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Events & Education News
By Alana Coons
 The Events & Education committee has been as busy as ever in the last three months. On October 9th, the fundraiser for the Red Rest and Red Roost cottages was a tremendous success. Guests gathered at the Brockton Villa, the wonderful restaurant housed in an 1890's cottage built close to the same time as the cottages, showed firsthand the economic viability of the rehabilitation of a historic structure such as the Red Rest and Red Roost. A concerned community showed up enforce to talk about the plight of these precious La Jolla treasures. Much discussion and exchange of ideas were heard while enjoying the famously great food and wine of the Brockton Villa restaurant. Substantial funds were raised and the efforts continue to protect the structures. Arts & Crafts Weekend continues the fundraising with the sale of the special limited edition wood cut prints of the RR/RR cottages. Thanks go to the La Jolla Historical Society, the San Diego Historical Society, and the many donors.
In October there were thousands of visitors to the Whaley House, with well over a thousand through just on Halloween night. Several ghostly events were held. A trip back in time through the spirits of the Campo Santo cemetery and candlelight vigil to the Whaley House for a midnight tour. Thanks to the large Halloween committee and to our actors: George Plum, Robin Sweeton, Charley Bast, Mary Jones, Jim, Frank Garcia, Steven Wilson, and to chairpersons George Plum and Mary Wendorf. The weekend event raised $2500.
In November we began the first of our Getting to Know Your San Diego series of tours and lectures. Allen Hazard, chairperson for the event, submitted the following report. Dr. Raymond Starr presented an excellent lecture and afterwards led a walking tour around the campus. Dr. Starr stated that the Depression era buildings at State are also unique among California colleges and universities and represent a valuable treasure and a source of architectural pride to all who live in San Diego. San Diego State's distinct identity was also on view as the school's Special Collections/University Archives Department presented original and rare photographs of Montezuma Mesa as a special exhibition for the tour. SOHO thanks Dr. Starr and a thank you to Allen and his volunteers, which included wife Janet, and fellow committee member Christine Babcock and her sister Maureen. The first downpour of the season kept some at home and many who were unable to attend have asked that we do it again, so look for it in the future. Dr. Starr is a fascinating and knowledgeable speaker and cares about the preservation and architectural history of San Diego and this is most evident in his lectures.
Early December brought the sold out Red Tile Style event. A home tour and the national book launch of a wonderful book that celebrates the Spanish Colonial Revival architecture in America, the style that so identifies San Diego's most dominant architecture. Author Arrol Gellner explained how the Spanish Colonial Revival grew out of the Mission Revival style that began in the 1880's. Great food was provided by caterer Word of Mouth, fine wine and the magical, as one guest described it, ambiance of the Cliff May home opened to us by the ever gracious owners, Barbara and Lee Roper, made for yet another fantastic SOHO event and party.
At the Whaley House, December was a flurry of holiday activities. Docents Lynn Hamilton and daughter Michelle took on the task of decorating the house in its circa 1870's Christmas best. Her volunteer crew was Bruce Parker, San Diego decorator and long time SOHO member, and the entire junior docent staff! It was a lot of work, well worth all the effort put forth by this dedicated and caring crew. The decor was supplemented with a handout on Victorian traditions in America. Visitors were all very complimentary and vowed to come again next year.
A holiday production by the Spencer & Jackson Theatrical Troupe was another highlight of the season. San Diego's first theatre came alive with songs, poetry, skits and much merriment. The four shows were greatly enjoyed by those who attended and we hope to have the troupe, who come from Arizona, back for a summertime review.
We ended the year with SOHO's traditional potluck party. The Old Town State Park generously allowed us the use of the 1830's Estudillo Hacienda. It was a beautiful night under the stars in the perfumed courtyard garden. Over 200 SOHO members came to wish each other a joyous holiday and congratulate each other on where SOHO is today and our many accomplishments. The Hacienda's hospitable atmosphere was enhanced by the music of Los Californios, a donated performance, the group's holiday gift to us. A wonderful pot latche, lots of good conversation and the company of friends made this holiday party the perfect ending to a tremendous year for SOHO
In this new year we are more ambitious than ever, setting high goals for fundraising, which in turn, fuels our preservation advocacy work. Beginning with the Arts & Crafts Weekend followed by People In Preservation, and then the Old House Fair, the first half of 2003 is already well underway, so now is the time to pitch in. Arts & Crafts Weekend needs volunteers to cover everything from house docents to booth sitters. It helps just to have each other around for moral support during this intensive three-day event. People In Preservation awards, although not traditionally a fundraiser, is one of the most important ways you can show you care. Come to the awards ceremony and applaud the people who are making a difference in the preservation of San Diego. This year's location is spectacular and celebrating its own historic milestone, Scripps Institute of Oceanography, with a century of discovery. Look for details in the March issue of Reflections. But right now, who do you think deserves to win this prestigious award. Fill out the nomination form in this issue. You are our eyes and ears, don't let a deserving person or project go without recognition solely because it didn't get nominated.
Then on June 21, our second Old House Fair. Preparations for this year's event began right after last and it promises to be an outstanding day of great vendors offering goods and services, a historic home tour and workshops.
I hope to see many of you this year. SOHO has the ability to defeat those who want to bulldoze and cement over San Diego. Make it your New Year's resolution. Come out and participate. We need you.
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MORE FROM THIS ISSUE
The Tecate Depot & the Future of the Past in Baja California
A Significant Win For the OPHQ
Coronado Railroad, Politics and the Will of the People
President's Message
South Bay About to Lose Important Transportation Link
SOHO Archivist, a Welcome Addition
New Offices For SOHO
Community Outreach
University Heights Takes Action
Events & Education News
Grants & Donations - Thank You
Preservation Action Update
Planned Giving Program
Volunteer Profile
Interstate 163 Designated Historic Parkway
SOHO Celebrates Two Year Anniversary at the Whaley House
Florence C. Shipek 1918-2003
SOHO's People In Preservation Nomination Form
The All New Sixth Annual San Diego Arts & Crafts Weekend
Red Tile Style Discovery
Strength in Numbers
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