Category Archives: News and Announcements

Old Monterey Foundation will hold its third free event on Thursday, August 18, 2016 as part of the 2016 Lecture Series sponsored by The Marcia F. Devoe Fund of the Community Foundation for Monterey County for the third year.

Michael Green, Interpretive Program Manager, Monterey State Historic Parks, will present the intriguing story of Captain J.B.R. Cooper in Monterey and how he was affected by his adopted Californio culture. His adaptation to view surroundings shaped both his life and his Adobe. The Cooper-Molera Adobe was built over three generations beginning in 1832. The Coopers and Moleras, grandchildren of Captain and Ignacia Cooper, continued the care of this historic complex. Operated and interpreted by California State Parks for many years, the site is owned by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Following Mr. Green’s lecture, Katherine Malone-France will discuss the innovative shared use of the Cooper-Molera site (adjacent to the Trader Joe’s parking lot) that the National Trust developed with stakeholders in the Monterey area. The combination of commercial activities with museum spaces will create a vibrant, historic site that generates revenues to support the long term preservation and operation of the site.

When: Thursday, August 18, 2016 – 6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Where: Irvine Auditorium, McCone Building, MIIS; 499 Pierce Street, Monterey

Free Admission-Reception to Follow

This lecture is suitable for ages 9 and up

Presenters:

MICHAEL GREEN
Michael is the Interpretive Program Manager for the Monterey State Historic Parks. He has worked for the State Parks for 26 years as a guide, interpreter and training specialist. With a degree from the University of Alaska, he has performed in theater and musical venues for over 30 years.

KATHERINE MALONE-FRANCE

Katherine is the Vice President for Historic Sites at the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The first woman to lead that department, she previously served as the Senior Director of Outreach, Education, and Support. A graduate of Wofford College, she holds a Masters in Historic Preservation from the University of Georgia.

For more information, call (831) 346-3030.

The lectures are very popular so attendees are urged to come early to secure a seat.

News and Announcements, Past Events

JULY 15 MARCIA F. DEVOE LECTURE ON HIPPOLITE BOUCHARD, THE PATRIOT PIRATE

July 11, 2016 dannistew

Do you like pirate stories? Do you love enhancing your knowledge about the history of Monterey and the Lower Presidio Historic Park project?

Old Monterey Foundation will hold its second free event on Friday, July 15 as part of the 2016 Lecture Series sponsored by The Marcia F. Devoe Fund of the Community Foundation for Monterey County for the third year.

Author Michael Melzer presents his new biography of Hippolite Bouchard, The Patriot Pirate. 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.

Following Mr. Melzer’s lecture, Frank Sollecito, President of the Old Monterey Foundation Board of Directors, will present a short overview of improvements planned for the Lower Presidio Historic Park and Vizcaino Park.

When: Friday, July 15, 2016 – 6:30 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Where: Irvine Auditorium, McCone Building, MIIS; 499 Pierce Street, Monterey

Free Admission – Reception and book signing to follow

About Michael Melzer

Michael Melzer has a passion for California history, and has published his first book, The Patriot Pirate. He has a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Maryland, after spending time studying film, and video production at the University of Wisconsin.

For more information, call (831) 346-3030.

News and Announcements, Past Events

JULY 16 LOWER PRESIDIO HISTORIC PARK WALKING TOUR TO FOCUS ON THE BUFFALO SOLDIERS

July 6, 2016 dannistew

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, July 16, 2016: Lower Presidio Historic Park Walking Tour: Focus on the Buffalo Soldiers. In 1901, the post was reopened by the Army as a cavalry and artillery garrison, and among its first units was the legendary 9th Cavalry, the “Buffalo Soldiers” who were African-Americans. A little-known contribution of the Buffalo Soldiers involved eight troops of the 9th Cavalry Regiment and one company of the 24th Infantry Regiment who served in California’s Sierra Nevada as some of the first national park rangers. In 1899, Buffalo Soldiers from Company H, 24th Infantry Regiment briefly served in Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park, and General Grant (Kings Canyon) National Parks.

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 calling Tim Thomas at (831) 521-3304 or via email timsardine@yahoo.com. The tour is for ages 10-adult only and the cost is $20 for adults and kids are $15 (10-15 years). Group rates are also available.

