VOLUME 2021 ISSUE 1 February, 2021

President’s Message Pam Pond

tem, we have installed a weather station Don’t you love to protect docents and visitors alike. Coming Events in 2021 February with Valen- When we reopen as an outdoor museum, tines, hearts, flowers, we will be better prepared for unsafe and and a sprinkling of unexpected weather events that may Covid-19? arise. Keeping our docents, and visitors In a normal year alike, safe is our biggest priority. we would be showcas- Woeful- ing our antique valen- ly this month, REOPENING NEWS!!! tine collection alongside beautifully dec- we will bid adieu orated rooms with flowers and love on to our beautiful February 20th the mind. Sadly, not this year. Covid-19 California Live had a different idea. Oak. We will We will be back on February 20th, have a small opening outdoors with the wonder and ceremony with splendor of our collection; showcasing Allan Salazar, our grand magnificence. elder of the Chu- Our holiday event in December, last- mash and Tataviam ing just three days, alas, was incredible. tribes , giving a Our radio show, special exhibits, lights, blessing for the The museum reopens! storytelling, and Santa with Mrs. Claus tree. We will Come and view our to top everything off, was extraordi- film a short outside attractions and nary. It was a beautiful and picture- YouTube video peek inside open doors perfect event to bring holiday cheer into of this magical event. Several interesting to view interiors. everyone’s hearts. Plans are already videos have been recently made and post- Saturdays 1—4 PM being made for next year. You won’t ed to our YouTube Channel. Look for a want to miss it. new one in this issue on page seven. Behind the scenes we are working Check out all of them today and subscribe together to provide a more secure and for new videos and updates to the chan- protected environment to better pre- nel. serve our antiquities. Many busy do- We are looking into other future im- March is Women’s cents have been cataloging, archiving, provement projects. We hope you will be History Month and updating our historical pieces. Also, moved to personally consider donating to Starting on March 6th we are currently refurbishing our anti- them for the betterment of the museum. we will present our quated AC and heating unit to better Look for these opportunities to donate popular live “radio improve the preservation of all the his- soon online. We are also currently explor- show” on selected Sat- torical artifacts that make our museum ing business and community partnerships urdays, on the Grand a nationally renowned place to visit. It that will continue to preserve the history Porch. It features will be a museum-worthy climate con- of our community, following in the tradi- “Ladies of the trol system. tions of our city’s founding members. Conejo”. Don’t miss it. In addition to the new HVAC sys- We look forward to seeing you soon. PAGE 2 VOLUME 2021 ISSUE 1

