Uncategorized

July 31 Lecture: The Presidios of Monterey

Mr. Binkley is the Command Historian for the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center at the Presidio of Monterey. He first arrived at the Presidio in 2007 after working several years for the National Park Service. Binkley also held research positions at Stanford University and the Middlebury Institute of International Studies (MIIS).  He is a graduate of San Francisco State University, MIIS, and the University of Denver.

Date:  Thursday, July 31

Time:  6PM, followed by a light reception

Location: Irvine Auditorium, McCone Building, 499 Pierce Street, Monterey

Events, Film Screening, Lecture

Screening of “Big Sur: The Way It Was” a Huge Success

The screening of Big Sur: The Way It Was” on April 10 was a resounding success, with over 220 in attendance – nearly filling Irvine Auditorium on the MIIS campus. Audience members came from across the Monterey Peninsula, with many traveling up from Big Sur to relive the early days of that area, with its natural beauty and artistic community. The movie was filmed and produced by Robert Blaisdell, a native filmmaker of the Monterey Peninsula, who shot the footage of Big Sur and its inhabitants throughout the 1960s. The film, narrated by Doug McClure, was nearly lost in time when the film went missing for many years. Bob Franco, a close colleague of Mr. Blaisdell, gave an overview of the making of the film.

Uncategorized

2023-2024 OMF Lecture Series Was a Success!


OMF was excited to restart our lecture series based on
the culture and history of the Monterey area after our Covid hiatus.

The first lecture was held on November 16, 2023 and featured

Claudine Chalmers speaking about her recent book – Barbizon by the Pacific – which was partially funded by OMF.  Her talk took us on a unique journey on the French influence of the art scene in the Monterey Bay. She also explored the relationships among Robert Lewis Stevenson, Jules Simoneau, and Jules Tavernier.

Our second lecture was by Joaquin Turner and Cynthia Wagner Weick on February 1, 2024.  Their talk expounded on the various renowned local artists and the specific spots on the Monterey Peninsula that inspired their artistry.  It was based on their book: Preserving Nature: A Field Guide to the Art and Artists of the Monterey Bay.

The third lecture featured Erin Gafill on April 17, 2024 discussing the impact her great-great-grandmother Jane Gallatin Powers had on
the art scene.  She was a significant force in building a sustainable arts community that would become Carmel-by-the-Sea.  Her artwork was
exhibited in California and Europe.

Our fourth and final lecture was by Susan Shillinglaw and Sherrie Flumerfelt on June 27, 2024, discussing the unique relationship that
John Steinbeck had with Ed Ricketts, which led to their famous voyage on the Western Flyer to the Sea of Cortez.  Sherrie talked about the incredible restoration of the Western Flyer, that is currently at Moss Landing and will be docked at Old Fisherman’s Wharf in the near future for educational tours.

OMF is proud to present these lectures on the history and culture of the
Monterey area. All lectures are free of charge followed by a wine + cheese reception.  Through the use of social media, our lectures averaged 120 attendees.  We hope to continue them on an annual basis and will keep you posted on upcoming lectures.

OMF wishes to sincerely thank Melissa Burdick, executor of the Marcia Devoe Fund of the Community Foundation of Monterey County, for her generous financial support of these lectures.

Art and Artists

Jane Gallatin Powers Lecture and Book Signing on April 17

Jane Gallatin Powers a California Modernist, Lecture and book signing by Erin Lee Gafill

Come join us for an exciting event featuring a lecture and book signing by Erin Lee Gafill, as she dives into the world of Jane Gallatin Powers, a California Modernist. Get ready to be inspired by the life and works of this influential artist. The event will be held in person at Irvine Auditorium. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to learn more about a true pioneer in the art world!

Lecture from 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Wine and Cheese Reception 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM with book sale and signing

RSVP: EventBrite

Art and Artists, Events

OMF Plein Air Display and Competition to be featured at 2nd Annual Monterey Museum of Art Block Party

Old Monterey Foundation presents “Plein Air in Old Monterey” with plein air artists painting at historic adobes and gardens on Saturday, April 6th. Throughout the day, there will also be the opportunity for the
community to enjoy the Monterey Museum of Art Block Party on Calle Principal, and at the Monterey History Art Association Historic Adobes. The California State Parks Open Adobes has many Adobes open with special presentations of the artwork within the
historic buildings.

