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THE POPPY PAPER
Official Monthly Publication of the
Boosters of Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
A Non-Profit Organization
February 2015
This New Year began by celebrating the life of Mary Ellen Young
and by honoring her many contributions to Old Town San Diego
State Historic Park and the State of California.
A lovely and intimate prayer vigil was held at Conrad Mortunary
Chapel in Lemon Grove on the evening of January 8, with the
funeral services at St. John of the Cross Catholic Church on the
following morning. A beautiful reception was provided and
catered by Mary Ellen’s long-time colleagues and friends, Diane
Powers and Julie Bell Gastelum.
Mary Ellen would be tickled to see how many of us came
together…to shed some tears, to share some stories, and to
celebrate the life of our “matriarch.” She always loved to come up
with ways to bring everyone together, and we all felt her presence
with us as we shared our memories. She would be deeply touched
by the admiration and affection expressed by so many!
Since the last issue of this publication, we received a few photos and several personal tributes to the
memory of Mary Ellen; plus several folks requested that we publish the eulogy, delivered at the services
by retired State Park Superintendent Bob Wohl. So, we have dedicated the first half of this month’s
issue to share those tributes. We hope you enjoy the remembrances of this very special lady, Mary Ellen
Young…
President’s Notes
by Jeanne Ferrell
A Legend is one that inspires us and achieves legendary fame. Mary Ellen Young was, as they say, a
legend in her our time! Her accomplishment in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park and in Parks
across the State of California have been duly noted and proclaimed by many. I am not a writer; and I
feel overwhelmed trying to find the words to explain her spirit. She will always be on the balcony of
the Robinson Rose House, directing us and telling us what a marvelous job we are doing.
A Legacy is something handed down from the past or from someone in the past. Mary Ellen’s legacy to
the Park, and to all of us, is a legacy of Love and Respect. She will always be with all of us who were
privileged to be part of her life.
pg. 1
EULOGY FOR MARY ELLEN YOUNG
January 9, 2015
by Bob Wohl
Back in 1999, I thought I knew what I was getting into when I agreed to go down to Old Town San Diego
State Historic Park and “help out with the staffing situation.” When I arrived, I was greeted by an
obstreperous superintendent and a delighted Mary Ellen Young. “I’ve been trying to get you down here at
Old Town for a long time! You are going to be great!” Her unwavering support was fantastic, and gave me
the strength to make the necessary adjustments at Old Town.
Mary Ellen Young was my friend and advisor. Sometimes it was like a mother-son relationship. She
would come upstairs to my office, with her punch list of event concerns, and I would have to say,
“Mother, Please!!!” Then she would take up her “captain’s chair” position on the Robinson-Rose balcony
and evaluate the proceedings, calling out improvements and ideas – or critiques: “Oh, LOOK at what he’s
wearing!”
We had worked together on CALPA conferences at Torrey Pines and Old Town over the years. She had
set up statewide workshops and programs. She also knew how to run a volunteer and training program,
organize and fund events, schedule school group tours, and do outreach. She had devoted friends in high
places, had spent considerable time in Sacramento as the President of CALPA (California League of Park
Associations), and could boast of the numerous times she had been invited to meet and consult with 35
years’ worth of California State Park Directors in their offices. A pipeline of phone calls passed between
Mary Ellen and the Sacramento chiefs!
Mary Ellen and Tom Young were a team! I would watch Tom while Mary Ellen spoke, and think that she
was the force behind their efforts. But, I learned early on that Tom could be just as forceful as Mary Ellen
when it came to Living History and Old Town. They went everywhere together. She was the presenter,
and he was her unwavering pillar of strength.
Mary Ellen was one of California State Parks’ strongest advocates for authentic period attire and living
history vignettes. I chose her for a Period Attire Committee of experts. We asked all our volunteers to
bring in their outfits for “inspection.” When I heard that long-time docents were storming out of the
viewing room with tears in their eyes, I knew I had to sit in on the process. Was Mary Ellen too tough on
them? Well, NO…it was the other experts who were telling docents gruffly to get rid of all their false
attire! (“No eucalyptus button necklace!”) But, not Mary Ellen! She was cordial and sympathetic and
supportive. I finally reduced the judges to two people: Mary Ellen and Gregg Giacopuzzi. So Much Better.