Director Jana Goldsworthy

I had the opportunity to play Saturday, Feb 20, with QR code signage adding local historical celebrity Mabel multimedia enhancement via smart phone to our Stark, the world’s first female exhibits, updated rest rooms, and other property tiger trainer, during our recent improvements. Our beloved 200-year-old oak tree, holiday event, and will reprise ( pictured on page one) will be removed for safety that role for our March “live” purposes in early February with a native blessing radio show. Mabel inspired given by “Spirit Hawk” Alan Salazar, which will others to do things that have be filmed and compiled with footage featuring never been done before, and I Fred Nuesca discussing the importance of oak feel like we are all having to trees to the Chumash and our community. Be sure do that right now, trying to to visit the museum’s Emporium to purchase or- find creative solutions to naments, coasters, candle logs, and other nostalgic problems we don’t fully under- items Gary Pederson and other volunteers will be stand, within parameters that making from the oak tree’s beautiful limbs. A 04 are constantly changing and beyond our control. year young replacement oak will be planted, rep- The winds of change (literally at 50 mph locally!) resenting new beginnings and plans are in the were upon us at the end of January with the inaugu- works regarding how to make the best use of the ration of a new President, along with the first woman area the old oak tree occupied. We invite you to Vice President. There has certainly been a great deal contribute to the Heritage Oak Renewal Project to of interesting history in the making, and the muse- re-beautify and transform this central site for on- um’s 2020 focus on the achievements of Conejo Val- going, enjoyable use. This project is one of several ley women, well-received suffrage exhibit, celebrating we hope to complete in 2021, most of which re- one hundred years of women’s right to vote, and the quire significant donations as matching funds Stage Lines article on the 1918-20 Spanish Flu pan- from our patrons and in-kind contributions from demic, helps put these more recent historical develop- our volunteers. Please inquire how you can help. ments in perspective. In March, The Governor’s Stay at Home order cut our holi- to celebrate day festivities short, just when the museum had Women’s His- made “front page news” in the Acorn with our Un- tory month, wrap the event. We have a second we will be re- chance to celebrate when the Chinese Year of the Ox airing our La- begins on February 12. Fittingly, the ox represents dies of the hard work and perseverance, which will definitely be Conejo Old- required as we and our local community strive to re- time Radio cover. We encourage everyone to support local busi- Show nesses, and stay safe while taking advantage of the (pictured above), which few people had the oppor- wonderful things our valley has to offer. tunity to see before we had to close our holiday While it is predicted that as many as 40 percent of event. This live performance, featuring eight California’s small museums may not reopen following historical women of the Conejo Valley telling their the pandemic, the Stagecoach Inn has found innova- stories, will take place on the grand porch of the tive ways to continue operations and has had record Stagecoach Inn, before a safely socially-distanced membership receipts for 2020/2021. These develop- audience, on selected Saturdays at 2:00 pm, ments helped to partially offset the loss of our major during our normal operating hours 1-4:00 PM. revenue streams, school tours, and weddings. We are The show will be included in your $5 admission. still in a very precarious financial situation, but are For those still preferring to stick close to home, six working hard to preserve and share the stories of our Stagecoach Inn Museum Virtual Tours have now past, and gratefully seek your continued support of been completed, including our latest release, The our programs. Meanwhile, we continue to encourage Adobe. A link can be found on page seven of this bookings of weddings, corporate events, filmmaking issue. Look for others on the Stagecoach Inn and other facility uses. Museum YouTube channel and on our website. We plan to reopen as an “outdoor museum” on Stay healthy, be safe, and please visit soon. VOLUME 2021 ISSUE 1

