VOLUME 2020 ISSUE 8 October 2020

President’s Message Pam Pond

Fall is here dedication to the inn is already notewor- and while it seems a thy. Coming Events in 2020 return to normal life While it is no surprise that we have is far away, there is lost a lot of planned, yearly revenue due Currently: hope around the cor- to the pandemic, we have put into motion The museum has reo- ner. The Stagecoach several things to help us recoup our loss- pened and our outdoor Inn Museum’s soft es. We have applied for several grants, areas are open from 1 PM to 4 PM Saturdays only. opening has proved to continue to work with the insurance com- be very successful and pany on projected losses, are currently Suffrage: A Centennial safe at the same time. We have had organizing a virtual fundraiser and auc- Celebration exhibit many visitors and thanks to all our tion and have an outdoor Christmas event Viewable through our open doors. faithful and amazing docents it has all planned with safety always at the fore- been possible. We could never do it front. Watch for information on these without you! Until we move back in- events coming soon. side, we need to consider when we Due to COVID-19, the nominations for should close due to inclement weather. I CVHS executive officers, and the Board of have outlined specific conditions that Trustees next year look very similar to precipitate closing the museum for the last year because we are living in an ex- Sept.15th - Oct. 15th safety of everyone. I will present it to traordinary time. We need a stable and Hispanic Heritage Month the board at the next opportunity. consistent board to see us through this Our new exhibit, celebrating 100 crisis during this unprecedented time. years of a women’s right to vote in Please see the list on page 7. America, is an extraordinary exhibit Though we are still in the middle of a from the National Archives. It is a must pandemic, which means weddings and Visit our adobe and learn -see step into the past. Please come by school tours are on hold until further no- about early Spanish land and see the marvelous handiwork of tice, an example of the hope around the grants and ranching, later, Jana and Blanca. More kudos go out to corner I mentioned above is that young during the Mexican era. Jana for bringing us into 2020 with an couples have started booking weddings Instagram account. Visit Instagram again for next year. As of this writing, we December today to see the breathtaking picture of have six weddings reserved for next year! Unwrap The the Stagecoach Inn joined with other We are all looking forward to the day Conejo museums from around America cele- when we can return to normal and kiss Valley 2020 brating Women’s Suffrage. It is spectac- COVID-19 good-bye. Until then I look for- ular! ward to seeing each of you again very Special evening events are being planned for December September brought us our first ever soon (with mask and appropriate social 4th and December 11th COVID-19 compliant docent training distancing of course). It is always great to led by Nellie and a team of docent- see you at our beloved museum. Decorations will be on dis- experts. It was an excellent training play during our regular Saturday hours, 1-4 PM, with some exciting and fresh new vol- Stay safe and healthy. December 5th through the unteers joining our team. We are 20th. blessed to have them with us. Their PAGE 2 VOLUME 2020 ISSUE 8