Mary Ellen supported all our innovations with enthusiasm and campaigned for the Boosters Funding
Support, not always easy after my predecessor. With her backing, we turned around the period attire
program, made an in-house orientation film with staff, bought two donkeys and sustained them through
BOOT funding, expanded the blacksmith program, increased events, evening activities, hiring film makers
and an acting coach, and rebuilt our relationship with the Old Town Concessionaires, with the community
and Chamber, and with the Descendants group. A BOOT meeting was not complete without advice or
news reports from Mary Ellen. Yes, she could get into power struggles, “Who’s running this park, Mary
Ellen or State Parks,” screamed one frustrated superintendent. And her loyalties were fierce – she was
NOT happy when Diane Powers lost her bid. But, her greatest loyalty, besides her family, was to State
Parks and its mission.
We will miss her. Her presence here was a constant. Her aura infused the Park with her efforts and zeal.
She was a phenomenon! A force of nature! She was irrepressible and irreplaceable! We all have been
privileged to have lived and worked in her time. The interpretive present of Old Town San Diego is the
gift of Mary Ellen Young. There has been no one like her. Her spirit was remarkable. May we all carry on
in her spirit!
pg. 2
Remembering Mary Ellen
I first met Mary Ellen when I attended a gathering for
potential volunteers. I had just retired from teaching ESL
and was ready to launch into a new endeavor. She suggested
that I study up on the history of the Silvas Restaurant so that
I could be stationed there to regale visitors with the
structure's contribution to Old Town's history. It was fun. As
my repertoire expanded, I answered questions about other
sites in the park. (Pictured: Estelle Lauer, Bob Wohl, and
Mary Ellen)
One of her many Park responsibilities was to coordinate BOOT tours. As we got better acquainted, she
asked me if I would lead tours. This expanded into a partnership -- she was the person that outside
groups contacted to schedule tours; I would round up other tour guides and assign the routes so that we
weren't all stepping on each other. It was a smooth partnership. When Bob Wohl was Superintendent,
he allowed me to tap park aides to fill in the gaps when there were last minute guide cancelations.
At first we didn't charge for the school tours. Then we realized that this could be a major source of
income for BOOT. So when requests came in, she quoted the price -- $5.00 per participant. And BOOT
coffers expanded.
When she found out that I could sew she asked me to help clothe new volunteers. She gave me three
yards of plain black material and I produced a gathered skirt for a new participant. It was so "nothing"
that I jazzed it up with multi-colored rows of rick-rack. (It took a hunk of time to undecorated!)
She asked me to be Secretary of the BOOT Board. I performed this duty for some six years. Because
we both lived in East County, we often commuted together and I treasure the opportunities I had to glean
her and Tom's history. And I treasure the friendship that we developed. Not just me, but for everyone
with whom she came in contact…she left a little bit of herself. I hope those tidbits can be passed onto
others.
Estelle Lauer
Former Volunteer and BOOT Board Member
Mary Ellen was a force to be reckoned with when she was in power-mode! She dedicated herself to
helping the Old Town State Park with a vengeance! My memories of her coming into Tolers Leather, to
pick up donations over the years, will forever be in our hearts. Above all she was a sweet and wonderful
person. She will be missed by all. Condolences to her family.
Ruby Maginnis
Employee of Toler’s Leather
Mary Ellen was an inspiration to me as a volunteer. She was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable. I
will always remember the kindness of the meals she prepared for us. She is an enduring treasure for the
park.
J.P. Gendron
Volunteer Gardener
pg. 3
I have very fond memories of Mary Ellen Young. My first meeting her was in 1996 at a statewide
conference with the League of California State Park Non-Profit Organizations, but I had heard of her for
many years.
She was an original member of the statewide Cooperating Associations Program task force that began in
the early 1990s. This multidisciplinary task force had been charged with creating California State Park’s
Cooperating Association Program Manual, published in 1992. Mary Ellen was the President and
representative of the League of California State Park Non-Profit Organizations (now the California
League of Park Associations) and their representative on the task force. Even after the manual was
published, Mary Ellen continued her service by helping to organize workshops and training around the
state for many years.
Mary Ellen was one of the most active persons I knew in the Cooperating Associations Program and
always eager to help. I remember her warm smile, gracious hugs and salutatory comments of love and
respect.
So, with love and respect, I bid Mary Ellen thanks and farewell. She touched so many and made the
world a better place.
