THE POPPY PAPER
Official Monthly Publication of the
Boosters of Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
A Non-Profit Organization
May 2015
Saturday, May 2nd, 2015 from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Sunday, May 3rd, 2015 from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Each year, thousands flock to Old Town San Diego’s oldest historic neighborhood to take a step back in
time and to celebrate! This annual, FREE, FAMILY-FRIENDLY Fiesta Old Town Cinco de Mayo
celebrates 32 years of tradition, packed with activities for ALL AGES! Old town will be transformed into
the largest Cinco de Mayo celebration north of the border, filled with mariachis, cervezas, great food, and
more!
The Fiesta will feature four stages with live entertainment, over 40 bands, including vibrant, traditional
ballet folklorico performances, lively beer and margarita gardens and, of course, Low Rider Lane! Feed
your appetite by feasting at over 15 delicious restaurants and tequilerias to enjoy the flavors of the
celebration and quench your thirst. How does a specialty margarita sound? Maybe an ice cold cerveza or
traditional agua fresco (fresh water), like tamarind, jamaica or horchata!
Get into the fiesta spirit; gather the amigos and head to Old Town for the ultimate in Cinco de Mayo
fun. Proceeds benefit the Historic Old Town Community Foundation.
For additional information please call (619) 291-4903 or visit www.CincodeMayoOldTown.com.
President’s Notes
by Jeanne Ferrell
Looking for a fun volunteer experience?? BOOT is looking for volunteers for the Craft Committee.
Anyone can do crafts with these wild, wacky and wonderful people. Believe me, I thought it was all
sewing…and I don’t sew a stitch. If you are breathing, they can find a job just for you. I promise you, it
really is fun. I look forward to the days I can be there. All the terrific items we make are sold in the
BOOT Store. Thanks to the Craft Committee, the BOOT Store is doing quite well - it seems that good
old-fashioned handcrafted items are in demand, despite this digital age. Come join us on the 2nd and 4th
Fridays of each month, behind the Robinson-Rose building.
pg. 1
From the Editor’s Desk…
Apologies are in order for the absence of a Poppy Profile over the last several months. My intent
back in April 2014, when I highlighted Tom and Mary Ellen Young, was to provide a monthly
introduction of one of more of the members on the BOOT Board of Directors. In so doing, I hoped to
dispel any misconceptions that the Board was comprised of a bunch of stuffy, self-absorbed, selfserving, political wanna-be’s. To the contrary, the BOOT Board is comprised of a diverse group of
highly qualified, well-educated, dedicated individuals who all bring their specific areas of expertise
for the benefit of our nonprofit organization. They volunteer inordinate hours to BOOT, and they all
are deserving of kudos! We have successfully profiled all that agreed to participate, except for one!
So, last but not least, it gives me great pleasure to profile Bob Wohl on pg. 5.
Personally, I have known Bob since 2002, when I was a park aide, and he was my boss! There are
many stories to tell, but this one I will never forget…
One morning, as I was opening museums, a disheveled and dirty man was sleeping in front of one of
the alarm boxes. I was not going to confront him, and I certainly was not going to step over him!!!
So, I ran upstairs in the Robinson-Rose Building to Bob’s office, pleading for assistance. As I started
towards the front door, Bob bolted out the back door, yelling, “This way, it’s faster!!!” We jumped in
his vehicle, he put it in gear, and we literally flew! In no time, the harmless (yet stinky) man was
roused, sent on his way…and I was able to safely finish my duties! So, why do I tell you this little
story? Well, when some knew Bob as the Superintendent who had to attend meetings, manage
problems, and deal with far too many personalities…I knew him as a kind and compassionate “boss”
who would truly spring into action for his staff. I’m happy to say that now I know him, not only as a
former boss, but also as a colleague and a friend!
