The Ramona Story...

'HE RAMONA PLAY is more than just a beautiful

love story of the Indian maiden and her lover; it is
the saga of a people despoiled of their birthright; a
hymn of hope foreshadowing a brighter day—a sweep
of history.

The gifted pen of Helen Hunt Jackson brought
the story to life more than half a century ago. She
followed a factual outline but supplied the missing
links with her sensitive imagination. The period of her
novel centers around the 1850’s, but the incidents on
which she based her story actually took place around
1870. Speeches and scenes in the novel and auto-
biographies of the author indicate this, revealing her
purpose as the description of the intolerable treat-

ment of the Indians.

On the docket of the San Jacinto township court
is an entry dated March 24, A.D., 1883, signed by
Justice of the Peace S. V. Tripp. It begins:

“Personally appeared before me Samuel Temple
and makes the following statement (namely) that he
has this day committed justifiable homicide upon an
Indian supposed to be one Juan Diego... “Another
entry dated seven days later, concludes with these
sentences, “Defendant’s counsel makes motion that
the defendant be discharged on the grounds of justi-
fiable homicide, as no one has appeared to prosecute.
Motion granted and the prisoner is discharged as it
appears that no offense under the law has been com-

mitted.”

These terse words are part of the documentary
evidence of an incident which was to fire one of
America’s greatest writers to create her masterpiece.
Only a few months after the killing of Juan Diego,
Helen Hunt Jackson was a guest of Mr. and Mrs. J. C.
Jordan in old San Jacinto. -

One day Mrs. Jackson said to her hostess, On.
Mrs. Jordan, if only I could present this (the condition
of the Indians) in some way that the public would
hear! If only I could write a story such as Mrs. Stowe
wrote of Negro slavery!” Mrs. Jordan reviied that
she thought she knew of such a story, and recounted
the history of Juan Diego and Ramona. The elements
of this tale, molded by the genius of Mrs. Jackson,
became the immortal novel “Ramona.”

Intrigued by the beauty of the name, Ra~ ona,
Mrs. Jackson retained it for her heroine but Juan
Diego was changed to Alessandro and Cam Temple
became Jim Farrar.

Mrs. Jordan, who actually had

found shelter for the luckless Indian couple and had
torn boards from her barn to build a coffin for their
infant, became the Aunt Ri of the novel and her
husband was the original Jeff Hyer.

There is evidence from many sources of the shoot-
ing of Alessandro in the He.uet-San Jacinto Valley
and of many other incidents in the book. It was in
this valley that Ramona died in May, 1924, and her
grave may be seen at the Cahuiulia Indian reservation
near that of Juan Diego.

Dr. H. G. Hewitt, member of a pioneer San Ja-
cinto family, has described the death of Juan Diego
as it was told to him by Temple. The latter claimed
that he had fired in self defense as Juan came toward
him with a knife.

A contrasting note was struck in the pathetic
account of the killing given by the late Mrs. Cinciona
Norte, niece of Juan Diego:

“Juan Diego was working in his garden. I was
walking with one of the children a short distance
away and observed a white man riding up on a horse.
A moiuent later there was a shot, I turned and ran
pack toward the house. Juan was lying face down in

the garden with Ramona bending over him. He was
dead.

“We did not speak to the white man who com-
rutted the cri..e, in fact we had no opportunity to
do so because he rode away immediately. Ramona
accepted the death of Alessandro stoically. Her grief
was too great for tears. We needed help, but our
nearest neighbors were at Cahuilla village, eight

miles away. With her youngest child strapped to
her back, Ramona walked the entire distance to

Cahuilla. I remained
behind with the body.
The burial took place
in Cahuilla cemetery.”

Whatever the facts
behind the killing of
the man whom pos-

terity knew as Ales-
sandro, the _ incident
itself was symbolic of
real and great wrongs
done to a whole peo-
ple.

 
Ramona Pageant Association, Inc.
JOFIN BIGELOW, President

Presents

R

¢,

Samona.
AA. B /NIN

California's Greatest Outdoor Play
1970

 

Dramatized by
Garnet Holme

from the novel by

Helen Hunt Jackson

 

Willard Councilman Maurice Jara

General Manager Director

... Given Each Spring by the People of Hemet and San Jacinto...

 
 

A Community Enterprise...

The Ramona Outdoor Play, a non-profit enterprise
is an outstanding example of what can be accom-
plished through cooperative community endeavor.

From a modest beginning in 1923 with a budget
of $2500 and an attendance of 3023, the residents
of the Hemet -San Jacinto Valley have through their
faith, enthusiasm and untiring efforts built what is
widely acknowledged to be California’s Greatest

Outdoor Historical Pageant, requiring $75,000 to
produce and attended by over 36,000 annually.

Its board of ten directors who serve without re-
muneration are selected from the membership of the
Chambers of Commerce of the twin cities of Hemet
and San Jacinto. Through their frugal planning and
sound financing the Ramona Pageant Association now
holds in trust for the people of the two cities property
consisting of 160 acres of land and improvements
costing in excess of $300,000. All this has been paid
for from receipts of the past forty-two seasons of the

play.
The story of this highly successful enterprise, now

in its forty-third season, would not be complete
without the mention of reverses experienced in soiue

of the years of its existence.

Since 1923 there have been five years when the
play was not given, due first to economic conditions
and then the war. At the times of these emergen-
cies the association either had no surplus or soon
exhausted the sz.all savings it did have; but in each
case the people of the Hemet-San Jacinto Valley and
friends of the Ramona Play elsewhere came to the
rescue by providing emergency funds. Each time
when the association got back on its feet every cent
of the money advanced by the donors was repaid.