About Tim Thomas

Tim Thomas, fourth-generation native of the Monterey area, is a popular speaker and lively tour guide. For 16 years, he was historian and curator for the Monterey Maritime & History Museum and has worked with the Monterey Bay Aquarium, California State Parks and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. He is author of “The Abalone King of Monterey: ‘Pop’ Ernest Doelter,” “The Japanese on the Monterey Peninsula” and co-author of “Monterey’s Waterfront.” Tim also conducts monthly “Wharf Walks” on Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf and offers Cannery Row walking tours, as well.

Buffalo Soldiers image courtesy of California History Room and Archives, Monterey Public Library

News and Announcements, Past Events

JUNE 18 LOWER PRESIDIO HISTORIC PARK WALKING TOUR TO FOCUS ON COMMODORE JOHN DRAKE SLOAT

June 13, 2016 dannistew

The next Lower Presidio Historic Park Walking tour will be held on Saturday, June 18, 2016: “Lower Presidio Historic Park Walking Tour: Focus on Commodore John Drake Sloat”. In 1846, Commodore John Drake Sloat captured Monterey and El Castillo at the beginning of the Mexican American War. The American/California period at the Lower Presidio Historic Park began 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. He will also talk about the majestic Sloat Monument at the Park, an eagle-topped spire constructed in 1910 that commemorates Commodore Sloat and this important period of California history. The Lower Presidio Historic Park has been described as “One of the Most Historic Sites on the West Coast” and Tim Thomas will discuss more of the Park’s fascinating timeline.

About Tim Thomas

Sloat Monument photo by Christopher Axe

News and Announcements, Past Events

MARCIA DEVOE LECTURE SERIES RESUMES

June 8, 2016 wpmccrone

The Old Monterey Foundation is pleased to announce that the Marcia F. Devoe lecture series will resume on June 16, and continue with four lectures through September 2016. Thanks to the generous assistance of the Marcia Devoe Fund of the Community Foundation, the series will again be free of admission charge. This year the first three lectures will focus on local history, before turning to art in the final lecture in September.

Details of the first three lectures are as follows:

OMFJuneLecture-01

OMFJulyLecture-01

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Art and Artists, News and Announcements

PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Image June 3, 2016 wpmccrone

Old Monterey Foundation, Padre Trails Camera Club and Myrick Photographic recently teamed up to hold a special Lower Presidio Historic Park Photo Contest. Dozens of outstanding entries depicting various scenes in the Lower Presidio Historic Park were submitted and judged by Stephen Myrick, owner of Myrick Photographic and Liza Linsao of the City of Monterey and owner of Liza Linsao Photography.

The photos were judged by the basic elements of a good photographic image, composition, exposure, subject interest, sharpness, and creativity.

Thanks to all photographers who participated, and for sharing their photographs with the Old Monterey Foundation.

The winners include:

1st place Christopher Axe

2nd place Carol Silveira “Sunrise at the Park”

3rd Place Benjamin Steel “Brute Bud”

Honorable Mentions:

sloat monument 5

sloat monument 4

Chris Johnson (3 images)

HMCross Rock and Statue Lower Presidio Historic Park

Christopher Axe Carol Silveira

The first place winner received a 12×18 canvas gallery wrap of their winning image donated by Myrick Photographic and a “Friends of the Lower Presidio” membership ($100 value) donated by Old Monterey Foundation. The second and third place winners received a $25 gift certificate from Myrick Photographic and a “Friends of the Lower Presidio” membership ($100 value). There were also $20 cash prizes each for participants whose images receive Honorable Mentions that were provided by Padre Trails Camera Club. For any questions, call (831) 633-4444 or email brickman@brickmanmarketing.com. Continue reading PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS ANNOUNCED →

Fund Raising, News and Announcements

ESTEBAN RESTAURANT HOLDS BENEFIT FOR OLD MONTEREY FOUNDATION

June 2, 2016 wpmccrone

The Old Monterey Foundation is pleased to announce that Estéban Restaurant at Historic Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa is celebrating Monterey’s 246th Birthday and benefiting Old Monterey Foundation. Dine at the outstanding Esteban Restaurant on Friday, June 3rd between 5 pm – 10 pm and 10% of the food sales will go toward Old Monterey Foundation! .

