California Questers Newsletter
January 2014
Golden Poppy Trails
Contents
Spring Council Meeting
1
Jane Robertson
1
President’s Message
2
State Treasurer’s Notes
3
Spring Convention Schedule 4
Spring Convention Hotel
4
New Members
4
In Memoriam
4
Chapter News
5
Council Registration Sheet
7
Scenes from Fall Council
8
Council Hosting Plan
10
P&R Recognition and Grants 11
Getting to Know You...
11
Jane Robertson
Jane Robertson
(1926 - 2013)
served as California Questers
State President
2004 – 2006.
Her
tenure
included
the
2005 InternaJane Robertson
tional Questers
Convention in Sacramento.
Jane served at the local level in
many Valley Heritage #168 offices,
from president to treasurer. But Jane
will be remembered most for the
number of mini-lyceums that covered the range of KLM houses to
santons to souvenir spoons to fans.
After each presentation, Jane usually
converted several in the audience to
start a new collection.
(Cont. on page 11)
Hidden in Plain Sight: Pasadena Treasures
Spring Council Meeting — March 6-8
Join us in Pasadena
this spring as we discover
Hidden in Plain Sight:
Pasadena Treasures.
Our first docent-led
tour will be the Tournament of Roses House,
official headquarters of
the Pasadena Tournament
of Roses Association and
one of the few remaining
houses on “Millionaire
Row.” The house was deTournament of Roses House
signed and built in 1906
(Photo courtesy of Pasadena Tournament of Roses)
by architect G. Lawrence
Stimson. Mr. and Mrs.
Stimson found the house too large for El Molino chapter), curving staircases
their needs and in 1914 sold the home and an excellent collection of Califorto chewing gum magnate William Wrig- nia impressionist paintings enhance the
ley Jr. for $170,000. The Tournament of Beaux Arts elegance of the mansion
Roses House is rarely open to the public. built by prominent architect Robert D.
Our second docent-led tour will be Farquhar in 1906. Once a gathering place
at the Fenyes Mansion, summer home for Pasadena’s glittering social and culto three generations of East Coast Fenyes, tural life, the mansion later became the
a wealthy publishing family. Antique fur- home of the first Finnish consulate in
nishings, Oriental carpets (restored by the the western United States (1948-1964).
The Fenyes Mansion has been featured
in many Hollywood movies playing the “role” of
the White House in the
movie Eleanor & Franklin:
The White House Years. It’s
located on the grounds of
the Pasadena Museum of
History. Don’t miss the
Finnish Folk Art Museum
and current exhibit while
you’re there.
Our Friday night
reception and dinner
Fenyes Mansion
will be at yet another
(Photo courtesy of Pasadena Museum of History)
Continued on page 12
Golden Poppy Trails
President’s Message
Sale of Chapter Items
Hello, Fellow Questers:
Fall Frolic in Fallbrook was fabulous. Thank
you, Margaret Muller, chairman of the event, and
her wonderful team from Live Oak, Sleeping Indian
and Rancho Monserate. The Chapter Grouping
Plan works, yay. It was nice seeing everyone there.
New friends and good fun for all. If you attended
the General Council meeting, you’ll know the “question” to this: “The answer is, YES, what is the question?”
The Executive Board is still running the Membership Contest. California
Questers membership is still declining, now 483 members, down from a high of 705
in October 2000. We are gaining new members and, with your enthusiasm about
Questers and what we do, we will be back up in membership. Remember that your
chapter must be in attendance during the General Council meeting to be eligible to
claim your prize.
Also, the Executive Board is offering to pay the registration fee for new members
who sign up from June 1, 2013, through May 31, 2014, when they attend the Spring
Council meeting in Pasadena. New members will receive a Golden Ticket from the
Golden State, sent by me, to attend their first Council meeting. The Board has discontinued the General Council meeting attendance contest, too confusing.
By the way, the International President, Jeannie Stokebrand, will be attending
and installing the new State officers during the Spring Council meeting in Pasadena.
Another good reason to attend.
News from our Webmaster, Louise Schultz is starting an In Memoriam section
on our website, Calquest.org. When a Questers member passes away, please notify
Roberta Harris, CA State Treasurer, and Louise Schultz about their passing. Louise
will put their name onto the webpage so that the news can reach more people. Both
Roberta’s and Louise’s contact information is in the California Directory.
I want to stress the importance of the two-minute Chapter president’s
reports. Presidents, please provide a report. The Council wants to know what your
chapter has been doing. They are very important and informative.
Remember to send all your Preservation & Restoration (P&R) donations to
the California State Treasurer, Roberta Harris.
