THE POPPY PAPER. Official Monthly Publication of the Boosters of Old Town San Diego State Historic Park A Non-Profit Organization

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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 Dia de los Muertos Led by Senior Park Aide Elena Orozco, a team of Park Staff and Volunteers created three wonderful altars which are currently on display for Dia de los Muertos this year. Elena is a Descendant of the earliest inhabitants of San Diego, and we are grateful for her expertise, as well as her annual commitment to this effort. These altars can be viewed at three museums in the Park: La Casa de Machado y Stewart (left), Commercial Restaurant (right), and La Casa de Estudillo (below). BOOT provided funding for the project; and Bob Jones and Chuck Ferrell built the bases for each of the altars. November 2014 Dia del los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is traditionally a Mexican celebration during which deceased family and friends are honored and remembered. The celebrations include the building of altars called ofrendas, honoring the deceased. The use of sugar skulls, marigolds, and favorite foods and beverages of the departed are common elements of the altars. Pictures and possessions of the deceased are also common items included in the altars. (pictures courtesy of Bob Jones) Dia de los Muertos, November 1-2, 2014 Commemorate Day of the Dead by touring the museums and shops within Old Town San Diego. View the festive Day of the Dead altars, and enjoy live entertainment throughout Old Town. Two full days of celebration with a procession to the Cemetery on Sunday night BOOT BOARD OF DIRECTORS President: Jeanne Ferrell (619) Vice President: Gary Turton (619) Secretary: Linda Jacobo Treasurer: Deanna Turton (619) BOOT Store: Mary Jones 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) poppypapereditor@gmail.com BOOT Website: Park Website: pg. 1

2 LIVING HISTORY DAY AT LOMA PORTAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CELEBRATING 100 YEARS. OCTOBER 2, 2014 by Graham Kirkham, Senior Park Aide Old Town San Diego State Historic Park assisted Loma Portal Elementary School in celebrating their 100 year anniversary. Six staff members and volunteer Alice Epault did a great job demonstrating the games and crafts popular 100 years ago. Grades 1 st through 4 th made corn husks dolls, button on a string, and cat s cradle. Students really enjoyed playing games of marbles, hoop and stick, and sack races. For four hours there was not a cell phone or Ipad in sight! Senior Park Aide Vanessa Jones did an excellent First Person presentation of Miss Grace Farely, one of the original teachers at the school. Kindergarteners had their own area, with activities run by Park Aide Rita Connaty. They made pioneer dolls and had their own sack races; but, the most popular event was the laundry. Their little arms and hands were all red and mottled through all the scrubbing on the washboards! A special thanks goes out to our volunteer, Alice Epault, for all her hard work during the event, as well as prior to the event with all the research she did on the history of appropriate games. I would encourage any of you who would like to lend your valuable knowledge and experience to join us in our expanding Education Program. If you think that you want to be involved, please contact us at the Robinson Rose Visitors Center, Pictured (top right): Graham Kirkham and Ranger Chris Lozano with Principal Rebecca Penh; (lower left): Rita Riccio Conaty, Michelle Magnuson, Vanessa Jones, Graham Kirkham, Alisa Miller, Lisa Long From the Editor s Desk There s a chill in the air, and the bewitching hour is behind us. By the time this issue is published, the ghosts and goblins will have had their fill of tricks and treats, and the holiday season is upon us. Maybe because it falls between Halloween and Thanksgiving, perhaps one of the most overlooked celebrations this month is Veterans Day on November 11. The date commemorates the anniversary of the signing of the armistice to end World War I in Today we recognize ALL individuals who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces on Veterans Day. Please take a moment to remember those who have served to keep us safe and free! Soon, we will all be preparing those special treats for our Thanksgiving celebrations. Turkey and dressing, potato and vegetable concoctions of all sorts, and of course, pumpkin pie!!! How do our waistlines survive this time of year? However, to me, the most special part of the upcoming holidays is family time. We are shaping the memories for those who will celebrate long after we are gone. So, as we hurry through this cyber-shopping, retail-driven, season of celebrations don t be a Grinch or a Scrooge take times for family, for sharing, for friendship, and for gratitude. Happy Veterans Day, Happy Thanksgiving, Happy Reading! Ruth French poppypapereditor@gmail.com (Deadline for submissions is the 20 th of each month for inclusion in the following month s issue.) pg. 2