Historical Happenings Carol Anderson, Curator of History

Dr. Cyril Anderson, the First Director of not for the aggrandizement of the society or for its mem- the Stagecoach Inn Museum bers. If I and our members, who have sweated through hundreds of hours of work, worry and frustrations in this I had heard and project were doing it only for ourselves, we would be read that Dr. Cyril locked up as crazy people. Anderson was an ad- “This is both an apology and an attempt to set in mirable man, a good words our basic philosophy and the reasons why we con- worker, and recruited sider this effort important to the community. We believe by Dr. Michael that it is important, especially for children, to understand Hagopian, the first that human life has a continuity from generation to gen- President of the eration, that it is helpful to the stability of everyone to CVHS. He didn’t feel that they are intimately bound not only to the pre- have a background in sent but also to the past and future in a continuous chain, museum work, being a and that their roots of existence lie far deeper than the retired U.S. Army and shallow roots in the present. We believe that when young Veterans Hospital people understand this, they feel that they belong, that physician. In this there is no generation gap, and that the path ahead has writing of his letter to already been scouted and need not appear so fearful. We the editor of the News-Chronicle, we can see how believe that young people can understand this better valuable he was in working with people to create the when they can see and study the artifacts and cultural Stagecoach Inn Museum. Think back to 1967 when patterns of the past, can speculate about the life that has the original building had been moved up the hill gone on before, and about the relationships between the and was being restored. past and their present and future. They need this espe- cially now, bombarded as they are by short-lived novel- Editor, News-Chronicle: ties, and in our present somewhat nomadic era in which “On Friday, July 28, we witnessed a scene in the families rarely remain in one place and children are fre- Stagecoach Inn that gave an answer to the question quently uprooted from familiar scenes. We believe that recently asked. That afternoon, children swarmed opportunities to obtain this understanding are at least as into the newly-finished basement of the Inn to view important to children’s development as recreational and an unusual Japanese puppet show given by Michiko physical facilities. Tagawa, and a historical doll collection loaned by “Besides the development of a historical museum and Mrs. Joseph Cram. This event, enjoyed by 200 spec- the restoration of the Inn, the Historical Society has a tators of all ages, was put on by Mrs. Richard Ad- dream for the future: involving the community in a cen- ams and sponsored by the American Association of ter for other forms of human expression, such as music, University Women. arts, dance, community exhibits and social events. This “This was the sort of thing for which the Histori- plan belongs to the community, not particularly the His- cal Society was founded: to produce something of torical Society. General community advice, participation, educational and cultural value to the community, and support can put it over as we grow. especially to the younger members of the communi- “The Historical Society has already received wonderful ty. It is apparent, however, that we of the Historical community support from individuals and organizations, Society have been so engrossed in the initial and to mention a few: The Conejo Valley Chamber of Com- monumental task of saving the Stagecoach Inn and merce which contributed net proceeds from two years of trying to restore it that we have neglected to inform Conejo Valley Days; the Newbury Park Jaycees, which the community sufficiently about why we are doing donated over 200 hours of work stripping off walls at the it. We are surprised and a little dismayed to hear Inn to prepare them for restoration; the Conejo Valley people ask, “Why should we do anything for the Contractors Association, which has donated many days of Historical Society?” We thought that everybody un- expert work to finish the basement of the Inn; the Conejo derstood that the Historical Society considers itself Valley Garden Club, which has dedicated itself to build a only as an initiating agency for a fine community botanical garden in the Inn area. cultural development of, by and for the whole com- Happenings: continued on page 4. munity, PAGE 4 VOLUME 2021 ISSUE 1

Docent Council Stasia Simrall, Docent President

As you are all follow- At this time, we would normally have already add- ing state health guidelines ed displays of antique Valentines throughout the mu- and staying home, you seum but not this year. Perhaps, instead, you might know that some re- explore Valentines and their customs online. I am sure strictions have been lifted. you will find some to charm you and brighten your The museum will soon reo- day! If you have a “Valentine” in your life, staying at pen but the docents have home because of the pandemic gives you lots of time to not been able to meet in think creatively and come up with some unique ways person at the museum. to acknowledge the day and that special someone. It Consequently, at this time would be great to share what you did. Send pictures of we cannot put together your creations to me and I will include some of them in programs and trips which next month’s newsletter. Consider that our February we would normally be en- docent program!! joying on a monthly basis. Hopefully, with the distribution of Covid-19 vac- cines, we will notice a significant downward drop of cases and can resume normal operations sometime this year. We did enjoy outdoor museum status for four months in 2020. That did give us a chance to hold small group meetings and to put together a wonder- ful Christmas and winter holiday celebration for De- cember. Luckily, we were able to open the first week- end in December. Many docents worked many long hours under the direction of Sherri Kerman and Cynthia Bengtson to decorate all of the buildings according to the Unwrap the Conejo theme in such a way that visitors could enjoy our offerings just by peeking in through the windows and doorways. Let’s hope we will have fewer challenges in the coming year! Thank you to all who participated. It was very rewarding to be able to get together and work to- gether again.

Happenings: continued from page 3 We now have a 2,400 square foot basement operative and can open a small museum in late September, and use the larger space for special events open to the public, as we did last Friday. We can offer the large open space to other organizations for their meetings and any special events that can be accommodated there. From here, we have to grow upward into the first and second floor restoration -- sometime later, out- ward, over four acres of it. For this, if the communi- ty wants it, we need help. We are trying to get our second wind.”