Dee Roche, President
California State Questers
Delivery of Your Poppy Trails
We are very puzzled: evidently a
number of you did not receive your printed copy of the July issue of the Poppy Trails
in the mail.
Marvin Baxendale keeps your names,
addresses, zip codes up to date for each
issue, and we have no explanation for
this happening.
January 2014
Chapters wishing to sell an item at a
state function must adhere to the following guidelines:
1. Submit and have received an approved
Form A from the State P&R Chairman
for approval “to sell” an item.
2. Describe the item and list the price.
3. Profits from the sales must be used for
the Chapter P&R project.
4. If approved, a chapter may sell an
item at a location designated by the state
meeting chairman. The host chapter is not
responsible for the care and sale of items.
New Members and Changes
Use new membership forms from CA
Questers website and send to the State
Treasurer: Roberta Harris, 28684
Greenwood Place, Castaic, CA 91384 or
e-mail: [email protected].
Golden Poppy Trails
Golden Poppy Trails, published twice a
year, is the official publication of California State Questers. The newsletter is
issued to the California Questers.
Our state organization is part of The
Questers, a private non-profit international organization incorporated in
Pennsylvania.
Send all Poppy Trails copy or pictures
by e-mail or regular mail to the editor
who reserves the right to edit all copy:
Stephanie Jackel
1500 Green Oak Road
Vista, CA 92081
[email protected]
With your copy, include your chapter
name, number and address, telephone
number or e-mail of the contact person.
Copy deadlines are:
Summer June 1
Winter December 1
Websites
One suggestion: if your friend says
her Poppy Trails hasn’t arrived by the end
of January, ask her to please call the local USPS postmaster to find out why. I will
also be happy to send her a replacement
– let me know. — Stephanie
2
The California Questers website is:
www.CalQuest.org
User: CAQuser
Password: CA1944
The Questers website is:
www.questers1944.org
User and Password: Heritage
Golden Poppy Trails
Questers
Calendar
Spring Council 2014 –
March 6-8 – Pasadena
International Convention –
April 25-27, 2014 – Amway
Grand Plaza – Grand Rapids,
MI
Fall Council 2014 –
East S.F. Bay area
Treasurer’s Notes
All donations to the Preservation
and Restoration fund and to the Old
Governors’ Mansion fund should be
sent directly to the State Treasurer,
accompanied by the current donation
form that can be downloaded from CalQuest.org.
Please disregard the outdated
information that was in the fall workshop handout. Thank you.
Roberta Harris,
California Questers Treasurer
[email protected]
661-257-0890
New Member Golden
Tickets
If you are a new Quester member
since June 1, 2013, you are eligible for a
“Golden Ticket” – free registration at the
Spring Council meeting in Pasadena.
State President Dee Roche will
send you a “Golden Ticket.” Please attach this to your registration form and
mail both to the Spring Registrar (see
registration form on p. 7), and California
Questers will take care of your fee.
Come see how fun it is to meet fellow
Questers while gaining new knowledge
and seeing new places. See you in Pasadena!
State Executive Board 2012-2013
Elected Officers:
President - Supervision & Coordination
Dee Roche - Oak of the Golden Dream #381
25470 Cariz Drive, Valencia, CA 91355
(661) 254-2724 /[email protected]
1st Vice President - State Organization
Janet Robbins- Valley Heritage #168
5190 Makati Circle, San Jose, CA 95123
(408) 281-8223 / [email protected]
2nd Vice President - Programs & Council Meetings
Audre West - Valley Heritage #168
4843 Tampico Way, San Jose, CA 95118
(408) 266-9114 / [email protected]
Recording Secretary - Minutes of State Board and Council
Sue Kozdon - Califia #648
2252 Pyle Court, Santa Clara, CA 95051
(408) 984-8071 / [email protected]
Corresponding Secretary - Correspondence
Diane McLaughlin- Califia #648
15626 Francis Oaks Way, Los Gatos, CA 95032-4912
(408) 356-6043/[email protected]
Treasurer - State Funds
Roberta Harris - Oak of the Golden Dream #381
28684 Greenwood Place, Castaic, CA 91384
(661) 257-0890 / [email protected]
Appointed Chairmen:
Parliamentarian - Bylaws and Policies
Judy Holland - Oak of the Golden Dream #381
26301 Ravenhill Road, Canyon Country, CA 91387
(818) 517-7802 / [email protected]
Historian - State History Book
Jane Johansen- Agua Caliente #1359
P.O. Box707, Santa Margarita, CA 93453-0707
(805) 438-3842/ [email protected]
Ways and Means - State Fund Raising
Libby Hinze - Heritage Reflections #952
24422 Hampton Drive, Unit B, Valencia, CA 91355
(661) 254-7027 / [email protected]
Preservation and Restoration - P&R Projects and State Grants
Sylvia Rathbun - Valley Heritage #168
1818 Comstock Lane, San Jose, CA 95124
(408) 267-3879 / [email protected]
Old Governor’s Mansion - Liaison
Claragene Rainey - Califia #648
950 Whispering Pines Drive, Scotts Valley, CA 95066
(831) 438-0106
Web Master - Publicity for California Questers
Louise Schultz- Canyon #334
21827 Parvin Drive, Saugus, CA 91350-1824
(661) 284-5613/ [email protected]
Golden Poppy Trails - Editor
Stephanie Jackel - El Camino Real #1353
1500 Green Oak Road, Vista, CA 92081
(760) 295-2559 / [email protected]
3
January 2014
Golden Poppy Trails
2014 Spring Convention Schedule
Location:
Hilton Pasadena –168 South Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena, California 91101
Phone: 626-577-1000 or toll-free 1-800-HILTONS
Questers Hotel Rate: $109. This rate is guaranteed until Tuesday, February 4.