Speaking of friends…as we remember those who have served in our armed forces this Memorial Day,
let’s also take a few moments to reflect on all of our Old Town friends who have given so much of
themselves for State Parks, and who are no longer with us. In Memoriam (pg. 7) honors some of
those who I have known during my time in Old Town, from my dear friend Jackie Perkins to our
beloved “matriarch” Mary Ellen Young. This certainly is not an all-inclusive list. Sadly, there are
many others! Let the memory of a few be a constant reminder of the legacy of the many who have
given life to Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
Happy Cinco, Happy Mother’s Day, and Happy Reading!
Ruth French [email protected]
(Deadline for submissions is the 20th of each month for inclusion in the following month’s issue.)
GARDEN VIEWS
Deanna Turton reports that, despite the
current drought conditions, the gardens
are looking lovely this time of year! The
pear tree that was planted last year has
about 20 pears on it! The MachadoStewart garden is currently locked due
to the repairs at the casa, but Deanna
and her garden crew continue to keep
all of the gardens beautiful. The drying
shed and Deanna’s garage are full of
harvested herbs, so the Craft
Committee will certainly be kept very
busy in the future!!!
pg. 2
Treasurer's Notes
by Deanna Turton
Although it seems that I have reported a lot of red ink so far this year, this month's Poppy Paper article
can report that we came out $3485.44 a head of the game, which is very good news indeed! Besides good
sales in the BOOT Store, we also received the quarterly deposit from the Round It Up America program,
which equaled $1898.01. Many thanks to Chuck Ross and his restaurant staff for participating in this
program, as well as all the restaurant patrons who rounded up their credit cards!!!
Craft sales were also a big part of the Store's success, with $1162.75 worth of handwork purchased.
Perhaps the only disappointing note is that the daily average in the donation boxes continues to be very
low at $36.55. With the tourist months right around the corner, it is our hope that this figure will increase,
because our budget is based on an average of $55 a day from the donation boxes. In addition, BOOT
recorded $100 in soap sales in March (with many thanks to our volunteer soap makers), as well as
$256.00 in period attire purchases.
On the expense side of the ledger, categories over $300 were:




$1760.12 replacement of store inventory
$ 357.30 care and feeding of our two park burros
$ 493.51 Period Attire Bank purchases and subsidies
$ 776.51 Supervising Ranger Chris Lozano’s discretionary fund. These charges were mainly for
the thank you plates at the BOOT-Volunteer Appreciation Brunch which was held in early March.
And finally, there were an additional nine spending categories under $300.00.
As I write this article on April 8th, I can also report that I am about half to two-thirds done with the
annual tax forms. So, the yearly task is nearly completed, which is always good news to your treasurer.
Our accountant has given me a review date in early May, so by Gary and my 50th wedding anniversary
on May 15, everything will be copied, stamped, mailed, and filed. (The deadline for non-profits is May
15, so we do not share the April 15 deadline with everyone else.) Every year, this task gets done a bit
faster. Thank goodness!!!
And The Winner Is…
To All of Our Mothers…
Park Aide Ellen Green is our winner again for the
highest guide book sales in March - 18 books!
Congratulations to Ellen for her hard work!!!
We appreciate all the hard work that the Park
Aides do for BOOT, tending to the BOOT Store
and helping to sell our products. Since the BOOT
Board authorized a gift certificate of $20 each
month for the park aide or volunteer who sells the
most tour guide books in a month (ten book
minimum), the guide books are “flying off the
shelves!” Thank you to all of our wonderful
volunteers and park aides who are helping to
make this a successful incentive program!
pg. 3
Welcome new seasonal employee Peter DiSimone!
History means acknowledging and knowing who we are; you and I are linked. I am honored to be part
of California's Historic Park of Old Town San Diego. As a Park Aide, I am thrilled to be that contact to
the public, engaging and informing on the park's history and it's connection to visitors.
I currently also work at the San Diego Maritime Museum in their
Education Department conducting Living History programs with
school groups. I enjoy participating in historical interpretation,
showcasing a way of life at sea bygone in our times, allowing me
to preserve such an existence in the present. I am truly passionate
about History and Education. Sharing knowledge is
quintessential to our progress as a society, and I am proud to be
part of an organization who fosters this. I am excited to take part
in Living History, historical tours and demonstrations here at Old
Town.