3 Treasurer's Notes by Deanna Turton Well, this year our vacation was wonderful...no flat tires, no snow or sleet, and the trailer did not leak on the two times it rained! We visited almost all of the national parks in Utah and Arizona, as well as other sites along the way Navajo friends in Flagstaff, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, the University of Arizona in Tucson, and the Tucson Arboretum. We even attended a nighttime procession at Mission Xavier du Bac where Native Americans danced and processed around the plaza with a figure of St. Francis, accompanied the whole time by church bells, firecrackers, and overhead fireworks! (Our dogs did not like that event too much, as they are afraid of fireworks. When we went back to the truck, they had jumped in the front seat and were trying to hide under the floor mats! Not easy for a 55 and 85 pound dog!) Thank goodness for the foresight of our forefathers who set aside our national parks and monuments for everyone to enjoy. However, some are very crowded,suggesting that they are being loved to death! At Zion National Park, there were absolutely NO parking places in the entire park or in the nearby town. At Hovenweep National Monument, dogs were allowed on the trails, so we all could enjoy the hike around the Native American ruins together. And, at Capitol Reef National Park, the ranger gave her lecture outside so we all could listen to the talk on the geology of the park...whereas at other parks we had to take turns because dogs are not usually allowed on the trails or inside buildings. I must say that our dogs enjoyed all of the attention there because, while folks were listening to the ranger, they were also taking turns petting the dogs. Many said they were missing their pets at home so they needed their dog-fix. I would like to thank Bob Jones for serving as the BOOT treasurer for the three weeks we were gone. When I balanced the books, everything came out perfectly the first time, so Bob did a good job of documenting everything he did. September was a great month for BOOT, for we came out $ ahead after all bills were paid. Besides the income from the BOOT Store, we received $ in donations from the Quilt Show downtown and an additional $ in sales from the Taste of Old Town. We also received a $50.00 donation from a man who was very impressed with our Park Store!!! My only concern is that the daily average in the donation boxes is once again very low for this time of year at $39.37 a day. In the expense column, categories over $300 were: $ inventory replacement in the BOOT Store $ Poppy Paper/Membership $ Fiestas Patrias event $ Stagecoach Days $ Care and feeding of the park's burros $ Period attire purchases and subsidies There were five other spending categories under $ As I write this, I have just completed filing the third quarter sales taxes and getting the BOOT books up to date in my computer. Taking a vacation is great until you have to do all the catch up work!!! FOR THE 3 RD MONTH IN A ROW, THE WINNER IS ELLEN GREEN!!! In September, Ellen once again took the prize for the most Guide Books sold! BOOT has offered a $20 gift certificate to the individual who sells the most books each month, AND this incentive has greatly increased sales. Thank You to everyone who has participated and, CONGRATULATIONS, AGAIN TO ELLEN!!! pg. 3

