Windsor Historical Society Windsor Walk A Historical Journey to the Past for the Future Oct/Nov/Dec 2008 Robert Cunningham Home Parkerson ’95 Just What the Doctor Ordered Honoring Atlas T. and Clara McClelland Hembree

More than a century has passed since Atlas T. Hembree and Clara McClelland grew up in Windsor, but the impact of their lives remains a lasting legacy for the community they cherished. by Barbara F. Ray As with so many families in those catalyst to a medical career came 12 days, sorrow filled the Hembree family years later when he lost his own or more than 70 years Atlas T. when, as Mother Hembree wrote, “the precious child. Hembree, MD, has been a local death angel called,” taking twelve-year- Ficon, admired as the Windsor lad old Sam on October 31, 1885, and, Early Education who became a prominent physician and twelve days later, ten-month-old Mary Atlas’s mother, Mary Hembree, a married a local belle, Clara McClelland. Elizabeth. Atlas would have been 15 at college graduate and former school The history of their life is teacher, would surely have fascinating and admirable, an insisted on a solid education appropriate story to savor as for her children. Atlas and his time nears for the opening of siblings probably attended the Dr. Hembree’s retirement old Windsor Grammar School home as the Hembree House built in 1863, which was not Cultural Center. replaced until 1908, and, like Atlas Thompson Hembree most children in those days, it was the oldest of ten children is likely that they walked to and born to Andrew and Mary from school. Ellen Goode Hembree in their Education past grammar Windsor home on Shiloh Lane school was generally not (“just before the railroad attained in Windsor during the crossing and across the road early 1900s, in part because from the lumber mill”). higher education wasn’t According to his mother’s necessary for farming, which autobiography, “On May was the occupation of most 26th, 1870 on a Thursday our residents, and because there first child came to gladden our Atlas and Clara Hembree, 1895 was no local high school. homes and hearts. We named Healdsburg High School didn’t him Atlas Thompson.” the time, an age when eldest sons open its doors until 1888, which was Soon, other children joined the generally shouldered significant the school where Windsor students family: James Andrew, 1871; Samuel responsibilities for younger siblings. matriculated until our town’s first high McSween, 1873; Mattie Lavina, 1875; Atlas undoubtedly grieved deeply and school was built in 1995. However, Leon Frances, 1877; Ellery D., 1881; one wonders if the loss of his brother Atlas must have been an intelligent Eliza Ellen, 1882; Mary Elizabeth, and sister influenced his later decision young man and an able student, for he 1885; Ivy Olivia, 1886; Annie D., 1889. to become a physician. Or, perhaps the (continued on page 6, Atlas Hembree)

Windsor Historical Society · WindsorWindsor Walk Historical · Oct/Nov/Dec Society • Windsor2008 Walk • Windsor Historical Society Page 1 Windsor Historical Society The more volunteers the merrier and the Board Members easier it will be to manage. If you might be interested in volunteering as a Stephan A. Lehmann, President docent, please call us at 838-6152. We (H) 838-6152; [email protected] will have orientations regularly and will always have at least two people at the Barbara F. Ray, Vice President Museum at all times. Each shift will be and Newletter Editor WHS three and one-half hours. 836-0101; [email protected] Holiday Party Edna Honsa, Secretary President I’m sure the Holiday Party scheduled Frances Brooks, Treasurer Steve for December 13 will be a great success. The highlight of the event will be Ken DelGreco Lehmann’s touring the Hembree House, our last Joanne Hutchins Message chance to see it empty. I hope those of Josephine Rebich you who can’t join us for the party will Jesse Shannon be able to visit the Hembree House Marjorie Tynan when it opens. It is a wonderful community treasure.

Windsor Town Reunion The Windsor Town Reunion in October was one of the best ever. We served lunch and visited with almost 100 members and friends and families. Reminder Donna Leslie (Bertozzi) came down From Dream to Reality from the Portland area just for the Windsor Historical Reunion and shared some fascinating Society memberships stories of the Windsor Community make great Windsor Museum Christmas gifts. Improvement Association. t seems like we have been talking Iabout how the Windsor Museum In the early 1960s this volunteer group opening is just around the corner for a organized to better the Windsor community and was responsible for a Mission Statement long time. Well, this time the dream is becoming a reality. number of significant improvements from building parks to getting the phone The mission of the The Museum, located in the Hembree rates reduced. Their hard work was Windsor Historical Society House Cultural Center, will open on honored when the ribbon cutting for the is to found, th new highway 101 was held in Windsor maintain and Saturday, February 28 at 9:30 A.M. We operate a will have a ribbon cutting and in 1963! Thanks to everyone who community dedication ceremony that will begin at helped out ... and Happy Holidays! historical museum 11:00 A.M. and each of you will receive Steve and a separate invitation to that event. association in order to collect, This has been a long time coming and store and what a reward for our patience. The display Hembree House has undergone a historical artifacts, wonderful rehabilitation and is to develop a fund of absolutely gorgeous. information and knowledge of the Initially we will be open three days a history and culture week and, you know what’s coming, we Hembree House of the Windsor area. will need volunteers to keep it staffed. Cultural Center Page 2 Windsor Historical Society · Windsor Walk · Oct/Nov/Dec 2008 Windsor Town Reunion Snapshots Condolences October 25, 2008 We extend our deepest sympathies to the bereaved families of . . .