The Ramona Pageant association now has a sur-
plus of $75,000 in saving accounts which it is hoped
will carry through any emergency that may arise,
but in case it is not sufficient, past experience has
proven that the loyal people of the valley will again
come to the rescue.

When the chambers of commerce of Hemet and
San Jacinto, out of a desire to preserve the tradi-
tions of California’s early days, decided to dram-
atize the book “Ramona” it was a logical decision
because this valley was the scene of many of the in-
cidents of Helen Hunt Jackson’s novel.

In a pocket of a canyon looking up toward Mt. San
Jacinto they found a natural amphitheater with amaz-
ing acoustical properties.

For the first two seasons the spectators toiled
up a steep path to vantage points amid the sage

brush, using rocks, automobile cushions and opera
chairs for seats.

The first major improvement was made in 1925

when an automobile road was constructed up the
hill, with a turning area at the top. In 1926 a smail
block of concrete seats was installed and these have

been added to from year to year and improved until
the bow] now seats 6350.

An adequate water system has been provided, and
in order to make available sufficient free paved park-

ing space for nearly 3000 cars an entire hill had to be
removed.

The original stage set of the Camulos ranch es-
tancia of painted canvas and lath was replaced in
1936 with a peru.anent replica of the original ranch
house of the story. A cast house for the 350 players
and backstage personnel was acquired; rest rooms,
two first aid stations, nursery, picnic grounds, mus-
eum, iced drinking fountains in the aisles, concession
stands and other facilities for the comfort of patrons

have been provided. The present administration
building was built in 1941.

For the benefit of the general public an expensive
lighting system was installed in 1948 and the Ramona
Bowl is now used the year around for community
events. These include the annual free summer concert
series sponsored by the Ramona Bowl Music associa-
tion; the Hemet high school baccalaureate and com-
mencement exercises, the Kiwanis Easter sunrise
service, and by Boy Scout and Girl Scout groups.

Some idea of the magnitude of the Ramona Play
is shown by the fact that the cast numbers nearly
350 persons and that many more are engaged in cos-
tuming, make-up, supervision, ushering, transporta-
tion, parking and the hundred and one tasks that go
with such an undertaking.

The enthusiasm and devotion of the people of
Hemet and San Jacinto that have insured the success
of the undertaking for 483 years is reflected by the
fact that only the two leads, Ramona and Alessandro,
in recent years have come from outside the valley.
Participants come from all walks of life and it would
be difficult indeed to find a local resident who has
not contributed in some way to this auspicious pro-

. duction.
Characters of the Play...

(In order of appearance)

aA CANT; aaarecer ot Cameios Ranchi, 0 oe os ee ee Watson Gilmore, Jr.
SE SCT VEIN We ti NE i Sk a a i cs Raul Soto
Ua PR ab CS SAR Co ok id ga ROY Spe Oy ye UR ip SEEN MMPS eee LION RE I” RE ANE Estella Bautista
pV BW aro t Sc Cie) eRe a Rea a AEE Ce 3 ag a OME ee AR Cer tamer Cana. ol Tap Donna Rahn
PATH by Sey een an need Nrancistan TP rigtec ooo fe Oa Robert Taylor
ee a ad Rees ee cre oat cs Ae ULES * 2 nel ae De gE Aen PR RR NE Tee ORE ates Belen Lozano
BAGUIO, BU Ce a ee ae eg ee a Bill Priess
MARGARITA, a maid servant and Gaughiter ef BMapda = 42022 20h ee eae Frances Hicks
SINOR Ahan oe Teo: OF Bir tence Soo 2s i SO eS ee ea Doni McMullen
ATM SS ANDI capiaia: oF tite smoenshearers 25 25. ose eS Frank Sorell
prveWs Oi eee See gee Ce Cie) 8 ain Sic Rdg Oma aa amas eee enna apt 26 Dorothy Bailey Vosburg
Syst, ATM. BUCEINMEPOCT oa ce aa a ee oe ee ae Curt Faucett
MANUTEE  Berseman e624" Ae dk ee eee a ee Paul Reimers
FRANGISGOY Morsetiian: os" 7 ls oe ea Se eau amnesia ck Tom McCorkle
FELIPE MORENO, son of Senora. Morelia oe ee a Se Dennis Anderson
MLABIA, eBid dal ee Pane pe es Se ee ea pr weet, Anne McCauley
UE eg CL ee ge er a ant dao i ced gata Rag RUAN afi orbs a a aa Carol Tuller
CATE AI telecine Aee eee a foe eee i saan a ae ennai... Mike Sieben
Rane ace Aan A ee ORIN ot eS BS ae ee ee Letitia Ladbury
Sean ei MIRO Me i a Ee Cr NR ee oe to ee oe ice noel Greece lS Es a ae Don Royle
SUD EAINGS (IE ees ANG Pn. ) seaeeme eer eg ee 2 ie ee Arias Troupe
eG FS aE ee RRR OS ARNT a EE ee Fe Oras Nee ete aE As a ROP, Rosa Ramirez, Maurice Jara
ee con: enone Pad ernie es ee ee Ry Se rend Mary Lozano
POU ELEY AAOIN GS ce Ri ae 0 oh COIS er amet ee Tag Sean ee ORME T Ie OOM Lc) 8 GR eee ene Sid Jeffcoat
WSR ie ea aie es ee ee fo Ne ogame Site John LaChappa
BS Be a ee oe Do RS te Ce PC ne FR RIT oe Be ie aR i a Ce ee Dusty Bowen
SPEIER ars se se ee Kermit French
prow WSS Ds OT Sot ot BA Wie 2 cs OR ei ee cot ee ne ae een eee Fred Ewen
RB OSES Gee io ere EL eS Cree aati eter at RE OE Se Sir ae Sem Ole. aaa eee Ss Larry Snell
Se My, Ps. (Ft SR Mint ae ARR ec rae ERE od lo, ~ <rup he a OP eT TE Pe See Fa Blake Wallis
PRUTON See OR Os ee a Pe ree ee eee Pat Van Da Walker
Riese ects, seem ted a a eS Be a eee Ed Pringle
ron thd ie 4c DELS Teg CREE Cy |) pt eR ORO a REED Sik le aie my ec AU een aI RO e023 en ee ag Ruby Hodous
ok shy elf Bi Se a SOE NET Pe + yl ae eee Sn, Pete amet SNAP smn sere Edith Pringle, Randy Rekoske
INDIAN: SGtapne.” Le Sunrise Call <3) 8 get dae AP Nat Dale K. Brusewitz
Perel re aoa ge See ee ee ee Mike Bateman, Bill Croft, Mark Kouma, Randy Kreidell,
(Alternates :—Mike Lopez, Randy Miller.) Bill Madrigal, Paul Scott
Fee We a ee ya he te ee Yvonne Shubert, John Bigelow Jr.