DR. CYRIL W. ANDERSON Museum Director Pictured: Henrietta Russell, Marge Anderson, Cyril Anderson, and Patricia Grandholm Thousand Oaks Triunfo Ball 1982 - the New-Chronicle VOLUME 2021 ISSUE 1 PAGE 5

Holidays at the Inn – Unwrap the Conejo Valley

Sherri Kerman and Cynthia Bengtson

What a beautiful success our holiday event was – tional decorations in the Adobe. Even “Queenie” was albeit, way too short! We joined forces again this last out of her garage for all to enjoy her!! There were in- year to create a new and expanded version of our usu- teresting interactive vignettes being carried out to al, one-day, free, holiday open house. We began our include our guests at many locations. Children were planning almost immediately after the previous year’s treated to a special gift bag at the entrance and event and part of our big changes included creating an guests who spent $25+ in the Emporium were treated event that would last over several days and changing to a Stagecoach Mug with chocolate packages includ- it to a fund-raising event. Early on we knew that we ed. And there were lights all over the Museum would not be open at all during part of the year and grounds for those who chose to come for the nighttime then would not be able to allow guests into the build- event – even up the windmill! ings and consequently would not be able to raise While we were not funds for the Museum’s able to enjoy the large basic operations. crowds we had hoped With the help of many and planned for, we did phenomenally talented actually sell 373 tickets designers, decorators, ac- before the event had to tors, singers, musicians, be shut down completely computer technicians, because of the surge in lights installers, publicity COVID cases. We did refund money to those who re- creators and “worker quested it. And even then, we did clear a small profit bees”, we did it! And we for the Museum! did it, beautifully!!! We We had a ball facilitating this fantastic event and had wonderful music from want to thank all those who participated in making it members of the Conejo become a reality and such a wonderful success. We Valley: Sonya, Aleta and certainly could not have done it without you. THANK Chard singing a new ver- YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!! It was a huge sion of “Deck the Halls”, tribute to us all and our ability to come together for a Katherine Reaves, the common purpose in light of all the challenges we have Strings, and the Golden Pipers. We had a delightful faced through this pandemic! And, just know that we “Old Fashioned Radio Show” featuring the Ladies of already have our thinking caps on for next year’s the Conejo and fabulous sound effects. We had a most Jolly Old Santa Claus talking to the children and event – Unwrap the Grand Union Hotel. Watch for adults alike in the carriage house. We had junior do- the “call” to come join us in creating a new event for cents creating holiday decorations on the lawn. We this year! had holiday story telling outside Timber School. We had the blacksmiths in the Blacksmith Shop creating Christmas ornaments. We had the Emporium open with all sorts of wonderful gift selections. We had glo- rious decorations all around the museum grounds with views of wonderful scenes in all the buildings. There were wonderful Hanukkah decorations in the lobby; there was a wonderful scene in the parlor with three generations of the Haigh Family with a tree dec- orated in 1930s motif; there was a fancy, Victorian style tree in the stairwell hallway; there was a tribute to the early restaurants in the Conejo - particularly Lupe’s - in the dining room; there was a darling set of Norwegian and German clothed mannequins in the Pioneer House to represent our earlier settlers; and there were wonderful early Hispanic/Mexican tradi- PAGE 6 VOLUME 2021 ISSUE 1

Unwrap the Conejo Valley Extraordinary Crew Many filled multiple roles!

Cheryl & Alan Abrams Sofia Kraus Bill Ackerman Patty Lebow Carol & David Anderson Lindalisa Louis Bernie Baker Mike Mathews Isabelle, Matt & Bethany Becker Gavin McGuire Cynthia Bell Joanne McDonald Ben Bent Bobbie & Mary Mensinger Linda Beutel David Morehouse Debbie Birenbaum Fred Nuesca Allison & CeCe Brandon Shirley Oher Aleta & Sonya Buckelew Annette Carnahan Mitch Okui Mario Cifuentes Gary Pederson Pat Conklin Reidun Pederson Jean Marie Cull Mel Phillips Nellie Cusworth Jackie Pizitz Chris de Klotz & Golden Pipers Pam Pond Konrad de Ruyter Marger Powell Jayden Ehrhardt Katherine Reaves Susie & Samantha Forcado Sharon & Sarah Gerlach Blanca Relle Gerry Gillies Susan & Wayne Robb Roz Gold Irene Seda Jana Goldsworthy Liz Silacci Candace Gray Stasia Simrall Cindy Hadjian Alice Stewart Lisa Halub Jill Stoliker Violet Halub Suzana Harris Bill Vlahos Chard Hayward Morgan Vredenburgh Shirley Hedrick Noomie Wennberg Sandy Hildebrandt Bert Weyl Darrell Jones Carol & Ed Wheelis Lou Kirby Patty Knipper

