S A N D I E G O H I S T O R Y CENTER NEWSLETTER

VOLUME 58 NUMBER 3 FALL 2017

“Makers” Makes History $90,000 raised for documentary film and education programs.

TOP: (LEFT TO RIGHT) BLAKE VANDERWIEL, JACLYN GOLDBAUM, JULIAN JOSEPHSON, DAVID ELMAN, CHARLES WAX. BOTTOM LEFT: (LEFT TO RIGHT) CLAIRE ELLMAN AND SHARLEEN WOLLACH. BOTTOM RIGHT: ATTENDEE RAISES LUCKY NUMBER “18” DURING THE PADDLE RAISE.

The History Center’s “Makers of San Diego History” gala clip of the aforementioned film. But perhaps the most provided an opportunity for members of San Diego’s captivating part of the evening was the exhibition’s guest Jewish community to congregate and celebrate their curator, Dr. Joellyn Zollman, recounting her experience shared history and revel in their cumulative contributions tracking down the exhibition’s marquee object—a diary to the region. Karen and Jeff Silberman provided the from the 1850s. Indescribably rare—and only on display

TIMES lead gift of $25,000 which was matched immediately by until early September—it provides a glimpse inside the Jane and Tom Fetter, adding to the excitement. Adding mind of a young Jewish woman who arrived in San Diego to that, attendees contributed nearly $90,000 in a in the 1850s. “To have this piece in the exhibition offers paddle raise opportunity to support the legacy project visitors direct connection to the earliest days of San associated with the Celebrate San Diego! exhibition, Diego’s Jewish population that few other things could,” the upcoming documentary filmTo the Ends of the said Zollman. Earth: The Jews of San Diego, which is scheduled for Thank you to all who attended and supported the completion in February 2018. San Diego History Center! The festive atmosphere was accentuated by a five- piece klezmer band, Hot Pstromi, a visit by San Diego BY MATTHEW SCHIFF, MARKETING DIRECTOR Mayor Kevin Faulconer, and a screening of a 10-minute the OUR MISSION Board President’s Message the most appealing area of support, but absolutely vital EXHIBITIONS to our survival. Our Executive Director, The Give Forward admission policy, which Bill Bill Lawrence, has just initiated last October, has contributed to a 157 percent completed his first fiscal increase in visitors compared to the year prior. Our The San Diego History Celebrate San Diego! year at the History Center. image in the community is—I feel—also improving. Center tells the diverse The History & Heritage It’s my pleasure to announce This success is due, in part, to our Trustees, who have story of our region - of San Diego’s Jewish the preliminary results of been very generous with their time and funds. John past, present, and future - Community our latest fiscal year will Morrell’s year-long promotion of the History Center educates and enriches (Extended through show an unaudited surplus at the San Diego Rotary Club was incredible, and our community, May 2018!) of $158,405. This reality is Debby Parrish organized a very successful “Makers preserves our history supported by the sale of of San Diego History” gala. “It takes a village” they say, Outside the Barbed and fosters civic pride. a commercial property in La Mesa, which came to us and ours includes a dedicated and capable staff, over Wire: Alternatives from the estate of Richard Dyson in 2013, as well as San Diego History Center 120 volunteers, and most importantly, our donors and to Internment Board of Trustees a distribution from the estate of Virginia Warner. We members. (Throughout 2017 in the President and Chairman are also awaiting distribution of two other significant Thank you for the great year! JAHSSD gallery) Thompson Fetter bequests, which will help stabilize our financial situation. Vice President Joseph Craver While these gifts are wonderful, it’s