In honor of Monterey’s 246th Birthday, Estéban Restaurant located at historic Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa will be donating 10% of all food sales to the Old Monterey Foundation. Founded with the mission to promote, support, and enhance the artistic, cultural, and historic environment of historic Downtown Monterey, the Old Monterey Foundation along with Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa both encompass an affinity for maintaining, protecting, and sharing the deep-rooted history of Monterey.

From its founding on June 3, 1770 Monterey’s Spanish heritage can be experienced today through the diverse architectural styles found throughout historic Downtown Monterey. Casa Munras originally constructed in 1824 by Spanish Diplomat Don Estéban Munras continues to pay homage to its roots by preserving the history of the Munras family and the original residence constructed with handmade 32-inch adobe bricks. A portion of the original structure is still standing, encompassed in the walls of the Marbella Meeting Room.

Estéban Restaurant located at historic Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa is the heart of authentic Monterey dining, offering a unique culinary experience. Serving traditional Spanish-inspired cuisine with a pinch of adventure, Estéban Restaurant invites you to sip, savor, and share by the warmth of the fireplace or in the relaxing outdoor patio. In the process, your entertainment dollars will help to fund the operations of Old Monterey Foundation and the development of the Lower Presidio Historic Park.

‪#‎monterey‬‪#‎esteban‬ ‪#‎casamunrasgardenhotel‬&spa ‪#‎oldmontereyfoundation

News and Announcements, Past Events

LOWER PRESIDIO TOURS WITH TIM THOMAS

May 20, 2016 wpmccrone

Old Monterey Foundation Continues Monthly “Lower Presidio Historic Park Walking Tours” on Saturday, May 21 2016 with a focus on the infamous Hipolite Bouchard.

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

Tim Thomas photo2 The next Lower Presidio Historic Park Walking tour will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2016: “Lower Presidio Historic Park Walking Tour: Focus on the infamous Hipolite Bouchard.” In addition to other interesting history of the Park described as “The Most Significant Historic Site on the West Coast”, Thomas will discuss 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.

Bouchard (15 January 1780 – 4 January 1837), was a French Argentine sailor and privateer who fought for France, Argentina, Chile, and Peru. His first action was as a lieutenant for the Napoleonic Navy against Admiral Nelson at the Battle of the Nile. Emmigrating to Argentina after Napoleon’s exile, he fought first as a soldier for his adopted country for San Martin in the battle to free Chile from Spanish rule. During his first campaign as an Argentine privateer, he attacked the Spanish colonies of Chile and Peru, under the command of the Irish-Argentine Admiral William Brown.

He next took command of the captured frigate, La Argentina and became the first Argentine to circumnavigate the world. During his voyage around the globe he blockaded the port of Manila. In Hawaii, he recovered an Argentine privateer which had been seized by mutineers. He met the local ruler, King Kamehameha I, and recruited many Hawaiian natives as sailors for his fleet. His forces then attacked the Spanish ciudad of Monterey, California, raised the Argentine flag and held the town for six days. After burning Monterey, he feinted at Santa Barbara and then plundered Mission San Juan Capistrano in Southern California. Toward the end of the voyage Bouchard raided Spanish ports in Central America. His second homeland remembers him as a hero and patriot, the South American equivalent of our John Paul Jones; several places in Buenas Aires are named in his honor.

Advance reservations are required by calling Tim Thomas at (831) 521-3304 or via email timsardine@yahoo.com. The tour is for ages 10-adult only and the cost is $20 for adults and kids are $15 (10-15 years). Group rates are also available

News and Announcements, Past Events

EDDISON & MELROSE TO HOST BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S EVENT FOR OLD MONTEREY FOUNDATION

April 25, 2016 wpmccrone

Eddison & Melrose Tea Room, located at 25 Soledad Drive in Monterey, will be hosting a special Birthday event will to be held on Wednesday, May 4th from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. celebrating the actual birthdate of Audrey Hepburn with a fun-filled Breakfast at Tiffany’s Open House Event. Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite black dress & bling! Prepaid reservations are $25.00 per person. $5.00 of the ticket amount will be donated to the Old Monterey Foundation (a 501(c)3 non-profit – see details below). Complimentary Champagne will be served at the event along with High Tea fare and a showcase of new teas that will be carried at the Eddion & Melrose Tea Room.

