History 101
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‘I’d like to know about the aviator Earle Ovington.’
—Bud Hahn
The name Ovington may already be familiar to many South Coast residents. Read story.
‘What can you tell me about the portrait painter Leonardo Barbieri?’
—Joan Levy
It is sometimes difficult to separate fact from fiction concerning the life of Leonardo Barbieri. Read story.
‘With July 4th just past, I was wondering how Santa Barbara celebrated the centennial in 1876.’
— George Gregg
Before 1876, July 4th was not all that big a deal in Santa Barbara. Read story.
‘I would like to know more about the Potter Theatre. Was it part of the Potter Hotel?’
—Howard Millward
The formal opening of the palatial Potter Hotel off of West Beach in 1903 was a major event for the city. Read story.
‘How long did the famous actress Judith Anderson live here?’
— Nyletta Robinson
Dame Judith Anderson died at her Montecito home at the age of 94 in 1992. Read story.
‘How did Meigs Road get its name?’
— Elizabeth Hodes
Meigs Road, one of the primary routes that connects downtown Santa Barbara with the city’s Mesa neighborhood, was named after the family of Peveril Meigs. Read story.
Question: Belle Reynolds
‘I would like to know more about one of Santa Barbara’s early doctors, Belle Reynolds.’ — Paula Sanderson
‘I would like to know more about one of Santa Barbara’s early doctors, Belle Reynolds.’ — Paula Sanderson Read story.
Question: ‘What is the history of Los Alamos?’
— Rebecca Crump
Los Alamos is a small town located just off Highway 101 between the Santa Maria and Santa Ynez valleys. Read story.
Question: ‘Who is Mason Street named after?’
— John Eilers
This thoroughfare on Santa Barbara’s Eastside is named after Colonel Richard Mason, U.S. military governor of California, 1847-1849. Read story.
Question: ‘Who was the mayor of Santa Barbara during World War II?’
—Richard Cooper
For 50 years, Patrick Maher was involved in the public affairs of Santa Barbara. Read story.
‘When did the singer Lotte Lehmann live in Santa Barbara?’
— Dorothy Oksner
The world-renowned operatic soprano fell in love with the Santa Barbara area during her first visit in 1936. In the aftermath of political persecution and personal tragedy, she would settle here in 1940. Read story.
‘How did Natoma Avenue get its name?’
— Abby Lindros
This street, near Santa Barbara’s West Beach, is named after what has been called the “first American grand opera.” Read story.
‘Who is responsible for setting up Santa Barbara’s first library?’
— Ellen Zelinsky
It is hard to imagine in today’s Santa Barbara, with its wealth of libraries and bookstores, that there was a time when books were somewhat scarce. Read story.
‘I am interested in the artist Margaret Webb, who I think lived here for a time.’
— Ann Patterson
Margaret Ely Webb was one of the most versatile artistic talents to call Santa Barbara home. Read story.
‘What is the story behind the battle of Santa Barbara?’
— Erma Cook
In November 1829, a military revolt broke out in Alta California. Read story.
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