Irene Horvath DuVander Ellery Hembree Dean Lolla Mickey McCracken

We shall miss these dear friends who were valued members of the Windsor community.

Offering WHS Publications and Products. Eager helpers are, from left to right, Marjorie Tynan, Joanne Hutchins, and Dave Hutchins. Donations

WHS greatly appreciates receiving the following recent donations:

In honor of George Greeott . . . Holly Hoods Peter Leary Lawton Shurtleff Gracious Greeter. Josephine Rebich welcomes reunion guests. In memory of Ellery Hembree . . . She grew the beautiful Dahlias Julie MacDonald seen in the picture above and provided many more to decorate Carole Sharp luncheon tables. William Siemsen Smile Pretty. From left to right, Donna Leslie (Bertozzi / Walton) and Rena Locatelli pose for the camera while Jim DuVander analyzes a historic Windsor map. Donna shared In memory of Irene DuVander . . . great stories of the 1960s Windsor Community George Greeott Improvement Association with reunion guests. And other donations during 2008: Karen Alves Gerald Avery Hazel Avery Nydia Bogue Richard and Marilyn Bolman Lynn and Hank Cornelssen Linda Davis Kenneth and Marie Greco Harold and Mary Oxsen Jack and Stacey Orme Joseph Rich Marv and Betty Stubbs Maria Young

Bright Young Singers. Everyone enjoyed listening to the talented children of the Healdsburg/Windsor Community Children’s Chorus under the direction of Heather Cullen. Thank you one and all!

Windsor Historical Society · Windsor Walk · Oct/Nov/Dec 2008 Page 3 MYSTERY 1946 POST CARD

DO YOU RECOGNIZE THIS HOUSE? The photo postcard above is postmarked Windsor, California, September 8, 1946. If you recognize the house or the people recorded on the postcard (Eloise T., Joyce or Mary Chase), please let us know. We’re wondering if Eloise and Joyce were related to someone in Windsor, perhaps the owners of the above house? Were they picking hops that summer or simply vacationing and mentioned hops because they were a major feature in Sonoma County at that time? Mary Chase

September 1946 S M Tu W Th F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Eloise T. 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Dear Mary - 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Joyce 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 here inHaving the hops. a grand The weathertime up 29 30 is cool & everything is going nicely. Will see you on Friday. Sept. 1st.

Love, Eloise T. & Joyce The card was mailed to:

Mrs. Mary Chase 837 Divisadero St. San Francisco, California Page 4 Windsor Historical Society · Windsor Walk · Oct/Nov/Dec 2008 Vernon 8 Calling! Recollections of Windsor Phones from the 1950s By Jim DuVander