important to Part of the Patchwork: John Morrell restrict them to begin our endowment. Where our real Reflections of BY TOM FETTER, BOARD PRESIDENT Robert Watkins needs lie is in the funding of daily operations—never African American Life Treasurer from the Archives Frank Alessi Secretary (Through February 2018) Allan Wasserman the Serra Museum’s main gallery and towers into fuller, Mail Call: History of Assistant Secretary Executive Director’s Message Margie Warner more comprehensive and inclusive exhibitions that America’s Military Mail President Emeritus The San Diego History highlight the complex, human interactions that took (November 4, 2017 – Robert F. Adelizzi Center turns 90 in 2018. place on the site, as well as the interplay between those January 7, 2018) Hal Sadler, FAIA Founded as the San Diego activities and the life-source of early San Diego: the San Mail Call is a National Trustees Historical Society in 1928, Chuck Bieler Diego River. These initiatives have been in the planning ’ Postal Museum exhibition Richard Bregante our original home was Marstons History organized and circulated stages for some time now, and we are invigorated by Raymond Carpenter in Presidio Park at our Brian Chambers the prospect of putting the plans into action. by the Smithsonian Debby Cushman-Parrish other museum site, the Lastly, the completion of the documentary film Institution Traveling Dan Eaton Junípero Serra Museum. Emporium Exhibition Service. Jim Fitzpatrick To the Ends of the Earth: The Jews of San Diego draws J. Kevin Heinly The founders of our near, with a tentative debut set for the San Diego Jewish Legacy in Black Gayle Hom organization envisioned a Film Festival in February 2018, as does the publication Where San Diego’s youth do the work of historians. Robert A. Kittle place where the region’s history could be archived, (October 2017 – Brian Mooney of a companion catalog to the exhibition Celebrate March 2018) Kay Porter preserved, conserved, and used to help interpret our San Diego! Ellis C. Smith A collaboration with collective past. Nine decades later, I’m convinced they Be on the lookout for more exciting news, and SIX HANDS-ON NICHES TEACH KIDS THE HISTORIOGRAPHY OF HISTORY! Stephen B. Williams The San Diego African would agree that this institution has, and continues, remember, you are a critical member of our team and Advisory Board American Museum Malin Burnham to serve that role. your support ensures our success. Thank you. Thomas A. Caughlan To acknowledge this achievement and to express of Fine Art. Who is a San Diegan? Why is it important to know and • We Who Have Lived Here By digging through our M. Wayne Donaldson our commitment to the next 90 years, we will launch Iris Engstrand, PhD BY BILL LAWRENCE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR understand our history? What do objects, photos, and archives, we have uncovered stories of little-known Marston’s History Phase II of the Serra Interpretive Plan, transforming Tom Karlo documents say about our past? How have other children San Diegans, whom young visitors can learn about Bob Kelly Emporium Helen Kinnaird in San Diego made a difference in our community? These through documents, photos, and dress-up. (Through March 2018) Yvonne W. Larsen TO OUR HISTORY CENTER PROGRAMS AND “TO THE ENDS are just a few of the questions that will confront visitors • The Sights, Sounds (and Smells) of Old San Diego David Malcolm Inside | OUT Seth W. Mallios, PhD OF THE EARTH” DOCUMENTARY FILM SUPPORTERS to the History Center’s newest exhibition Marston’s This multi-sensory matching game teaches students THANK YOU! (Ongoing) Rana Sampson $10,000-$25,000 Barbara and Arthur Bloom Paula and Allan Wasserman Terri Bignell Marvin Mittleman History Emporium. about