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THE POPPY PAPER

July 2014

Official Monthly Publication of the

Boosters of Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

A Non-Profit Organization

President’s Notes by Jeanne Ferrell

Summer in San Diego…it doesn’t get any better

than this! And, for the 4th of July, Old Town San

Diego State Historic Park is the perfect place to

spend the holiday. This is our history in action.

Do you know what a “zoomer” is?? You can find

out at this free event, an old-fashioned 1800s July

4th celebration. Join the parade around the Plaza.

Try your skills at crafts and activities of early San

Diego: Period games, music, food specials, pie-

eating contest, and more. See you at the flag-raising.

Speaking of the flag and its TALL pole, BOOT took

on the funding for the restoration of this flagpole

and two others in the Park…your BOOT dollars at

work!

Happy 4th of July!!!

The 25-foot flagpole near the Mason Street School was lowered recently by BOOT

volunteers Jim Hull, Gary Turton, and Bob Jones, with assistance from Visitor Services

Park Aide Bill Turner. The volunteers repainted the pole, installed a new pulley and

rope; then they raised and secured the pole back to its vertical position. It is now ready

for a new period appropriate flag. Still to accomplish will be the repainting of the

flagpole in front of the Print Shop. We appreciate the ongoing support from the BOOT

members and others that have donated to these projects.

The volunteers knew the flagpole in the Plaza was beyond their skills. With funds from

a few donors and the BOOT treasury, the BOOT Board allocated money to have the

flagpole inspected, repainted and a new rope attached. Working with Rich Dennison,

bids were submitted and one was selected to do the work.

On June 13-14, 2014 the San Diego Flagpole Company brought in a lift, inspected and repainted the 96-

foot pole. The gold ball atop the pole now shines brightly after their work. This Fourth of July, the pole

will once again be the center of activity as we celebrate the birthday of our country! Unfortunately, the

inspection discovered some issues that will need additional work in the future. So, stay tuned for more

news on the Plaza flagpole.

BOOT BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President: Jeanne Ferrell (619) 543-9057

Vice President: Gary Turton (619) 222-0047

Secretary: Linda Jacobo

Treasurer: Deanna Turton (619) 222-0047

BOOT Store: Mary Jones

Historian: Bob Wohl

Restoration Spec: Chuck Ferrell

Web Master: Bob Jones

Board Members: Mary Ellen Young

Tom Young

Cindy Furlong

Chuck Ross

Poppy Paper Editor: Ruth French (858) 583-1269

poppypapereditor@gmail.com

BOOT Website: http://boostersofoldtown.com/

Park Website: www.parks.ca.gov/oldtownsandiego

By Bob Jones

Continued on page 2…

pg. 2

From the Editor’s Desk…

Kudos to the BOOT volunteer construction crew (Bob Jones, Gary Turton, Chuck Ferrell, and Jim

Hull) for working on the flagpole project to make sure all is ready for this 4th

of July celebration! We

really have to come up with some super-human, super-duper name for this group. They do SO much

for us!!!

When I started the Poppy Profile section of The Poppy Paper a few months ago, I figured it would be

many months before I had to worry about myself. However, this month, Treasurer Deanna Turton has

been out of town; Secretary Linda Jacobo is very busy planning for the upcoming Descendants’

Weekend events; and I had planned on having them as the next two “profiles.” Faced with that

dilemma, I also received a request from one of my old teacher friends from the now defunct Old Town

4th

Grade Program to publish a profile on me! So, the decision was made…it’s me this month!

EEEK…I had planned that I would be last!!! I had hoped that someone else would write it!!! But,

alas…things don’t always work out the way we thought they would. So, this month I did my best to

profile myself on page 4. I hope our readers enjoy it. Have a Very Happy Summer…

Happy Independence Day…Happy Reading!

Ruth French poppypapereditor@gmail.com

(Deadline for submissions is the 20th

of each month for inclusion in the following month’s issue.)

