Looking Back to 1955: Community celebrates Pioneer Day Silver Anniversary
This look back at Paso Robles history comes from local newspapers in the Paso Robles Area Historical Society collection. News for this column is selected with the assistance of Research Director Jan Cannon. Newspaper photography by GiGi Green.
Excerpts from Sunday, October 9, 1955, Sunday Review
Paso Robles prepares to greet record crowd at 25th celebration
Paso Robles’ Pioneer Day parade of 1955, celebrating the Silver Anniversary of the annual event is unique in that it is basically the same as the very first parade staged in 1931.
There will be more floats, more bands, and many more spectators, but the theme remains the same throughout the years — a pageantry depicting the area surrounding Paso Robles as it was — from the Indian days, through the eras of the Padres and the Missions, the Spaniards, the 49ers, the covered wagon days and modern Paso Robles.
The idea of the pageant was a suggestion of Mrs. R.C. Heaton, back in 1931, when the Rev. Dean Thackery was actually organizing his plan for a Pioneer Day.
Click here to read the full front page.
Rev. Thackery was pastor of St. James Episcopal church for fifteen years and he also conducted services at Cholame, Parkfield, San Ardo, and Jolon.
Because he had occasion to travel about the countryside, and because he sincerely enjoyed people (and, in turn, was loved by all who knew him, whether or not they were members of his congregation) he became aware of an increasing breach between the ranching families and the merchants in Paso Robles.
“The Dean” began to conceive of an idea to change this situation, to find a way to welcome the ranchers and their families into Paso Robles, without causing them to spend a great deal of money — in fact, to spend none at all.
Motto
The motto “Leave Your Pocketbook at Home” was adopted, even before the details of a celebration were completed.
The date for Pioneer Day, October 12, was decided upon because the people working with Rev. Thackery were enthused over his “discovery of a new idea.”
That first year, the pastor, with the aid of Gene Booth, James Cousins, H.G. Merrill, the R.C. Heatons, and J. Stuart Campbell, to name a few, collected $300 from local merchants, and it was a strict rule that the guests would pay nothing towards their entertainment. (After all the bills were paid the committee had $146 to put in the bank.)
The first parade was very successful. The spectators later were invited to take their picnic lunches to the city park where city firemen distributed coffee and milk.
1932
The second year proved to be even more successful, and it also assured some skeptics that Pioneer Day was actually to be an annual affair, strictly for entertainment, and not just a promotional idea.
That was the year the gymkhana was introduced to give people entertainment after the parade, and before it was time to return to their homes. The barbecue in the park was also started in 1932.
Minor changes in the parade itself have included the addition of old farm machinery, groups of riders from sheriff’s posses of neighboring counties and, during the times that Camp Roberts has been open, the entry of troops with tanks, arms, and guns, which were later displayed in the park.
The schools and civic organizations have added floats and bands through the years.
War years
During World War II, some citizens were in favor of cancelling Pioneer Day, “for the duration,” but due to the efforts of Gene Booth, who feared the termination might be permanent, the celebration was carried on as a community picnic without a parade.
One of the many features of each of the parades, since the first in 1931, is the mule team driven by Ed Bermingham. The mules, of course, vary frequently, and most of the original animals have long since died.
Click here to continue reading page 8.
Read previous Looking Back articles
- Looking Back to October 1954: Paso Robles set for Pioneer Day
- Looking Back to 1936: New police car and traffic cop approved
- Looking Back to 1953: Paso kidnapper surrenders, Pioneer Day calls for floats
- Looking Back to 1950: Freedom Bell visits Paso Robles, rent office opening
- Looking Back to 1953: Bartender arraigned for murder, Templeton gets swimming pool
Thank you to the sponsors of Looking Back
Paso Robles Pioneer Museum – Come take a real look back into local Paso Robles history. Open Thursday through Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 2010 Riverside Ave., Paso Robles, CA 93446, www.pasoroblespioneermuseum.org (805) 239-4556.
Estrella Warbird Museum is an aviation museum dedicated to the restoration and preservation of military aircraft, vehicles, and memorabilia. Woodland Auto Display is also open. Hours: Thursday through Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. 4251 Dry Creek Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446, ewarbirds.org, (805) 227-0440.
Creative Concrete & Design delivers the highest level of professional concrete work. Operating in San Luis Obispo County since 2002, Karl Rush brings 35 years of concrete experience to every job and will ensure that you receive the very best quality work. Over the years they have completed a great many works on residential homes. They are very creative and willing to explore options for your next project. Concrete projects have many factors to consider to bring your vision to life. creativeconcreteanddesign.com, (805) 896-1384.
Golden Anchor Financial Services is committed to helping you find the right mortgage product for your needs. They understand that every borrower is different, and offer a variety of products to meet individual requirements. They make the process of securing a mortgage simple and straightforward by offering you the latest in financial tools that enable you to make sound financial choices. Call them at (805) 473-7733 on the Central Coast or (559) 473-7733 in the Central Valley.
1800 El Pomar is the site of a historic Templeton ranch located just three miles east of town. The property features an iconic, aged redwood barn, 3-story tank house, original farmhouse with an outdoor garden, original water tank structures, and many other original ranch buildings. Set on 20+ acres of vineyards, the 360-degree views of rolling oak-studded hills and surrounding vines are a photographer’s dream. A prime ceremony location exists in the vineyards behind the barn between two beautiful oaks. The northwest-facing location creates plenty of shade for your guests in an early to late afternoon setting. A perfect venue with plenty of open space to customize your wedding or event. www.1800elpomar.com.