Thursday, March 6
5:00-6:00 p.m.
Friday, March 7
8:00-10:00 a.m.
9:00-11:30 a.m.
9:00-Noon
1:00-4:00 p.m.
4:00-6:00 p.m.
6:00-7:00 p.m.
7:00 -10:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 8
8:00 -9:30 a.m.
9:00 – 11:30 a.m.
2:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Early Registration, Pasadena Hilton lobby
Registration
Executive Board Meeting
Browse antique shops in Old Pasadena, South
Lake, or Paseo Colorado
LUNCH ON YOUR OWN
Tour A: Tournament of Roses House
(limited to 40 people)
Tour B: USC Pacific Asia Museum
Tour C: Bustamante Antique Show
Registration
Internat’l President Reception - No-Host bar
USC Pacific Asia Museum
Dinner – speaker – USC Pacific Asia Museum
Registration
State Council Meeting, San Marino Room
LUNCH ON YOUR OWN
6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Tour A: Fenyes Mansion and Pasadena Museum
of History (limited to 40 people)
Tour B: Gene Autry Museum
Tour C: Bustamante Antique Show
No-Host bar, Trevos Restaurant, Hilton
Farewell Dinner, Mini-Lyceums, P&R Drawing
Sunday, March 9
12:00
Check-out Visit: Rose Bowl Flea Market, 9-4 p.m.
Directions
From the North: I-5 South to 134 East to I-210 East. Exit Lake Avenue,
turn right. Continue on Lake Avenue to Cordova Street, turn right on Los Robles
Avenue, turn right into Hotel entrance.
From the South and East: Take the 605 North to 210 West. Exit Lake
Avenue, turn left. Continue on Lake to Cordova Street, turn right on Los
Robles Avenue, turn right into Hotel entrance.
From LAX: Take I-105 East to CA-110 North. The 110 ends in Pasadena
and becomes Arroyo Parkway. Continue one mile to Cordova Street, turn
right. At Los Robles, turn left into Hotel entrance.
January 2014
4
New Members
Adobe #375
Patricia Barrett
Laurette Cherry
Maria Ford
Frances Stekoll
Agua Caliente #1359
Sheila New
ByBy Root
Cinco Cuidades #1351
Sharon Eames
El Camino Real #1353
Lois Scott
El Molino #599
Andrea Beal
Forty-Niners #652
Polly Olson
Carol Pereira
Kaweah Kollectors #1428
Eleanor Groom
Jacqueline Makey
Orange County Blossoms #1480
Audrey Fowler
In Memoriam
El Camino Real #1353
Virginia Brophy
Rita Shepard
Live Oak #1166
Georgiann (Peggy) Rudder
Millenium Oaks #1374
Sue Buono
Valley Heritage #168
Jane Robertson
Sue Buono
Sue Buono
served on the State
board of California Questers,
most recently as
second vice president.
She was a
charter member
of Millenium Oaks
and was described by one member as “the
glue that kept the chapter together..”
Golden Poppy Trails
Chapter News and P&R Projects
Agua Caliente #1359
San Luis Obispo County
Hello from very, very dry Paso Robles.
Our active group of about twelve members have had an exciting Fall full of
interesting and diverse programs.
In September, Nancy Tweedie gave a lovely presentation on Currier and Ives,
the famous New England-based lithographer and business wizard respectively. The
firm described itself as “Publishers of Cheap and Popular Prints.” At least 7,500
lithographs were
published in the
firm’s 72 years of
operation in the
1800’s. Nancy’s
presentation was
made all the more
exciting when she
showed a framed
L–R: Linda Elmerick, Karen MacLaurin, Grace Pucci, Grace Pucci (Sr.),
Currier and Ives
Suzanne Harrison, Millie Bewley, Sheila New, Nancy Tweedie
print owned by
and our hostess Diana Brenna.
her ancestors.