GUIDE BOOK SALES CONTEST!!!

The BOOT Board has authorized a gift certificate of $20 each month for the park aide or store volunteer who sells the most tour guide books in a month (ten book minimum). This certificate can be used to buy something from the Period attire bank. This contest will begin on July 1, 2014. For more information, please contact Graham Kirkham, Senior Park Aide, in the Visitor’s Center.

Oh, Say Can You See (cont’d from pg. 1)…

During the last few years, the BOOT Board has

allocated considerable amounts of money to assist

the State Park with deferred maintenance items,

while continuing to fund ongoing interpretive

programs. All of these projects directly affect the

visitors’ experiences and enjoyment while in the

Park. Here are just a few of those accomplishments:

With materials and supplies funded by BOOT, our

BOOT volunteers have personally built memorial

benches, rebuilt fences, constructed compost bins

and storage facilities.

The Machado y Stewart Adobe continues to receive extensive repairs and refurbishment to the entire

structure and surroundings, thanks to BOOT. Gardens are continually maintained by and funded by

BOOT. It is our hope that these projects will continue to make a significant impact on the visitor

experience for years to come!

BOOT Volunteers Gary Turton, Bob Jones and Jim Hull (l-r)

Working on the Mason Street School Flagpole

pg. 3

Treasurer's Notes by Deanna Turton

After the wild figures of the last two months, I am happy to report that the month of May was fairly

normal with respect to the BOOT checkbook. Income figures were $2305.68 ahead of expense totals,

for which we can be very thankful. This lack of red ink is especially meaningful because the expense

figures contain $1110.00 in total invoices for the Golf Tournament project.

Some unique things need to be mentioned on the income side of the ledger, however:

The BOOT Store continues to do well, with $1307.25 sold in handmade crafts alone.

The daily average in the donation boxes also started to rise in May to $53.05 /day (so we know

the beginning of the tourist season is here).

As mentioned in the article on the flagpole, BOOT received another anonymous check equaling

$1500.00, which we will apply to repairing the large flagpole in the Plaza.

And to round off the generous spirit of our volunteers, BOOT also received a $400 donation

from Volunteer and Boot Member Patt Seitas. These funds are designated to fund upcoming

expenses in the Print Shop.

On the expense side of the ledger, there were seventeen spending categories during the month of May.

Those over $300 were:

Replacement costs for the BOOT Store - $1291.78

Replacement costs for the Craft Committee - $345.99

Publicity for the July 4th event - $680.40

Care and feeding of the park burros - $431.19

Period attire bank and subsidies - $439.50

Golf Tournament project - $1110.00 (Federal government filing fees and school buses invoices)

Since it is always good to end on a positive note, I would like to say a special “Thank You” to all the

volunteers and park aides who are doing ever so much better at selling items for the BOOT Store. With

the new sales reporting form that Dolly Wilson designed, errors are greatly reduced. Individual

accountability and accuracy is very important as the BOOT Board contemplates making the big leap to

obtaining credit card capability.

And finally, I would like to thank Bob Jones for filling in for me as the BOOT Treasurer while I was in

Maryland. Managing the BOOT checkbook is not an easy task, so I am very grateful to know BOOT's

resources were in good hands.

THANK YOU, STOREKEEPERS!

BOOT would like to thank ALL volunteers and park aides who contribute to the success of the Store by working as storekeepers. Although we would like to acknowledge all individuals who are instrumental in the Store’s success, State Park Management has expressed concerns regarding privacy and security issues that might accompany public acknowledgement. Therefore, BOOT will respect their concerns, and names of individuals and dollar amounts will no longer be published in The Poppy Paper. If you have any concerns or questions regarding this decision, please consult your lead person or supervisor.

pg. 4

Ruth French was born and raised in a tiny (population 893) town in

Kansas, the fourth of five children. After high school graduation, she

embarked on an administrative career with the Civil Service at Fort Riley,

KS. Sadly, her parents divorced during her first year away from home,

with her mother and younger sister moving to San Diego to be near

extended family. One memorable winter, when the chill factor reached 40

degrees BELOW ZERO, Ruth said to herself, “There may be ‘no place like

home’…BUT, my mother lives in Sunny Southern California!” So, she

packed her VW Beetle with all of her worldly belongings, including her

two cats, and headed West. To quell her friends’ worries about her welfare

and livelihood, she told them, “If I have to sell macramé on the beach, I’ll

make it somehow!”

