S a n D i e g o H i s t o r y Center Newsletter
VOLUME 57 NUMBER 2 SUMMER 2016
Photo by OI Studios Inside/Out A perpetual peek into our vaults
ILLUSTRATED DESIGN IMAGE OF THE UPCOMING INSIDE OUT CASE, DESIGNED BY OI STUDIOS AND MADE POSSIBLE BY LAS PATRONAS.
Visitors to our Balboa Park museum will soon full signature of Abraham Lincoln, the earliest experience regular glimpses into the rare, unusual, hand-drawn map of San Diego, diaries of San and everyday items and objects that make up the Diego’s first female doctor, clothing worn at the San Diego History Center’s fascinating archives. Hotel del Coronado opening ball, and rare objects One of the largest on the West Coast, our archives from the Native Indians of San Diego County. contain 45 million documents, 2.5 million historic A flat-screen monitor incorporated into the display photographs, 15,000 objects, 7,000 items of historic will scroll through images of examples from our clothing, and 1,500 pieces of fine art. Like most historic clothing collection, focusing specifically museums around the country, over 90 percent of on items that are difficult to put on exhibit. Inside/ these precious collection items objects spend the Out’s inaugural display items will be selected by TIMES majority of their lives in storage and are infrequently our talented collections staff, Chris Travers, Jane on public view. Inside/Out, an innovative, state-of- Kenealy, and Tammie Bennett. the-art exhibition display that will soon be installed Designed by OI STUDIOS, this cutting-edge case in the museum’s atrium, will change that! This was made possible by a generous grant from exciting addition will showcase a regular rotation philanthropy organization, Las Patronas. The History of rarely seen items and odd finds from the San Center extends our deepest gratitude to Las Patronas Diego History Center’s permanent collection. for bringing our collections into public view. What will you see? Countless intriguing pieces BY TARA CENTYBEAR, CURATOR on rotating display, including an uncommon early the OUR MISSION Why History? The San Diego History But why support history? It’s simple! To Center has a singular appreciate the present, we must compare it to the focus: the history of our past. To anticipate the future, we must identify and The San Diego History region. In the overall extrapolate the trends that are reflected in the past. Center tells the diverse scheme of things, we History can be our most important instructor. story of our region - compete with other We learn our history in many ways—from photos, past, present and non-profit institutions documents, artifacts, oral histories, art, clothing, future - educates that each has a very and more. Our delivery channels include children’s and enriches our compelling mission classes, adult programs, exhibitions, and The community, preserves statement of its own. Journal of San Diego History. our history and Here in San Diego, Our mission is clear: the San Diego History fosters civic pride. there are a number of organizations that support Center tells the diverse story of our region—past, health needs, children, animals, education, the present, and future—educates and enriches our San Diego History Center Board of Trustees poor and needy, homeless people, veterans, and community, preserves our history, and fosters President religious orders, and each has a broad following civic pride. We are making a difference in our Thompson Fetter and raises tremendous amounts of money. For community. In this light, I would like to thank Vice President each endeavor, there are multiple entities within the small but wise group of employees, donors, Joseph Craver Robert Watkins our community. A history museum serves a specific members, advisors, and trustees who support Treasurer niche, and although there are neighborhood- our mission. Without our work, our community Frank Alessi focused historical societies, the San Diego History would be an orphan, an entity without roots. Secretary Center is the institution responsible for collecting, It is a pleasure for us to work on your behalf. Ann Hill preserving, and disseminating the history of our President Emeritus BY TOM FETTER, PRESIDENT Robert F. Adelizzi entire region. Hal Sadler, FAIA Trustees Chuck Bieler Richard Bregante Raymond Carpenter From the Executive Director Debby Cushman-Parrish Dan Eaton It is a great honor and “One-hundred years ago they did