Windsor made the news in for frivolous reasons.” And we needed to my dad, who was secretary of our line, September of 1954. It, along special permission to call long distance. that she had too many interrupted calls. I with Forestville, was the This was considered an expensive luxury. remember other strained neighbor first community to get dial phones in the Making a call went something like relations, due to telephone conflicts. county. Pacific Telephone executives this: I’d pick up the earpiece with my left Occasionally, when there was an thought these communities were small hand and hold it to my left ear, listening emergency, like when my grandma had enough that a modest investment could to hear if anyone else was using the line. a stroke, Dad would interrupt a be used to try out this new technology (Yes, 8 families shared one line.) If no conversation and ask for the line to be before making the major investment one was on, I’d hang the earpiece up and vacated so that he could call the doctor. required for Santa Rosa, Petaluma, with my right hand, vigorously crank the (And the doctor drove at night to Sonoma, Sebastopol and Healdsburg. magneto handle. During the day this Windsor to evaluate Grandma’s These phones were not the push- alerted one of the two operators in the condition.) button phones that we have today. These telephone exchange at 321 Windsor We welcomed the modernization of were black, heavy, desk models with a River Road. It would be either Cora dial, but the party line system persisted rotary “dial” right in the middle. I was Gutchel or Betty Brock, who’d answer, for quite a while afterward. This was eleven and thought these new phones “number please” With Betty; it was a mainly for economic reasons and because were “swell.” Our prefix was Vernon-8. kind melodious voice. With Cora, it was the lines were owned by the families who If you look at a modern phone, you’ll see a cranky voice with attitude. (I always used them. For instance when I was first that VE8 translates into 838, Windsor’s hoped for Betty) Then I’d say the number, married in 1976, we moved into a ranch first prefix. usually 13F3, my Aunty Dot’s phone. house on Pleasant Avenue where one of It was still long distance to call Then the operator would plug in the these relics was still in use. The Blasi’s anywhere outside Windsor. So, for those proper cord to the proper and the Diamantini’s were on the same calls we had to dial O for operator and jack and ring three rings. The line as ours. We would hear the Blasi ring ask to be connected to the number. Also, 13F was the line code and the and our own, but not the Diamantini’s. because we weren’t tied into a 3 at the end was the number The Blasi ring was four short rings. We nationwide direct-dial system yet, all we of rings. Now my aunty Dot got so that we barely heard theirs and so had to do was dial the four numbers after would only answer if it was ignored the incessant rings. But when we the VE8 to call someone in Windsor. That three rings. There were 8 had friends over, they would ask why we was handy. It was expensive to call families on her line too. And wouldn’t answer our phone. someone long distance, so we rarely did. each family would hear four Private lines were the norm in 1976, We were content to just talk to each other different rings. Because but our party line charge was $2.95/ month in Windsor. This did have a unifying effect there are two wires in each and a private line was $8.95/ month. As on our Windsor community. phone line, some electronic young newlyweds, we welcomed the But what of the phones before the new phone wizard figured out savings and kept the party line until about high tech dial ones? These old phones how to put half the rings on 1979, when we finally got a were in a wooden box about the size of a one wire and the other half on the other, private line. Life has not been small desk drawer, hanging from the even though there was really only one the same since. wall. It had a mouthpiece out front with wire. The other “wire” was the ground. a modest height adjustment. These were These farmer lines were called party usually at a handy height for the adult lines by the phone company. But they were male of the house. Anyone shorter, (i.e. anything but a party to use by the owners. WANTED the rest of the family) had to stand on Our line, the 28F line, was on Brooks Donated or reasonably tiptoes or a stool to reach the height of Road, but did not go all the way up to priced for use in museum the mouthpiece. At the left of the box, the Brooks family until later. I remember gift shop or for display hanging on a hanger was the receiver or that this system did not generate what I earpiece. On the right was a crank would call neighborliness. Mrs. Bottasso, Antique or Vintage connected to an internal magneto for who had no children at home, was rather Cash Register summoning the operator. Inside the box cranky about sharing the phone line with were also three or four large one-and-a- children. There were 6 of us kids in our and half-volt telephone carbon/zinc batteries. family and a number of other children in Adding Machine I was probably about 8 years old when the remaining families. Every time finally allowed to use this phone. My someone checked the line for occupancy Please contact dad’s warning to me was, “This is not a it made an audible click in the line, Marj Tynan toy. It is for getting important messages alerting the user that someone was 707-838-7885 to important people. You cannot use it potentially listening in. She’d complain