Richard Acker, Bob Sands, Juanita Encell Shields

 

Setting of the Play...

In the Ramona Play, only that part of Helen Hunt Jackson's great story which uses this area as a locale has been dra-

matized. This is in no way a reflection on the other sections of California, which also were intimately associated with

the story of Ramona.

 

 
 

ACT ONE

EPISODE ONE: It is an unhappy time at the rancho of Se-
nora Moreno. Felipe, her only son is critically ill, and Juan
Canito overseer of the rancho, is helpless with a broken leg.
Father Salvedierra, aged padre, is about to leave after what

must be his last visit.
A ray of light breaks through when Alessandro, chief of the

Indian sheepshearers, is persuaded to remain longer at the
ranch. This he agrees to do because he has developed a secret
love for the beautiful, unattainable Senorita Ramona.

The episode ends as Father Salvedierra and the sheep-shear-
ers, departing from. the rancho, disappear over the hill.

EPISODE TWO: Happier times have arrived. Felipe is re-
covering. Alessandro is in charge of the ranch workers. In an
unguarded moment Juan Canito tells Alessandro that Ramona’s
mother was an Indian. Ramona discovers Margarita, flirtati-
ous maid-servant, attempting to win the attention of Ales-
sandro, and she reveals her own feelings for the Indian by her
concern over the discovery.

The Senora, who has never liked Ramona, insults her in the “My story begins over 100 years ago"
presence of Alessandro and the convalescent Felipe as she is at- Juan—Watson Gilmore. Pablo—Raul Soto
tempting to help the latter. Later Alessandro finds Ramona
weeping and he comforts her.

EPISODE THREE: Months later as preparations are being made for a fiesta to celebrate Felipe’s
recovery, Ramona tells Alessandro of the Senora’s unkindness to her. In an emotional moment he
declares his love for her, and they embrace. Thus the Senora discovers them. Raging, she sends
Alessandro from the rancho and tells Ramona that she will be sent to a convent unless she gives up
her Indian lover. She forces Felipe into sudden acquiescence to her plans.

ACT TWO

EPISODE ONE: A Fiesta is held to celebrate the recovery of Don Felipe Moreno.

EPISODE TWO: Alessandro secretly returns to tell Ramona that his home at Temecula has been
destroyed and his father killed by desperados. Although he has returned to say farewell, Ramona,
who knows about her Indian blood, insists that he take her with him to live among his own people.
At last he consents and the two lovers depart together from the Rancho.

EPISODE THREE: Two years have passed. After their marriage at San Diego, Ramona and Ales-
sandro have settled among the Indians and they are happy and prosperous. An Indian fiesta is held
in honor of the christening of their baby girl.

 

 

THE FIESTA

 
 

ACT THREE

EPISODE ONE. Suddenly, however,
white men appear, dispossess them
of their land and drive them from
their home.

EPISODE TWO: With the help of
Aunt Ri, Ramona and Alessandro
have tound peace and comfort
again. But tragedy strikes swiftly as
their child falls ill and dies. Grief
over his child and fear of his wife’s
safety unhinge the mind of Ales-
sandro, and he leads her away into
the far recesses of the mountains.

EPISODE THREE: Living in pov-
erty, Ramona is constantly in dread
that her husband will get into trou-
ble with the white men. One day,
her fears come true. Because he has
taken another man’s horse by mis-
take during a period of mental ill-
ness, Alessandro is shot down with-
out warning.

 

Ramona (Dorothy Bailey Vosburg) meets Felipe (Dennis Anderson) on
the return trip to Mexico

be,

 

SS

"Father, these men come to claim my land." Ysidro—John LaChappa.
Farrar—Dusty Bowen. Father Gaspara—Fred Ewen

Jake—Kermit French

EPILOGUE

Meanwhile, the Senora has died.
As the epilogue opens, Felipe and
the entire household gather in front
of the old home, ready to leave for
Mexico. The young Spaniard, al-
vays secretly in love with Ramona,
speaks sorrowfully of the tragedy
which has befallen her. He then
announces the good news that she
has at last been persuaded to meet
them on the trail and accompany
them to their new home in Mexico,
where everything possible will be
done to bring her hapriness.

Finally, his eyes upon the horizon
Felipe leads his people away from
the rancho. As they go, they sing
a song of farewell; and the aging
Juan Canito, with sad and heavy
heart locks for all time the great
doors of the old ranch house.

 
 

 

Dorothy Bailey Vosburg returns to the Ramona Pageant this season after an absence of sev-
eral years. She first played the role of Ramona while still a student at the University of
California at Los Angeles. She continued in the role for seven consecutive seasons, during
which time she married William Vosburg, owner of the pioneer Vosburg Hotel in San Ja-
cinto and is now the mother of five lovely daughters. 1970 will be the tenth year in which

she has portrayed Ramona, and she has also been the major female understudy several
times. .
 

