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SOHO President's Message
By David W. Goldberg
January/February 2020
 In December 2019, SOHO President David W. Goldberg (center) accepted a special commendation from City Council District 3 staff to commemorate SOHO's 10 years of operating the Marston House Museum & Gardens. Amie Hayes, SOHO's Historic Resources Specialist, is at the far left. District 3 staff left to right Brittany Bailey, Tyler Renner, Ty Burch, David Goldberg, Brett Weise, and Brian Elliott. Photo by Anne Selgas |
Although SOHO's 50th anniversary celebration in 2019 is now over, I'm pleased to report that it ended on an unexpected high note! On December 6, Councilmember Chris Ward's office presented SOHO with a special commendation for ten years of operating the Marston House Museum & Gardens. This was in addition to a $2,000 augmentation provided by his office to our existing contract with the City's Commission for Arts and Culture. These funds are gratefully received and will be put to good use.
I had the honor of accepting the special commendation on behalf of SOHO after District 3 staff and I took a tour of the Marston House arranged for the occasion. Through the years, I've taken (and been a part of) many tours of the Marston House, but this one, led by Anne Selgas, a long-time volunteer and docent, was particularly special. Her impressive knowledge of the house, its history, and architecture were infectious, and by the end of the tour it was clear that she had made a strong impression on all the participants. SOHO's core mission was well served that day.
One of the primary reasons for SOHO's effectiveness and success is the passion and commitment of its volunteers and docents, like Anne. The proof is in the pudding. Simply look at all the historic buildings, neighborhoods, and landscapes that add so much to our daily lives. Without the commitment and dedication of so many selfless SOHO members through the decades, much of what we treasure would have been lost. As a result, San Diego is a much better place to live and work, and for this we can all be thankful.
The annual update of the Most Endangered List of Historic Resources is one of SOHO's most important preservation tools. Typically, changes to the list garner a great deal of attention, and 2019 was no exception. The list, which dates back 27 years, raises public awareness of some of the most threatened buildings, sites, and places in the City and County of San Diego.
Two new sites were added to the list, and one in particular created something of a stir: The Pottery Canyon kiln in La Jolla.
After arriving from Guadalajara, Mexico, Cornelio Rodriguez founded the La Jolla Canyon Clay Products Company in 1928. It was here where he and his two brothers, Abraham and Ubaldo, produced architectural and artisan pottery until the closure of the business in the 1980s. Roof and floor tiles embellished many Spanish style buildings throughout San Diego, including Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church, and the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club. Its hand-crafted pottery was distributed nationally by a New York firm.
The kiln, although deteriorated, is the last remaining structure of the La Jolla Canyon Clay Products Company. At first glance it may not look like much, but it's an important link to our local architectural heritage. Plus, it helps tell the story of early 20th century Mexican immigrants and their contributions to the community. All too often, the focus of preservation is on high-end buildings. This can create a distorted view of history—architecturally, economically, and culturally—which is why focusing attention on more modest but no less important structures is crucial.
2020 promises to be another exciting year. On behalf of the SOHO board of directors, staff, and volunteers, I wish everyone a very happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year! I look forward to seeing you at upcoming events and around our beautiful and historic San Diego.
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