Maintaining the Heritage and Individuality of Pacific Grove

www.pacificgroveheritage.org

FALL 2016Volume 16, Issue 3

Mark Your Calendar!

UPCOMING EVENTSOctober 1 & 2, 2016

Heritage Tour(See p.1)

Birdhouse Contest(See p.2)

Artists in Chautauqua

eNovember 20, 2016

Lecture "Prehistory of the

Monterey Peninsula Area"

byGary Breschini

and Trudy Haversat

(See p. 1)

eONGOING EVENTS

Saturdays, 1-4 pmKETCHAM'S BARN

The Heritage Society's Museum

605 Laurel Ave., P.G.

e

Thu-Mon, 1-4 pmPOINT PINOS LIGHTHOUSE

80 Asilomar Blvd., P.G.

THE HERITAGE SOCIETY OF PACIFIC GROVE

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Join us for a tour of Steinbeck and Ricketts' Pacific Grove

The Heritage Society is introducing an exciting new event this October - a Heritage Tour of Pacific Grove. This guided 90-minute bus tour will introduce sight-seers to John Steinbeck and Ed Ricketts' Pacific Grove, from the exuberant 1920s to post-war 1950s suburbia.

Tours are scheduled for Saturday, October 1st and Sunday, October 2nd. Tour times are: Saturday at 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 3:30 pm; Sunday at 11:30 am, and 1:30 pm. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at The Barn any Saturday between 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm beginning August 27th. Tickets will also be available online every day beginning August 27th at www.pacificgrove heritage.org. Tickets are limited for each tour time.

Although Salinas and Cannery Row are most closely associated with Steinbeck and Ricketts, Pacific Grove was Steinbeck's muse and it is where Ricketts discovered the universe. The tour will show you where these men lived, worked and loved. Sightseers will also hear about their circle of friends and adventures as well as how the city blossomed and grew during this era. And, of course, it will point out many of the locations Steinbeck included in his books Cannery Row and Sweet Thursday.

Event Co-Chairs are Dixie Layne and Claudia Sawyer.

Founder Sponsors Preservationist SponsorsJ.R. Rouse and Jan Pratt A Niche in Tyme- Sotheby's Realty Trotter Galleries, Inc.Maureen Mason- Sotheby's Realty Historian Sponsors Hall Landscape Design In Stride Physical Therapy and Rehab

Lecture: "Prehistory of the Monterey Peninsula Area" November 20th, 2:00 pm, Chautauqua Hall

Dr. Gary Breschini with Trudy Haversat will be speaking about the archaeology and prehistory of Monterey County, including the Esselen Indians. The Esselen were one of the least numerous groups in California and are often cited, incorrectly, as the first California group to become culturally extinct. There is recent evidence that some Esselen may have escaped the missions entirely by retreating to the interior mountains, and a small group may have survived into the 1840s before filtering to the ranchos or the outskirts of the growing towns.

Event Chair is Jennifer Bicket.

the heritage Society of pacific grove w Newsletter w fall 2016

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by Jennifer Bicket

Dr. Ruben Mendoza spoke to 80 people on July 10th at Chautauqua Hall. Dr. Mendoza is an archaeologist, writer, photographer and founding faculty member of the California State University, Monterey Bay. Professor Mendoza has directed major investigations at San Juan Bautista, San Carlos Borromeo, San Miquel Arcangel, and La Soledad.

Dr. Mendoza discussed the earliest Spanish colonial efforts in North America. His discussions about settlement in California by various cultures and the efforts of Junipero Serra were enlightening. Dr. Mendoza presented thought provoking and alternative opinions on the canonization of Serra.

Dr. Ruben Mendoza Lecture on Junipero Serra

photo by Jean Anton

Volunteer Appreciation BBQ

A Volunteer Appreciation BBQ was held July 17th in the garden adjacent to Ketcham's Barn. Attended by approximately 40 people, the Board thanked everyone for assisting in Society events and activities. The highlight was Don Beal's signature homemade peppermint ice cream. Lori, from Grove Market, provided lunch.

Event Co-Chairs were James Smith and Jean Anton.

photo by Jean Anton

Steering CommitteeThe Board at its August 2nd meeting created a steering committee to create a new vision for the Society. They recognized that after 40 successful years of existence much has changed. In the 70's, preservation of historic structures was the main concern but now, with City laws in place to protect these properties, emphasis has shifted, for example, to the Point Pinos Lighthouse as a large Heritage Society effort.

The steering committee will evaluate the fit between the Society's original focus and the historic preservation challenges that are presented in the current environment. Member suggestions are welcome, as committee recommendations are expected by the end of the year.

Members of the steering committee include David van Sunder, James Newhall Smith, Dennis Tarmina, Claudia Sawyer and Dixie Layne.

Birdhouses and Little Free Libraries Silent AuctionOver a dozen locally made birdhouses and two unique Little Free Libraries will be part of a silent auction to be held at Chautauqua Hall on Saturday, October 1, and Sunday, October 2. Look for some of the birdhouses on display in stores around town in the next few weeks. Bid sheets will accompany them. Silent bidding will conclude on Sunday, October 2, at 3:30 p.m.