different industries from San Diego’s past. Rosalie and Richard Bregante Joellyn and Ron Zollman Heidi and Bernie Blotner Hon. Lynn Schenk Jane and Tom Fetter Lynn Mooney With an imaginative take on what a history emporium •  Kids can touch and play with Drew Schlosberg Karen and Jeffrey Silberman Caspi Family Fund* $500-$999 Carine Chitayat Sandra Morris History at Home Films Mary L. Walshok, PhD Family Fund* Claire and David Ellman Sandra and Earl Altshuler Lena Price and Thomas Cohen Pamela Nathan might look like, visitors will encounter seven stations, everyday objects from the past, such as telephones, Cushman Foundation* Laura and Miro Copic Clarissa and Frederick Phillips BALBOA PARK: Hon. Pete Wilson Margie and John Warner Britny’s Blooms $5,000-$9,999 J.J. Fetter Romilya M. Driese Rayma-Lew and Joe W. Craver Tim Pruss such as old tools, typewriters, and kitchen gadgets, as they Karin E. Winner Melissa and Gregorio Galicot Lesley and Roy Davis Sue Raffee The Jewel of Edgar Berner Family Fund* Berit and Tom Durler James M. Hall Pamela and Richard Fefferman Gina Rosenfeld • Kids Like Me? Through a collage of children’s explore a “living room,” “garage,” and “kitchen.” Executive Director Rick Engineering Company Julie and Tom Karlo San Diego Gayle Hom Laura Galinson and Jodi Chris and Alan Rubin Bill Lawrence $2500-4,999 Deborah and Robert Kelly photos from the SDHC collection, historic toys, and The History Center is excited to bring this in-house Joan and Irwin Jacobs Fund* Sharon LeeMaster Diamond Ben Schindler (Screening daily in the Kim and Brian Chambers Historian Bridgett and J. Kevin Heinly Linda and Lou Levy Marcia and David Gill Susanne and Roger Schlicht a seek-and-find game, kids will learn if they share curated exhibition to the public and believes it will be Sandra and Bram Dijkstra Thornton Theatre, check Luanne and Robert Kittle Judith and Guy Maddox Jacqueline M. Gillman Lorraine Schmalenberger Iris Engstrand, PhD Eileen and Don Levi Suzanne and William Kimberly Meyer and Todd Amy Hart Laura and Steve Shinn any similarities with children in the past. a unique resource among other institutions in Balboa Liz and John Morrell website for schedule) Times Editor Lawrence Vitale Diana Inocencio and Rashid Roberta and Hillel Silverman C. Hugh Friedman and Lynn • Our San Diego This niche gives groups of students Park, and history museums in general. Matthew Schiff Nonie and Robert Levi Arlene Orlansky Hasirbaf Meredith Steckel Schenk Fund* James and Estelle Milch Fund* Elizabeth and M. Lea Rudee Myra and Michael Herrmann Josh Swigart an opportunity to “curate” a small exhibit that Mary L. Walshok Copy Editor Vera and Laurence Miller Mary and Hal Sadler Carolyn and Gordon Hoard Michael Swit Stephanie and Stephen SUPPORT Chris Zook Theodore & Anabel Mintz Jeff Schindler Jewish Community Oded Tour showcases their own interpretations of what San Williams Fund* Alice and Lewis Silverberg Foundation Patricia Trauth SDHC’S FINE ART Photo Editor $1,000-2,499 Marie Raftery and Robert Terry Jordan Danitza and Esteban Diego means to them. Chris Travers Kathryn and Don Vaughn COLLECTION Tommi and Robert Adelizzi Rubenstein Denise and Tony Yousif Genny Lynkiewicz Villanueva • What’s in a Photo? Featuring large mural photo SANDIEGOHISTORY. Graphic Design Sara Artenstein Dorthy and David Rubin $100-$499 Molly McClain Sally and Joshua Weinman Mary and Ellis Smith Margaret and Paul I. Meyer AdLee Fund* puzzles, this niche focuses on what we can learn Lorrie and Roger Ball Shelle and David Belenzon ORG/SUPPORT/ Jennifer Cadam Deborah Szekely Grace Miller BY TINA ZARPOUR, EDUCATION DIRECTOR Angela and Frank Alessi Steve Bellach *Funds of the Jewish Community Foundation from historical photos. PHILANTHROPY EDUCATION

