History 101
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Question: ‘Who was the mayor of Santa Barbara during World War II?’
—Richard Cooper
For 50 years, Patrick Maher was involved in the public affairs of Santa Barbara. Read story.
‘When did the singer Lotte Lehmann live in Santa Barbara?’
— Dorothy Oksner
The world-renowned operatic soprano fell in love with the Santa Barbara area during her first visit in 1936. In the aftermath of political persecution and personal tragedy, she would settle here in 1940. Read story.
‘How did Natoma Avenue get its name?’
— Abby Lindros
This street, near Santa Barbara’s West Beach, is named after what has been called the “first American grand opera.” Read story.
‘Who is responsible for setting up Santa Barbara’s first library?’
— Ellen Zelinsky
It is hard to imagine in today’s Santa Barbara, with its wealth of libraries and bookstores, that there was a time when books were somewhat scarce. Read story.
‘I am interested in the artist Margaret Webb, who I think lived here for a time.’
— Ann Patterson
Margaret Ely Webb was one of the most versatile artistic talents to call Santa Barbara home. Read story.
‘What is the story behind the battle of Santa Barbara?’
— Erma Cook
In November 1829, a military revolt broke out in Alta California. Read story.
‘Can you give me some background on the artist Frank Morley Fletcher?’
— Hattie Beresford
One of the most important cultural institutions in Santa Barbara in the 1920s and early 1930s was the Santa Barbara School of the Arts. Read story.
‘What did the interiors of homes look like in the early days of Santa Barbara?’
— Rich Cooper
This is not an easy question to answer. Read story.
Question: ‘What was the practice of medicine like in the Spanish era?’
— Jo Lindros
Medical practices in Alta California under Spanish rule ran the gamut from sophisticated to what today would be considered downright quackery. Read story.
Question: ‘Weren’t there ostrich farms around here at one time?’
—Elizabeth Hodes
Believe it or not, ostrich farming has a South Coast history that goes back well over 100 years. Then, after a multi-decade hiatus, it enjoyed a renaissance of sorts in the 1980s, centered in the Santa Ynez Valley. Read story.
Question: When did the first automobile come to Santa Barbara?’
—Marge Kupchella
There was a bustling energy to Santa Barbara as the 19th century came to a close. Read story.
Question: ‘How many times has the Santa Barbara Mission been restored?’
—Lee Lindblom
History 101 answers your burning questions. Read story.
Question: ‘I’m interested in one of the early families in Carpinteria, the Olmstead family.’
—Victor Walton
Stephen H. Olmstead was among the first American settlers in the Carpinteria Valley, arriving in the early 1860s. Highly adaptable, he was willing to try any number of enterprises in the quest for success. Read story.
Question: ‘What can you tell me about the author Kate Wiggin?’
— Dennis Hakinnen
Kate Douglas Wiggin is primarily known today as the author of Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm. A prolific author of juvenile literature, she also was a highly respected educator and pioneer in the U.S. kindergarten movement. Read story.
Question: ‘What is the story behind this drawing of Santa Barbara?
— Dan Patterson
This pen and ink drawing of Santa Barbara, dated 1844, was executed by a Swede traveling through California in the years 1842-43, G. M. Waseurtz af Sandels. Sandels kept a journal during his travels, with comments on the places he visited and, periodically, with sketches. His journal, thought lost until published by the Society of California Pioneers in 1926, offers a fascinating portrait of California toward the end of Mexican rule. Read story.
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