Director Jana Goldsworthy

Come and celebrate with us! and more about women’s suffrage. We are thrilled we can get our Other happenings at the museum have includ- volunteers together again and ed our volunteer orientation training, which took welcome guests back to the mu- place September 5, welcoming a talented and en- seum every Saturday from 1 thusiastic group of new volunteers. We’ve also re- PM to 4 PM. There is a lot to ceived some wonderful new donations, including see and do and we’ve gotten an intricately-crafted, lighted/moving diorama of a very creative with how to safely stagecoach, made by the late Reynold Sandbom, share our exhibits while only soon to be on display in the Emporium, and a gor- outdoor areas can be open. geous set of Limoges China with large pink blos- Soaring temperatures and poor soms adorning a white background, donated by air quality made attracting people to the property Mickie Grimaldi. We are starting to see more cou- challenging, but since mid-September we have had a ples eager to move forward with their plans to “tie fairly steady flow of socially distanced visitors. Every- the knot”, and have recently booked six weddings one seems to be enjoying our ongoing Centennial Cel- for 2021. ebration of Women’s Suffrage Exhibit. Docents have We are also up and running with the donned “Votes for Women” experimental stage of our sashes and buttons, and are QR signage, now ready to share the suffragist available at the Chumash story. Vignettes depicting a Ap and Timber School, parlor meeting in progress and coming soon at the and other scenes represent- Blacksmith’s Shop. ing the history of the suf- Visitors can simply point frage movement, are viewa- their smart phone at the ble through the open doors of sign with the camera multiple buildings, and our feature on, and access a kiosks, generously provided “Virtual Tour” video of by the National Archives and the exhibit and additional “Rightfully Hers”, provide a data on the website. Our wealth of information. wonderful docents are, of Photos and drawings post- course, still on hand to ed in the windows of the Inn share their knowledge and Pioneer House complete the exhibit, including and stories. This “no- those from the first official women’s rights convention touch”, COVID-safe addition, adds an interesting held in the US, in Seneca Falls, NY in 1848, attract- multi-media feature to our tour, to help offset the ing 300 participants. Other photos feature our earli- limited access to building interiors. We are also est female voters in Ventura County. There is also a modifying our school tours for social-distancing so colorful display from the #ForwardIntoLight cam- we are prepared when 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade paign shared on Instagram, which took place August classes or homeschool groups are ready to return 26, 2020 to celebrate the date the 19th Amendment to the museum for everyone’s favorite field trip. was certified. It includes actual and virtual building It’s all part of the many adaptations our volun- illuminations across the country in purple and yel- teers are busy making to continue bringing histo- low, the official colors of the American suffrage move- ry alive for the community. ment. The Stagecoach Inn Museum looks resplendent We have put together a great way for you to with violet sky and golden lights, nestled between the experience yesteryear in the , by illuminated White House and colorful cathedral. heading out on the open road with our Historical Many thanks to The Acorn newspaper for promoting Driving Tour (see final page for accessing driving our exhibit which will be up through November 28. instructions), highlighting 16 Historic Landmarks, Be sure to look for the Acorn Magazine’s Beyond No- commencing at Thousand Oaks #1 Landmark, the vember issue, to be published online. It will feature a Stagecoach Inn Museum. See you soon! Stay safe historical timeline of prominent women of our region and keep smiling beneath those masks. We are! VOLUME 2020 ISSUE 8