John D. Mott
Cooperating Associations Program Manager-1996-2010
Volunteers in Parks Program Manager-1994-1996
I first met Mary Ellen in early 2003, several months after being hired at San Diego Coast District, when
she and Tom invited Elizabeth Allancorte and me over for a Sunday brunch. I remember Tom’s World
War II model airplanes, the family scrapbooks, and a conversation abuzz with information about Old
Town and its cast of characters, much of which was unfamiliar to me.
I quickly realized that Mary Ellen was an organizer, a leader with a passionate commitment to Old Town,
its history and its direction. Over the years, I frequently saw her at the park’s activities, often dressed in
period attire, attending or organizing anything and everything from guided tours, historic costuming,
folkloric dance competitions, and Christmas caroling to Las Posadas candlelight processions, Cinco de
Mayo festivities, and Fourth of July celebrations. For Mary Ellen, Old Town’s rich history and legacy had
a vitally alive presence to be remembered, engaged, and treasured.
She was self-directed, persistent, and opinionated, but always considerate. She cared deeply about her
family and friends, Old Town, its resources, staff and volunteers. When I was working on the adobe walls
at La Casa de Estudillo from 2007 through 2010, she often stopped by to see how I was doing. Did I need
anything? And, she always thanked me for my work.
But, what I remember most about Mary Ellen was her indomitable spirit and the genuineness of her
convictions. She always told you exactly what she thought or believed. There was no equivocation, no
hidden agenda. She was honorable.
For me that was her legacy, her greatest gift to everyone who knew her.
Victor Walsh
CA State Parks Historian (retired)
pg. 4
We were so saddened to hear of the passing of Mary Ellen. She was an amazing woman. On behalf of
the California League of Park Associations (CALPA), please express our deepest sympathies to the
family.
We, as the organization that was founded by Mary Ellen several decades ago, will be making a
donation to BOOT in her honor. We will also be featuring her in our newsletter this month. And, we
are developing a new annual award in her name, to honor an individual member or entire cooperating
association which exemplifies outstanding service in support of California State Parks in the spirit that
Mary Ellen did. This is the least we can do for the matriarch of our organization.
Mary Ellen will truly be missed.
Carolyn Christian
President, CALPA
When I heard that Mary Ellen's funeral was scheduled for our regular craft day, I thought, “That is so
like Mary Ellen to invite us to one more party in celebration of her life!” As many of you might know,
for many years, Mary Ellen and Tom cooked lunch every second Friday of the month for the Craft
Committee and staff who wished to attend. Not only did she do all the cooking, but she presented the
food in a festive and creative way...even telling us what ingredients were historically accurate! With
the assistance of Estelle Lauer, and later Roseann Cook, everyone was served individually in a
gracious manner, and then we all would eat her delicious food. Afterwards, we could ask the staff
questions or present concerns. Mary Ellen, of course, did all of this to give us an opportunity to keep
connected with the staff and get any problems solved quickly. All of us so appreciated these happy
times together and we have tried to continue that tradition of having lunch at a local restaurant on Craft
Days after our work is done.
To say that Mary Ellen was a dynamic force for parks is an understatement! Her goal was always to
work together with love and respect for each other, so that our park could be the best park in the
California park system. So, it is with "love and respect" that we will remember her and honor her
memory by trying to live up to her cherished dreams for Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
Deanna Turton
Volunteer in the Park
Chairperson, Craft Committee and Garden Group
Treasurer, BOOT Board of Directors
Thank you for the wonderful story and pictures of Mary Ellen in the
Poppy Paper. The descendants will truly miss her, too! She was a real
supporter, and her presence was seen and felt. I recall her passion for
the park was contagious. She certainly inspired me to serve the
community through volunteering. Her passing reminds us how quickly
life progresses through the cycle.
Connie Rascon Gunther
President, Descendant of Early San Diego
(Pictured: Diane Powers, Tom & Mary Ellen Young, and Cindy Furlong
portraying the Bandini family.)
pg. 5
Treasurer's Notes
by Deanna Turton
Well, I can no longer deny it...I need to start thinking about doing the tax forms. It is that time of year. So
far, I have paid the fourth quarter taxes and completed about half of the end-of-year balancing. I need to
move along with this project because I received a summons for jury service in early February. If the last
two years are any judge of how things will go this year, I always get on a trial. Last year it lasted a week,
and the year before, I was an alternate juror on a three week trial!!! That long trial was on buying and
selling race horses, among other things, and my conclusion from that experience is NEVER buy a race
horse as a financial investment. Sometimes a horse with excellent breeding will refuse to run like a
champion and, at other times, a horse with a lesser pedigree will win the Kentucky Derby!!!