Luckily, Ruth’s years with the Civil Service allowed for an easy transition to medical administration, first with

the VA Hospital, then with Scripps and affiliates in La Jolla and Encinitas. But, her father, still back in Kansas,

wanted more for his daughter. He encouraged Ruth to, “join a church, and settle down with the right guy.” She

never told her father that she met the right guy in a bar…she only told him, “He really reminds me of you,

Dad!!!” (Ruth and her husband George have been together for 32 years; married for 27!)

When medical institutions began “outsourcing” their admin personnel, Ruth threw out her suits and high-

heeled shoes to return to college. (Her feet are ever so grateful!) Her studies focused primarily on human

cognition and artificial intelligence. During her undergraduate work, she worked as an assistant in the “Baby

Lab,” which included direct research and analysis of childhood development and behavior. So much more

enamored by children than the computer programming, she turned towards a career in education. After earning

her BA in Cognitive Sciences from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), Ruth earned a California

Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential with a supplemental credential in Cross-Cultural Language and

Academic Development. Not surprisingly, Ruth spent her first few teaching years developing curriculum for

and managing an elementary school computer lab – the perfect union of technology and teaching.

Ruth serendipitously arrived in Old Town in 2002 as a volunteer. So taken by the friendliness of the dedicated

volunteers here, she felt that she had found a new “home” – so much like that tiny town in Kansas! In fact, she

loved it so much that she left the classroom behind and became a State employee. Working three years as a

Seasonal Park Aide, she provided lively and enthusiastic interpretation of the sites and stories of Old Town.

Delaware North’s opening of an Interpretive Department at Plaza del Pasado in 2006 lured Ruth away from the

State, with the promise of full-time employment AND benefits! Working closely with the 4th Grade Program

teachers, and guiding local college interns, Ruth developed a curriculum plan to enhance all students’

experiences, while supporting the interpretive mission of the Park. Her ultimate promotion to Education

Coordinator for Plaza del Pasado was a dream come true…but the dream abruptly ended when the company

decided to close its doors and lay off most of its employees in 2009.

For the first time in her life Ruth said to herself, “What am I going to do now?!?!” Realizing it was probably

not feasible to start selling macramé on the beach; back to the classroom she went…currently teaching for San

Diego Unified School District until Uncle Sam tells her she can retire! Although her teaching schedule leaves

little time to volunteer in the Park, Ruth continues to assist the Boosters of Old Town with their fundraising

efforts and administrative tasks. She has been a member of the BOOT Board of Directors and the Editor of The

Poppy Paper for the past six years; currently also serving as the Membership Chairperson.

Ruth with her dog, Maggie

Blessing of the Animals 2014

pg. 5

Stagecoach Days is coming up every Saturday in July and August. If you are interested in

participating in one or more of these events, please contact Becky Green.

Games and Amusements, July 5th

Trades that Shaped the West, July 12th

Women of the West, July 19th

Soldiers and Citizens, July 26th

A Taste of the Past, August 2nd

Days of the Vaqueros, August 9th

The West on the Move, August 23rd

IN SYMPATHY BOOT extends sincere condolences to

Becky Halliburton on the recent passing of her

brother. Our thoughts and prayers are with

Becky and her family.

Becky is one of BOOT’s most dedicated

volunteers. She collects and counts the moneys

from the donation boxes, works as a

storekeeper in the BOOT Store, is a member

of the Craft Committee, and is always willing

to help out at every special occasion and

event.