things right—they Gayle Hom extremely humbling to (we) placed the History Center on a course of not Lucy C. Jackson John Morrell write this column as the just survival, but a course that has propelled the Ann Navarra new Executive Director institution to thrive.” To do this requires building a Susan Peinado Sandra Perlatti of the San Diego History permanent endowment that allows measured and Kay Porter Center. Since assuming sustained growth, maintaining conservative and Margie Warner the role at the end of balanced operations, continuing to preserve San Allan Wasserman Tom Wornham January, I have been Diego’s history by expanding and investing in our Roger Zucchet repeatedly asked, “What collections, and increasing our role and relevance Advisory Board is your vision for the to our community. Malin Burnham Thomas A. Caughlan History Center?” My We have the capacity to do all of this. We have M. Wayne Donaldson answer has caught some by surprise: “Our mission a dedicated and hardworking board; an advisory Iris Engstrand, PhD Kim Fletcher and our collective vision on ways to achieve it.” board of prominent local leaders; a talented, Tom Karlo The San Diego History Center was founded in passionate, and engaged staff; and members and Bob Kelly 1928 as the San Diego Historical Society. Our mission stakeholders who believe in our mission. Helen Kinnaird Yvonne W. Larsen is“… to preserve our history, tell the diverse stories So what is your vision for the San Diego History David Malcolm of our community—past, present and future, educate Center and how do we secure our organization’s Seth W. Mallios, PhD Jack Monger and foster civic pride.” Our mission is the reason future? I look forward to your comments. Please Rana Sampson the History Center exists, and it is our collective e-mail me at [email protected] or Hon. Lynn Schenk vision that empowers us to achieve our mission. give me a call at 619.232.6203 x106. I look forward Drew Schlosberg Mary L. Walshok, PhD If I look into my crystal ball to 2115, when San to implementing our collective vision together. Stephen B. Williams Diegans are celebrating the bicentennial of the Hon. Pete Wilson BY BILL LAWRENCE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Karin E. Winner Panama-California Exposition, I hope they say, Executive Director Bill Lawrence PRESENTING PRESENTING MEDIA MAJOR SPONSORS THE SAN DIEGO
Historian SPONSORS SPONSORS BB&T–John Burnham Insurance HISTORY CENTER IS Iris Engstrand, PhD BrightView Landscape Development, Inc. KFMB-TV CBS8 Certified Folder SUPPORTED BY Times Editor George and Phil Gildred, Jr. Sara Morrison PRINCIPLE John Thornton SPONSOR Gene Trepte Copy Editor Thompson & Jane BJ Williams
Chris Zook TO THANK YOU Wells Fargo OUR SPONSORS Trevor Fetter Photo Editor Chris Travers Graphic Design Jennifer Cadam EXHIBITIONS
On Exhibit The Lore Behind the Roar!: 100 Years of the San Diego Zoo Presenting Sponsor:
Presenting Media Sponsor:
Of Animal Importance (through August 14, 2016)
Hands-on Learning at The Border: The Line that Divides the History Center (through July 17, 2016)
Discover more in the ROAR Family Den San Diego Invites the World (through August 7, 2016) CHILDREN EXPLORE AN ACTIVITY STATION IN THE NEW ROAR FAMILY DEN, INVESTIGATING ANIMAL SKULLS TO HELP THEM DESIGN A MEAL APPROPRIATE FOR THAT ANIMAL. Heritage: Artwork by San Diego’s Japanese Since the Ingenious! The World of Dr. Seuss education, conservation, animal care, ending American Community exhibition, the History Center has had a great extinction, stewardship, and global issues. Most Japanese American opportunity to create a space that is unique in of the stations combine open-ended activities, Historical Society of history museums—a children’s interactive area. which invite imaginative play, with activities that San Diego exhibition Working with museum consultant Vas Prabhu, are more succinct and close-ended. Informational the ROAR Family Den was completely conceived, and interpretive text, touchable objects, games, designed, and built in-house—something that and large mural-sized photos are presented on San Diego: makes us proud! the walls while a central table houses sit-down Place of Promise Our goal was to have children be the author activities, like making a zookeeper hat, observing of their own museum experience, learning about patterns and completing puzzles, designing an different aspects of the behind-the-scenes work