Windsor Historical Society · Windsor Walk · Oct/Nov/Dec 2008 Page 5 (Atlas Hembree, continued from page 1) with Mother McClelland immediately education prior to attending medical after their marriage — Atlas and Clara school, but if he had chosen to, he could were settled on the family’s Windsor have enrolled in the private Seventh-day ranch, in the homestead farm house Adventist academy known as built by pioneer Robert Cunningham Healdsburg College, which operated around 1850. On the 1900 federal from 1882 to the early 1900s. It was census, Atlas’s occupation was recorded open to non-Seventh Day Adventist as “Teacher.” students and offered an excellent The Hembrees later adopted a education. Optionally, Atlas might have daughter, Georgia Quinton, who was sought tutoring from a local doctor, or born in San Francisco on October 31, pursued self-education through reading 1906 and had been placed in an and research. orphanage. She appears on 1910 census However, during that era, a college records with Atlas and Clara in degree or other advanced education was Redondo Beach, California. Clara’s not necessary for admission to most mother, Mary Jane McClelland, was medical schools, and having been a also living with them in 1910. school teacher would have satisfied For a brief time, the Hembrees also requirements for Atlas’s acceptance to Atlas Hembree and His Daughter Georgia, considered adopting a son, Albert Cooper Medical College in San Circa 1907 Quinton, Georgia’s biological brother. Francisco. There was, after all, a great later taught school and attended medical He was four years older than Georgia, need for physicians in California, where school. We can only imagine the pride born June 6, 1902, and in 1910 a federal thousands of people had migrated since Andrew and Mary Hembree must have census record reveals that he was living the Gold Rush began in 1848, and felt with their eldest son’s unusual in a Masonic orphanage in Los Angeles medical schools were committed to academic and professional success. County. Then, on the 1920 census of producing a steady supply of physicians Redondo Beach, Albert appears as to meet the state’s basic medical needs. Marriage and Children “son” with Atlas and Clara Hembree. So, enveloped in this energized climate, By all accounts, Atlas Hembree was Given Albert’s mid-teens age and his Atlas entered Cooper’s four-year medical tall, at least 6 feet, and fairly slender, having lived in an orphanage most of program around 1901. and the love of his life was Clara, who his life, it is not surprising that this When Atlas decided to attend snuggled into his shoulder at around 5 period was difficult for all and in the medical school, Clara agreed to help pay feet, 6 inches. More specifically, she end Albert was not adopted, nor did he for his medical tuition by working as a was Clara Catherine McClelland, born continue to live with the Hembrees. He school teacher. She had experience, for June 15, 1872, daughter of James and did, however, maintain some contact she, too, had taught in Sonoma County Mary Jane (Cunningham) McClelland. with the family in ensuing years. schools. During this time, it may have Atlas and Clara were childhood friends, Records verify that in 1930 Albert, then been emotionally healing to focus on probably attended school together, and 28, was a merchant seaman in San work instead of mothering after losing their romance blossomed as naturally and Francisco, listing his home address as Mary Ellita and not having another child. colorfully as golden poppies in spring. 115 Ruby Street, Redondo Beach, Cooper Medical College was a In the winter of his twenty-fifth year and which was the location of the Hembree highly respected academic institution. her twenty-third, Atlas and Clara were home. He visited Georgia after she It was named in honor of Dr. Elias wed in Reno on November 13, 1895, married, and in 1948, in his last known Samuel Cooper, who in 1858 had uniting two local pioneer families. contact with the family, he sent a organized the West’s first medical Atlas and Clara’s first child, Mary Valentine and box of candy, with no school with a charter from the Ellita, was born on August 27, 1897, return address, to Georgia’s daughter, University of the Pacific. There, Dr. and died on August 10, 1898, just before Cathy. Cooper served as surgeon and professor her first birthday. In 1900 for reasons of physiology until 1862 when he died unknown — perhaps because Clara was Cooper Medical College from a brain tumor at age 40. still grieving the loss of Mary Ellita and and Lane Hospital In 1882, Dr. Cooper’s nephew, Dr. needed her mother, money was in short There is no indication that Atlas Levi Cooper Lane, a physician and supply, or the couple had simply moved in Hembree pursued advanced formal (continued on page 7, Atlas Hembree) Page 6 Windsor Historical Society · Windsor Walk · Oct/Nov/Dec 2008 (Atlas Hembree, continued from page 6) more people severe health problems. his parents, Mary and Andrew Hembree, surgeon who had worked with his uncle With all requirements met, Atlas the latter being in failing health, moved from 1859 to 1862, set about establishing Hembree proudly received his MD to the area for a few months to be near a new facility in Cooper’s honor, Cooper degree from Cooper Medical College their son. But they returned to Windsor Medical College. Dr. Lane donated in 1905. because, Mary wrote, “ ... Father was $125,000 to fund construction of a It is interesting to note that in 1908 unhappy away from the old home building at Sacramento and Webster Cooper Medical College became place ... ” Andrew continued to slowly Streets to house the school. The building Stanford University Department of decline, passing away in 1914. was recognized as exceptional, having Medicine, adding an ambitious new “... no superior in the world for medical field of study to the university which Dr. Hembree, Redondo Beach education ...” and Dr. Lane was praised had been established 17 years earlier in Probably lured by prospects of in a Sisters of Mercy history of 1857 as 1891. professional success, pristine beaches, “the most brilliant medical scholar of Following medical school, Dr. and eternal summer in Southern the West, its leading surgeon and teacher Hembree served his internship at Lane California, which Atlas and Clara would of surgery.” He was professor of surgery Hospital, which was located at Clay and have read about in magazines and at Cooper Medical College, wrote the Webster Streets in San Francisco. This newspapers, and may have experienced first American textbook on head and institution was founded by Dr. Lane in while visiting family members who had neck surgery, and was a dedicated 1894, and he once again donated funds moved to that area, the Hembrees educator until his death in 1902. for construction and start-up. So, headed south. In 1910 they were living Atlas T. Hembree completed his having been educated and mentored by on Catalina Avenue in Redondo Beach, studies, writing a required thesis on some of the most skilled physicians a resort town with a population around “Malarial Fever,” which was a and surgeons in the West, Dr. Hembree 1000, but which was much larger when significant health problem during that was well prepared to establish his own tourists thronged the area. era. Between 1900-1907 an estimated private practice. Redondo Beach was an exciting, 96,000 people nationwide succumbed For two years around 1908, Dr. promising community in the early to malaria, and the mosquito-born Hembree practiced medicine in 1900s. Originally part of the 43,000 acre infectious disease caused thousands Foresthill, Placer County. While there, Dominguez Rancho, it was a rich farming area until the late 1800s. By 1888, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad established a route between Redondo Beach and Los Angeles, and in 1901 tycoon Henry Huntington, who was the major landowner in Redondo Beach, established the Pacific Electric Railway, a complex of electric trolleys that, by 1914, stretched some 17 miles to Los Angeles and throughout numerous towns. Huntington sold homes along the trolley lines, promoting transportation ease as a major benefit. The railway’s Balloon Route ran from downtown Los Angeles, through Hollywood, Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Redondo Beach and back to Los Angeles via Culver City. Travel was easy, inexpensive and fun! Redondo Beach, which boasted the first port in Los Angeles County, boomed as an upscale resort town The Hotel Redondo (center and inset) and Dr. Hembree’s Home at 408 Esplanade, Redondo Beach. The white arrow on the right points to the Hembree home. Note the Pacific Ocean beach featuring numerous pleasures — in foreground, a beautiful view for the doctor’s family. (Redondo Beach Planning Department) (continued on page 8, Atlas Hembree)