Frank Sorell is playing the role of the ill-fated Indian hero, Alessandro, for his fourth con-
secutive year. He is well known in the entertainment field for his beautiful Operatic bass-
baritone voice, and has played in films, on television and radio, and appeared in night clubs
on the west coast and Hawaii. He is a native Californian now living in Reseda with his

wife and two children.

 
 

"It serves you right for coming outside." Juan, with Dolores—Belen Lozano,
and Margarita—Frances Hicks

 

"You will dance with me, won't you?" Alessandro—Frank Sorell
Margarita—Frances Hicks

 

a

"Come, Senora, and pray with me.’ Senora—Doni McMullen
Father Salvedierra—Robert Taylor

 
 

"Ride to the Rubidoux Rancho and invite them to the Fiesta." Francisco—
Tom McCorkle, Manuel—Pau! Reimers, Juan—Watson Gilmore,
Dolores—Belen Lozano

 

"Why must | always carry everything?" Seraphina—Carol Tuller
Carlos—Mike Sieben, Maria—Anne McCauley, Lupe—
Letitia Ladbury, Dolores—Belen Lozano

 

"Caramba!"' (Marda—Donna Rahn. Juan—Watson Gilmore.
Luigo—Bill Priess).

 
 

esis ‘ IRS ON ce i : a bial : P
Father Salvedierra (Robert Taylor) blesses Ramona (Dorothy Vosburg)
and Alessandro (Frank Sorell)

 

"Don't let these women take up all your time, Alessandro”
Juan—Watson Gilmore, Alessandro—Frank Sorell

 

  

"These jewels were left to Ramona provided she marries worthily"
Felipe—Dennis Anderson, Senora—Doni McMullen

 
 

"Get to work you lazy girl."" Marda—Donna Rahn, Margarita—Frances
Hicks, Dolores—Belen Lozano

 

"| wish Margarita could see me now.'' Luigo—Bill Priess

 

"This paper does not tell me what | wish most to know. . . Who was
my mother?'' Senora—Doni McMullen, Ramona—Dorothy Vosburg

 
 

"See Alessandro, the child is smiling." Ramona—Dorothy Vosburg,
Alessandro—Frank Sorell

 

"Now the child shall have the blessing of my people." Ramona and
Alessandro with the aged Mara—Mary Lozano

    

"You've got four days to clear out.’ Hayton—Sid Jeffcoat,
Alessandro—Frank Sorell

 
 

"You and the kids wait here." Hayton—Sid Jeffcoat, His wife—Ruby
Hodous, His son—Randy Rekoske. His daughter—Edith Pringle

 

"Don't go and hurt yourself, just when we're gettin’ started"
heat Ri—Pat Van Da Walker, Joe—Blake Wallis

+

 

"I'll learn you damned Indians to steal our horses.'' Alessandro—
Frank Sorell, Farrar—Dusty Bowen

 
Board of Directors..

JOHN BIGELOW, President, is past president of the Hemet Valley Chamber of

Commerce, an ardent civic worker and is a local leading furniture store owner,

RICHARD A. KROKER, Vice President, is a general contractor in San Jacinto

where he also is a member of the San Jacinto Unitied School Board of Trustees, and
is serving his fourth year on the board.

  
  
  
  
  

   

RICHARD A. KROKER
Vice President

JOHN BIGELOW
President

JAMES W. GILL, JR., Treasurer is a past president of the association, Hemet
Kiwanis and Chamber of Commerce, and is president of Hemet Hospital District.
Publisher of The 'Hemet News, he has been a member of the board for several year.

H. E. "JEFF" DIVINE, Secretary, is a past president of the association, the San
Jacinto Rotary Club, the San Jacinto Chamber of Commerce and Realty Board. He
is in the real estate and insurance business and very active in community affairs.

  
  
  

 
  

H. E. DIVINE
Secretary

 

JAMES W. GILL, JR.

Treasurer

EDWARD B. WESTALL, a chemical engineer and manager of the valley Nutrilite
plants, a past president of San Jacinto Valley Chamber of Commerce and Rotary

Club, is the immediate past president of the association.

ARTHUR K. WILLIAMSON, past president and past Lieutenant Governor of Ki-

wanis, and past president of Hemet Chamber of Commerce, has been most active for
many years in the civic development of the valley.

 

A. K. WILLIAMSON
Director

EDWARD B. WESTALL
Director

FRANK REGUR, a past president of Kiwanis and a charter member of the Elks
Club, has been owner-operator of a local hardware store for twenty-six years. He

started service in the Pageant at the age of 12 as a Boy Scout, has served as a Bowl
Supervisor since 1940, and has been chairman of that committee for the past sixteen

years.

LAURIS T. BOYER, local general contractor, past president of Hemet Chamber of
Commerce and Lions Club, has served for several years on various committees in the

Play.

~ LAURIS BOYER
Director

 

FRANK REGUR

Director

 

FRED E. WAGNER, manager of the Hemet Branch of United California Bank, a
past president of Hemet Chamber of Commerce and member of its board, has been
in the Play in some capacity since a boy when he attended San Jacinto schools.

DALE LEONARD is the manager of the United California Bank in San Jacinto. He
is a past president of the San Jacinto Chamber of Commerce, and has been active
in community affairs during the six years he has resided here. In addition to his
bank background, he has had considerable musical training and experience and is the
director of the 'Cancioneros" musical group, which greets the visitors to the Ramona

Bowl on show days.

       

MB,

FRED E. WAGNER
Director

DALE LEONARD
Director

 
 

MUSICIANS: The Arias Troubadours are a group of entertainers who have been in the Ramona Pageant

every year since Jose Arias first started in 1924, and are now led by his sons, Alfonso and Antonio.

