Attire Bank. $ New Holiday Decor in the museums $ Soap Guild (supplies) $ Las Posadas (supplies) Plus 17 additional categories under $300.00, for a grand total of $19, ($1, over income in September). Although the third quarter sales taxes are not shown in this report, because they were paid in early October, I am very happy to report the problems that I had filing the second quarter report were solved. I managed to pay the taxes online, despite having to comply with the new system for doing so. This year the Board of Equalization morphed into the California Board of Taxes and Fees, so all new forms had to be filled out. Now, we do a direct payment from our bank, which saves writing checks, as well. I guess I should fess up that part of the problem filing the taxes was mine, for when I answered the online question, "Do you own this business?" - I answered, "No." I was thinking the BOOT account was surely not mine. WRONG answer! It turns out that, legally and technically, the BOOT Board does own BOOT funds because they have control of it. That simple error caused a huge problem in the new computer program that the State uses, so I had to go the local office to get the problem solved. I am SO happy things are back on track, even though it took about half of one afternoon. pg. 2

3 From the Editor s Desk Nearly twenty-five years ago, when I embarked upon my teaching career, I pondered the dilemma of how to truthfully represent history to my students. How do we highlight historic events without also revealing the devastation and destruction suffered by some people at the hands of others? Today, more that ever, this question still puzzles me. More often than not, it is very difficult to teach the truth! However, through poetry, I found that I could teach history in a fun way, using a few historic facts sprinkled with a little bit of whimsy. When I wrote the following poem, I thought to myself, They ll have plenty of time to learn about the ugliness of history but, for now, let them smile. I ve been reading this poem to my students every year since then. I hope my poem brings a smile to your face, too! What s in a Name? By Ruth French The town crier traveled over hill and through dell, Raising his voice with a boisterous yell. Hear ye, hear ye. Come one and come all, For this is the season that we named Fall. The crops are all in and our labor is done. So, let s get together and let s have some fun! Dirk and Tasha, and Granny, too, Were filled with excitement over the big to-do. We ve got to get busy and gather some food. It s got to be tasty! It s got to be good! They scrambled around with swiftness and haste, Eager to finish the task that they faced. Dirk grabbed his musket as fast as he could, Bolting out of the house and off to the woods. He crouched in the bushes, waiting at bay, til a big fat bird came walking his way. At last, I have something to bring to the feast. It s not very pretty, but it s healthy, at least! Granny took her basket and walked to the bog. Feeling tired and weary, she sat down on a log. I can t go further til my aching legs mend. Oh, what can I find to share with my friends? Just at that moment she spotted a glimmer Of bright red berries that looked tasty for dinner. Tasha ran to the garden and fell to her knees, Frantically gathering the corn and the peas. She gathered as much as she could on that day, But, solemnly stared at her pail with dismay. Since the harvest was over, there were only a few. I ll mix them together, and I ll make a stew! As they gathered that evening for food and for drink, Dirk looked around the table and started to think. His bird was done roasting, but looked not the same As a chicken or duck. It MUST have a name! Since I caught the first one, although it seems quirky, I ll give it my name, and I ll call it a DIRKY! Then Granny continued this fun little game. I think I would like to give something my name! She placed the bright berries in a porcelain dish. They were plump and quite juicy well simply d lish! Not like cherries, or grapes, or plums, or strawberries. I ve got an idea I ll call them GRANBERRIES! As Tasha considered the things in her stew, She stuttered and stammered, not having a clue. The corn and the peas already had names. Oh, how she hated playing silly word games! But, then she tasted her succulent brew. I ve got it. I ll call it SUCCUTASHA stew! So, on that occasion in sixteen twenty-one, The Pilgrims and Indians had a great deal of fun. Not one day, not two days, but three days they played, Giving thanks for good fortunes with new friends they d made. They were thankful for food, and for homes, and for living. It must be the reason they called it THANKSGIVING! Happy Veteran s Day, Happy Thanksgiving, and Happy Reading! Ruth French, Editor, poppypapereditor@gmail.com (Deadline for submissions is the 20 th of each month for inclusion in the following month s issue.) pg. 3

4 On October 26 th, the Craft Committee had their last meeting for Zulema Franco was able to join us, and helped make packets of herbal tea. And, then she took home two large containers of dried rosemary and African blue basil, because she strips the herbs off the stems in her back yard. Becky Halliburton also joined us, despite having a medical appointment in the afternoon. We gave her lots of hugs and good wishes because she was somewhat anxious about her appointment. And, then just as noon was approaching, Winnie Adams walked up to where Alice Epault and Deanna Turton were sewing. It was such a treat to see her!!! She had planned to return some craft supplies, but Mary Jones quickly ordered more holiday corn husk dolls and gourd Santas. So Winnie s doll factory is back in operation! The next scheduled Craft Committee meeting isn t until January 11, JoBeth Hull s recent message to the members of the committee warned, That does not mean you won t get s begging for stuff you can make/do at home! From the Craft Committee, Happy Holidays Diwali Veterans Day Thanksgiving Hanukkah Christmas Kwanzaa New Year s Eve/Day Hope to see everyone back again on January 11 th! By Deanna Turton See pg. 4

