As president of San Juan Bautista Parlor No. 170, Native
Daughters of the Golden West, I am compelled to write in response
to the unidentified person’s comments in the San Benito County
Citizens Voice and Hotline column regarding Congressman Sam Farr’s
efforts to raise federal funding for preservation of the California
missions.
As president of San Juan Bautista Parlor No. 170, Native Daughters of the Golden West, I am compelled to write in response to the unidentified person’s comments in the San Benito County Citizens Voice and Hotline column regarding Congressman Sam Farr’s efforts to raise federal funding for preservation of the California missions.
Native Daughters of the Golden West was the first non-profit organization instrumental in raising funds for restoration and preservation of the California missions throughout our Golden State.
NDGW has always valued the heritage and history that these missions added to our state. Our requirements for historical status are based on the site, and/or building’s contribution to the development of California statehood.
I have met Congressman Farr on several occasions and believe he is very sincere in his interest in preserving California history regardless of religious significance, and I support his efforts wholeheartedly.
With regard to the Adobe owned by our Parlor in San Juan Bautista, it is not as yet designated as a historical landmark only because of the “addition” our members built enabling us to have restrooms, kitchen and dining facilities.
This addition was made possible with donations from the community, the Ideal Cement Plant and our members throughout the state. Since our Parlor is one of the few in the state that owns our own building, it is only a matter of time that it will receive historical landmark status.
Native Daughters of the Golden West is appreciative of all donations and interest from all sectors of the public. However, I feel it is inappropriate for anyone to anonymously attempt to speak for us. We are a statewide non-profit organization with Grand Parlor headquarters located in San Francisco. Our Web site is www.NDGW.org. Public inquiries, including historical registries, can be made through the Web site.
Anyone born in the state of California can apply for membership to our organization.
Claudia C. Fisher, president, San Juan Bautista Parlor No. 179, NDGW