 

LOS CANCIONEROS—"The Singers"—Carol Schlange, Diane Arnsmeyer, Brian Bradbery, Phyllis
Babbitt, Jan Bissell, Randy Spencer, Josephine Garcia, Shawn Schrum, Patsy Kennedy, Manuel
Reyes, Diana Mapes, Susie Severns, Dennis Callin.

 
 

Inspired Leadership...

The first manager and leader in the origination of the Ramona

Outdoor Play, the late Burdette Raynor, compiled in 1935 an
account of the origin of what has become California's Greatest
PageantDrama, which is as follows:

On December 6, 1920, at a meeting of the directors of the
Hemet Valley Chamber of Commerce, | was chosen as secretary

of that organization.

About 45 years ago, or soon after coming to Hemet, | read
Helen Hunt Jackson's story, "Ramona." | was so much impressed
with the book that | read some parts of it several times, and read
the entire book through twice. The book became very real to me
because of its relationship to this, our San Jacinto Valley. Aunt
Ri's house was in a fairly well preserved condition and still stand-
ing was the old store, behind which was the corral where Ales-
sandro took the horse, resulting in the fatal shooting.

It seemed to me that if Hemet could put on some outdoor

performance that would draw a large number of people to our
valley at least once a year it would be a fine thing. To accom-
plish this end, nothing presented itself so favorably to my mind

as the Ramona story,
It was in the latter part of the year 1921 that | consulted

with the directors of the chamber of commerce respecting this
plan, having previously discussed the proposition with the late
J. O. Percival and Mrs. Joseph Henck, president and vice presi-

dent of the organization.
The plan met with the approval of the board, but at that time

there was in evidence no great amount of interest as compared
with the interest and wonderful support given later, with the ex-
ception of Mr. Percival and Mrs. Henck, who were both enthusi-
astic and ardent supporters of the movement from the very first.
In fact, it is well known that much credit is due the former for his

splendid work as president of the chamber of commerce while we

were pioneering the Ramona Pageant.

The plan having been accepted, the first thing that seemed
necessary was to find someone to write the play or adapt the story
to our need. The writer consulted with Prof. Paul G. Ward of our
high school, who suggested that | enlist the help of Miss Irene
Muller, also a teacher in the high school. Miss Muller recom-
mended that Miss Helen S, Sturges, now Mrs. Jerome B. Walden,
be asked to write the play, as some of her work in the school
showed marked ability along that line. Miss Sturges immediately
began on this work, but about that time | received literature
through the mail of the Desert Play at Palm Springs, a production
by Garnet Holme. | suggested to Mr. Percival that we go to

Palm Springs and witness this play.

The following Saturday, November 4, 1922, we set out for
Palm Springs, having invited Miss Muller and Miss Sturges to ac-
company us, because of their active interest and because of the
special work Miss Sturges was doing for us at that time. | believe
there was little thought of considering the employment of Mr.
Holme; we were simply out to learn from observation all we
could about outdoor plays. However, as we saw the play through
we became so impressed with the production that we agreed that
we must see Mr. Holme, the author.

Mr. Percival and’! found Mr. Holme of a very genial and
kindly disposition, We introduced ourselves and immediately made
known to him our ambition for Hemet. In brief, we made arrange-
ments with Mr. Holme to visit us, which he seemed very willing to

do.

When Mr. Holme arrived in Hemet he said one of the first
and important things to do was locate a suitable place in the hills
for the production. So on this particular morning, Mr. Percival,
John E. King and myself, with Mr. Holme and his two friends, set
out on the search. Mr. Percival suggested that there was a sort of

canyon south of Flemet, back of his old home, which he would
like for us to see before we went elsewhere. We drove our car as
far as we could and with much difficulty worked our way through
ihe dense sagebrush and thickets to the exact spot that is now the
Ramona bowl. After trying the acoustic properties of this particu-
lar place, Mr. Holme became enthusiastic over its surroundings
and possibilities. | confess | could see but little of the beauty and
loveliness for which Mr. Holme was so enthused, but Mr. Holme
was a great lover of nature and what was commonplace to some
would become a thing of beauty to him.

Mr. Holme signed a contract with us.

He immediately discussed with me some of the problems that
would have to be settled before we could proceed. Miss Virginia
Calhoun of Los Angeles was owner of the exclusive dramatic rights

to the Ramona story for California, and rights to produce a play
would have to be secured direct from her. After learning her
address at Los Angeles, it was with much enthusiasm | called on
Miss Calhoun, but about two hours later | left that lady with much
of my enthusiasm gone and my disposition considerably ruffled
and upset. | suggested to Mr. Holme that he visit M:ss Calhoun
and try to arrange terms, but this was the one thing Mr. Holme
always refused to do.

It is not my thought to discredit Miss Calhoun, who was an
accomplished lady and capable actress, and had played the part
of Ramona in one of her own productions, but her ideas and vis-
ions of the tremendous possibilities of dramatizing this story of
Helen Hunt Jackson's carried her so far away from points of
reasoning that it seemed next to impossible ever to reach satisfac
tory arrangement. | do not recall how many times | went to see this
lady and each time | went away baffled and disappointed. One
day | was introduced to a friend of Mr. Holme, the proprietor
of a large book store in Los Angeles, who knowing my difficulties,
suggested that | drop negotiations with Miss Calhoun and ask
Mr. Holme to write a play on some subject other than Ramona.

I+ was also about that time | called on Miss Adelaide Wilson
of Little Lake (now Mrs. Arnold of Twentynine Palms) and she,
too, advised some other theme, suggesting an Indian legend fami-
liar to her, which had a relationship with the valley which she felt
would produce a play of much interest.