In October, members of our chapter brought in items from their personal
collections to discuss and share. Items included antique buttons made into beautiful jewelry, an exquisite cut crystal cheese dome, unusual “creek glass” found on the
property of one of our members, a collection of pewter items and an unusual turnof-the-century serving dish. “Sharing our Collections” was a great success.
November’s program, by Dallas Andrusko, who had lived in the Netherlands,
was on Flow Blue pottery. She introduced us to pictures painted in Kamenka on
tiles assembled to form lovely scenes of Dutch houses. Several members also owned
Flow Blue dishes, which were displayed.
On December 5, we held our delicious Christmas potluck at the beautifully
decorated home of Diana Brenna. The program on Ganz pottery, very bright and
whimsical pieces, was presented by Karen MacLaurin. Ganz, a toy and collectibles
company based in Canada since 1950, is best known as the maker of plush toys but also
has a ceramics department which has hired many talented designers over the years.
Our chapter wishes you a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year!
– Karen McLaurin
Amador Chapter #1059
Alameda County
Amador Questers reunited in September after the summer hiatus at past president
Diana McIntyre’s new house. The main topic of discussion at the business meeting
was to decide on a P & R project for the year and the means of raising money to
contribute needed items to the Alviso Adobe. We also learned that our president
Rickie Friedli/Giono will be taking a year’s leave to care for her mother who is ill.
Judy Bates will serve as chapter president in her absence, and Joanne Helsel will serve
as chapter secretary in her place for the year.
Diana McIntyre gave a talk on Murano glass following the meeting. The art of
glassmaking goes back to medieval times; unfortunately, in Italy the art of glassmaking is in danger of dying out as young people no longer want to pursue glassmaking
as a career. Diana shared several delicate and beautiful items from her own collection, as did members Rickie Friedli/Giono and Marguerite Gest.
Alice Dolan asked members to bring a baby or young child picture of themselves to the October meeting at Jacque Holder’s new residence. The photographs
5
were numbered and displayed, and we
tried to guess which picture belonged
to which member. There were some
surprises and much laughter when the
correct matches were announced. Diana
McIntyre gave a report on the Fall Conference in Fallbrook. She also shared her
collection of Molas and described the
intricate process involved in the making
of these beautiful works of art.
Several Amador members traveled
to Richmond to visit the Rosie the Riveter Museum. Their tour was guided by
the oldest working Park Ranger in the
National Park System. Joanne Helsel and
Rene Goodrich co-hostessed the tour
and luncheon following.
Judy Bates was the hostess for the
December meeting, with Marguerite
Gest and Philomena Buonsante as cohostesses. Mary Graw gave a program
on Russian nesting dolls. Topics for
scheduled programs to be given for the
remainder of the year include pocket
watches; a presentation by Norman
Hopkins, appraiser and antiques expert;
a “Surprise” program; and Installation
of officers. — Kathleen Ratto
Canyon Chapter #334
Los Angeles County
After a long hot summer, Canyon
members were happy to be together
at the home of past president Louise
Schultz for a meeting conducted by new
president Sandra Knopf. Our program
was, “Getting to Know Me.” We were
each given a paper with questions to
answer about ourselves. Then, as each
paper was read, we had to guess which
member wrote it. We learned fun things
about each other.
At our October meeting, we met at
the home of Dee Ann Wood. Her program was a Convention slide show. Some
members shared their experiences and
items they brought back.
In November we had a tour of the
Stagecoach Inn Museum in Newbury
Park. The original inn, called the Grand
Union Hotel, was built in 1876. In 1979
a fire destroyed the museum and most
of its contents, but it was rebuilt to appear as it did when first constructed. The
Continued on page 6
January 2014
Golden Poppy Trails
Chapter News and P&R Projects
Continued from page 5
museum contains
antique furniture,
dolls, toys, and a
wonderful music room collection. Also on the
grounds are the
carriage house,
blacksmith shop,
and rose garden.