Windsor Historical Society · Windsor Walk · Oct/Nov/Dec 2008 Page 7 Atlas Hembree, continued from page 7 which is an example of the School in 1924, Colonial Revival style of after which she architecture with Craftsman enrolled in the influences, has been University of designated a historic Southern landmark by the Redondo California Beach Preservation (USC), Commission. It is referred to pledging the as the “Mayer House” after Alpha Chi the first owners of the Omega sorority. residence. She graduated Sweet Georgia, 1924. in 1929 with a Georgia Hembree, age Georgia 17, posed proudly for her teaching Dr. and Mrs. Hembree’s high school senior credential. The Mayer House, Historic Landmark at 115 Ruby greatest treasure was their picture. (Redondo Beach Georgia was Street, Redondo Beach. Atlas and Clara Hembree lived Historical Society) here during the early 1930s. (Redondo Beach Planning daughter Georgia, an adorable also a talented Department) child who grew into a lovely woman. She GEORGIA HEMBREE, CLASS OF 1924 Who pleases one against his will. spectacular beaches, attended local schools Class Sec. ’23, Sec. Latin Club ’24, Glee the luxurious Hotel and was a competent Club ’22, ’23, Interclass Swimming ’23, Redondo for the student who enjoyed a Girls’ School Meet ’24, Senior Basketball ’24, Girls’ League Stunts ’23, ’24. affluent, inexpensive variety of activities tent cities on the and many friends who beach for those of appreciated her pianist who was equally comfortable modest means, piers outgoing, fun-filled playing the classical music in which she for fishing, beachside personality. She had been trained and pop tunes, which games, food booths, Early view of Mayer House, 115 Ruby graduated from she played by ear. an auditorium for Street, built in 1910. (Redondo Beach Redondo Beach High At USC Georgia met and fell in love Planning Department) big bands and operas, a grand ballroom, the “Plunge,” advertised as the world’s largest indoor saltwater swimming pool, an offshore gambling ship, and more. The city was a popular destination for the rich and famous, including Hollywood stars. The Hembrees lived at two significant locations in Redondo Beach. City directories indicate they resided at 408 Esplanade from around 1912 to 1923, in a home that was located close to the grand Hotel Redondo, the Pacific Ocean, a train station, and within close proximity to the old downtown. Prior to the Hembrees, Harry Ainsworth, Redondo Beach mayor from 1901-1904 and 1910-1911, had lived there. Around 1928 the Hembrees moved into another notable home located at 115 Ruby Street (see photos above), where Halderman-Hembree Wedding Party, 1929. (left to right) Richard A. Halderman, Georgia they lived from as early as 1928 until the Hembree, Alice Francis, and Robert Halderman. Robert, Richard’s twin, recalls at age 101 doctor retired. Fortunately, this home, that he was a little miffed because his brother beat him to the altar. (Thomas P. Halderman) Page 8 Windsor Historical Society · Windsor Walk · Oct/Nov/Dec 2008 Garland Block, 1920s. From around 1912 until 1931 Dr. Hembree maintained a private practice office in the Garland Building (center above) on Southern Pacific Avenue, and a second medical office in the First National Bank Building on the same block. with handsome Richard Albert Halderman, a fellow student. While still at USC, they decided to marry and The Garland Building, 1938. One of Dr. eloped, tying the knot in the Methodist Hembree’s two medical offices in Redondo Yearbook Ad, 1916. The above appeared in the Beach occupied part of this building’s second Church in Reno in September 1929. high school yearbook, The Pilot. (Redondo story. From 1923 to 1931 he worked in Richard and Georgia made their home Beach Historical Society) partnership with Dr. John Spencer, who was in southern California, and their union still there when this photo was taken. Note was blessed with two children: of other women and was active in the trolley track in front of the building. Catherine “Cathy” Halderman, born in Redondo Beach fraternal organizations — (Redondo Beach Planning Department) 1931 (the year her grandparents Atlas the Order of Eastern Star and P.E.O. and Clara built their retirement home in Windsor), and Robert “Bob” Dr. Hembree at Work In addition to his hospital, from 1912 Hembree Halderman, born in 1934. Although Dr. Hembree and his to1930 Dr. Hembree maintained two Sadly, Georgia’s life was painfully family were living in Redondo Beach private practice medical offices. One short. After enduring a lengthy illness in 1910, little is known of his medical was in the Garland Building (see and numerous hospitalizations, she career from 1910 to 1912. However, pictures above), which also housed the passed away in 1941 at the age of 35, around 1912 the up-and-coming young Garland Hotel, the Redondo Breeze leaving a heartbroken husband and doctor and his newspaper, and children, Cathy, 10, and Bobby, 7. A lovely wife other funeral service for Georgia was held in bought their professional southern California, after which large home at offices. The Richard accompanied her body on the 408 Esplanade Garland train to Windsor for another service. Avenue, Redondo Beach Hospital, 1913-1916. Dr. Atlas Building was converting part Hembree converted part of his large family home into so large it Community Activities of the family a hospital. (Redondo Beach City Directories, Redondo covered an Beach Planning Department) During his life, Dr. Hembree was residence into a entire block actively involved in his community. He small medical facility, Redondo Beach located in the 100 block of Southern served on the Redondo Beach Town Hospital. Apparently it functioned for Pacific Avenue. Dr. Hembree’s office Council as Health Officer from 1920- a brief period, for it was only advertised occupied part of the building’s second 1923 and was a member of the Masonic in city directories from 1913 through story. From 1923 to 1931 he worked in Lodge. He also encouraged academic 1916, but the Hembrees lived in the partnership with Dr. John Spencer at excellence and regularly sponsored the home until 1923. The home was once this location. Redondo High School yearbook, The described in a Los Angeles Times article Dr. Hembree’s second office was in Pilot, with advertising. as “... one of the handsomest homes in the First National Bank Building, which Clara Hembree enjoyed the company the city ...” (continued on page 10, Atlas Hembree)