Knowledge is power; in my free time I enjoy studying up on
birds, literature and music.
-Peter DiSimone
Cinco de Mayo with an Educational Twist
By Gregg Giacopuzzi, Interpreter I
Cinco de Mayo 2015 will have significant changes this year in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
The pop-up tents selling colorful souvenirs and a variety of fast foods will be absent on streets of Old
Town San Diego State Historic Park. A large portable stage will still dominate the Plaza, yet
entertainment for this venue will focus primarily on traditional Mexican folk dancing. Wells Fargo will
continue hosting free stagecoach rides in Parking Lot B, along with the annual Mexican equestrian show
in Seeley Yard.
La Casa de Estudillo will be the location of a new, and exciting “interpretive center” this year. Five free
Living History presentations will be provided by State Park staff and volunteers from 10:30am to 3:30pm
on Saturday May 2nd. These activities will provide an opportunity to introduce locals, some of whom
may have never visited the Park before, an opportunity to experience a slice of Old Town history through
19th century interpretive presentations and hands-on activities. Old Town Family Hospitality was
gracious in providing the necessary funds to provide staffing for these interpretive activities.
pg. 4
As a young college graduate in the late 1960s, Bob Wohl had an
impressive list of academic achievements in Pre-Law, History,
Political Science, and Film Production; yet he started his “historic”
career as a high school history teacher in Bayside, Queens, NYC,
and later in Santa Cruz County, CA. While in Santa Cruz, he was
chosen for State Park Ranger Trainee and, as they say, “The rest is
history!”
Bob’s ranger duties took him from Big Basin Redwood State Park to
Salton Sea State Recreation Area; then to many of the state beaches
and natural reserves throughout California including San Elijo,
Torrey Pines, Cardiff, Carlsbad, Moonlight Beach, Leucadia, Los
Penasquitos, and Torrey Pines. As Bob climbed the career ladder to
supervising ranger and superintendent positions, his purview
extended from the natural preserves and beaches into the historic
sectors.
From law enforcement to natural preservation/conservation and historic interpretation, Bob absorbed a
vast knowledge base and expertise in practically every aspect of State Parks. So much so that he has
served on the advisor committees for the development and creation of museums at Salton Sea, Torrey
Pines, and our very own McCoy House; while also writing and publishing historic books, hosting
television shows, and developing PBS specials for the Parks Department.
I
did
go
around
the
world,
mostly
to
South
Asia,
for
3
months
in
1980.
After 33 years with California State Parks, Bob retired in 2005 from his position as Historic Sites
And
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Yes, we both are hitting 70 this year, and have been together nearly 50 years. I did go around the world, mostly to
events,
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our
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And 50
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with State Parks. Over the last few years, Bob has represented BOOT to successfully secure grants from
San Diego County, which allows us to financially enhance ongoing interpretive and educational
programs. His insights and contributions are invaluable to the mission of our non-profit organization.
Thank you, Bob, for all you do!
pg. 5
pg. 6
IN MEMORIAM
Those we love remain with us
for love itself lives on,
and cherished memories never fade
because a loved one's gone.
Those we love can never be
more than a thought apart,
for as long as there is memory,
they'll live on in the heart.
-author unknown
Pictured (clockwise from top left):
Jackie Perkins, Martha Rosenberg, Jeanette Marline,
Bill Glum, Fred and Helen Shipp, Steve Antis, Bill
Thorpe, Madeleine Marietti, June Goldenberg, Adrian
Fernandes, Mary Ellen Young, David Weim
pg. 7
Descendants of Early San Diego
2015 Family Research Workshops
By Linda Jacobo, Secretary
Mark your calendars for upcoming DESD Genealogy Workshops in Old Town:
 Saturday, June 27, 2015 (Descendants Annual Luncheon), time to be determined
 Saturday, August 29, 2015, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., (McCoy House, 2nd Floor)
 Saturday, November 7, 2015, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., (McCoy House, 2nd Floor)
Family research materials and historical photo collection will be showcased at all of the
above 2015 events. If you've been wanting to begin tracing your early San Diego familial
roots or continue searching for that new piece of your family's puzzle, this is your
opportunity!