appropriate menu for animals, making a rubbing, Films at the San Diego Zoo. The ROAR Family Den was and writing a conservation pledge. A few more BALBOA PARK: designed to broadly appeal to families, but as we surprises include “What’s that Smell?” where The Jewel of all know, there is not one model family. In the families open jars of mystery scents derived from San Diego conceptualization process, we tried to be mindful different plants and try to identify them and Showing daily: of the variety and diversity of our kid visitors and determine how they are used at the zoo and 11am, 1pm, 3pm the adults who accompany them. We see the “What’s that Sound?” where visitors match the interactive area as a wonderful “laboratory” to sound they hear to an animal found at the zoo. Zoorama develop and test experiential learning about the Explore the ROAR Family Den at the History Showing daily: history of our community. Center and discover the child in you. 12pm, 2pm, 4pm The ROAR Family Den features six activity BY TINA ZARPOUR, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION stations, each reflecting a different zoo value: ADVANCEMENT 2016 Makers of San Diego History Join us on Saturday, June 25, 2016, as the San Diego History Center hosts its annual Makers of San Diego Recognition History tribute dinner, which honors individuals of Recent and organizations that “have made history in their own time.” This year, we have the privilege Bequests of recognizing the historic accomplishments San The San Diego History Diego Zoo Global has realized in its first 100 Center would like years. Over the past century, the San Diego Zoo to acknowledge the has become a world leader in animal care and following individuals conservation science, fighting to end extinction. who left gifts to the The evening begins at 4:30 p.m. with a unique History Center through opportunity to experience The Lore Behind the their estates: Roar!: 100 Years of the San Diego Zoo in an intimate George Silvani and engaging setting. Along with this private was a History Center viewing, there will be special features that can member and volunteer only be experienced at this event. The evening with the photo then proceeds under the stars and twinkling lights THIS YEAR’S MAKERS OF SAN DIEGO HISTORY collection for 25 years of the Zoofari Party Area within the San Diego CELEBRATES SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL. (1995–2010). He was Zoo. Among the roars of the lions and honks of a Commander with the the flamingos, we will celebrate the San Diego Navy, fought in the Zoo’s incredible achievements with fine dining, remarkable organization, the San Diego Zoo is Pacific in World War entertainment, and a special presentation ending deserving of high praise, and we hope you share II, and was an official at 9:00 p.m. in this exciting celebration with us! Visit us at witness to the atomic We look forward to acknowledging the San sandiegohistory.org for details. Diego Zoo’s 100 successful years at our Makers of bombing at Bikini Atoll. BY HEATHER HAYES, EVENT COORDINATOR He wrote two books, San Diego History dinner. As a singularly one titled From the Files of the La Jolla Historical Society. Be Empowered Alfred C. Berner was a member and to Leave a Legacy supporter of the San Phyllis Paul. Alfred Berner. Donna Sefton. George Diego History Center Silvani. What do all of these people have in for 10 years. He is common? They are all supporters of the San Diego remembered by the History Center through their estate. Each has made collections staff as a a significant contribution to secure the future of history buff, frequently the History Center though a bequest. visiting the library to Save the date now for Thursday, September research a number of 8th, to join the History Center’s Heritage Circle, personal projects. for tea and a discussion about the importance of estate planning. This past February, the San Diego History Center hosted members, volunteers, and supporters to hear Jim Siegel, estate planning BY SARA MORRISON, expert from Seltzer Caplan McMahon Vitek, offer MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR insights into various opportunities available for members to make a charitable gift through their estates. The intimate setting allowed participants