Windsor Historical Society · Windsor Walk · Oct/Nov/Dec 2008 Page 9 (Atlas Hembree, continued from page 9) when she was a young girl her mother “Mino” (pronounced MY-NO), were was also located within the 100 block took her to Dr. Hembree to treat an “very old folks” and not as warm and of Southern Pacific Avenue. injured finger. Edna says, “I was in awe involved with the children as the driving down the beautiful tree-lined Halderman grandparents. Cathy, on the Retirement drive to his home.” other hand, enjoyed a close relationship Dr. Hembree retired from his Clara Hembree’s pride and joy was with her grandmother Mino. It was Redondo Beach medical practice in the sunken garden between the house probably to her advantage that Cathy 1930 and moved back to Windsor, and the creek, which contained a large was older, female, and a bit more sedate building a Spanish-style home in 1931 fish pond, many beautiful ferns, and than her brother. Also, she points out, on the old McClelland family colorful, exotic plants. A gracious during her mother’s illness and after her homestead where Clara had grown up. hostess, Clara especially enjoyed death, Cathy and Bob had lived for At the entrance to a very long lane entertaining family and friends in her extended periods with their Halderman that began at the main highway (present- garden. grandparents, during which times they day Old Redwood Highway) was a sign Jim DuVander remembers visits to had developed deep relationships. Bob, that read: Matapan (an Indian word Dr. Hembree’s home. “My brother, Ted, being younger than Cathy, probably felt meaning “I sit down”), referring to Dr. and I used to play in Mrs. Hembree’s more insecure away from them. Hembree’s sitting down in retirement. garden while my dad, Don DuVander, Cathy emphasizes that although The lane, which was dissected by the and Mrs. Hembree talked. She did not Clara was a bit of a disciplinarian, ran a 101 Freeway during the early 1960s, like children in her house, so we were tight ship, and kept a very neat house, was lined with majestic cypress trees very rarely let in. We especially liked she also had a keen sense of humor and leading to the Hembree home. The her koi fish in the ponds. But we didn’t baked wonderful cakes and cookies. trees, too, have historic significance, call them koi. To us they were just During the children’s visits, Atlas having been planted in 1872 by Clara’s overgrown gold fish.” Jim also reflects, sometimes wore two hats — father, James McClelland, to celebrate “By today’s standards, the Hembree grandfather and doctor. One time Cathy his daughter’s birth. On that joy-filled house is not very luxurious, but by the fell while balancing on the narrow rim occasion when future possibilities for the standards of Windsor in the 1950s, it of a cement farm structure, gashing her family seemed limitless, no one imagined was very lavish ... ” hand deeply. Doctor Papaboy stitched that the Cunningham name would it up, gave her an injection, and gently “daughter out” and that Clara’s family Papaboy and Mino lectured her about the consequences of would be the last of the line to own the Bob Halderman and Cathy risky behavior. bountiful acreage. Halderman Schweickert, Georgia and The working prune ranch offered Although public records during Richard A. Halderman’s children and myriad opportunities for youthful Atlas’s retirement note his occupation Atlas and Clara’s only grandchildren, pleasures. The Hembrees had a cow, and as “farmer,” he continued to provide his have fond memories of visits to Bob Halderman remembers what a treat medical skills to a limited number of Grandfather Atlas and Grandmother it was to have real cream on the patients within the Windsor community, Clara Hembree’s Windsor ranch. Often, breakfast oatmeal Mino prepared, treating some in his home. the Halderman grandparents delivered which was sweetened with raisins or Edna Brooks Honsa recalls that the children to the ranch, went on to prunes and sugar. Additional breakfast vacation treats included Mino’s fresh-from-the- elsewhere, and oven apple pie and ice box cookies, later picked up which were Papaboy’s special morning the young ones favorites. As a young child who had for the return been taught the importance of a healthy trip to southern diet, Cathy was somewhat taken aback California. by Papaboy’s habit of eating sweets for Bob recalls breakfast. He was, after all, a doctor that Atlas and who should have known better! But, Clara, whom Cathy admits, she enjoyed them, too. the children After breakfast, Bob and Cathy