4 by Ruth French For the past several years, BOOT has allocated significant funds to the restoration of existing structures within Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, as well as to the construction of many new projects to enhance the visitor s experiences and beautify our Park. Providing the backbones of many of those efforts have been two of our very own BOOT Board Members, Bob Jones (r) and Chuck Ferrell (l). Bob s familiar joke is that he got involved in Old Town because he was simply Mary s driver. While waiting for his wife, Mary Jones, to take care of BOOT Store business, he would fill his time exploring and photographing the Park. Bob started helping out by being a go-for at special events, and was gently nudged into being a BOOT Board member. Since then, Bob has been instrumental in getting BOOT s website up and running, and fills in as Treasurer when Deanna Turton is away. He also serves on the Board of the Old Town Foundation, helping to solidify the educational plans for a renewed interest in bringing students back to an Old Town 4 th Grade Program. Preferring to work behind the scenes, in Old Town, it is ironic that Bob spent much of his career being in the spotlight. Among his many accolades as an elementary school teacher, Bob was honored as Teacher of the Year in San Diego Unified School District in the 1980s. Shortly thereafter, he embarked on his administrative career, and finally retired as school principal from Kumeyaay Elementary an administrator so loved that their sports field is named Bob Jones Field!!! WOW that is quite an honor! Chuck has a similar story, being married to BOOT President, Jeanne Ferrell. It seems that every time he turned around, Jeanne would need him to help out with a project in the Park, and he serendipidously became involved. Chuck is a retired construction engineer, with an extensive background in large-scale construction development, inspection, and management. His incredible repoirtoire of skills and his nonsensical approach to projects is awesome! Chuck and Jeanne s home is truly a testament to his talents. He s redone practically every inch of their home in Mira Mesa, inside and out! When Jeanne said, I need a potting shed, Chuck built a small house! To update the poolside patio area, he built an entire outdoor kitchen! In Old Town, no matter what the project, Chuck simply says, Tell me what you need I ll build it. And, he does! Ten VERY HEAVY (period appropriate) park benches, a refurbished kitchen for the Park staff upstairs in the Robinson Rose building, shelving for the Park s Big Ugly storage unit, a composting/disposal site for the donkey manure, fencing around the Machado-Stewart adobe, and platforms for the Dia de los Muertos altars are only a few of the projects that Chuck (and Bob) have taken on, planned, managed, and FINISHED!!! Bob s official title is Webmaster; Chuck s is Restoration Specialist. These two men, together or apart, do incredible things for our Park. They haul truckloads of compost to fertilize our gardens, paint flagpoles, repair fences, design and construct ANYTHING that anybody needs, and MUCH, MUCH MORE!!! They often recruit other Board Members, volunteers, and staff to assist in various projects But, these two men provide the expertise to plan, design, organize and execute projects in a timely, cost-effective manner. Simply put, they provide the brains and the brawn to get things done! Thank you, Bob and Chuck you truly are AMAZING!!! P.S. And, they ARE retired?!?!?!? pg. 4

5 Caitlin Meng is a Park Aide you may have seen working around the Park with the donkeys or at the Robinson Rose Visitor Center. She began working here at Old Town over the summer. She is a native of the San Diego area, having grown up in Ramona and graduated from Ramona High School. After finishing high school, Caitlin went on to attend the University of California at San Diego. At UCSD, Caitlin studied art and graduated with a double major in Art History and Computing of Arts and Music. While studying Renaissance Art History, Caitlin learned Italian, which she found helpful during a semester in Florence, Italy. Experiencing the world renowned art and architecture of the city was the highlight of her studies overseas. Also, while in college, Caitlin was on the equestrian team, serving as their captain during her Senior year. She performed in hunt seat shows, competing throughout Southern California and Arizona. Caitlin s success in equestrian competitions led her to earn the title of Sportsman of the Year. Caitlin has been working in Old Town for the last five months, mostly with the donkeys. She also works at San Pasqual Battlefield State Park. She says she was drawn to the Park because working with the donkeys and sharing history draws upon her background in history and equestrian pursuits. In addition to working at the Park, Caitlin has a job in Ramona training horses in dressage, another form of equestrian competition. State Park Partnerships by Chris Lozano, Supervising Ranger Old Town San Diego State Historic Park was recently invited to attend the annual Life Games Special Olympics, hosted by, Living Independently is for Everyone. Superintendent Richard Dennison and Ranger Lozano (pictured) attended the ceremony, which included over two hundred participants and community members. State Parks was honored by this partnership and commitment to serve the local community. Living Independently is for Everyone provides training and support for adults with developmental disabilities, encouraging them to be active participants in the community. At Old Town, we have a group that works once a week, cleaning the outside of the museums. A typical work day for the group consist of dusting, sweeping and cleaning windows for about two hours. The partnership has been so successful this past year that the Park is planning to expand the program in the future. pg. 5