Historical Happenings Carol Anderson, Curator of History

quizzically, and the artist decided to paint the scene. Art at the Stagecoach Inn Museum Named “His Master’s Voice,” this painting became a well- known trademark for the Victor Talking Machine Co. in 1899. This beautiful room and its collection of Gramo- The Stagecoach Inn Museum is not known as an phones and Victrolas was donated by collector and muse- art museum, but there are many interesting, excel- um volunteer Ken Kilbourne. lent paintings on the property. Some are originals, Timber School has prints of well-known artists show- some prints, and sometimes the artist is known. I ing President George Washington by Gilbert Stuart and want to highlight some of the paintings, prints and President Abraham Lincoln by Cyrus Cobb. A small photos at the SIM: print of the signing of the Declaration of Independence is Entering the lobby, one sees Presidents George shown on the bookcase, this one by John Trumbull. Washington and Abraham Lincoln. In the entry These were purchased to furnish the schoolhouse in 1995, near the stairs are two local water color paintings but funding was from donations. You can also see a small showing the first Hunt family home and the road print of President Benjamin Harrison so that school chil- leading into their ranch by Jane Francis Hunt in dren can see just who was the president when the origi- 1908. nal school was built in 1889. Passing through the dining room you’ll see a still In the Carriage House there are four paintings, circa life painting of pomegranates on a mat. It was from 1870, three by Edward Vischer and one by Herman Han- the home of Walter and Martha Lowsley Hunt as sen. The Vischer paintings are particularly of this area. was the painting of a watermelon and grapes in Lastly, take a look at the fine woman in a green dress Emily’s Kitchen. Another original oil painting near- seen through the screen door in the Collection Room. by shows four ears of corn. Artist Alfred Montgom- This is a self-portrait of Florence Pealer. She was a fa- ery painted many pictures of corn on wood and other vorite local artist in the early Conejo. You can see Flor- surfaces. They were so realistic that it was said that ence’s abstract painting on the wall of the Mad Attic, a a chicken would peck at it. local thrift shop. It is remindful of the great variety The Director’s Office has a painting from 1980 by found there. John Lane Evans showing a building with a water Museum staff, volun- tank on its roof, such well houses were not unheard teers and guests all enjoy of in years past. As you pass the landing of the the paintings and appreci- stairwell, take a look at Bob Rickards’ lively paint- ate the thoughtful gener- ing of the Stagecoach Inn in its earliest days with a ous donors through the stagecoach and horses. During the Bicentennial of decades. the Lewis & Clark Expedition of 1804 to 1806, our local volunteer, Bob, painted a day-by-day series of paintings of their adventure. In the Victorian bedroom the small picture of the Newbury home is a museum treasure. It was painted by Frances Newbury and donated by the Newbury descendants. Thinking of their sad departure during the drought of 1877, pack- ing their belongings into a wagon with husband Egbert, two children and her mother, she surely must have created this painting later while liv- ing in Michigan. Perhaps a picture was taken, as descendants donated a small photo of their barn located right where the T.O. Civic Arts Center is to- day. An Englishman, Francis Baraud, painted Nipper, as seen in the decorative mirror in the room housing gramophones. His dog looked at the gramophone PAGE 4 VOLUME 2020 ISSUE 8

Docent Council Stasia Simrall, Docent President

Thanks to a back-deck decided how to conduct the voting which should take patio that is shaded in the place on what would be our regular meeting date - Oct. morning, the Docent Execu- 20, 2020. By then we should also know more about any tive Board was able to hold changes in the state’s health regulations that will its first in person meeting hopefully enable us to plan a November event. since March. It was so uplift- Plans for a Christmas Open House were discussed ing for all of us to see the with several approaches proposed. At this time, we do board members that attend- not know just what we will actually be able to do. ed! However, if anyone has some creative suggestions The board’s business agen- please call Cynthia Bengtson at (805) 499-1507 or da was rather short as we Sherri Kerman at (818) 309-8487 and share your have no idea as to when we thoughts as this will help if we are given the green can start program planning light to go ahead. The time will be very limited to or- again. The nominating committee announced the ganize the event so your ideas might prove to be very slate of officers for the Docent Council for 2020. Still valuable. under discussion is how to hold the election and if we People are discovering that our outdoor buildings can manage a combined member recognition and are open on Saturdays so we are getting visitors. They officer installation luncheon. We so want to get to- have been delighted to see the blacksmith shop fired gether to celebrate each other. Since there was no up on some of those days, too, when one of our inhouse program for a meeting of the docents in September, blacksmiths was available and the temperatures the slate of officers was sent to the members in an weren’t breaking records. Even though not all docents eBlast on the assigned date. Nominations include are yet comfortable to return to working with the pub- the following: Docent Chair - Stasia Simrall, 1st lic, we have been able to fill all positions every Satur- Vice Chair (Programs) - Patty Lebow and Cynthia day. I even offered to take on an extra Saturday for Bengtson, 2nd Vice Chair (Scheduling) - Joyce Mi- September only to be told, “Sorry! All positions filled chelsen, Recording Secretary - Sharon Gerlach, Cor- quickly!” What great news! Hopefully, that will prove responding Secretary - Ruth Sweitzer and Financial true when we can open further! Secretary - Darlene Daigle. Nominations are also open for additional candidates keeping in mind that Thank you, docents! the person being nominated has given his/her con- sent. Please call Stasia Simrall at (805) 492-5287 Please click here for instructions on how to with the names. There will be an October Docent nominate your choice for Volunteer of the Year? Executive Board meeting at which time it will be

