Looking Back to October 1954: Paso Robles set for Pioneer Day
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 Thursday, October 7, 1945, The Paso Robles Journal
Paso Robles set for Pioneer Day
Final check of preparations for the 24th renewal of Paso Robles Pioneer Day celebration last night led to announcement by Chairman Don Orcutt, Jr., that the city is “all set” to play host again next Tuesday to its friends in general, and particularly to the old-times of this region.
Orcutt asked especially that the non-commercial nature of the affair be emphasized.
“Leave your pocketbook at home has been the slogan of Pioneer Day committees since the very beginning,” he said.
A crowd of 15,000 is expected to visit the city, and 1300 pounds of beans have been procured for the traditional pioneer dinner at noon in the city park. Beans, rolls, coffee for the adults, with milk for the children, is the menu. The Lions Club is in charge of cooking the beans.
In the big parade which is the main feature of the event, there will be floats, exhibits and bands galore to follow the Grand Marshal John Tidrow of San Miguel.
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Queen of Pioneer Day is one of the county’s most widely known and best-loved ladies, “Grandma” Josephine Margetts of Shandon, whose 91 years are belied by her lively interest in and enjoyment of life.
Belle of the day is Miss Bonnie White of Shandon, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard White, themselves descended from pioneers here.
Attendants of Mrs. Margetts will be her two daughters, Mrs. Amy Tucker and Mrs. Ethel Shaw.
The Belle’s attendants are Judy Freeman of Estrella, Stella Scovell of Adelaida, Maria Hughes of Simmler, Joan Hagle of Atascadero, Lorene Anderson of Templeton, Joanne Smit of Creston, Ruth Eddy of San Miguel, and Alice Righetti of Pozo-Santa Margarita.
Freeway hope in state action
Indication that the state may contemplate construction of the Route 101 freeway through Paso Robles in the not-too-distant future appeared Monday night when the city council approved an exchange of property to clear the right of way problems for the super-highway.
Allen Himmah, representing the “give” to the city the title to 20 acres east of the new highway and north of the present sewer farm at 32nd Street in exchange for title to the present city dump site and right of way through the sewer farm.
Immediate effect of the exchange will be the need of finding a new city dump site, a problem which has bothered the city fathers for the past decade.
Another move, heralding the eventual construction of a super highway through Paso Robles was a request by H.T. Johnson assistant county road commissioner, that the streets east of the projected freeway, between 16th and 19th streets, be blocked off when the county maintenance yard is moved there out of the path of the freeway. Councilmen readily agreed.
Among other business matters before the city council were:
- Reading of bids submitted for a pickup truck for the water department and a dump truck for the street department.
- Reading of a letter from the Paso Robles War Memorial Hospital reviewing the finances of the Garges Ambulance for the first month ending Sept 17.
- Withdrawing a protest against appropriating water from the Salinas River by Charles W. Hunter.
- Referral of street committee plans for revamping the Riverside Avenue sewer lift station.
- Deferred action on the council’s protest against an increase in rates for the Southern Counties Gas Company.
Read previous Looking Back articles
- 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
- Looking Back to 1959: County reduces taxes, local cigarette vendor on probation
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.
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