Santa Barbara County History Transcribed by Peggy Hooper This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives http://calarchives4u.com/ These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for non-commercial purposes, MUST obtain the written consent of the contributor, OR the legal representative of the submitter. All persons donating to this site retain the rights to their own work. Source: A Memorial and Biographical History of the Counties of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura, California by Yda Addis Storke Published in 1891 in Chicago by the Lewis Publishing Co. THE SANTA BARBARA NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY. In December, 1876, this society was organized with a list of twenty-one members and the following officers: President, Rev. Stephen Bowers; Vice Presidents, Mrs. Ellwood Cooper, H. C. Ford, L. N. Dimmick; Treasurer, Dr. Mason; Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. H. G. Otis; Recording Secretary, Miss Abbie L Hails; Curator, Prof. Alphonse Bel. The objects of the society, as set forth in its constitution, are, "The increase and diffusion of knowledge of the natural sciences, by the establishment of a museum, the reading and publication of original papers," etc. For the first two years of its existence, the society met in the Santa Barbara College building. Its property at this time consisted of a few specimens, contained in one case, and a few books and pamphlets. Removing hence, the society occupied until 1883 a place in the public library, owned by the I. O. O. F. During this period, little progress was made. In 1883 a new impetus was given by the transfer of about 1,200 volumes of Government publications, which had been in charge of the Santa Barbara College. Funds were now donated by the citizens for the purchase of necessary furniture and book-cases. In 1884 the society removed from rented rooms to two fine rooms adjoining the Free Public Library, liberally offered by the proprietors of the Clock Building. During this year, from the proceeds of an entertainment given by the citizens, there was purchased a collection of archaeological specimens, valued at $300. For many years, large numbers of fine ethnological and archeological specimens, impossible to replace, had been unearthed and carried from this section by Government expeditions, agents of foreign museums, col. lectors for institutions in other States, and innumerable individuals collecting for speculation. The Natural History Society has done energetic and most desirable service in checking this movement, and in collecting and preserving for the use of this section relics thereunto appertaining. The museum and library have been steadily increasing, by donations and by purchase. This society's library is a depository — and the only one south of San Francisco — of all the publications issued by the United States Government, exceedingly useful as works of reference. These rooms are accessible to all during the public library hours, but books may be taken out only by members of the society. The museum contains: In entomology, 299 species; ornithology, 85 mounted birds, 6 nests, 132 eggs; mammals, 5 species, mounted; conchology, about 900 species ma- rine and fresh- water shells; Crustacea, 12 marine specimens, numerous corals; reptiles, 33 species, in alcohol; botanical, marine algae, 330 species; flowering plants, about 2,000 mounted specimens, 80 miscellaneous varieties; geological, 69 fossils, corals, crinoids, fish, shells, and insects; minerals, over 500 specimens; Indian relics, over 700 varieties, very interesting; bound volumes, 2,053; pamphlets and parts of volumes, 8,534; a large painting, by Henry C. Ford of "the Grizzly Giant," Sequoia gigantea; a stone chair used by the Incas of South America, found near Guayaquil; numerous photographs and curios. The present officers of the society are: President, H. C. Ford; Vice Presidents, L. G. Yates, James W. Calkins, Mrs. A. A. Boyce; Treasurer, Mrs. Mary A. Ashley; Corresponding and Recording Secretary, L. G. Yates; Curator and Librarian, Mrs. C. F. Lord; Publication Committee, H. C. Ford, L. G. Yates. The society has a membership of over forty-five, of whom, however, not very many are active members. It is proper to note that Henry Chapman Ford, president of the society, is a painter of some distinction, and that to his devotion and enthusiasm are due his charming etchings and studies in oil of the old missions, being the only pictures in existence of the entire chain of those historic structures, now mostly fallen to ruin. Dr. Lorenzo Gordin Yates, corresponding and recording secretary, has been ignored by election as a Fellow of the Linnean Society of London, a distinction enjoyed by only six citizens of the United States. Dr. Yates assisted by John Gilbert Baker, F. R. S., of the Royal Herbarium at Kew, is about to publish a list of " All Known Ferns," which will be a valuable contribution to fern knowledge. The librarian and curator, Mrs. C. F. Lord is most energetic, assiduous, and efficient in her duties, and courteous in her treatment of persons visiting the rooms.