Holidays (at the) Inn - Unwrap the Conejo Valley Cynthia Bengtson & Sherri Kerman

Plans are currently being developed at the Inn to celebrate the holiday season for several days in December. We are currently planning vignettes and scenes to be outside or looking through open doors and windows, sharing stories about the people, businesses and tradi- tions in the earlier days around the Conejo. There will be two evening events to see the Inn lit up in festive holiday lights on Fridays and plans for various activities on Saturday (and hopefully Sunday) afternoons in December. Watch for more information as we get closer. If you would like to be involved in some way, contact Sherri Kerman or Cynthia Bengtson.

Ed Lawrence Celebration of Life Sadly, the Celebration of Life to honor Ed Lawrence at the end October has had to be cancelled due to COVID 19 restrictions. When another date is set up, it will be announced here in the Stage Lines. VOLUME 2020 ISSUE 8 PAGE 5

Women of the Conejo Valley—Spotlight on Reba Hays Jeffries Stasia Simrall

This is the latest addition to a Stage Lines series of articles highlighting the women of the Conejo Valley over the years. These stories were first told in our publication Ladies of the Conejo by Miriam Sprankling and Ruthanne Began published in 2009. These

“First Lady of Newbury wanted Newbury Park to remain its own independent Park,” “. . . boundless energy, community as an area identified by its large ranches determination, love. . .”, and freedom unlike the quickly urbanizing city of “small in stature but a giant Thousand Oaks. This was one battle she lost. when it came to being a mov- Politics was very much in Reba’s blood. As an ac- er, shaker, doer, and motiva- tive member and leader of the business community, tor and a keeper of things she became the first female president of the Newbury great and small.” These are Park Chamber of Commerce. She was involved in just a few comments taken from articles in local news- drives calling for the state to complete the Borchard papers describing Reba, a third-generation citizen of Road interchange and to erect the Wendy Drive over- Newbury Park. pass. Reba very much wanted Newbury Park to have Reba, granddaughter of Cecil and Cicilie Haigh its own post office and that it should be located on who purchased the Stagecoach Inn Museum in 1885, Newbury Road. Newbury Park still has its own post attended school in the original Timber School and office and zip code (91320) but its location has graduated from Oxnard High School, the only high changed. Over the years she and Donna Fargo became school in Ventura County at the time. At UC Davis friends. Together along with a few community mem- she earned a certificate in Animal Husbandry with bers they worked to save the Stagecoach Inn from de- hopes of eventually becoming a veterinarian. Because struction that it might be preserved as a museum of of the Great Depression she went to business school local history. instead. This prepared her well for she became a ma- At 54 years of age Reba was diagnosed with multi- jor success story in the local business community. ple sclerosis but still remained active in the communi- In 1943, Reba married Floyd Jeffries. Together ty. Over the years she had started many businesses, with Reba’s business skills they developed a business gotten involved in politics and worked in numerous district along Newbury Road on land that was origi- hospitals in the area. In keeping with her love of nally part of the Haigh family ranch. Many current ranch life she became an authority on horses and residents of the area still remember and patronized, judged many horse shows. In Conejo Valley Days pa- Newbury Park Lumber Co., Newbury Park Feed rades she drove a red fire truck one year and in an- Store, two gas stations, two new car lots, a junk yard, other year rode with Donna Fargo in her 1930’s Model a market and the strip mall where Cleo’s Cafe, the A Truck (Queenie). She was often in the audience on only restaurant in Newbury Park at the time, was the opening night of Conejo Players productions. Her located secret indulgence was a season ticket to the Philhar- For a few years “Mother” became Reba’s main fo- monic. (Can’t help but think she would love today’s cus and title. She gave birth to 3 children of whom New West Symphony concerts.) only Susan survived. Loving children she and Floyd In 1987, tragedy struck again as Reba’s 4th son adopted six more. (Currently, Susan lives in Virginia died in an automobile acci- and shared with me wonderful memories of her moth- dent as had three other sons er and life on the ranch.) As the children began years earlier. She said that school at the “new” Timber School, Reba became a this “took the wind out of my very involved parent in school and local youth activi- sails” and she took to a ties. She was one of the founders of the Thousand wheelchair. Now she made Oaks and Scholarship the move to Santa Barbara to Programs. be close to her daughter, Su- The early 1960’s found Reba involved in local poli- san. There, in 1989, she tics. She was not one to back away from controversy! passed away and was buried Thousand Oaks was going to incorporate as a city. among her ancestors in Ivy Reba vigorously fought annexation to the city as she Lawn Cemetery in Ventura. PAGE 6 VOLUME 2020 ISSUE 8

