Society News

Access to the Costa Mesa Historical Society Museum may be impacted by construction of the new downtown library. Please use Anaheim Avenue and follow the signs to the library until further notice.

The Artistic License Fair returns to Estancia Park Friday, October 26 and Saturday, October 27 from 10 a.m-4 p.m. Browse fine crafts from 50 artisans based in Orange, Los Angeles, and Riverside counties. Now in its 25th year, the annual event began as the Denwar Crafts Fair over fifty years ago. The Diego Sepulveda Adobe will be open for visitors on both days. For more information, go to artisticlicensefair.com.

Mary Ellen Goddard will offer four free one-hour seminars on archival practice to society volunteers each Friday from September 28-October 19th at 10:30 a.m. The seminars will take place at the Costa Mesa Historical Society Museum and Headquarters. Sessions will cover the following topics:

Costa Mesa’s newest fire station, the Royal Palm station, will be dedicated Saturday, September 29 at 10 a.m. This modern facility will serve the Mesa Verde area with the finest in first-responder equipment, training, and personnel. Working with Captains Rob Gagne and Fred McDowell, the Society has loaned a fireman’s turnout coat and helmet to be placed on display in the station’s lobby. Opposite the display case is a wall-sized enlargement of a historical photo of the original Royal Palm Station, designed by former Costa Mesa Mayor Willard T. Jordan.

November is fast approaching and so are our annual elections. This is where you, our members, have the opportunity to become a candidate or nominate another member for any of the following positions: President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Board Director.

Thank you to all who visited us at the 71st Annual Costa Mesa-Newport Harbor Lions Club Fish Fry September 21-3. We hoped you enjoyed watching Echoes from the Fields or purchasing gifts from the booth we shared with the Friends of the Library. 

Most of all, a big THANK YOU to the volunteers who donated their time and made the event such a success. We couldn’t do it without you!

See you again next year!

Thanks to a joint effort of society volunteers, a new mannequin has been added to the Diego Sepulveda Adobe.

It’s hoped the mannequin, representing a young woman from around the 1860s, will illustrate period dress, spark conversation, and add a splash of color, craftsmanship, and beauty to the adobe’s Victorian Room. The mannequin was purchased with the personal funds of Art and Mary Ellen Goddard, who then donated it to the society. It replaces a taller mannequin whose dress could no longer be repaired.

Once acquired, one of our docents reached out to Cynthia Corley, Orange Coast College Theatre Arts Department, who donated her time to create the new mannequin’s outfit and wig. Corley was reimbursed for the cost of materials, but she donated all her labor for the benefit of the historical society. The mannequin now models an attractive blouse and tiered skirt.

The mannequin is a perfect example of how people can help our organization. If you have an idea for helping out, let us know. And don’t forget to stop by the adobe and admire the work that went into the new educational model.