But somehow | could never get away from the possibilities in
this story of Ramona, its relationship to this valley and its estab-
lished advertising value because of its great popularity. So | con-
tinued my negotiations for the privilege or permit for Mr. Holme
to write a play and a right to produce the play in this valley.
About all my time was given to this for several weeks. Little,
Brown & Company, Boston publishers who owned the copyright
on the siory, also had to be reckoned with.

Finally, in desperalion, | set about to draw up a contract
myself, thinking it best not to employ an attorney. This contract

   

ORIGINAL RAMONA PLAY CAMULOS HOUSE

 
when completed was fearfully and wonderfully made, for | used
all the diplomacy and skill that | as an amateur could command
for the occasion. | then presented it to AHorney Oliver P. Ensley,
one of our directors, who said it would do without alterations. Then
| presented it to the board for ther ratification, went to see Mr.
Holme and told him it was now or never, that this would be my
last call on Miss Calhoun, and if she refused to sign the contract
| was authorized to return to his office and ask him to write a
play for the valley on some theme he might think best.

With grim determination | set out for what | fully expected
would be my last and unsuccessful visit. | rushed my proposition
with all the argument | could muster and finished up by saying,
"This document becomes a contract when you and | attach our
names. Will you sign it, Miss Calhoun?" To my everlasting sur-
prise and gratification Miss Calhoun signed the contract without
question or argument,

The following minutes taken from the records of the Hemet
Valley Chamber of Commerce are of much interest, as they record
not only the contract which was one of the important steps in
producing the Ramona Pageant, but also gives the officers and
directors who figured in the early history:

January 22, 1923—A special meeting of the board of directors
of the Hemet Valley Chamber of Commerce met at 4 p.m. in the
director's room, Those present were: J. O. Percival, O. P. Ensley,
John W. Isle, C. C. Kuykendall, E. O. Eggen and John E. King.

Those absent were Mrs. J. E. Henck, Dr. John B. Weston, M. B.
Rideout, C. E. Goodhue and W. H. Pawson, Jr.

A discussion as to the advisability of signing a contract with
Miss Virginia Calhoun for the use of the Ramona story in writing
or producing a pageant at Hemet was considered. After consid-
erable discussion, a motion was made and seconded that the fol-

lowing resolution be adopted:

"The Hemet Valley Chamber of Commerce wishes to extend
its thanks and appreciation to Miss Virginia Calhoun for her con-
sent to use the story of Ramona as written by Helen Hunt Jack-
son, and it feels that a reasonable compensation should be granted
Miss Calhoun for the dramatic rights as acquired by her from the
publishers, Little, Brown & Company of Boston."

OXEN AND CARRETA ON’ PARADE

 

Agitation for the pageant had now been going on for over a
year, for the minutes show as far back as May 24, 1922, Mrs.
Henck discussed before the board the advantages and possibilities
of a Ramona Pageant for Hemet,

We entered into a one-year contract with Mr. Holme to di-
rect this first performance, and we paid him a flat sum of $200
for his writing the play. From the $1500 production cost, he was
also to receive $500.

It was just after this that | first suggested to Mr. Holme that
we should make provision for the people of the valley to inherit
the rights to this production, if in the course of time he should
be taken away. A little over a year before his death, | again re-
minded him about the matter, suggesting that he make provision
in his will for Hemet and San Jacinto to have full rights to his
production, when he was through with it.

Getting back to the early period, employing Mr. Holme and
putting on an outdoor play meant considerable cost. Some money
had to be in sight right away. It was suggested by Mr. Holme
that we get the business men of Hemet to guarantee the fi-
nances, and | set out and secured the names of 50 men on a
guarantee to the extent of $25 each. On the strength of this
guarantee we were able to secure funds from one of the banks.

Advertising the pageant was another expense which would re-
quire consideration. Someone suggested that we get a team of
oxen, (| believe that Frank Felt should have credit as the origi-
nator of this idea), hitch them to an old Spanish carreta and drive
through the towns and villages, distributing handbills and adver-
tising the play. That seemed a good idea, but where was the
team of oxen and where the carreta? We advertised for them
through one of the Los Angeles papers. Word came to us of a team
of oxen at a logging camp in the San Bernardino mountains. The
directors appointed a committee composed of Dr, J. W. Caldwell
and President J. O. Percival to visit the logging camp, examine
the animals, find out the price and report.

Afterward the committee was informed that this team of oxen
were out at pasture at Victorville. So on to Victorville the com-
mittee went. Satisfying themselves that they were all right, a
recommendation came to the board that the team be purchased
for $150.

The board approved the recommendation and ordered me to
buy the oxen, paying for them when delivered to us in good order.

The usefulness of the ox team closed with the advent of the
hoof and mouth disease in our second year, but it was the general
opinion of the chamber of commerce that the plan worked well
and was worth the expense of maintenance.

My thought was, especially the first year, that we could never
make the thing a success and pay our bills unless we succeeded in
getting sufficient people to attend the performances, and | de-
voted much of my time to that work,

Prior to starting the advertising campaign, it became impera-
tive to have added help in the office, someone to aid and assist
Mr. Holme in his work and take care of the main details that had
to be handled, Mrs. S. C. Miller, after much persuasion, finally
consented to undertake this job and was appointed chairman of
the pageant committee. Great credit is due Mrs. Miller for the
successful way in which she managed the affair.

One of the things | remember in connection with Mr. Holme
was the inquiry he made of an old friend he had in San Jacinto
by the name of Ed Poorman. When Mr. Holme came to Hemet,
one of the first things he did was to look for "Eddie, old dear,"
as he often affectionately called him. Mr. Poorman was the prin-
cipal advisor to Mr. Holme in selecting the cast for the first play,
and the good judgment as evidenced by the success of these play-
ers is very commendable. Mr, Poorman later became general man-
ager and president of the pageant.