The Plein Air artists will paint from 10:00 am – 2:30 pm, capturing the color and beauty of Old Monterey as they participate in a painting event. In addition, the artwork will be for sale at the end the day. The sale of the artwork will be held from 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm near Elkins Park on Calle Principal, next to the Monterey Museum of Art. Awards will be announced at 3:30 pm with First, Second, Third, and Honorable Mention awards. The public is welcome to stop by and watch the artists at work during the day.

Maps of where the artists are painting and much more information will be available at the Old Monterey Foundation booth at the Monterey Museum of Art Block Party on Calle Principal, and at the MHAA Stanton Center, as well as the CA State Parks office at Custom House Plaza. Pick up your maps and see the artists and plan for the Pacific House, Sensory
Garden, California First Theatre, Stanton Center, Casa Serrano, Casa Soberanes, Casa de Oro Garden, Elkins Park, Custom House Cactus Garden, Colton Lawn, Calle Principal/MMA Block Party*. * Maps available at these locations.

Plein Air Artists include Nataliia Aandewiel, Michael Armstrong, Jackie Bleisc, Julie Brandt, Katharina D’Amore, Cyndy Davis, Linda Elling, McKenzie. Floyd, Victoria Galitzine Elaine Goldstone, Georgesse Gomez, Guna Hebbar, Sue Holmes, Elizabeth Ingebretsen, Sibyl Johnson, Diana Kennedy, Laura Lindem, Elizabeth May, Donald Neff, Debra Nichols, Katrina Pura, Cynthia Rand-Thompson, Suzanne Roth, Alfred Shamble,
Willamina Strupat, and Barbara West.

Thank you to our sponsor: Marcia F. DeVoe Fund of the Community Foundation for Monterey County. Thanks also to the Monterey Bay Area Plein Air Association.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to come for this free event involving three nonprofits dedicated to preserving the culture and art of Monterey.

News and Announcements

In Memory of BIll McCrone

(December 28, 1946 – February 7, 2021)

“It is with great regret that the Old Monterey Foundation must acknowledge the passing of a truly great and committed Monterey citizen, Willard (Bill) McCrone.  Bill was involved in many civic and charitable organizations, too many to mention, providing his unique perspectives. Bill was a long time member of the City’s Park and Recreation Commission as well as the Planning Commission.  As a Planning Commissioner, he became aware of the Master Plan for the Lower Presidio Historic Park. 

When Bill became a member of the Old Monterey Foundation, he became the driving force on developing this beautiful scenic park in accordance with the Master Plan.  He worked with Frank Sollecito, Ellen Martin and others on getting funding from the Neighborhood Improvement Program, the Community Foundation and a host of other groups for the physical improvements.  The beautiful sign on Pacific Street, the replacement of the chain link fence with the wooden fence, the many historic signs, the 2 scenic trails, the informational kiosk sign, the picnic tables-these all came about due to Bill’s relentless passion for the development of this historic park for the benefit of residents and tourists.

He worked tirelessly with the City, the Army, the Native American groups and the two adjacent neighborhoods-Old Town and New Monterey-to make sure all the improvements met the requirements of the public agencies and would benefit visitors for years to come.
The beautiful park we have today is primarily due to Bill.”

Bill Wojtkowski, Old Monterey Foundation

View the Monterey Herald online memorial for Willard P. (Bill) McCrone

To donate to Old Monterey Foundation in memory of Bill McCrone, please click the button below. Thank you for your support!



Past Events

March 21, 2020 Lower Presidio Historic Park Walking Tour to focus on Sebastián Vizcaíno – Discovery of the Monterey Bay

Old Monterey Foundation continues to team up with noted Monterey Bay historian and author, Tim Thomas, who offers outstanding “Lower Presidio Historic Park Walking Tours” on the third Saturday of every month from 10:00 AM – Noon. Old Monterey Foundation recently installed a monument sign on Pacific Street to make it even easier to find the park.

The next walking tour will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2020: Lower Presidio Historic Park Walking Tour: Focus on Sebastián Vizcaíno – Discovery of the Monterey Bay.

Tours meet in front of the City of Monterey’s Presidio of Monterey Museum, 113 Corporal Ewing, Building #113. From Monterey, take Pacific Street past the Monterey Conference Center and the First Theater to the end of Pacific where it forks, take the left fork; turn left onto Artillery Road, turn right on Corporal Ewing Road and follow it a short way to the Presidio of Monterey Museum in the center of the Park against the hill; from Pacific Grove, take Lighthouse Avenue in New Monterey, bear right to go onto Pacific Street and then go to Artillery Road, turn right, and then turn right on Corporal Ewing Road and follow it to the Presidio of Monterey Museum.