Artist Al Lovi’s Rendering of Dr. Atlas T. Hembree’s Retirement called eagerly headed outside, lured by ranch Home, Constructed in 1931. “Papaboy” and (continued on page 11, Atlas Hembree)

Page 10 Windsor Historical Society · Windsor Walk · Oct/Nov/Dec 2008 (Atlas Hembree, continued from page 10) was found of their departure, but a lovely even now, but in time it will be adventures and the beauty of Mino’s historic passenger list records their as beautiful as it was when Atlas and gardens, a paradise of fragrant flowers return trip. They set sail for home on Clara strolled its paths. and koi swimming lazily in their pond. September 23 from Antwerp aboard the Dr. Atlas and Clara Hembree, who Truth be told, Bob enjoyed seeing Ilsenstein and arrived in New York on loved their home and their hometown, Papaboy’s tools much more than October 6. are surely smiling down on this project flowers and fish in a pond. (He rescued The year 1941 must have been most dedicated to the community and saying, and still uses Atlas’s antique bench grievous for Clara Hembree, for she lost “Well done, Windsor, well done.” grinder from the ranch.) Best of all was three of the dearest people in her life: © 2008 Barbara F. Ray the “wonderful creek,” where the sister Ella McClelland Welch, age 77, children spent endless hours building on July 20; daughter Georgia, age 35, Principal Sources: Drew Bourne, Lane Medical dams and floating boats. (Bob still races on November 22; and husband Atlas, Archives, Stanford University; Mary Frost; age 71, on December 18. Deborah Jackson, Redondo Beach Historical boats in southern California. He Society; Robert Hembree Halderman; Catherine recently repurchased a sailboat he During Clara’s last years, her niece Halderman Schweickert; Thomas P. Halderman; owned in 1948 and is restoring it.) and her husband, Mary Clarita and Holly Hood, Healdsburg Museum; Rebecca Victor Penniwell, lived on the ranch Manzano, The City of Redondo Beach; Alex Sunset Years for several years to help as needed, Plascencia, The City of Redondo Beach Planning remaining there until shortly after Department; Redondo Beach Historic Retirement offered Atlas and Clara Preservation Association; Will and Jerry Hembree well-deserved relaxation and a slower Clara passed away on August 10, Schuman. Publications and Online: California pace but, as was their lifelong habit, they 1957. She was buried in Shiloh Pacific Medical Center Health Sciences Library continued to live an active life. In Cemetery with her family: Atlas; their Archives; Mary Ellen Goode Hembree addition to their home, ranch, and two daughters, Mary Ellita and autobiography, Yamhill (OR) Historical Society; Georgia Hembree Halderman; parents The Mosquitoes of North and central America and garden, Atlas participated in community the West Indies by Leland Ossian Howard, 1912, and political activities. Clara met with James and Mary Jane McClelland, and pg. 321; New York Passenger Lists, 1820-1957. the ladies of the local Order of the pioneer grandparents Robert and Eastern Star, and was eventually Isabella Cunningham. honored as a 50 year member. She also joined the Santa Rosa Saturday Hembree Legacies Afternoon Club. And, following a long It is natural to memorialize those we OBITUARY family tradition of generosity, she have loved and admired with special donated land for a new Windsor tributes, so after her husband’s death Atlas T. Hembree, MD Methodist Church, which was Clara established the Atlas T. Hembree constructed in the 1960s, along with an Scholarship for premed students DIED—In Windsor, December 28 antique grand piano for church services. attending Santa Rosa Junior College. [1941], Dr. Atlas T. Hembree, beloved On December 12th, 1931, the family Later, another scholarship was husband of Clara C. Hembree, loving celebrated the 83rd birthday of Dr. established in Clara’s memory. father of the late Georgia Halderman, Hembree’s mother, Mary Ellen Goode Early in 2009, 139 years after the loving brother of James A. Hembree, Hembree. Twenty-seven guests enjoyed birth of Atlas Hembree, the venerable Windsor, Mrs. Mattie Cartwright, Eureka, Leon F. Hembree, Santa Rosa, a banquet in the large living room and doctor and his wife will be honored Ellery D. Hembree, Monte Rio, Mrs. once again with the opening of the Atlas Hembree presided as toastmaster, Eliza E. Dudley, Santa Maria, Mrs. Ivy reading his mother’s autobiography. Hembree House Cultural Center D. Ewing, Windsor, Mrs. Annie D. Smith, There was a large birthday cake with (HHCC). The public will be welcomed Los Angeles. Loving grandfather of 83 candles for Mary Hembree and a to Windsor Museum and Windsor Arts Catherine A. and Robert Hembree smaller cake with 23 candles honoring Council displays, housed within the Halderman of Pasadena. Native of Elmer Hembree Ewing, Mary historic ambiance of the Hembrees’ Windsor, age 71 years, 7 months, 2 days. Hembree’s grandson, whose birthday 1931 retirement home, which has been Friends are invited to attend the also fell on December 12. The following painstakingly restored to its original funeral, Wednesday afternoon, year, on December 19, 1932, Mary charm by the Town of Windsor. Clara’s December 31, 2:30 o’clock, from the Ellen Hembree passed away. once exquisite garden is also being chapel of Fred Young and Co. In 1935 Dr. Hembree and Clara rescued, revived, and replanted through Interment Shiloh Cemetery,Windsor. enjoyed a European cruise. No record the efforts of many volunteers. It is (The Healdsburg Tribune, Dec. 1941)