Phil Whiting was another one of the pioneers who participat-
ed in the first year's arrangements. Mr. Holme introduced Phil to
me one day when in Los Angeles, suggesting that we employ him

 
 

Inspired Leadership...

"for with Phil's help," said Mr. Holme, "all our problems would be
solved." Since Mr. Holme felt the help of Mr. Whiling was such
an absolute necessity, and Phil's agreement to come the first year
with such a meager sum to get the thing started, it seemed as
though | could really do nothing else but consent to Mr. Holme's
wishes, and time proved the wisdom of this act,

The splendid support of the entire board of directors of the
chamber of commerce was always an impelling force for me to do
my best. The way the business men of Hemet and San Jacinto
Valley supported it, 50 men pledging their credit to the extent
of $25 each on an untried plan, was quite remarkable.

From the very start there was a combination of workers from
both Hemet and San Jacinto, for it was the plan to make this
Ramona Pageant a union between the two towns.

About a month before staging the first pageant a movement
was made to combine the chambers of commerce of Hemet and
San Jacinto, thinking that such a merger would not only facilitate
and aid a successful production, but would be of mutual benefit to
both towns. The first public movement in that direction was
brought about in the Kiwanis ciub at Hotel Vosburg when M. S.

Glasser moved the club favor such a merger. After the plan had
been discussed in special meetings at Hemet and San Jacinto and
through the Hemet-San Jacinto Kiwanis club, it was adopted, and
the new organization took on the name of Hemet-San Jacinto
Chamber of Commerce.

It was on April 9, 1923, that Meyer S. Glasser, Edward Poor-
man and Howard Warren were elected as directors of the Hemet-
San Jacinto Chamber of Commerce to represent the San Jacinto

section.

It had been the original plan to hold the pageant on week
days only, but on further consideration of the matter by the board
of directors, shortly before the pageant the dates were changed,
putting on the play Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This led to
considerable friction for a time but it was the contention of the
majority of the directors that the play was to be of such a high
character that its influence for good would outweigh the objections
to a Sunday performance,

Rapidly the date drew near for the great event, The Camulos
ranch house had been erected at a point designated by Mr.
Holme. The lumber was hauled to ihe spot by J. G. West, gratis.
Phil Whiting with his assistants, covered the framework with sheet-
ing and kalsomine. Additional trees and shrubs were planted or
arranged to produce certain effects in the bowl. Garnet Holme
was each day rehearsing the participants. Rain insurance had
been taken out as a matter of ‘protection to the guarantors, Acci-
dent insurance was provided covering all participants and every-
thing was made ready for the supreme moment. The ox team with
its retinue of attendants spent their last two days of activity be-
fore the play in parading the streets of Hemet and San Jacinto.

The success of the first pageant performance is still remem-

bered.

There had been high hopes as to the outcome but the actual
results were above and beyond any of our expectations, Reporters
from some of the larger city newspapers were in attendance, per-
haps as much a matter of curiosity as anything else, but their re-
ports and praise through the press were most gratifying. An editor
of a popular daily in one of our nearby cities afterwards said
to me:

"Il came the first day because | wanted to see what you
people of Hemet and San Jacinto could do. | came the second
day because | wanted my wife and children to see it. We all
came the third day because we all wanted to see it again.’

A lady tourist stated: "I came all the way from Chicago to
see your beautiful California. Had | seen nothing else but this
wonderful pageant | would have felt repaid for the trip."

At the close of the second day's performance a man came to

me and said he was so pleased with the pageant he wanted to
add a little more to the price of his ticket and handed me $10.
This is the $10 noted in the financial report as “pageant dona-
tion,"" and the man was the late C. B, Woodhead, father of Mrs.
Howard Warren, well known in Hemet and San Jacinto, and Mrs.
Laura Woodhead Steere, noted Sculptress, who has a studio at
Idyllwild.

Not only did the pageant play grip and enthuse the audi-
ences, but there was something that gripred and held those who
participated in its performance. Well do | remember the feeling
expressed by those who gathered around the stage at the end of
the performance that last day, regretting that a thing which they
had helped produce should suddenly come to a close.

The financial report, which gave a small surplus over expenses
was most gratifying. It was a modest beginning but an augury of
the greater success to come in the future years.

Perhaps we will never fully appreciate the service of John E

King, not only for the support given that first year through The
Hemet News, but his influence with the press ail over Southern
California which aided us so much in receiving consideration dur-
ing the ox team campaign of advertising.

| doubt if we can realize the value of the work of Mrs. S. C.
Miller, who was chairman of the first Ramona Pageant committee,
and J. O. Percival, president of the chamber of commerce, who
never failed to function in the highest capacity in any demands
that were made on him in furthering the work.

We must not forget that the Boy Scouts of Hemet and San
Jacinto, under the supervision of C, S. Cox and Charles Van Fleet,
built the first trail to the bowl and rendered other service.

The boys of the American Legion erected the cross above
the bowl on March 15, 1923, and that was no easy task.

C. L. Emerson supplied the riding horses gratis the first year,
and E. O. Ingalls of San Jacinto very kindly gave us the use of
the riding horse, Black Baba, which fitted so perfectly in the play.

Miss Irene Muller of the high school not only from the very
start arranged and provided those beautiful costumes for the danc-
ing girls but was of valuable service in many ways.

You will recall that Charlie Randall's orchestra provided the
music and headed the parade up the trail. Ray Brant trained the
poys and girls for the Indian dance,

Mrs, Lewis H. Warren had charge of the properties. Mrs.
S. C. Miller and ladies of the Hemet Woman's club, designed
and made many costumes for the performance, also 1000 pennants
completed for street decoration. The club, under the leadership of
Mrs. H. B, Jones, performed other valuable services that first year.