6 Superintendent s Message by Richard Dennison, Park Superintendent October was a great month with good weather and lots of living history activities on Saturdays, during the week, and at the Fall Festival. Thanks to all who participated, making the history of early San Diego come alive for visitors. November is Native American Heritage Month. Nicole Turner, District Archaeologist, and Marla Mealy, Southern Service Center Archaeologist, provided this historical perspective: The creation accounts of the local Kumeyaay Indians tell them that their ancestors were placed in this area by the creator and they have been here since the beginning of time. They were living in the area of Old Town San Diego prior to the arrival of the Spanish explorers centuries ago and before the construction of the Mission San Diego de Alcalá in Their presence in Old Town continued well into the American Period. The Kumeyaay provided the largest labor force for the construction of the town, served as household servants for prominent families and may have engaged in commerce during the early period selling pots in open markets. Although the Kumeyaay are nearly invisible in the historical record of Old Town, their presence and importance to the daily operations of the town is apparent in the abundant archaeological remains found throughout the various households associated with the Mexican and American periods of Old Town San Diego. Several programs, exhibits, and concessions in the State Historic Park provide opportunities for visitors to celebrate the significant contributions, rich ancestry, and traditions of Native Americans. Craft Committee News by Deanna Turton and Ruth French Many thanks to the Members of the Craft Committee for working SO hard to get ready for the BOOT sales booth at the Old Town Art and Craft Show, October 4 th and 5 th on San Diego Avenue. And many thanks to our volunteer gardeners who have kept the gardens looking good through all of our recent high temperatures. Additional thanks go to BOOT President Jeanne Ferrell for procuring the best spot in town the very first booth across from the entrance to the Park (at the intersection of San Diego Avenue and Twiggs Street). This year we had a 10x20 foot space twice the space that we had last year! Plus, Jeanne had a 10x10 space for her historic quilt display; next to a 10x10 space for arts and crafts demonstrations. Two other 10x10 spaces adjacent to us were used for the children s art competition and face painting for the kids. We didn t know what to do with all the space it was like moving from a studio apartment into a 4-bedroom house! Despite the record temperatures, Becky Halliburton, Kim Baldwin, and Ruth French were able to haul a considerable amount of BOOT Store products down to the festival, set up a beautiful display, and have a successful sales weekend. On Saturday, Linda Jacobo and Diana Ojeda assisted with set-up and sales. On Sunday, Mary and Bob Jones joined in for sales, and finally packing up and take-down. Overall, we had a great weekend promoting BOOT, and earning nearly $700 over the two days. Added to the BOOT Store sales, it was surely a very good weekend! pg. 6