TO LEARN MORE OR to ask questions specific to their individual needs. TO INFORM US OF At the close, attendees walked away from the YOUR INTENTIONS presentation armed with resources to help them OF MAKING A GIFT make important decisions about their estate and THROUGH YOUR JIM SIEGEL FROM SELTZER CAPLAN MCMAHON VITEK empowered to make a difference. ESTATE, CONTACT: WITH BOARD PRESIDENT TOM FETTER. DEVELOPMENT@ Following this presentation, several individuals SANDIEGO joined the our Heritage Circle by sharing their HISTORY.ORG OR commitment to providing a lasting legacy for the 619.232.6203 X148. BY SARA MORRISON, MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR History Center through their personal estates. Zoo Exhibition EDUCATION Gallery Programs The San Diego History Center is full of new, exciting educational opportunities for K-12 school groups and general museum visitors. For our daily visitors, Interpretive we are offering novel ways to experience and Volunteers understand our exhibitions. Curiosity Carts, often facilitated by Gallery Guides, a special group of Bring Out interpretive volunteers, enhance what is on the walls History through hands-on encounters and conversations. The History Center If you visited the History Center in 2015, you may volunteers are employing have seen our 1915 Exposition Curiosity Cart and new techniques to learned about stereoscope technology and our provide a more stereo card collection. For The Lore Behind the engaging experience Roar, we are premiering new zoo-related Curiosity STUDENTS LEARN ABOUT THE SAN DIEGO for our visitors. Adding Cart topics: zoo horticulture, Dr. Harry’s Time ZOO’S HISTORY IN THE NEWLY DEBUTED to the insightful Machine (a history quiz game), the Curio Cabinet, PANDAMONIUM PROGRAM. information already animal enclosures (another instructive game), and found throughout the animal welfare. exhibits, our interpretive Programs exploring the four eras of San Diego’s Pandamonium, What Are Your Koalifications?, and volunteers—including history (Native Peoples of San Diego County, Mission Impawsible. Recently, the History Center our gallery guides and Spanish, Mexican, and American) and our Place of has been awarded grants to offer not only discounts docents—are using our Promise exhibition represent the backbone of our for Title I schools, but in some cases free bus new Curiosity Carts school programs. With the current zoo exhibition, transportation to programs! If you know a teacher to engage museum the education team saw an opportunity to try out who can take advantage of these opportunities, visitors of all ages new informal learning techniques and strategies. contact [email protected]. with hands-on Three new K-12 offerings are now available covering BY TINA ZARPOUR, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION interactive activities different aspects of San Diego Zoo history: that demonstrate specific learning objectives for each exhibition. All volunteers Motion Moves Memory! spend a substantial New Senior Offering amount of time learning not only interpretive The San Diego History Center has partnered with techniques behind each Rediscover San Diego through the San Diego cart, but also detailed Community College District to offer students information about the aged 55+ engaging programs that help students technique’s concept learn through movement, which research has or historical relevance. been shown to stimulate cognitive memory and Each volunteer also retention. Based on the technique’s success, the brings his or her own History Center is offering programs that incorporate creativity and unique physical activity to senior centers, retirement perspective to the carts, communities, community groups, and others which guarantees each scheduling an enhanced visit to the History Center interaction is a one- for their group or organization. of-a-kind experience. Participants can expect a multifaceted program, These experiences allow including a lecture, film, or panel discussion followed visitors to interact with by an informal walking experience that connects objects and artifacts in their physical and mental health. Visits to the a nontraditional way museum galleries, Research Library, and parts of while learning more Balboa Park immerse participants and offer a sense about why these items of place on which to build their memories. At the are significant to the same time, incorporating the use of various media overall exhibition. PUBLIC PROGRAM MANAGER GABE SELAK provides multiple avenues that foster learning. LEADING A