Windsor Historical Society · Windsor Walk · Oct/Nov/Dec 2008 Page 11 IN THIS ISSUE — HONORING ATLAS AND CLARA HEMBREE SURNAME INDEX — THIS ISSUE

Ainsworth, Harry 8 Dudley, Eliza E. 11 Hembree, Ivy Olivia 1 Oxsen, Mary 3 Alves, Karen 2, 3 DuVander, Irene Horvath 3 Hembree, Leon Frances 1 Penniwell, Mary Clarita (Welch) 11 Avery, Gerald 3 DuVander, Jim 3, 5, 10 Hembree, Mary (Goode) 1, 7, 11 Penniwell, Victor 11 Avery, Hazel 3 DuVander, Ted 10 Hembree, Mary Elizabeth 1 Plascencia, Alex 11 Bertozzi, Donna Leslie (Watson) Ewing, Elmer Hembree 11 Hembree, Mary Ellita 6, 11 Quinton, Albert 6 2, 3 Ewing, Ivy D. 11 Hembree, Mattie Lavina 1 Quinton, Georgia (Hembree, Blasi family 5 Francis, Alice 8 Hembree, Samuel McSween 1 Halderman) 6, 8, 9, 10, 11 Bogue, Nydia 3 Frost, Mary 11 Honsa, Edna (Brooks) 2, 10 Ray, Barbara 2 Bolman, Marilyn 3 Greeott, George 3 Hood, Holly 11 Rebich, Josephine 2, 3 Bolman, Richard 3 Gutchel, Cora 5 Huntington, Henry 7 Rich, Joseph 3 Botasso, Mrs. 5 Halderman, Catherine “Cathy” Hutchins, Dave 3 Schuman, Jerry 11 Bourne, Drew 11 (Schweickert) 6, 9, 10, 11 Hutchins, Joanne 2, 3 Schuman, Will 11 Brock, Betty 5 Halderman, Georgia (Hembree) Jackson, Deborah 11 Schweickert, Catherine “Cathy” Brooks family 5 6, 8, 9, 10, 11 Lane, Levi Cooper, MD 6, 7 (Halderman) 9, 11 Brooks, Edna 1, 10 Halderman, Richard A. 8, 9, 10, 11 Leary, Peter 3 Shannon, Jesse 2 Brooks, Frances 2 Halderman, Robert “Bob” 9, 10, 11 Lehmann, Stephan 2 Sharp, Carole 3 Cartwright, Mattie 11 Halderman, Thomas P. 8 Locatelli, Rena 3 Shurtleff, Lawton 3 Chase, Mary 4 Hembree, Andrew 1, 7 Lolla, Dean 3 Siemsen, William 3 Cooper, Elias Samuel, MD 6, 7 Hembree, Annie D. 1 MacDonald, Julie 3 Smith, Annie D. 11 Cornelssen, Hank 3 Hembree, Atlas Thompson, MD Manzano, Rebecca 11 Spencer, John, MD 9 Cornelssen, Lynn 3 1, 2, 6-11 McClelland, Clara (Hembree) Stubbs, Betty 3 Cullen, Heather 3 Hembree, Clara McClelland 1, 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Stubbs, Marv 3 Cunningham, Mary Jane 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 McClelland, James 10, 11 Tynan, Marjorie 2, 3 (McClelland) 6, 11 Hembree, Eliza Ellen 1 McClelland, Mary Jane Watson, Donna Leslie (Bertozzi) Cunningham, Robert 11 Hembree, Ellery 3 (Cunningham) 6, 11 2, 3 Davis, Linda 3 Hembree, Ellery D. 1, 11 McCracken, Mickey 3 Welch, Ella (McClelland) 11 Del Greco, Kenneth 3 Hembree, James Andrew 1, 11 Orme, Jack 3 Welch, Mary Clarita (Penniwell) 11 Del Greco, Marie 3 Hembree, Georgia (Halderman) Orme, Stacey 3 Young, Maria 3 Diamantini family 5 6, 8, 9, 10, 11 Oxsen, Harold 3

Windsor Historical Society P.O. Box 726 Windsor, CA 95492

Happy Holidays!

Page 12 Windsor Historical Society · Windsor Walk · Oct/Nov/Dec 2008