Attendance is free!
The amount of time you want to spend at the workshop is up to you.
Stagecoach Days
Schedule of Events
Dates
July 4th
July 11th
July 18th
July 25th
August 1st
August 8th
August 15th
August 22nd
Event
19th century July 4th Celebration
A Taste of the Past
Women of the West
Days of the Vaqueros
Trades that Shaped the West
Soldiers and Citizens
Twainfest
The West on the Move
Times
11:00am – 4:00pm
12:00pm – 4:00pm
12:00pm – 4:00pm
12:00pm – 4:00pm
12:00pm – 4:00pm
12:00pm – 4:00pm
11:00am – 4:00pm
12:00pm – 4:00pm
Location
Plaza
Plaza
Plaza
Seeley Yard
Plaza
Plaza
Plaza
Seeley Yard
If you have any questions about the events or want to participate, please contact Becky Green or Gregg
Giacopuzzi at 619-220-5422. We want to extend a very special thank you to the Boosters of Old Town for
their financial support, as well as for obtaining the San Diego County grant.
Old Town State Historic Park
Native Plant Landscape Work
This year our monthly work parties will be the second Saturday of every month
(not the fourth) so we can coordinate better.
Kay Stewart [email protected]
pg. 8
THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE MEMBERS!
SEE YOUR AD HERE!!!
Join these businesses in their support of Old
Town San Diego State Historic Park:



Save Our Heritage Organisation (SOHO)
Toby’s Candle and Soap Shop
Write Out Loud
Please refer to the back cover page for more details.
BOOT BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President:
Vice President:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
BOOT Store:
Historian/Grants:
Restoration Spec:
Web Master:
Board Members:
Jeanne Ferrell (619) 543-9057
Gary Turton (619) 222-0047
Linda Jacobo (619) 602-0009
Deanna Turton (619) 222-0047
Mary Jones
Bob Wohl
Chuck Ferrell
Bob Jones
Tom Young
Cindy Furlong
Poppy Paper
Editor:
Ruth French
[email protected]
BOOT Website: http://boostersofoldtown.com/
Park Website: www.parks.ca.gov/oldtownsandiego
pg. 9
BOOSTERS OF OLD TOWN
San Diego State Historic Park
4002 Wallace Street
San Diego, CA 92110
NOTICE: If you have a friend who would like to learn more about San Diego History, enjoys meeting
people, and likes to have a good time, give him/her this application form to fill out and send in.
**Current BOOT Members will receive a free year of membership!**
Please make sure the BOOT Member’s name appears here in order for us to give credit for his/her referral.
Referred by: ________________________________________________________
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
____ $ 25.00 – Single Supporting Member
____ $ 40.00 – Family (2 or more individuals)
____ $ 20.00 – Senior (62+ years)/Student Single
____ $ 30.00 – Senior Couple (62+ years)
____$155.00 – Life Member (62+ years)
____$ 55.00 – Corporate Membership*
(includes business card sized ad in the Poppy Paper
and on our website for one month)
____$130.00 – Enhanced Corporate Membership*
(includes business card sized ad in the Poppy Paper
and on our website for 12 months)
*Corporate Applications Only: Please enclose a business card or corporate logo with your payment.
NAME(S) ________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS _______________________________________________________________
CITY __________________________________STATE _______ ZIP________________
PHONE ______________________E-MAIL ____________________________________
Make your check out to “BOOT” and mail to:
BOOT Membership Committee, 4002 Wallace Street, San Diego, CA 92110
pg. 10