TOUR. For scheduling options, information, and fees, contact [email protected]. Reference: BY CASILDA PAGAN, Get UP & Go! in the subject line. VOLUNTEER BY GABE SELAK, PUBLIC PROGRAMS MANAGER MANAGER COLLECTIONS From Our Vaults: The “Quirky” Stuff The Document Archives house a wide variety of items related to particular individuals, businesses, Document and other significant contributors to the development Files Collection of San Diego. When processing these collections, we periodically come across many unusual examples Now Online of local history that have somehow survived the The Document Files decades. These include Collection, a previously • Medicinal liquor prescription forms issued hidden gem of the during Prohibition Document Archives, has • A certificate appointing Richard and Raymond now been cataloged Misamore to the Twins’ Reception Committee and made searchable at the 1935 California Pacific International online. This collection Exposition contains over 1,300 files • Extract formulas from San Diego Soda Works, on individuals, families, c.1913, including lemon beer and “sarsparill”— organizations, events, the latter requiring sassafras, wintergreen, and other subjects. and half a dram of mace Built up over the last • Three hand-drawn horoscope charts from 80 years, these files are 1867–1871 distinct from our archival • A World War II Christmas card featuring Santa
collections due to their and his reindeer in gas masks From the SDHC Document Collection specificity and size: often • A membership card from 1938 for the Ancient only one or a handful Epicurean Order of Rattling Reptile Revelers CHRISTMAS CARD, FEATURING SANTA of documents remain • Poetry by a nine-year-old penned for Navy AND HIS REINDEER IN GAS MASKS C. WWII. from a particular source. Day in 1922, as well as a letter from a captain The most common at the U.S. Naval Air Station congratulating material type is letters, her on winning the homing pigeon race but the files also contain • An etiquette book from 1937 containing advice records of citizenship, on such necessities as how to reprove annoying marriage, property, theatergoers, and whether a man may toot education, and military his car horn when waiting outside for his date. BY SAMANTHA MILLS, ASSISTANT ARCHIVIST service; meeting minutes; Short answer: he may not. business contracts; and more. These files provide small, fascinating glimpses into the past, Color Adds Pop! whether through the We’re always looking for new ways to make our work diary of a stage historic images more contemporary and dynamic, driver or the detailed and we believe that we’ve succeeded by adding contractual obligations just a spot of color to one key element in each of an indentured servant. iconic San Diego image. This collection is the Currently there are five images to choose from, most recent update to but more will be available in time. Images can be our Online Catalog, printed on archival paper, gallery-wrapped canvas, along with records of or Plexiglas. To view the current set of images, go over 400 additional oral to www.sandiegohistory.org/colorized-image. history interviews and From the Photograph Collection, (#Sensor 7-377) all 193 titles from our
collection of serials. TOP: CALIFORNIA THEATER, C. 1950. BOTTOM LEFT: LIFEGUARD WITH SURFBOARD, MISSION BEACH, C. 1940. BOTTOM RIGHT: WOMEN WITH ROLLER SKATES AT MISSION BEACH, 1926.
BY SAMANTHA MILLS, ASSISTANT BY CHRIS TRAVERS, ARCHIVIST DIRECTOR OF THE PHOTOGRAPH COLLECTION From the Photograph Collection, (#79_650) From the Photograph Collection, (#UT 4655) The Lore BEFORE Roar! CURRENTS While almost everyone has heard about the San Diego Zoo, many people may not know the story of how a rag-tag collection of animals left over from the 1915 Panama-California Exposition, as well as New Members refugee animals from a flooded 1916 Wonderland Welcome to the in Ocean Beach, were the first in a collection that members who have would one day be one of the world’s finest. joined SDHC from Many History Center and San Diego Zoo Dec. 2015 to Feb. 2016. members, media—including CBS8, the station that brought the nation Zoorama—a kookaburra and Mary & Raymond Berube a cheetah, were all present at the opening of Steve & Kathryn Brooks the History Center’s major exhibition of the 2016 Russell Buckley season: The Lore Behind the Roar: 100 Years of the Karen Casey San Diego Zoo. Philippe Cheyette After the winged and feline stars