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VOLUNTEER Volunteer TODAY Spotlight:

celebrated artists to showcase their art and expose a New Junípero New exhibition celebrates African Serra Museum American artists of San Diego new audience to their work. The exhibition will run over a five-month period, from October 20, 2017, through Docents The San Diego History Center is pleased to announce March 28, 2018. The following artists will be featured: Three of our volunteers its upcoming exhibition in collaboration with the • Manuelita Brown are well on their way to For more information, please visit: San Diego African American Museum of Fine Art • Ernest Eugene Barnes Jr. SANDIEGOHISTORY.ORG/VOLUNTEER becoming Junípero Serra (SDAAMFA). The exhibition will feature the art of • Jean Cornwell Wheat Museum docents for African American artists who are from San Diego or • Albert Fennell (Deceased) LEAVE A LEGACY FOR general audience groups. have a significant relationship to San Diego. Each of • Kadir Nelson These volunteers have the artists being highlighted has made tremendous • Faith Ringgold spent hours studying our future historical/cultural contributions to San Diego and • Charles Rucker (Deceased) Historical Perspectives resources related to beyond; therefore, it is only fitting that the show be Visit sandiegohistory.org for related events and the site and developing held at the History Center. programming. their individual tours Dedication events create controversy SDAAMFA and the History Center have brought BY GAIDI FINNIE, SDAAMFA that feature their unique together the work of seven of San Diego’s most and opportunity. presentation styles and fascinating tidbits of history. Gonul, already

MEMBERS OF VARIOUS BANDS OF THE KUMEYAAY NATION PROTEST THE PLAQUE’S DEDICATION, Genealogists who attend my family history writing a Serra Museum school ADDRESSING THE CROWD ON JULY 16, 2017. classes sense that while their children may snub their programs docent, Maren, treasured pedigree charts, they may have a change an arts educator, and of heart if all those names and dates were presented Greg, also a volunteer in the context of a story. Let’s face it, raw genealogy at the San Diego Zoo, When the Junípero Serra Then on July 27, members of the Kumeyaay Nation data reveals nothing about the life and times of our have researched the four Museum was constructed were invited to address a reception for the dedication forbearers. But a sensitively crafted narrative can different cultures that in 1928, architect William of two new exhibits at the Serra Museum, in partnership [email protected] bring our ancestors to life in a vivid, highly relatable have occupied Presidio Templeton Johnson sought with the San Diego River Conservancy. It is evident 619-232-6203 x148 way. Remember the popularity of the book and TV Hill: the Kumeyaay, to project a certain spirit in from both events that the neglect of the Kumeyaay miniseries Roots back in the ‘70s? Spanish, Mexicans, and its design. A 1962 article in perspective and the historical biases that have created While most genealogists get all this, I often suspect early Americans, and have The Journal of San Diego a Euro-centric narrative around the founding of Why You Should Write they feel writing their story is something they should mapped out and practiced History stated: “So faithfully does the building capture San Diego have long been of concern to many in the Your Family Story do rather than want to do. Writing can be difficult and their routes through the the spirit of colonial Spain that tourists sometimes historical community. Don’t miss Genealogy Day time consuming. Trust me, once you get into it, you’ll former site of the Spanish indignantly insist that it is in fact the old Spanish The San Diego History Center was founded with learn the ropes and find your efforts more rewarding fort built in 1769. If you’re mission itself.”1 But today, that “spirit” can be viewed the mission of preserving San Diego’s past. The past on Sunday, October 22, 2017. than you ever anticipated. Besides, there are few things interested in becoming as incomplete, divisive, and dismissive. includes multiple voices and perspectives. We are Most genealogists get hooked on their hobby because that match the exquisite pleasure of holding a new book a docent, please visit This was evident on July 16, 2017, when the San seeking new collaborations in order to ensure that they’re born detectives. They love solving puzzles and in your hands—a book you have written, a book that will sandiegohistory.org/ Diego History Center, in partnership with the Founders there are ample opportunities for these voices to be get an adrenaline rush every time they fill in a blank line be read through the generations that follow you. volunteer. of the Californias Binational Initiative, dedicated an heard and perspectives presented at our two museums. on a pedigree chart! I know about such things. interpretive bronze plaque recognizing the efforts We’re confident that the controversy that continues But genealogists I know lay awake at night worrying of the Portolá Expedition of 1769 and marking the to surround the history of our region is an opportunity about what will happen to all their painfully researched BY ALISON beginning of permanent European settlement in for growth and engagement for all. genealogy findings when they “go.” They tell me, “None HENDRICKSON, VOLUNTEER & San Diego. Approximately two dozen members of the 1 Bill Virden, The Journal of San Diego History, “The Junípero Serra of my children are interested in this stuff. I worry Kumeyaay Nation protested the ceremony, voicing Museum,” April 1962, Volume 8, Number 2. they’ll just throw it out when I’m gone. They don’t care VISITOR ENGAGEMENT opposition to what they viewed as an event honoring about their ancestors. They’re only interested in the BY DAWN PARRETT THURSTON, BY MATTHEW SCHIFF, MARKETING DIRECTOR EVENT KEYNOTE SPEAKER MANAGER the beginning of the end of their ancestral way of life. here and now.” COLLECTIONS CURRENTS