7 by Frances McMeeken Park Interpretive Specialist September 24, 2014 The Old Town Historic Quilt Guild took history and hexagons to the San Diego Quilt Show. The show is held annually in the fall at the San Diego Convention Center. For the last five years the Old Town Quilt Guild has had a large booth to promote Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, our living history programs, and the colorful and diverse history of quilts. We share stories about old quilts; teach about fabric dyes, batting, and quilt patterns; we encourage attendees to add a few stitches to our Juana Machado Reproduction Quilt; and we encourage everyone to win a piece of fabric by taking the Quilt Quiz. This year our theme was hexagons. In the 1800s these quilts were often called a hexacomb pattern based on their shape. In the 1930s, a popular version was known as a Grandmother s Flower Garden. At the booth we offered kits with all the necessary supplies for someone to make their own hexagon flower using the English paper piecing technique. The quilt guild members also donated several handmade sewing items for donations. We received $ in donations to support the quilt guild. Mark September 9-15, 2015 on your calendars to come see us at next year s show. (For more information: You can find us in the Park on the third Saturday of the month and every Wednesday afternoon. The kit for the 2015 Old Town Quilt Challenge is now available. This quilt will be raffled off in July during our special event Women of the West. When you visit us you may also assemble a piece for the Soldier s Quilt that is sewn by volunteers, staff, and visitors. This quilt will be available for raffle on July 4 th Come join us! Hello all! Its time for a Quilt Block Challenge! All staff and volunteers are welcome to participate. Due date is DECEMBER 1 st. Please contact Frances McMeeken if you would like a piece of fabric to join in. Come to a Quilt Guild Meeting, Wednesdays, 1 to 3 pm in the park for ideas and help. Frances McMeeken Park Interpretive Specialist, Seasonal Main office # (619) *Please note my new Frances.McMeeken@parks.ca.gov pg. 7

8 JOIN BOOT TODAY AND CELEBRATE 150 YEARS OF CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS!!! IT S NOT TOO LATE FOR THE 2014 MEMBERSHIP DRIVE: Help us promote the educational, cultural and interpretive activities at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park by joining our non-profit organization, Boosters of Old Town (BOOT). Your minimal annual contribution helps provide financial support for the many programs that are enjoyed by our San Diego community and the guests who visit our Park. New and renewing members will receive a gift certificate for a commemorative gift, celebrating the 150 th Anniversary of California State Parks, as well as a serving of ice cream from Cold Stone in Old Town. (Thanks to Jeanne Ferrell for her generous annual commitment to supporting our membership with her gift of ice cream treats!!!) Current members will receive a renewal reminder in the mail. However, if you are not currently a member, an application is located on the back page of this publication. Don t miss this opportunity to join us AND to celebrate the 150 th Anniversary of California State Parks! We appreciate your support Membership News BOOT is so grateful for our long-time supporters who consistently renew their memberships on an annual basis. We are also grateful to those who have been able to commit to a lifetime membership. But sadly, BOOT Membership has been dwindling over the past decade. We ve lost many of our long time supporters over the years. Some have passed away some have moved away. And, quite frankly, WE HAVE NOT done a very good job encouraging new members to join us. So, as an incentive to our current annual members who would like to see BOOT thrive into the future, we are offering a free one year s membership to you when you recruit a new member. No matter when your membership expires, we will extend it for an entire year! Watch the mail, as you will soon be receiving a special invitation to be part of this special membership drive for We may have some other prizes and incentives to add to the effort. So, PLEASE watch your mailbox. We NEED your support!!! Please remember every dollar that BOOT raises stays right HERE in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park to support all the work projects, special events, and interpretive activities throughout the year! If you are not already a member, please take a few moments to complete the application form on the back page of this issue and JOIN US!!! OUR MEMBERS MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!! pg. 8

9 In Sympathy We are saddened to learn that BOOT Board Member Chuck Ferrell recently suffered the loss of his brother. Our sincere condolences are extended to Chuck, Jeanne, and their family members during this difficult time. THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE MEMBERS! SEE YOUR AD HERE!!! Join these businesses in their support of Old Town San Diego State Historic Park: Old Town Market Old Town Trolley Tours Save Our Heritage Organisation (SOHO) Toby s Candle and Soap Shop Write Out Loud Please refer to the back cover page for more details. pg. 9

10 BOOSTERS OF OLD TOWN San Diego State Historic Park 4002 Wallace Street San Diego, CA 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 $ Single Supporting Member $ Corporate Membership* $ Family (2 or more individuals) (includes business card sized ad in the Poppy Paper $ Senior (62+ years)/student Single and on our website for one month) $ Senior Couple (62+ years) $ Enhanced Corporate Membership* $ 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 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 pg. 10