Rancho Santa Fe Historical Society Update
By Gordon Bartow
We would like to take this special time of year to update the community on your Rancho Santa Fe Historical Society.  In the past year and a half we have received inquiries from community homeowners, from the Association, and from the Art Jury requesting that the historical society review plans and research remodels and renovations of historic homes to assure that our historic community standards are upheld, while at the same time helping homeowners achieve their goals for their families.

This year the historical society reviewed approximately seven significant  projects and made formal recommendations to the Art Jury at the Association.

This notable committee includes Max Wuthrich, a well recognized architect in the village, Bill Matzinger and Gary Young, renowned custom home builders who are active and knowledgeable about the historic traditions of the village and Enid Arckless, well known for her interior design projects.  Should anyone like to know more about this special committee, please give us a call at 756-9291.

The Architectural Review Committee's mission is to preserve the intent of the original architecture in keeping with the ambiance of historic Rancho Santa Fe.  The committee accomplishes this mission by evaluating plans for proposed projects by meeting with homeowners and their architects, reviewing architectural plans, and by researching historic archives related to those plans.  The committee only reviews historic homes including those designed by Lillian Rice, Cliff May, Verna Shipway, John Wright, and other well known architects.

On another note, longtime resident Joe Coberly, who has made many contributions to the village, including the beautiful plantings and tree-lined median that runs down the center of Avenida Delicias.  The historical society presented a special plaque to Joe for his service, and recognized him as a lifetime honorary member of the historical society.

Long time residents and historical society volunteers and members Peggy Millar  O'Driscoll  and Jean Smart  Barnes are helping to  identify old photographs from our archives. They are lifetime friends who grew up in the village (known as the civic center while they were growing up and attending school here)  and have been moved to roaring laughter as well as tears while perusing the photographs.

he wonderful holiday season is upon us and we want to wish all of you our very best wishes.  Please join us at our holiday open house on December 16 from 5-7 pm here at La Flecha house.  Refreshments will be served and a good time will be had by all!