Archives Changing of Volunteer the Guard Retires after After 18 years of service 23 Years to the History Center— the last dozen in the Originally from England, role of Archivist—Jane Muriel Strickland moved Kenealy is leaving the to San Diego in 1963. In San Diego History 1994, recently retired from Center. She hasn’t San Diego State University gone far, though, after 18 years as a map having assumed the librarian, she started as a role of Archivist for the volunteer in the Document San Diego Japanese Archives, working with the American Historical map collection. Far from Photo by Christine Travers. Society (located in the working only when she felt same building Filling the like it, Muriel worked an role of Archivist for the average of 20 hours each History Center is Renato week for the next 23 years. These Film Negatives Rodriguez. He has an In May 2017, her productive A Legacy of Longevity MLS degree from the tenure at the San Diego University of Washington History Center came to are Positives! and has been working an end when Muriel finally Documentary film preserves history and as theNAT’s Digital retired. She has made an Resources Librarian for exceptional contribution Quick action brings 16mm films into collection. permanence of the region’s Jewish community. the past few years. In to the organization and a previous career, he our understanding of the STACKS OF THE RECOVERED FILM SHOWS THE WAY SAN DIEGO WAS. INTERVIEWEES FROM “ENDS OF THE EARTH.” was a researcher and maps in the collection, producer for the Public and we are eternally Broadcasting Service grateful for her dedication series History Detectives. and commitment. Local historian, researcher, and former document scenes and events, such as aquaplaning on Glorietta Exhibitions at the San Diego History Center come Ends of the Earth will emphasize the important, and Renato hails from the Volunteers like Muriel are archives volunteer Ellen Sweet and her husband, Melvin, Bay, the Dorilee Dancers at Tent City, Johnny Miller’s and go with the passage of time, but typically a legacy often overlooked, role that Jews played in settling the Portland, Oregon extremely vital to the San have generously purchased a unique collection of autogyro aircraft at Ryan Field, a Julian rodeo, the USS piece lives on. When Celebrate San Diego! closes in region by focusing on San Diego and other Southwest originally. He also Diego History Center’s films of 1930s San Diego with the express purpose of Akron airship, a south-of-the-border prohibition-era May 2018, a 60-minute documentary film will take its communities. Given the Southwest’s historical and plays the bass in both Research Archives. donating it to the History Center. Ellen consulted with beer party, and a car trip through the Southwest. place, enduring as the mouthpiece communicating the cultural relationship to the Spanish and Mexican West, jazz and rock and roll If you are interested me before making the purchase to ensure that it was All of the films are original film negatives, which history of the region’s Jewish history. the film also traces the community’s roots through accompaniment. Stop by in working with our a perfect fit for the collection. for preservation and study purposes will need to be Titled To the Ends of the Earth: The Jews of San Mexico to the Old World. and welcome Renato! collections, be sure to “I immediately knew that these rare films from the transferred to digital. The History Center will apply for Diego, it will be the second of a four-part series of To the Ends of the Earth will premiere in February visit sandiegohistory.org/ private collection of newspaper photographer Harry a National Film Preservation Foundation grant to clean documentaries chronicling the Jewish experience in the and will screen daily at the San Diego History Center volunteer. Bishop belonged in the SDHC collection. Chris Travers and copy them. We offer our sincere thanks to Ellen American Southwest from filmmaker Isaac Artenstein. in the 80-seat Thornton Theatre where it will be free to helped with arrangements for the purchase. We are for her keen eye and quick action, which resulted in Though the common narrative of the American all visitors. both excited to see these reels come to life. My husband bringing these films here. West is largely from or about Anglo-American pioneers, and I are always willing to help support the photograph Artenstein’s film highlights that San Diego is home to the and document archives, for both preserve treasures second-oldest organized Jewish community in California. of San Diego history,” said Ellen. In fact, San Diego was the first city in Southern California BY MATTHEW BY JANE KENEALY, The donation includes 44, 100-foot reels of 16 mm BY CHRIS TRAVERS, SENIOR ARCHIVIST, to hold a recorded Jewish religious observance in 1851 SCHIFF, MARKETING ARCHIVIST PHOTOGRAPH COLLECTION BY MATTHEW SCHIFF, MARKETING DIRECTOR DIRECTOR black-and-white silent footage that capture a variety of and establish a Jewish congregation in 1861. To the 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 58 NUMBER 3 FALL 2017