Women’s Suffrage: A Closer Look at Ventura County David Morehouse

With the completion of the railroad in 1889, the were too emotional and incapable of making careful population of the county grew steadily from 10,071 to and wise political decisions. She summarized “The 28,724 by 1920. Although relatively small in popula- idea that a woman’s influence cannot be trusted in pol- tion, the movement decided that the “swing voters” itics is a downright insult to the sex. Men of the lowest were the rural areas of the state. These areas did order…may vote … their status is…higher than that not have the same demographics or the same social of the most refined and intelligent woman in the issues as the cities. Rural citizens were viewed as land….” self- starters and more independent. Men and wom- Music played an inspiring role in the 1896 cam- en had worked together and on an equal footing for paign. Poet and author Julia Ward Howe became the years. Overall, women believed this was a winning rock star of her day after her poem, the Battle Hymn of formula for women’s suffrage. the Republic was published in 1861. Campaigning for women’s suffrage was very ac- Suffragists adopted Howe’s Battle Hymn as the tive in 1896. In April, Anna Howard Shaw spoke at unofficial anthem of their movement. They created Armory Hall (Ventura). She was billed as “brilliant, their own versions with words supporting a woman’s logical, witty, and immensely entertaining.” The suf- right to vote. Comstock’s “After the Battle Hymn of the frage-friendly The Ventura Free Press, went on to Republic” was dedicated to Howe during a visit she say, “It is hoped those who are not in favor of equal made to Ventura. Comstock’s “Battle Hymn” opens suffrage will come out and give themselves an oppor- with these lines: tunity to be converted.” “In the glory of these lilies Christ’s second coming see, In July 1896, as the Ventura City Band paraded to purify the Nation through Womanhood set free;” on Santa Clara Street, the Ventura County Conven- Ventura County was part of a growing influence of tion of the Woman’s Suffrage League opened in Un- social reforms. The largest of the women’s organiza- ion Hall. Ida K. Spears, noted for “leading the work tions was the national Women’s Christian Temperance in Ventura County with pen and voice,” was elected Union. The group was most concerned with the im- president and Adelaide Binns Comstock as treasur- pact of alcohol abuse on women and families, but came er. to adopt a broader social welfare program that sup- On Saturday night, October 17, 1896 Susan B. ported women’s suffrage. Other groups included the Anthony packed Ventura, California’s Armory Hall Saticoy Literacy and Social Club (1902 renamed the for a 45-minute speech. The Ventura Free Press ac- Poinsettia Club of Saticoy). count noted the room was “filled to upmost capacity” Saticoy school teacher Anna Hawley said in 1910, despite the organizers charging a small admission “We of comfortable homes, protected and cared for, fee (probably 10 cents) to cover the expense of the cannot judge what the right of suffrage would mean to hall. The report concluded that Anthony’s words women who have to toil in sweatshops and other plac- “sank deep into the hearts of her hearers, and the es for a living, perhaps toiling for a mere pit- noble cause to which she has devoted the best years tance.” This comment was not a social commentary. of her life, will surely receive a decided impetus from Rather, it focused on the need for all women, regard- her having been among us… We predict the vote for less of circumstance, to be involved and benefit from the 6th Amendment (to the state constitution) in Ven- women’s suffrage. See: Suffrage Continued on page 7 tura County will show that the electors are not want- ing in chivalry or a sense of justice.” Adelaide Binns Comstock figured prominently in the drive for women’s suffrage in Ventura Coun- ty. She lived 43 of her 88 years in Ventura and had been active in the movement from the early days. Comstock was a prolific author and poet whose words are preserved in the Ventura County Research Library’s copy of her Poems, Reminiscences, Letters and Biographical Sketches. among others. In an 1892 letter to the editor of The Ventura Sig- nal, Comstock took to task the argument that women Members of the La Loma Club some of the first women to vote in Ventura Co. VOLUME 2020 ISSUE 8 PAGE 7