For a prepaid reservation, mail a check to Eddision & Melrose, 25 Soledad, Monterey, CA 93940 or call (831)393-9479 or email cuppa@emtearoom.com. For more information about Eddision & Melrose, go to www.emtearoom.com.

About Old Monterey Foundation

Old Monterey Foundation was formed in 2011 with the specific mission and purpose of promoting, supporting and enhancing the artistic, cultural and historic environment of historic Downtown Monterey, California. One of their major projects is the enhancement and development of the Lower Presidio Historic Park, described as “One of the Most Historic Sites on the West Coast” and “One of the Most Beautiful Views Places in Monterey” to be enjoyed by locals and visitors. Old Monterey Foundation, in cooperation with the City of Monterey and Department of the Army, has raised initial funds to begin Phase One of the project to enhance and restore this historic 25.3-acre site and is now seeking public donations to help complete Phase One of the $850,000 project through donations to its “Friends of the Lower Presidio” campaign. They are also raising funds to restore the historic Father Serra statue with additional security. Donations may be made at oldmontereyfoundation.org by following the instructions for donors.

The Lower Presidio Historic Park is one of the least-visited historic parks in the area due to some confusion about whether the public is allowed in the area. Situated in a “hidden in plain sight” location, the park features spectacular views of the Monterey Bay and Harbor and will become a jewel of the City of Monterey’s park system. Old Monterey Foundation recently launched monthly “Lower Presidio Historic Park Walking Tours” on the 3rd Saturday of every month from 10:00 a.m. – Noon with historian Tim Thomas. It is holding a “Lower Presidio Historic Park Photo Contest” throughout the month of April. Details are on www.oldmontereyfoundation.org.

With the help of donations and grants, Phase One of the project will give the Lower Presidio Historic Park the look and feel of an historic public park, including improved way-finding and identification entry signs to assist the public in accessing the site and highlighting several of the important historic periods at the Presidio; development of pathways, benches and interpretive signs and monuments on the site; replacement of the old cyclone perimeter fence with a wood-appearing historically accurate fence, minimal branch/tree removal where necessary to assure views of the Monterey Harbor and restore it to the way it was seen historically; and development of an ADA approved path leading to the Sloat Monument, the highest point of the site.

For more information, go to www.oldmontereyfoundation.org or call 831-521-2313.

About Eddison & Melrose

Karen Anne Murray of Eddison & Melrose Tea Room, Catering & Granola has provided catering, personal chef services and her award winning Karen Anne’s Granola to the Monterey Peninsula for over a decade. The Tea Room serves both Afternoon and High Tea (by advance reservation) and has become a favorite for locals and tea travelers who enjoy English born and raised Chef Karen Anne’s traditional scones and teatime fare. Karen Anne Murray of Eddison & Melrose Tea Room, Catering & Granola has provided catering, personal chef services and her award winning Karen Anne’s Granola to the Monterey Peninsula for over a decade.

Karen Anne’s Granola is currently sold at the Eddison & Melrose Tea Room, Whole Foods, Grove Market, Cornucopia, Nielsen Brothers, Brunos, Star Market and numerous California specialty grocery stores. There are currently five delicious flavors available with more on the way: Almond Pecan, Cranberry, Cranberry Harvest, Golden Walnut and Coconut Orange.

News and Announcements, Past Events

Pilates Party a Success

April 25, 2016 wpmccrone

April 2 turned out to be a bright, sunny day at the Lower Presidio Historic Park and the Pilates Party with Bagpipes, Fusion and Serra was a great success. An estimated 80 people attended during the 2 hour event and the order of the day was enthusiasm for development of the Park and its recreational opportunities.

PILATES MONTEREY was the main attraction with a display of new equipment and classes for beginners and seasoned players.

Spread out on mattes and tarps on the knoll overlooking the Monterey Harbor, participants were challenged by expert instructors to stretch their limits in three sessions spread over the two hour event.

Master Bagpiper MICHEL d’AVENAS entertained those in attendance, together with passerbys on the Recreation Trail, with traditional Scottish music and a virtuoso performance. Refreshments were provided by FUSION, with its unique blend of Asian healthy food for sale.

And there were plenty of visitors in attendance just to see what was going on at the Lower Presidio Historic Park. Board members of the Old Monterey Foundation manned an informational table to explain plans and prospects for the Park.