Many membership renewals have been received at the Inn for 2021, but, unfortunately, there are still many memberships that have not. Please get your renewal in by February15th so you can con- tinue to get your benefits of the Stage Lines news- letter, Stagecoach Inn tours, and 10% off items for sale in the Emporium. You also have the option to give a gift membership to a friend or relative; up- grade your membership level for more benefits; or you may encourage others to become new mem- bers. During this Covid-19 period, there are various virtual events and tours that you can access on the web site to keep up with what's happening at the Inn. VOLUME 2021 ISSUE 1 PAGE 7 Changing of the Guard Susan Robb—Editor

When Ruthanne Begun retired as editor of the Stage Lines in 2410, Sandy Hildebrandt asked me (cajoled me) to replace her. At the time, I had never done anything like editing a newsletter and had no working knowledge of the program needed to create it. Needless to say, there were a few rocky months where I didn’t think I was going to succeed (heck, I still have some of those moments). It was my honor to be editor as we’ve gone from an entirely paper publication in black and white, to one that is almost entirely an electronic publication in glorious color with hyperlinks. I told Sandy, at the time, I wouldn’t commit to doing the job as long as Ruthanne had. She had been editor for eight years. I said I’d do it for three. Well, last July, when I had completed six years at the helm, I decided it was time to retire. As things go in volunteer organizations, it’s taken a while, but this is my last issue as editor. I will be turning the job over to an intern from Moorpark College. I’ve seen samples of her work, which are beautiful, and I think she will take the publication to new heights. I look forward to seeing the new and improved Stage Lines as I step back and enjoy doing the work I love most—being a docent at the Stagecoach Inn. I would now like to introduce her to you. Ladies and gentlemen, meet Danielle:

Hello all! My name is Danielle Beshai. I am a student intern from Moorpark College, and starting with the March edition, I will be the new editor of the Stage Lines newsletter. As a Graphic Design major, I have my fair share of experience with editorial design, so I am excited to put my skills to work this year! I also have a deep appreciation of history and culture, so I look forward to both learning and spreading knowledge through the Stage Lines. The retiring editor, Susan Robb, has been very kind in offering her guidance to me as our team makes this transition. I would like to give a big thank you to Sue for being so helpful and, of course, for cultivating the Stage Lines into what you all know and love today. I hope to continue making this newsletter something that you guys look forward to each month!

—Danielle

The Adobe - Virtual Tour

We look forward to seeing you on site soon, but in the meantime, you can still enjoy our beautiful property and discover what life was like in by-gone years through our informative Virtual Tour series. Step back in California history to the days of the Spanish land grants and visit the Adobe with docents Carol Anderson and Peggy Mack at the Tri-Village Complex. Click the photo to enjoy this new Virtual Tour, or visit in person Saturdays 1:00 - 4:00 PM, starting with our reopening on February 20th.

See other Virtual Tours at our web-site at: Stagecoachinnmuseum.com. 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 Mailing: Barbara Crowdis Emailing: Ben Bent and Irene Seda

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Shop The Emporium at the Stagecoach Inn!

Hear ye! Hear Ye!

The Stagecoach Inn Museum reopens on February 20th as an Outdoor Souvenirs, toys, books, Museum! handmade items, and much, Please stop by much more! and see what’s 10% discount to going on members!

All proceeds go to benefit The Stagecoach Inn Museum

Owned and operated by the Conejo Valley Historical Society