Steve Honegger, Michael Groshong, and Jeanie Anton are Co-Chairs of this event. photo by Sandra Groshong

The Point Pinos Lighthouse w Fall 2016

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New Lighthouse Panels

Efforts have been underway to refurbish panels in the lighthouse. While existing 20-year old panels served visitors well, there is a new impetus to update exhibits as a result of the 2015 Point Pinos Lighthouse Interpretive Plan. The panels contain key historical photos and text.

Fred Sammis, Ken Hinshaw, Dennis Tarmina, Nancy McDowell and Frances Grate have been updating and expanding information contained in the panels. Much of this new research is made possible by materials now on the internet. Professional editing, design and fabrication have resulted in more interesting and lightweight panels.

Exhibits formerly housed in the cellar are now on ground level. In particular is the key exhibit, an eclipser, containing a brass mechanism much like that of a "grandfather" clock. The eclipser caused a copper shield to rotate around the light to give the lighthouse its characteristic light signature. It still works.

by Bill Peake

Lighthouse Cellar Excavationby Bill Peake

Plans are underway to remove the lighthouse cellar plywood floor (south side only) and excavate underneath. This effort, led by Ken Hinshaw, could restore the original brick floor, but 8 inches lower than the original floor depth. This will make the cellar more comfortable for today's taller visitors.

Photos show Steve Honnegger removing a patch of the current plywood flooring. Directly below this material was tongue and groove wood flooring laid on top of bricks. As per the 1852 construction contract the original floor was composed of bricks laid on sand. The original room height was 6 feet.

Architect Rick Steres prepared current drawings for City approval. Included in the plan is a plastic vapor barrier and drain rock to better handle moisture. Any alteration of the building must maintain the integrity of the structure. Next steps are approval by City Building Official John Kuehl and City Public Works Director Dan Gho.

photos by Bill Peake

Lighthouse Gift Shopby Nina GrannisThe Point Pinos Lighthouse gift shop celebrated its 2nd anniversary July 5th. The shop is a replica of an original building that stood on the grounds and is perfectly located. We are adding new items each month. Please stop by to pick up a souvenir or gift made by one of our local artists. Thanks to D. Tarmina, C. Sawyer, K. Cuneo, S. Van Tyle, P. Davis, J. Flury, M. Bristow, N. Runyon, S. Peake, J. Uretsky, and L. March who have given their time and energy to make it a success.(Ed. Note: Nina Grannis helps manage the gift shop.)

Claudia Sawyer

Fred Sammis and Pat Lovejoy

2016 BOARd OF dIRECTORSOFFICERS

david van Sunder ........... PresidentJames N. Smith ......Vice PresidentMichael Groshong ..........TreasurerBill Peake .......................Secretary

dIRECTORS

NEwSlETTER TEAMEditor .............................Bill PeakePublisher....................david Hines

Jean Antondon BealsNina GrannisSteve HoneggerAdrianne Jonsondixie layne

Mark TravailleClaudia SawyerRick SteresJennifer Bicketdennis Tarmina

Nonprofit orgU.S. poStage

paiDpermit No. 30pacific grove,

ca 93950

The heritage Society of pacific grovep.o. Box 1007pacific grove, ca 93950

Copyright ©2015 by The Heritage Society of Pacific GroveOpinions expressed herein belong to the writers, and don't neccessarily reflect those of The Heritage Society of Pacific Grove. Written permission from the Editor is required to reprint this issue in part or in whole.

The Heritage Society of Pacific Grove has a brand new website! We invite you to take a look at:

http://www.pacificgroveheritage.org/

For feedback, inquiries and, of course, volunteers, just click on "Contact Us" and send us an e-mail. We look forward to your comments.

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Additional News

Lighthouse docents were instructed not to request an entry fee/donation beginning July 1st. Prior to this, docents were recommending $2/adult and $1/child. Now the donation, if any, is clearly at the discretion of the visitor. After six months, donations will be compared to that collected the year prior.

No Lighthouse Entry Charge

New Green Plaque - 419 Gibson Avenueby Rick Steres

file photo

photo by Rick Steres

This is a 1-story Craftsman bungalow with covered front porch, low-sloping comp. shingle roof, exterior "rustic" siding and fixed or double-hung wood framed windows and a brick chimney.It was built in 1922-1923, 990 sq. ft. with detached 12'x24' garage and 10'x20' shed. Despite a one-story addition in the back and other improvements, the original home appears to be mostly unaltered and in fine condition.The original owners, Augustus Carlos (Gus) Jochmus and Mary Camille Parker were married in Oakland in 1895 and moved to Pacific Grove in 1907. Jochmus was said to be a judge, "long-time, well known secretary" of our Chamber of Commerce, and very active in civic affairs.

The home retains its historic integrity and character and was approved for a green plaque to read: "Augustus & Mary Jochmus 1923"

Docent Coordinator is Nancy McDowell, Public Works Dept.