Save Our Heritage Organisation
Reflections Quarterly Newsletter
Chris Ownby
As Professor Banza CalabashChris Ownby is known on the stage as "Professor Banza Calabash, Learned Skolar ob Music." A minstrel musician from the East, Chris came around the horn to the gold rush, much as did Thomas Whaley. After a period of bumming, mostly in the southern mines, he made his way back down to San Diego; it is 1858.
His entire repertoire is from the songsters of the period, and he does not present songs that have not been written yet! The banjos he uses are the type favored by stage professionals of the 1840s, 50s and into the 60s, and he utilizes the African derived "stroke" style of playing the instrument.
Chris plays weekdays on the verandah of the Whaley House entertaining visitors and is a vital part of what we are able to offer to the Old Town Fourth Grade program. He is a volunteer and does many other things for the Museum. Chris sets the standard for the hopes of our clothing program at the Museum and advises us on many subjects relative to the early 19th century.
More from this issue
- Court Sets Aside Port's Coronado Belt Line Lease
By Susan Brandt-Hawley- SOHO Takes Leadership Role in Protection of Cultural Sites
- Disposable World: Outgoing President's Message
By David Marshall- Obliterated & Forever Lost: Message from the Executive Director
By Bruce Coons- People In Preservation: The Event of the Season
- People In Preservation Award Winners
- Coronado Ordinance Scores a Victory for Local Historic Preservation
By Julie Kolb- Designation of Coronado Railroad to be Appealed
- SOHO's Dedication to Preservation
By Barry E. Hager- Eleven Most Endangered Historic Resources
- Another Save! The Rawson residence
- New Resources in the California Room
By Beth Montes- Meet Summer Intern Stephanie Gordon
- Chris Ownby as Professor Banza Calabash
- Whaley House Educational Series
By David Swarens- ROMP! Children Discover Balboa Park
- A Home Run for Preservation
- Annual Membership Meeting Sunday September 26th
- Annual Call for Board of Director Nominations
- The Whaley House Interior Restoration
- The Verna House Renovation
- The SOHO Museum Shop Reopens
By Alana Coons- A Guide to Modern San Diego
By Keith York- SOHO Presents the 2004 San Diego Modernism Weekend: October 22, 23, 24
- Lost San Diego
- SOHO Museum Shop at the Whaley House
2 New Arts & Crafts Books!
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