stole the show, Marie Cheyette welcoming remarks were given by Tom Fetter, Deborah Coon San Diego History Center President and former Charles Crawford San Diego Zoo President—as well as Douglas Myers, Maria L. Fonti San Diego Zoo Global CEO. Both stressed the Marlene Fosselman importance of Balboa Park collaborations, creating Lois Friedlander more value for the visitor, and asking: how will they Rene Galvan look back at us in 100 years? What are we doing to Patricia & John Garretson Photo by Bob Hoffman Photography ensure that we are continuing the legacies of the Beth & Tony Guepin great institutions we celebrate today? Robert & Janis Henricks GUESTS ENJOY THE OPENING RECEPTION Ronald & Maria Hopkins OF THE LORE BEHIND THE ROAR Karen Hughes BY MATTHEW SCHIFF, MARKETING DIRECTOR Jinwoo Huh & Seeun Koh Anthony Jerry Terry Katz Mari Kubik & Joe Lindsay Orangutan Sculpture Caraway & Michael and Ken Allen Story Longville Gloria McColl Powell Celebrating The Lore Behind the Roar: 100 Years Kitty McDaniel & Eric DuVall of the San Diego Zoo, and embodying the new Kevin McKernan institutional approach to creativity in the exhibition Michael & Sharon Nagaran design process, the History Center commissioned a Alissa Nelson sculpture by local artist and fabricator Brian Gibson Marilyn Quon to hang in our atrium. The nine-foot tall, seventeen- Valerie Railey foot wide piece embodies the joy so many San John Richardson Diegans and vacationers have had while visiting Marty & Larry Smith and observing animals at the San Diego Zoo. Over Janna Smith the past four months of construction, this furry Jack Sprengle beast has been called many names by the artist and Kyle Stephens staff, including Fred, The Orang, Chili Cheese, and Gretchen & Brett Thomson Hayduke, just to name a few. We have decided he Brittany Torbert is a free thinker and are waiting for him to decide Joy Walsh what his name should be. Julie Wartell Many locals may remember Ken Allen, an Michael & Jamison Williams orangutan born in captivity at the San Diego Zoo Jon & Gail Woods in 1971, who became famous for his escape-artist Hannah Youssi skills. During the 1980s, Ken Allen gained attention Isabel Ysassi worldwide after a series of three escapes from his Hong Zheng enclosure. The orangutan’s smarts and ability to outwit his keepers, as well as his friendly docile ORANGUTAN SCULPTURE BY ARTIST BRIAN GIBSON. demeanor once freely roaming the zoo, resulted in instant fame. This superstar primate even had his own fan club and inspired T-shirts and bumper BY TARA CENTYBEAR, CURATOR stickers (most reading “Free Ken Allen”). 1649 EL PRADO PERIODICAL SUITE 3 SAN DIEGO CA 92101-1664
S a n D i e g o H i s t o r y Center Newsletter
VOLUME 57 NUMBER 2 SUMMER 2016
BEGIN WRITING YOUR OWN HISTORY AS A Calendar Join our online HISTORY CENTER VOLUNTEER May communities! sandiegohistory.org 5, 12, 19, 21, 26 Balboa Park History Stroll, 11am | $ 7 Member Morning, 9:30am (FM) 19 Think & Drink with Legendary Leaders of the Zoo: Harry Wegeforth and VOLUNTEER Belle Benchley, 6pm | $$ TODAY June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Balboa Park History Stroll, 11am | $ 3 Serra Museum opens on Fridays through Labor Day (FM) 25 Makers of San Diego History, 4:30pm | $$$
For more information, please visit: July SANDIEGOHISTORY.ORG/VOLUNTEER 7, 14, 21, 28 Balboa Park History Stroll, 11am | $ 14 San Diego in Serra’s Time: A Panel, 6pm | $
The TIMES Newsletter Postmaster $ Programs cost $1 – $15 $$ Programs cost $16 – $50 (USPS 331-890) is Send address changes to: $$$ Programs cost above $50 (K) Kid-Friendly Event published quarterly by The TIMES, 1649 El Prado, Ste 3 (FM) Free for Members * Invitation Only Event San Diego History Center San Diego, CA 92101-1664. 1649 El Prado, Ste 3, Financial support is provided San Diego, CA 92101-1664. All programs take place at the San Diego History Center in Balboa by the City of San Diego Park unless otherwise noted. All tours are offered rain or shine unless Periodical Postage Paid Commission for Arts and Culture. severe weather is forecast. Programs subject to change or cancellation. at San Diego, CA. All programs require registration or advance ticket purchase. Tickets available online at sandiegohistory.org/calendar, by phone JUNÍPERO SERRA at (619) 232.6203, ext. 129, or email [email protected]. MUSEUM SANDIEGOHISTORY.ORG/CALENDAR has been named Editor’s Picks for Museums by WeddingWire.com