   

FIRST PERFORMANCE AUDIENCE IN 1923
Directorial
Staff...

 

   

MAURICE JARA HILDA JARA
Director Co-Director

For the forty-third season of the Ramona Outdoor Play, as Director, we have the actor-singer who
turned in an outstanding performance for fifteen years as the Alessandro of the Play. Maurice Jara,

prior to coming to the valley to make his home, played in many movie and television shows in Holly-
wood.

As Co-Director, he is assisted by his wife Hilda, a fifth-generation Californian who has taken part as
a dancer, actress, and director of many productions at the Padua Hills Theater. She also assisted the
Victor Jory’s during the last two years that they directed ‘“Ramona.”

Oréanization...

WILLARD S. COUNCILMAN, the general manager, has been
associated with the play for 22 years. This is his seventh year in
his present capacity. Mr. Councilman, a local businessman, has
served on the board of directors, and is a past president of the as-
sociation. He is a former member of the Hemet City Council, was
a Director of the Hemet Chamber of Commerce for six years, and

is a past president of the Hemet Lion’s Club, and is presently a
member of the Hemet-San Jacinto Exchange Club.

WILLARD COUNCILMAN

HELEN MURDOCK is Executive Secretary of the Ramona
Pageant Association. She has been active in the Play for 23
years, serving as properties chairman and then in the chorus be-
fore becoming secretary. Her husband serves on the parking

committee, and their four children, Marla, Ann, Jay and Melinda
have also been active in the cast.

BETH WEST, in ker second year as Ticket Controller, comes
to the Pageant with considerable experience in the accounting
field. She is the mother of four children who have all attended
or are still attending the Hemet Schools. She is the wife of Nor-
man West, popular Coach of Hemet's winning baseball teams, and

   

| >
HELEN MURDOCK Director of Athletics at Hemet High School. BETH WEST

MARY JOHNSON, of Los Angeles, who with her late husband, J. Howard Johnson have been
directors of radio and television publicity for Ramona since 1936, also the same capacity for the
Los Angeles Civic Light Opera and many other organizations.

 
Production Staff...

MRS. MABEL HIGHT is serving her twenty-third year on
the costume committee her I3th year as chairman. A long time
resident of the valley, she is a professional judge of domestic arts,

judging at many county and district fairs in Southern California.

MELBA GILMORE—Mrs. Watson Gilmore, Jr., wife of Juan

Canito of the Play is serving her 8th year as stage manager. She
has played several parts in the Play over a period of years and
this is her 24th year. She is very active in the local players group
as well as many other community organizations.

MABEL HIGHT MELBA GILMORE

  
  
   

   

=

MRS, JUSTINE DUGAN is serving as director of the chil-

dren of the Rancho. She has been active in the Play for 7 years
and with the children for 6 of them.

MRS. NORMA GIBBEL, wife of the late Harvey Gibbel, a
past president of the association is chairman of the all-important
properties committee. 1970 is her |8th year.

   

JUSTINE DUGAN

NORMA GIBBEL

GRACE WIEST serves as Chairman of the Makeup Commit-
tee for the second time this year, has worked with the Makeup
Committee for |6 years.

CLARA WILHELM, Directo: of Indian Braves, is serving her

8th year as chairman of the committee this year. She has serv-
ed in the Play for the past 13 years,

   

GRACE WIEST

R. L. (Dusty) BOWEN, well known valley horseman is direc-
tor of the posse and portrays the part of Farrar again this year.
This is his 20th year in the Play.

EDWIN CULTON has taken part in the Play for 16 years, 14
of which has been with the Indian dancers, the group which he is

directing in this year's performance,

   

s

R. L. (Dusty) BOWEN EDWIN CULTON

 

A Community Non-Profit Corporation -..

Affairs of the Ramona Outdoor Play are administered through a non-profit community corporation, the Ramona Pageant
Association, which has been formed through a coalition of the Hemet and San Jacinto Chambers of Commerce ... a desire
expressed by the late Garnet Holme in leaving the rights of the play to the two communities.

Just as the cast is composed of farmers, merchants, lawyers, doctors and housewives, the board of directors of the as-
sociation is truly a cross section of the two communities. Board members are selected by the two valley chambers of com-
merce. Many of the board members have portrayed parts in the play and all devote much of their spare time to the develop:
ment of this community project without remuneration.

 
 

This beautiful bell was presented by
Richard P. Benton in memory of the late
Garnet Holme,

“The play of ‘Ramona’ and all its royalties
and fees, I should like to be given to the people
of Hemet and San Jacinto, because they are my
friends.” Extract from the last will and testa-
ment of Garnet Holme.

Garnet Holme, author and original director
of the Ramona Pageant, lives in the hearts of
the people of Hemet and San Jacinto. His acci-
dental death, at his home near Larkspur on
February 12, 1929, was a severe blow to his
legion of friends throughout California, his state
of adoption.

Mr. Holme was born August 11, 1873 at
Hemel, Hempstead, in England. He was a grad-
uate of Christ College, Cambridge, and began
the study of his art under the direction of Sir
Frank Benson, England’s most versatile Shake-
spearean actor, in the ancient town of Stratford-

on-Avon.

In 1904 he came to America to produce a
pageant in the Yale Bowl. Shortly thereafter he
came to California, where he was to devote 25
years to the preservation of the history and
glorification of the simple romances of the Gold-
en State.

His greatest fame, however, came with his
production of a score of outdoor plays, but the

 

: : : California Centennial landmark placed at Bowl en-
Ramona Pageant was his finest play and his trance in recognition of the Pageant's ranking sig-

greatest success. nificance in California history.

 
 

 

 

 

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