Advance reservations are required by contacting Tim Thomas at (831) 521-3304 or via email.

The tour is for ages 10-adult only and the cost is $20 for adults and $15 for kids (10-15 years).  Group rates are also available.

Old Monterey Foundation invites everyone to become a member of Friends of the Lower Presidio and make a tax-deductible donation to more quickly restore the park.

The  City of Monterey Outreach Office has produced an informative short video about the Lower Presidio Historic Park and its significance to California and American history.

There are many major historic highlights of this site that Tim Thomas will discuss in depth over the coming months:

  • Prehistoric archaeological presence of indigenous tribes tracing back 10,000 years.
  • Spanish period that begins with the landing in 1602 of Sebastian Vizcaino, who discovered the Monterey Bay and named the land, “Monterey”, after the Viceroy of Mexico; followed by Father Junipero Serra and Gaspar de Portola in 1770; including the first El Castillo (Presidio) up through the Argentinian Hipolite Bouchard’s raid in 1818 when he attacked and sacked the City of Monterey, which is the only land and sea battle ever to occur on the West Coast of the United States.
  • Mexican period (beginning in 1821 until the U.S. occupation, including the mistaken invasion in 1842 by Commodore Catesby-Jones, commanding the U.S. Pacific Squadron.
  • In 1846, Commodore John Drake Sloat captured Monterey and El Castillo at the beginning of the Mexican American War.
  • American/California period beginning in 1846, including the enactment of the first California Constitution in 1849 through the period that includes when Fort Mervine was a coastal defense and cavalry post.
  • In 1866, Fort Mervine was abandoned by the Army.
  • In 1901, reopening of the post by the Army as a cavalry and artillery garrison, and among its first units is the 9th Cavalry, the “Buffalo Soldiers”.
  • Modern era from the turn of the century when the Presidio became primarily a military training facility in 1940.
  • In 1940, the 11th Cavalry, Buffalo Soldiers and the last mounted regiment in Army history, departs to patrol the Mexican border. The Presidio then becomes a training post for civil administration officers being sent to occupied territory during World War II.
  •  In 1946, the Presidio becomes the Military Intelligence Service Language School, which evolves into the Defense Language Institute as it is known today.

For more information,  call (831) 521-2313.

About Tim Thomas

About The Lower Presidio Historic Park

Past Events

February 15 Lower Presidio Historic Park Walking Tour to focus on Hippolyte Bouchard

Old Monterey Foundation continues to team up with noted Monterey Bay historian and author, Tim Thomas, who offers outstanding “Lower Presidio Historic Park Walking Tours” on the third Saturday of every month from 10:00 AM – Noon.

The next walking tour will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2020: Lower Presidio Historic Park Walking Tour: Focus on Hippolyte Brouchard. Bouchard (January 15, 1780–January 4, 1837) was a French Argentine sailor and privateer who fought for France, Argentina, Chile, and Peru. Pursuing the war of rebellion against Spain, Bouchard was the first Argentine to circumnavigate the world when he attacked the Spanish ciudad of Monterey, California, raised the Argentine flag and held the town for six days in November, 1818. This was the only land-sea battle fought on the West Coast of the United States. Argentina remembers him as the South American equivalent of our John Paul Jones.

Tours meet in front of the City of Monterey’s Presidio of Monterey Museum, 113 Corporal Ewing, Building #113. From Monterey, take Pacific Street past the Monterey Conference Center and the First Theater to the end of Pacific where it forks, take the left fork; turn left onto Artillery Road, turn right on Corporal Ewing Road and follow it a short way to the Presidio of Monterey Museum in the center of the Park against the hill; from Pacific Grove, take Lighthouse Avenue in New Monterey, bear right to go onto Pacific Street and then go to Artillery Road, turn right, and then turn right on Corporal Ewing Road and follow it to the Presidio of Monterey Museum.

Advance reservations are required by contacting Tim Thomas at (831) 521-3304 or via email.

The tour is for ages 10-adult only and the cost is $20 for adults and $15 for kids (10-15 years).  Group rates are also available.

About Tim Thomas

About The Lower Presidio Historic Park