Although December showed a loss in the balance between income and expenses, the amount $1719.13 is
not too bad, considering BOOT wrote a check for $4000.00 to help pay for blacksmith and burro handler
salaries late in the month. This check is our yearly contribution into the PCA account that enhances the
interpretative effort at those two areas of park operations. Other expenses over $300 were:
 $1080.00
 $ 332.97
 $ 534.33
 $ 495.47
 $ 336.87
 $1306.61
- sales taxes in the 4th quarter
- supplies for the Descendants' workshops
- supplies for the Winter Event/Holiday in the Park
- burros (food and supplies)
- living history supplies
- Period Attire (bank needs and subsidies)
There were 18 spending categories in December. Poppy Paper readers might also ask - why were there no
expenses for the BOOT store this month or the craft committee? Well, the answer is simple, inventory has
to be done in January. So, watch out next month…the situation will surely change!
BOOT Store income during December was better than most years, but the daily average from donations
was very low at $32.65 a day. I also totalled the average daily figure from donations in FY2014, and I
am sad to say it did not meet our target figure of $55.00 a day.....coming in at $47.72. This seems strange,
as the national economy is doing better and there are surely a lot of tourists in San Diego. Let's hope folks
are spending their money at the BOOT store and other concessionaires instead.
Additional income was also realized from park aides and volunteers buying fabric and clothing from the
Period Attire Bank - $373.79. And finally, BOOT is very grateful for the continued quarterly income from
the Round It Up America program - $2119.53. When Chuck Ross of Fiesta de Reyes began this
donation program, he intended the money to be used to enhance interpretation in the park. To that end, in
FY2015, BOOT has authorized another $8000.00 to be designated for a new PCA account - one that is
dedicated to paying Park Aide salaries to keep the schoolhouse open on at least two more days a week.
Thank you, Chuck, for bringing this wonderful program to the Park!
And The Winner Is…
Congratulations to Maggie Hess, the winner of the guide book contest for December! We
appreciate all the hard work that the Park Aides do for BOOT, tending the Store and helping to
sell our products. Since the BOOT Board authorized a gift certificate of $20 each month for the
park aide or volunteer who sells the most tour guide books in a month (ten book minimum), the
guide books are “flying off the shelves!” Thank you to all of our wonderful volunteers and park
aides who are helping to make this a successful incentive program!
pg. 6
Native American
Baskets on Display
By Rita Conaty, Park Aide
On December 3, 2014 Old Town State Historic Park visitors and staff had the opportunity to view a
special exhibit of Native American baskets at the La Casa de Machado y Silvas Museum (also known as
The Commercial Restaurant). The artifacts highlighted the similarities in methods and techniques
between tribes, yet showed the differences in plant materials based on regional geography. The baskets
ranged in origin from Alaska to Florida, with an emphasis on the material culture of the southwest. There
was also a section devoted to the Kumeyaay of our area.
How did this event come about? It was through the generosity of
BOOT Board Members, Bob and Mary Jones! They graciously
transported their own private collection to the Park, set up the
exhibit, and remained on site to offer interpretive information to the
Park visitors. What a privilege to see some of these rare baskets up
close and personal! (Mary Jones pictured on left.)
Mary Jones, a retired educator, has an extensive knowledge of Native
American cultural history. She recalls her childhood, growing up in
Phoenix, Arizona, and walking downtown with her mother. The Native
Americans would line the sidewalks in front of the stores, selling
handcrafted objects. This began her love of the artistry and skill of
native work…and that love is evidenced by her outstanding collection!
Thank you to Bob and Mary Jones, who do so much each week to bring
our park to life, and who made this exhibit possible. Additional thanks
go to the Curatorial Staff, Visitor Services Staff, and the Basketry Guild
of Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
In Sympathy
We extend our sincere sympathy to the family of Adrian Fernandes, who passed away in early
January. Adrian was one of our long-time volunteers who came to Old Town after retiring
from a career as an industrial arts teacher. He was a talented landscaper and craftsman, who
completely renovated his arts and crafts home in Mission Hills.
Although suffering from Parkinson’s disease, in the early 2000s Adrian
singlehandedly cleaned up the print shop to get it up and running after
several years of nonoperation. After getting it operational, he provided
hands-on living history activities in the shop. He also spent many years
faithfully working with the Garden Group, often networking with his
neighborhood nursery for services and products.