We love you, Becky!

BOOT Store by Mary Jones

We are always looking for some great new volunteers to work in the

Store.

Benefits of the job include: meeting wonderful visitors, selling

great products, raising money to support the Park, and working with

the nicest people.

If you are interested, please call

Mary Jones, 619-460-1470.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR SUMMER EVENTS!!! For more information, contact

Becky Green, Senior Seasonal Park Aide

619-251-3447, becky.green1202@gmail.com

pg. 6

JOIN BOOT TODAY…

AND CELEBRATE 150 YEARS OF CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS!!!

2014 MEMBERSHIP DRIVE: Help us promote the educational, cultural and interpretive

activities at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park by joining our non-profit

organization, Boosters of Old Town (BOOT). Your minimal annual contribution helps

provide financial support for the many programs that are enjoyed by our San Diego

community and the guests who visit our Park. New and renewing members will receive a

gift certificate for a commemorative gift, celebrating the 150th Anniversary of

California State Parks, as well as a serving of ice cream from Cold Stone in Old Town.

(Thanks to Jeanne Ferrell for her generous annual commitment to supporting our

membership with her gift of ice cream treats!!!)

Current members will receive a renewal reminder in the mail. However, if you are not currently a member, an

application is located on the back page of this publication. Don’t miss this opportunity to join us AND to

celebrate the 150th Anniversary of California State Parks!

We appreciate your support…OUR MEMBERS MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!

Ribbons, Ribbons, Ribbons by Gregg Giacopuzzi, State Park Interpreter I

Historians say that the rosette award ribbon dates back as far at the 8th or 9th century. In 1802, Napoleon

Bonaparte instituted the use of rosette award ribbons as a part of the Legion of Honor award. Around the

mid-1800s, rosette ribbons began to be crafted in smaller sizes to be worn on clothing, and became

popular for civilian use.

Several years ago, looking for period appropriate awards for the special event activities in Old Town San

Diego State Historic Park, we decided to make our own ribbons. Each spring, Becky Halliburton enlists

seven or eight volunteers to help create custom, handmade ribbons. The volunteers gather around tables

filled with paper, punches, ribbon, and hot glue guns to create their magic. The goal is to create 400-500

ribbons. After two days of cutting, punching, and gluing; the ribbons are completed. The ribbons are

handed to the contestant winners and participants for a variety of games and competitions during the July

4th

Games and Amusements events. Hats off to these dedicated volunteers providing their time and

energy to create truly unique and special period style awards for visitors. Huzzah and bravo!!

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THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE MEMBERS!

SEE YOUR AD HERE!!!

Join Old Town Market, Old Town Trolley Tours, Save Our Heritage Organisation (SOHO),

Toby’s Candle and Soap Shop, and Write Out Loud, together with the above corporate

sponsors in their generous support of Old Town San Diego State Historic Park…

$50.00 Corporate Basic Membership

(business card or logo ad for 1 month)

$125.00 Corporate Enhanced Membership

(business card or logo ad for 12 months)

Please refer to the back cover page for more details.

pg. 8

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. New members are

always welcome. And, if you have forgotten to renew your membership…it’s never too late to send it in. We

miss you!

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION ____$ 20.00 – Single Supporting Member ____$ 50.00 – Corporate Membership*

____$ 35.00 – Family (2 or more individuals) (includes business card sized ad in the Poppy Paper

____$ 15.00 – Senior (62+ years)/Student Single and on our website for one month)

____$ 25.00 – Senior Couple (62+ years) ____$125.00 – Enhanced Corporate Membership*

____$150.00 – Life Member (62+ years) (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 ____________________________________

I belong to the following group(s): Docent____ Military____ Descendants ____ Californios ____

I am also interested in volunteer opportunities, please contact me! _____

Make your check out to “BOOT” and mail to:

BOOT Membership Committee, 4002 Wallace Street, San Diego, CA 92110