Upcoming Events & Programs* Genealogy Day Mark your October 21, 8:00am – 12:30pm calendars! Building to the Next Level: Don’t miss keynote speaker Dawn Parrett Thurston’s Forum for Local History Groups discussion “Breathe Life into Your Ancestors.” Archtoberfest: September 23, 8:30am - 12:30pm Event includes continental breakfast, breakout Plastic Mobility A special morning for all area historical societies! sessions, and everything you need to start your October 10 at 6pm & This program will feature vital topics for developing own family’s genealogy! October 11 at 1:30pm Archtoberfest is a your organization. CO-SPONSORED BY: San Diego History Center and month-long celebration This year’s topics include: San Diego Genealogical Society of all things architecture, COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS Tickets: $40 SDHC or SDGS Members; $50 Non-Members design, planning, and EVENT MANAGEMENT sustainability in San COLLECTIONS Their Code Remained Unbroken: Navajo Code Talkers in their Own Words Diego. Join us for a Maker Faire® November 8, 2017, 5:30pm reception; 6:30 film special lecture by noted October 7 & 8 (San Diego History Center & Museum of preservation architect Maker Faire San Diego is a hands-on visual feast of Photographic Arts) Milford Wayne Donaldson invention and creativity and a celebration of the Maker Don’t miss this first local screening of this newly released FAIA, who presently movement in Southern and Baja California. Balboa documentary. The film follows the return of six Navajo serves as the Chairman Park is host to this celebration of technology, arts, Code Talkers to five Pacific island sites where their of the Advisory Council craftsmanship, science, and the do-it-yourself (DIY) unbreakable battlefield terminology, based on the on Historic Preservation culture, this October. If you’re creative or like to unwritten Navajo language and the strategy to use it (ACHP). tinker, this is your event. devised in San Diego, helped U.S. forces overcome Annual Meeting Tickets: sandiego.makerfaire.com/tickets fierce Japanese opposition during WWII. October 25, 2017 *All events at the San Diego History Center unless 6-8pm otherwise specified. SDHC Members, you are invited to attend the Annual Meeting and view the Board of Trustees elections. Enjoy an evening out of newly opened exhibitions and listen as Board Chairman Tom

The TIMES Newsletter Postmaster Fetter and Executive (USPS 331-890) is Send address changes to: Join our online Director Bill Lawrence published quarterly by The TIMES, 1649 El Prado, Ste 3 San Diego History Center San Diego, CA 92101-1664. communities! share highlights from the 1649 El Prado, Ste 3, Financial support is provided sandiegohistory.org past year and preview San Diego, CA 92101-1664. by the City of San Diego upcoming museum Periodical Postage Paid Commission for Arts and Culture. at San Diego, CA. projects. RSVP to both events at sandiegohistory. SANDIEGOHISTORY.ORG/CALENDAR org/events.