Historical Society Created by Many

November 20, 2003

Dear Editor,

In the interest of historical accuracy, I would like to correct a statement in your article "A Love Affair with Santa Monica" (November 10, 2003) pertaining to the founding of the Santa Monica Historical Society in 1975.

According to the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, to "found something is "to establish or set up, especially with provision for continuing existence." Contrary to the statement in your article about the civic contributions of Louise and Bob Gabriel, no single person should be credited with founding the Santa Monica Historical Society. Rather, it was he result of a collective effort on the part of a number of people, one of whom was my wife, Ann Funk.

Articles in the Los Angeles Times and the Santa Monica Evening Outlook in the Fall of 1975 reported that Ann chaired a meeting Nov. 12 for the purpose of creating the Santa Monica Historical Society. At the meeting, former mayor Clo Hoover was elected the society's first president. Other officers elected were (quoting the Outlook Nov. 19, 1975): "Ysidro Reyes, first vice president; Mrs. Robert Gabriel, 2nd vice president; Charles Wacker III, 3rd vice president; Mrs Molly Richardson, recording secretary; Dr. Norton B. Stern, corresponding secretary; Mrs. Marjorie Vawter Pollack, treasurer, and Ernest Marquez, curator."

The idea of forming a historical society evolved from the success of the "Santa Monica Scrapbook: A Journey into Yesterday," a collection of photographs and artifacts exhibited in the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium from May 22 to June 1. The exhibit was a major activity of the centennial celebration, and was sponsored by the Historical Activities Committee, of which Ann Funk was chairperson. The committee, which included Louise Gabriel and other volunteers, was a subcommittee of the Santa Monica Centennial Committee, the overall entity in charge of centennial activities.

According to an article in the Los Angeles Times Dec. 4, 1975, formation of the historical society was a goal of the Historical Activities Committee. "The Santa Monica Scrapbook exhibit (was) the real impetus" for the creation of the society, the article said.

If my memory serves me correctly, Louise Gabriel succeeded Clo Hoover as president of the society. As your article points out, Louise has devoted much of her time to keeping alive the history of Santa Monica. She and Bob certainly deserve the recognition accorded them in your publication. But the statement that she "founded the Santa Monica Historical Society" is incorrect; it was created by many people committed to preserving the history of their city.

Sincerely,

Robert D. Funk