Adrian was a kind and gentle man who quietly went about the “business” of
the day, and whose talents greatly enhanced the visitors’ experience in the
Park. He never complained about his limitations, always offering to help out
wherever he could. Thank You, Adrian, for giving us your time and talents
for so many years. You are truly missed…
(Pictured: Adrian and Ann Fernandes in their Mission Hills home.)
pg. 7
POPPY PAPER SUBMISSIONS
Staff & Volunteers please submit to your supervisor/lead person. All others may be sent directly to:
The Editor, Ruth French poppypapereditor@gmail.com
(Deadline for submissions is the 20th of each month for inclusion in the following month’s issue.)
Animal Update
by Araceli Ortega, Park Aide
Bet you didn’t know that donkeys get the flu!
Nineteen sites in the cities of San Diego and Poway Serene landscapes feature CA native and waterwise plants. See creative conservation solutions,
Kumeyaay artifacts, and beekeeping.
Starting Point: Old Town Native Landscape
by McCoy House Museum in Old Town State Park
Tickets $25
Kids Free!
For more info: Cnpssd.org
GardenNative.org
It was heartbreaking to
see Don Quixote under
the weather last week.
We’re not sure how he
got the flu; but,
hopefully,
Dulce
doesn’t catch it. Be
assured that Don is fast
recovering and feeling
much better this week.
You should come by
and visit him…he
would like that.
ATTENTION MEMBERS: REFER A FRIEND IN 2015!!!
Help us kick off our 2015 Membership Drive!!! We are offering a free one year’s membership to
current BOOT members who recruit a new member! It doesn’t matter when your membership
expires, or if you just renewed. When we receive a new membership application with your name on
it as the referring member, we will automatically give you an extra year!
Start thinking of your friends and family who might be good candidates to help sustain our good
work as Boosters of Old Town! Watch the mail…as you will soon be receiving a special invitation to
be part of this special membership drive for 2015.
In the meantime, you can simply cut off the back page of this edition (or print out the back
page - if you are reading the online version); give it to your friend(s); and don’t forget to
tell everyone how much we DO for Old Town San Diego State Historic Park!
Please remember…every dollar that BOOT raises stays right HERE in Old Town San Diego State
Historic Park to support all the work projects, special events, and interpretive activities
throughout the year!
IF YOU ARE NOT A MEMBER NOW, PLEASE CONSIDER SUPPORTING US THIS YEAR…
OUR MEMBERS MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!
(For 2015, we have found it necessary to increase the annual membership fees by $5.00 to cover the ever increasing postage
and printing costs. This is the first increase in membership in nearly a decade. Thank you for your support!)
pg. 8
THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE MEMBERS!
BOOT BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SEE YOUR AD HERE!!!
President:
Vice President:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
BOOT Store:
Historian:
Restoration Spec:
Web Master:
Board Members:
Jeanne Ferrell (619) 543-9057
Gary Turton (619) 222-0047
Linda Jacobo
Deanna Turton (619) 222-0047
Mary Jones
Bob Wohl
Chuck Ferrell
Bob Jones
Mary Ellen Young
Tom Young
Cindy Furlong
Poppy Paper
Editor:
Ruth French
poppypapereditor@gmail.com
Join these businesses in their support of Old Town San
Diego State Historic Park:
Old Town Market
Old Town Trolley Tours
Save Our Heritage Organisation (SOHO)
Toby’s Candle and Soap Shop
Write Out Loud
Please refer to the back cover page for more details.
BOOT Website: http://boostersofoldtown.com/
Park Website: www.parks.ca.gov/oldtownsandiego
pg. 9
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.
**Current BOOT Members will receive a free year of membership!**
Please make sure the BOOT Member’s name appears here in order for us to give credit for his/her referral.
Referred by: ________________________________________________________
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
____ $ 25.00 – Single Supporting Member
____ $ 40.00 – Family (2 or more individuals)
____ $ 20.00 – Senior (62+ years)/Student Single
____ $ 30.00 – Senior Couple (62+ years)
____$155.00 – Life Member (62+ years)
____$ 55.00 – Corporate Membership*
(includes business card sized ad in the Poppy Paper
and on our website for one month)
____$130.00 – Enhanced Corporate Membership*
(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 ____________________________________
Make your check out to “BOOT” and mail to:
BOOT Membership Committee, 4002 Wallace Street, San Diego, CA 92110
pg. 10