Our three
local
Quester
L-R: Sandra Knopf, Libby Forcum, Diane
chapters – CanKreyenhagen, Bobbie Stephens, Jenewyn VanWie
yon,
Heritage
Reflections, and Oak of the Golden Dream – are active in
leading school tours at the Historical Society. The area called
“Quester Court” has two historic houses, a schoolhouse, and
a chapel. Last spring, 780 children took the tour, and over 194
hours were given by volunteers. Our member Linda Hinz helps
coordinate Questers docent scheduling.—Joanne Grosh
Don Castro Chapter #994
Alameda County
Don Castro purchased and donated an antique spinning
wheel and baby cradle to the Hayward Area Historical Society,
which operates two Victorian mansions, McConaghy House
and the Meek Estate, as well as a museum. Pictured are, from
left, president Karen Cauble, past president Stephanie Bigelow,
vice-president Sharyn Rossi, Angela Rohde, Connie Rusk, Evelyn Lievre, Marilyn Rapoport, and Gwen Page. — Connie Rusk
El Camino Real Chapter #1353
San Diego County
This past July several of our Questers held a rummage
sale in the parking lot of Coast 101 warehouse in Oceanside,
raising over $500 for P & R projects. In August many were in
attendance once again to celebrate our annual Birthday Bash, at
the Casa de Bandini in Encinitas. A great time was had by all.
The September meeting featured Elsie Whitnack’s
January 2014
presentation, “On the Old Road to Yosemite,” and Judith
Wood’s delicious snacks. Elsie shared wonderful pictures and
stories of her childhood in Madera, Raymond, and summers in
Wawona on the way to Yosemite. Her grandparents had traveled from England and homesteaded near Raymond, which
was a rest stop for the first stage coach in that area. They traveled the area selling fish and meat and eventually ran an inn at
the Summit House above Raymond. They are pictured below
at the Summit House.
October’s
meeting was
hosted
by
Karen Bayles
providing
seven
different kinds
of Norwegian cookies
and Dorthea
Booher presenting “My
Summit House, near Raymond, CA
Norwegian
Collection.” Dorthea has many fond memories of growing up
in a Norwegian home and being surrounded with the “things”
of her ancestry. She shared many of them with us including
her mother’s hardanger-style Norwegian dress from the 1920s,
dolls, pictorial tiles, a coffee grinder, and some jewelry she has
added to her collection.
In November, Sandie Cloud provided the yummy food,
and Muriel Olson presented “A Medley of Musical History.”
The importance of music in our lives was the theme as Muriel
shared her music box collection with us. The boxes were in all
different shapes and sizes depicting such things as a carousel,
home scene, angel, or bell. They first came from Switzerland
and Germany and were brought to the U.S. during WWII, but
are mostly from China today; music boxes are known to have
been in Greece in the year 300.
Our December gathering was “Dreams of Christmas
Past,” hosted by Shelley DeWitt and Tweet Edmonds, at a
catered luncheon held at The Boathouse at Lake San Marcos.
There was music, sharing memories of a favorite Christmas
gift, and a gift exchange.
We wait expectantly for the restoration of the fountains in
Peyri Court at the San Luis Rey Mission, which is our current
P & R project. Thanks to one of our members, Carol Moon,
there is always a lovely collection of wonderful treasures on
display at the Oceanside Public Library. We were saddened
at the recent passing of two of our charter members, Virginia
Brophy and Rita Shepard. Our thoughts and prayers are with
their families.— Kathie Turner
Estudillo Chapter #444
Alameda County
There were exciting happenings for our chapter: We celebrated
the end of summer by giving a $4,000 gift to the San Leandro
6
Continued on page 9
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Golden Poppy Trails
California Questers Spring Council Meeting
Hidden in Plain Sight:
Pasadena Treasures
March 6–8, 2014
Pasadena Hilton Hotel
168 South Los Robles Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91101
626-577-1000
Mail Registration and check to: Elissa De Angelo, 700 South Lake Avenue #108, Pasadena, CA 91106
(626) 744-9272 — [email protected] – Please complete one registration form per person.
Questiions? Contact Joan Branin, [email protected]
NAME____________________________________________ PHONE_______________________
ADDRESS_______________________________________________________________________
E-MAIL ADDRESS_________________________________________________________________
MEMBER: YES_______NO_______ CHAPTER__________________________________________
GUEST NAME__________________________________________(submit a separate form for guest)
EMERGENCY CONTACT____________________________________________________________
Registration postmarked by February 15
Registration postmarked after February 15
Friday Banquet: Asian dinner
Saturday Farewell Dinner: BBQ Chicken
Salmon
$49.00 _______________________
$60.00 _______________________
$49.00 _______________________
$49.00 _______________________
$49.00 _______________________
TOTAL $____________________________
Please check if you plan to attend:
FRIDAY: ____ Tour A Tournament of Roses House (1:00 p.m.) - Limited to 40
No charge
____ Tour B USC Pacific Asian Museum
$10 / $7 seniors
____ Bustamante Antique Show, Pasadena Convention Center
Complimentary ticket available
SATURDAY: ____ Tour A Fenyes Mansion (2:00 p.m.) - Limited to 40
____ Tour B Gene Autry Museum
____ Bustamante Antique Show
SUNDAY: ____ Rose Bowl Flea Market, 9 to 4
No charge
$10 / $6 seniors
Complimentary ticket available
$8
Make check payable to: The Questers
NOTE: Registration is non-refundable and required for Questers and guests attending any function.
