They were born in California and grew up hiking its mountains
and swimming in its rivers. And they have channeled their love for
their home state through an organization that raises money for
local missions, sends supplies to troops in Iraq and makes
donations to local schools and charities.
Hollister – They were born in California and grew up hiking its mountains and swimming in its rivers. And they have channeled their love for their home state through an organization that raises money for local missions, sends supplies to troops in Iraq and makes donations to local schools and charities.
This Saturday, the local chapter of the Native Daughters of the Golden West will celebrate their California roots at the 95th anniversary party, complete with a luncheon, meeting and silent auction this Saturday at the San Juan Bautista Community Hall. There they will sing songs about the glory of California, catch up with members from throughout the state and initiate three new ones into the golden gates of their organization.
“What I get out of it is the camaraderie and knowing that I am playing an active role in my community,” said Claudia Fisher, president of the local parlor, as the chapters are known.
Fisher, 57, was born and raised in Sacramento and is the descendant of the Grigsby/Ide Party, which settled in California in the mid-1800’s. The group, comprised of two families, was the second to head out from Missouri in search of a new home, following in the steps of the ill-fated Donner Party, many of whose members froze to death in the Sierra Foothills in the winter of 1847.
Native Daughters of the Golden West is over 100 years old and was created to preserve California heritage while building camaraderie among women. There are only two requirements to joining: being born in California and believing in God, said Fisher. God is mentioned in the group’s creed and its songs and the Bible plays a central role during new member initiations.
“We believe in God and we believe in the American government,” said Fisher.
The organization, which currently has 87 members, has held fund-raisers to raise money for missions in San Juan Bautista and Soledad, which Fisher calls an important project for the group. Last year, the group also sent 2,000 pounds of supplies to American troops stationed in Iraq.
“The group works on causes I have an interest in,” said Mary Lacey Gibson, who has been a member for five years and who lives in San Juan Bautista.
The members – all but one are women – meet once a month at an old adobe on Fourth Street, where they talk about upcoming projects and socialize. They also hold a Pedro night, an old card game some say originated in San Benito County, once a month.
Karina Ioffee covers education and agriculture for the Free Lance. Reach her at (831)637-5566 ext. 335 or [email protected]