Suffrage, continued from page 6 live to see Ventura women vote in the 1920 national rati- On October 10, 1911, California approved an fication election process. She died two years before the amendment to the California State Constitution ratification of the 19th Amendment to the United States providing for the Right of Women to vote. Still, Ven- Constitution. tura County voters defeated the amendment by 40 To bring Women’s Suffrage alive, I encourage you to votes (856 to 816). visit her gravesite. She is buried in the Cemetery Me- Post Script: Adelaide Binns Comstock did not morial Park in Ventura, California (Block 54, Lot 4).

Board of Trustees Election 2022 Due to the unprecedented circumstances the following proposed Trustees and Executive Board from this year are being carried over through next year to provide stable CVHS board leadership as we navigate sol- vency and relevancy during these unstable times. At the next Board of Trustees meeting the voting will take place. Also at the next Trustee Meeting will be exploring the addition of a clause to our by-laws to cover cases of ex- treme emergencies like this year has turned out to be. Executive Board President- Pam Pond CVHS Proposed Board of Trustees 1st Vice President- Neal Scribner Debbie Birenbaum Term Ending 2020 Ray Moccia 2nd Vice President- Jeannette Berard Shirley Hedrick Sandra Hildebrandt Joyce Michelsen 3rd Vice President- Gina Baxter Judy Winston Term Ending 2022 Internal Director- Bert Weyl Jeanette Berard Jim Gilmore Bert Weyl External Director- Sandy Hildebrandt Suzana Harris Chase Lichtenstein Lou Kirby Treasurer- Darlene- Van Maanen Lindalisa Louis Term Ending 2021 Recording Secretary- Arden Holst Debra Payne Bill Ackerman Joanne Stone Barbara Crowdis Corresponding Secretary- Ruth Dods Darlene Van Maanen Arden Holst CRPD Representative: Nellie Cusworth

Reminder: Masks are to be worn on all parts of the Stagecoach Inn Property both outside and inside at all times for the safety of our guests and docents. Guests and Docents will not be admitted without a mask Conejo Valley Historical Society 51 S. Road Newbury Park, CA 91320

Address Service Requested

Phone: (805) 498-9441 Fax: (805) 498-6375 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.stagecoachinnmuseum.com

Director: Jana Goldsworthy Editor: Susan Robb Editorial Assistant: Jeri Ursetti Mailing: Deb Warrick Emailing: Ben Bent and Irene Seda

Find us on; click or scan

We Invite you to take an Shop The Emporium at the Stagecoach Inn! HISTORICAL DRIVING TOUR

through the beautiful Conejo Valley

This self-paced adventure takes you to 16 historical landmarks and is a great “get out of the house” family activity.

The drive can take a couple of hours or most of the day, depend- Souvenirs, toys, books, hand- ing on whether you chose to explore the sites or picnic along the made items, and much, much way. more! 10% discount to Click the logo for printable driving members! directions that begin at Thousand Oaks’ Historical Landmark #1: All proceeds go to benefit The Stagecoach Inn Museum

The Stagecoach Inn Museum Owned and operated by the https://stagecoachinnmuseum.com/activities/2020/9/26/ Conejo Valley Historical Society historical-landmarks-driving-tour-of-conejo-valley