7
January 2014
Golden Poppy Trails
Memories of the Fall Council Meeting
The vocal group, “Rhapsody,” entertained us at the banquet – great music!
Karen Bayles, El Camino Real # 1353, presented her colorful
collection of Panamanian molas at the mini-lyceum.
Centerpieces
for the Banquet
As always, tables were
filled with remarkable
collections.
January 2014
8
Golden Poppy Trails
Chapter News and P&R Projects
Continued from page 6
Historical Society for the restoration work on the stained glass
windows at The Little Brown Church on the grounds of the
historic Casa Peralta. The State grant of $2,000 matched our
chapter’s contribution of $2,000. An August 24th reception
was held to honor our chapter’s supportive work.
In September, docent Ron
Bachman
gave
a slide presentation about famous
people
buried
at the Mountain
View Cemetery,
their background
history and memorials. This was
followed by a “ride
and walk” tour of
the actual cemetery
The Little Brown Church, San Leandro
in October.
On October 31st, our chapter celebrated Halloween with
a costume luncheon at Diane Dobberpohl’s home, where she
showed off her large collection of dinner bells. She was assisted
by Pat Maus. Our regular meetings are held each month
besides these interesting programs.
In November we were invited to chapter president Barbara
Vester’s house for a vegetarian Thanksgiving meal and a presentation by Judy Lane on her trip to Mongolia.
December 12th saw us driving to Niles, the silent movie
capitol of the world, for a show at the Charlie Chapin Theater,
followed by a Victorian Tea at Thyme for Tea Restaurant and
antique shopping. What a great day to get us into the festive
spirit of Christmas! — Bonnie Peterson
Heritage Reflections #952
Los Angeles County
On September 14. our chapter held a fund raiser in Judy
and Dan Wood’s lovely back yard and patio. Our hosts made
the evening special in many ways with tables under the trees,
lovely lighting, soft music and a wonderful kitchen for preparing the food.
The theme was “An Italian Dinner” and the food was
delicious. There was a cool bar on the patio where wine and
soda were available. A roving violinist played appropriate music.
Table decorations consisted of a raffia-wrapped bottle of Chianti, greenery, and grapes on a red and white checkered tablecloth. The weather cooperated and it was lovely dining under
the stars.
After dinner an auction was held to raise money for our
project, along with the Santa Clarita Historical Society, at the
William S. Hart Park. At the park there is a section called Heritage
Square, where
two historic
houses, a small
chapel
and
a
one-room
schoolhouse
were moved,
furnished and
decorated. The
three Quester
chapters here
L, auctioneer Fritz Grayson, accompanied by
in our valley,
Libby Forcum (in white)
have donated
much time and money to this project. The Historical Society
has re-named the area Quester Court as a thank you for our
contributions.— Nancy Alexandra Tozzi
Live Oak Chapter # 1166
San Diego County
Live Oak, Rancho Monserate, and Sleeping Indian chapters
spent a busy summer preparing for the Fall Council meeting.
Their diligence paid off in the themed meeting, “A Fall Frolic
in Fallbrook,” held at Pala Mesa Resort October 10-12. Sixtyeight Quester members were in attendance and, judging from
their responses, a great time was had by all.
Members
were delighted
when they were
treated to viewing the extensive
vintage doll collections of Sandy
Dorsey and Barbara Bloom. Barbara
also displayed an
outstanding collection of toy
sewing machines
and antique sewBetty Gilby admires Barbara Bloom’s toy sewing
ing items. Other
machine collection
tours included
Rancho Guajome Adobe in Vista, where all three local Quester
chapters have been instrumental in refurnishing several rooms,
and the Pittenger House in Fallbrook, which Live Oak and
Sleeping Indian chapters have contributed to restoring and
refurbishing.