5 Araceli, JP, Don, Deanna and Rachel Araceli, Deanna and Rachel, with Don in front A Welcomed Visit to the Garden: Araceli Ortega and Gary Turton recently brought one of the Park donkeys, Don Quixote, over to the garden. While Don was busy eating grape leaves, Gary took photos of JP Gendron, Deanna Turton and Rachel Alaniz. Unfortunately, Stephen Hoag had already gone home before Don arrived, so he missed out on the photo opportunity! Gary was a bit disappointed in the grape vines that he planted. They are doing great, but someone picked each and every piece of fruit! Mulch Day: On Monday, October 29, several volunteers and Park staff spread mulch at La Casa de Machado y Stewart garden. Although Bob Jones could not get our normal compost product, he did bring us a truckload of mulch, after two hours of waiting in traffic! What a hero!!! I am not sure I would have been that patient! Chad Van Doren sent two state workers, who were super efficient and friendly. So, with all of us working with three wheelbarrows, scurrying around the garden, we got the job done in a half hour. In fact, two volunteer gardeners, who take the bus, arrived at 9:30 a.m., and we were already finished. However, JP Gendron said that one truck load was not enough, so we need to do this all again maybe even two times, because we also need to attend to the raised beds between the Robinson-Rose Building and the McCoy House Museum. So, everyone please look at your calendars and let me know what days would be good for you. Monday is our normal work day, and that day also seems good for the state workers. Many thanks to Bob Jones, Stephen Hoag, Rachel Alaniz, Gary Turton, Jonah Hamilton, and the two young men who work for the State. We were so busy we did not get their names! pg. 5

6 Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) November 1-4, 2018 This free event will include the traditional candlelight procession on November 2 nd starting at 6 p.m., beginning at the entrance of the Old Town State Historic Park, located at San Diego Avenue and Twiggs Street. The procession will travel down San Diego Avenue to El Campo Santo Cemetery. The celebration will continue throughout the weekend with street food, vendors and activities on San Diego Avenue. Many Old Town restaurants will be providing special Dia de los Muertos menus and live music, along with activities for the entire family, including traditional face painting, mask making and many more. For more information about Dia de los Muertos in Old Town, contact the Old Town Chamber of Commerce at or visit OldTownSanDiego.org. Day of the Dead Activities in the Old Town Community By: Gregg Giacopuzzi, State Park Interpreter I Día de los Muertos Altars Have been erected throughout the Park, and a free paper brochure/map is available at the Robinson-Rose Visitor Center. Free Altar Tours will be presented on November 1 st and 2 nd at 1:00pm and 3:00pm. The tours start at the Robinson-Rose Visitor Center and last approximately 45 minutes. The Tributes and Sentiments Chalk Graveyard will be located on San Diego Ave. and Mason Street. This activity is free and will take place on November 1 st and 2 nd from 1:00pm to 6:30pm. Fiesta de Reyes will host their Día de los Muertos special event throughout the park from November 2 nd November 4 th. For more information on this event, please visit The annual Old Town Community Day of the Dead candlelight procession will be held on November 2 nd at 6:00pm. The procession will start at the Immaculate Conception Church on the corner of San Diego Avenue and Twiggs Street. The Old Town Chamber of Commerce will hold its Day of the Dead Street Faire on November 3 rd and 4 th from 10:00am to 6:00pm. Community businesses, including the Whaley House, will display a variety of public altars on that weekend. For more information please visit Los Californianos Meeting in San Diego January 25-27, 2019 Our meetings are open to the public, and the details on the program and how to register for the meeting are published on our website, Our headquarters will be at the Handlery Hotel in Mission Valley, which is where the library, a Saturday dinner, and a Sunday brunch will take place. For more information, please contact Benita H Gray, gray850@aol.com, pg. 6

7 \\\\\\\\ THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE MEMBERS! Balboa Park Plaza th Ave., Ste. 210 San Diego, CA (619) mtaylor@nwbenvironmental.com MONTHLY BOOT BOARD MEETINGS BOOT Board Meetings are held the 3 rd Wednesday, 1:00 pm, at Café Coyote. Monthly Board Meetings are always open to the public. BOOT BOARD OF DIRECTORS President: Jeanne Ferrell (619) Vice President: Gary Turton (619) Secretary: Linda Jacobo (619) Treasurer: Deanna Turton (619) The Park Store: Mary Jones Historian/Grants: Bob Wohl Restoration Specialist: Chuck Ferrell Web Master: Bob Jones Membership: Susan Hector Board Members: Cindy Furlong Becky Halliburton Stephen R. VanWormer Tom Young Poppy Paper Editor: BOOT Website: Park Website: Ruth French poppypapereditor@gmail.com pg. pg. 57

8 BOOSTERS OF OLD TOWN San Diego State Historic Park 4002 Wallace Street San Diego, CA **************************************************************************** Membership Application or Renewal $20.00 Senior (62 yrs. or older)/single Student $25.00 Single Supporting Member $30.00 Senior Couple (62 yrs. or older) $40.00 Family (2 or more individuals) $ Life Member (62 yrs. or older) $55.00 Corporate Basic Membership* (includes window decal and 1 month business card sized ad in The Poppy Paper) $ Corporate Enhanced Membership* (includes window decal and 1 year business card sized ad in The Poppy Paper) Donation Enclosed (Or Gift in Honor of: ) *Corporate applicants only: Please enclose a business card or logo for inclusion in The Poppy Paper. NAME ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP PHONE # TO USE A CHARGE CARD: VISA MasterCard Exp Date: Month Year M M Y Y Y Y Card Number: CSC/CVC: Three numbers Signature: pg. 8 Send to: BOOT Membership Committee, 4002 Wallace Street, San Diego, CA 92110