A local chorale group, Rhapsody, sang a wonderful medley
of hit tunes of the past. An informative mini-lyceum was presented on the construction and history of fabric molas made by
the San Blass Indians of Panama. Debra Henkel, daughter of
the late Gloria Rowe, displayed Gloria’s cameo collection and
shared memories with Gloria’s friends. Table centerpieces for
the two dinners consisted of the collections of local Quester
members. — Irene Althaus
Continued on page 10
9
January 2014
Golden Poppy Trails
Chapter News and P&R Projects
Hosting California State Council
Meetings
Continued from page 9
Oak of the Golden Dream #381
Spring 2014
El Molino (H - R)
Casas de Los Verdugos
Don Benito
Fall 2014
Forty-Niners
Estudillo
Spring 2015
St. Francis
Wine and Roses
Todos Santos
Fall 2015
El Camino Real
Orange County Blossoms
George Key
Los Angeles County
Oak of the Golden dream
has completed the project of
restoring an original late 1920s
lamppost standing at what was
once the entrance to the retirement ranch of silent movie star
William S Hart.
Hart’s Newhall ranch and
hilltop mansion was willed
to Los Angeles County at his
death, and is now home to the
Santa Clarita Historical Society.
Local Quester chapters have
contributed to the restoration
and preservation of several of
the parks historical structures,
in ever on-going projects.
Restored lamppost photo
Our project involved having
by Roger Basham
new wiring run to the lamppost,
rewiring the lamp, and replacing
the missing glass panes. Now the 80-year-old lamppost lights
the new pedestrian entrance to William S Hart Park from dusk
to dawn — for the first time since the 1950s.— Roberta Harris
Orange County Blossoms Chapter #1480
Orange County
We began our Quester year with a beautiful start at the
house of Gloria Leong. On this gorgeous fall day in September, Kathy Paulos presented a program on her collection of
paperweights. After the meeting, we worked on our collection of
garage sale/collectible items for our fundraiser, which was held
at the home of Sharon Cole on October 5. Proceeds from the
fundraiser help support the P&R needs at Casa Romantica in
San Clemente. We are proud to report our proceeds passed the
$1,000 mark.
November meeting, hosted by Marianne Houston and
Chris Jolicoeur, was held at Landmark Antiques. John Schram
attended and gave his opinion in appraising items belonging
to our members. Our December Christmas luncheon was at
Kathy Paulos’ house. We always look forward to this festive
event, including our gift exchange. Two new members have
been warmly welcomed, and we all look forward to another
year of learning, searching, and enjoying the friendships we
have made in Questers. — Greg Ann Hinshaw
Valley of the Moon Chapter #1234
Sonoma County
Our most recent meeting is well worth noting. It was
hosted by Lynda Chenoweth and Mary Anne Weeks, with the
January 2014
subject of “Ancient Roman Snacks.” We also invited two former Questers who have moved to our area and are potential
members. A long table was set and decorated with examples
of Roman articles, some authentic and some reproductions.
Our hostess had participated in a Roman archeological dig
some years ago and was able to share the details and enthusiasm she experienced.
Lynda and Mary Anne had access to several books on
ancient Roman snacks. They tried many recipes and chose ten
for us to taste. ALL of them were very good and relatively
easy to prepare. As each was presented, we learned about the
food, herbs and ingredients that were used. We learned a great
deal and enjoyed the recreation of an ancient Roman event.
— Catherine Cotchett
Wine and Roses Chapter #1263
Sonoma County
The November program, “History of Lladro,” was presented
by Myrtle Pappas. The Quester members also brought pieces
from their personal collections to share. L-R, Connie Jurling,
corresponding secretary, Marilyn Walden, researching secretary, Carol Buckles, president, Kakie Kopp, parliamentarian,
and Carmen Black.— Angelina Prezel
10
Golden Poppy Trails
P & R Projects Completed
Getting to Know You ...
It has
been
a
challenging and fun
experience
to serve
on
the
California State
Board for
Libby Hinze
four years.
State Ways and Means Chairman
As Ways
and Means chairman, the challenge is
to search out fund-raising projects that
capture the interest of our members in
order to add to our State Preservation
and Restoration funds. Suggestions and
ideas are always welcome.
I have been a member of Heritage
Reflections #952 for nine years. I have
served as president for two-and-a-half
terms and as secretary, and enjoy the
creative projects my chapter supports—
the school tours at Heritage Court in
Newhall and helping to assemble Time
Travel Trunks.
In 2006 I retired as a gastroenterology nurse and am currently a busy grandmother of four active grandchildren. My
collections include vintage dishes, kitchen utensils, and pottery items collected
from traveling the world with husband
Bill. Favorite trips include Peru, Egypt,
the Holy Land, and Europe; the latest
trip included Scandinavia and Russia. My
grandfather was a homesteader in Nebraska in the 1870s. He left Sweden to
make his fortune and raised 15 children
on the homestead in central Nebraska;
our extended family is extensive. Part
of the family remained in Sweden, and
I was able to visit many of them there
last summer. A young cousin in Goteborg,
Sweden, is searching the family tree and has
traced family members back to the 1400s.
I enjoy being an active member of
Questers and have met many interesting
members throughout California. Please
contact me at [email protected] if you
have ideas for new projects for P&R
funds.— Libby Hinze
P&R Chair Sylvia Rathbun
awards project compleltion certificates to Ginny Maier, Cinco
Ciudades #1351, for restoration
of Paulding House kitchen water damage; and to Barbara June
Vester, Estudillo #444, for restoration of stained glass windows
in the Little Brown Church.
Sylvia Rathbun presents P&R grants to Ginny
Maier, Cinco Cuidades
#1351, for Pauldling House
floor refinishing; to Margaret Wojan, Sleeping Indian #1210, for Palomares
House woodwork; and to
Diane McIntyre, Amador
#1059, for Alviso Adobe
cook kits.
Jane Robertson
(cont.)
Jane leaves us the legacy as one who
shared her collection and her knowledge.
When attending local antique shows, Jane
needed about a third of her time to greet
the dealers, Questers, and classmates
from Steve Yvaska’s antiques class.
In addition to Jane’s activity with
Questers, she was a docent at Fioli,
member of the History Club of Los
Gatos, and an accomplished needlepoint
artisan. Other activities include the Girl
Scouts, Ming Quong, and Village House.
Between activities, Jane could be found
reading mysteries and history, researching
genealogy, and planning for her next trip.
In 1955, Jane and her husband Chet
established their home in Los Gatos.
Jane taught at Van Meter School until the
birth of her daughter, Elizabeth. In the
ensuing years Jane was substitute teacher,
working with Special Education Classes.
Chet was given the opportunity to work
in Europe; Jane reveled in the European
history and culture. The memories of
those years were reflected in the customs
and collections that Jane and her sister
Lois, also a Quester, held dear.
11
On those long rides from Southern
California or just from a lecture or a museum, Jane would always give an update
on her grandchildren. She was so pleased
that Katie, like her mother and grandmother, had chosen teaching ; equally
this winter Jane was delighted that Greg
did a paper on FMC, thus learning of the
history of his grandfather and his greatgrandfather.
Through the lens of her travels, her
projects, her volunteer work, Jane was always looking to the future and making
plans. Jane will be missed for her varied
interest and her intellect.
— Sylvia Rathbun
January 2014
Hidden in Plain Sight: Pasadena Treasures
Golden Poppy Trails
Continued from page 1
Pasadena treasure, the Home of Grace Nicholsen, one of the premier art dealers on the
West Coast. Born in 1877, she was a true visionary who hoped that one day Pasadena
would have its own museum. When she died
in 1948, she bequeathed her Chinese Qing
dynasty-inspired mansion to the city of Pasadena. Since then it has been the Pasadena Art
Museum and is currently the home of the USC
Pacific Asia Museum. Our International President, Jeanne Stokebrand, will be attending the
reception and would love to meet you before
our dinner and presentation about this special
woman and her home.
For those of you who like to go antiquing,
we’ve arranged a free pass for Questers members to the Bustamante Antique Show. The
Antique Show will be held at the Pasadena
Home of Grace Nicholsen
Convention Center March 7-9, from 11:00- (Photo courtesy of USC Pacific Asia Museun)
7:00, and features a wide range of top quality
antiques. Still interested in more searching for treasures in Pasadena, the Rose Bowl
Flea Market is open on Sunday 9-4:30 and features over 2,500 vendors and 20,000
buyers every month.
If shopping in Pasadena is on your must-do list, head for Old Town Pasadena,
the Shops on South Lake, or Paseo Colorado. All are near the Hilton Pasadena,
our Spring Council hotel and the location for our Saturday dinner, The hotel
is just one and a half blocks from the
USC Pacific Asia Museum (the Friday
evening event) and one block from the
Pasadena Convention Center (site of the
Busamante Antique Show). The Hilton
Pasadena Hotel offers a complimentary
shuttle service within a two-mile radius.
After two (or more) busy days in
Pasadena, we will end our special weekend Saturday evening with a Southwestern theme dinner at the Hilton Pasadena.
So bring your jeans, shirts, and western
belts and boots and enjoy a casual Southern theme dinner with country western
music. Our mini-lyceums will be presented by Jeannine Jones (Casas de Los Verdugos) and Lois Heath (Don Benito).
Come to Pasadena. It’s fun to
search….a joy to find—the hidden treasures of Pasadena!!
— Joan Branin, El Molino Chapter
Pasadena Treasures
Hidden in Plain Sight:
OR CURRENT RESIDENT
The California State Organization of Questers
1500 Green Oak Road
Vista, CA 92081
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit # 2196
Vista, CA