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March-April 2026
Volume 6, Issue 2
| | Manuel Duarte's shop near the corner of Scott and Alvarado, 1906 | |
Escolastica’s Library
A recent publication by The Friends of California Archives caused us to examine and begin photographing and documenting the collection of books located in Casa Serrano. The article is about a Spanish language textbook for children that was printed on the Zamorano press in Monterey in 1836. That Don Florencio Serrano once taught school in Casa Serrano made us wonder if this book had once been used in Casa Serrano, and further it made us wonder if the books in Escolastica’s library might include a book published in Monterey. Books in the collection date from the 1820’s through the 1840’s. The book collection came to the Association from Martha Bolton’s estate. Martha passed away in 1947 and is buried with her mother, Escolastica, near Jolon. Escolastica’s full name is Dona Escolastica Rodriguez de Dye. She was the wife of Job Dye, Thomas Larkin’s business partner, and the niece of Governor Alvarado. Most of her book collection came to her from Commodore Sloat who bought many Spanish language books for her in New York, but the books also came from other sources. The collection is not well documented, so aside from wanting to investigate the Zamorano press possibility, we also wanted to photograph and add the books to our collections database. The work is only partially complete, but we have already found some interesting books.
MHAA also has other items connected to Escolastica, these include clothing items and a negative photograph of a portrait of Escolastica Rodriguez, who was sixteen when she married Job Dye in 1848.
-Gary Spradlin, President, Monterey History and Art Association
| | Escolastica's book stamp and interesting notes, | | |
Alvarado Armchair
Displayed in Casa Serrano’s parlor is an exceptionally fine Rococo Revival rosewood armchair attributed to John Henry Belter (1804-1863). The 5’ 7” tall cabinetmaker with brown hair & grey eyes immigrated to New York City from Germany in 1833 & soon became one of the leaders in producing exuberantly carved “Modern French” mid-19th century furniture. In David Bourdon’s article in the March 1989 issue (volume 40/issue 2) of American Heritage we learn that “Belter was a technological innovator who developed a sophisticated process of laminating and molding wood. He typically glued together six to eight thin layers of rosewood, arranged so that the grain of one layer ran at right angles to those on either side. Belter then steamed and molded the multilayered panels into the curved shapes he desired. The technique enabled him to create uncommonly strong chairs that could be carved with a delicacy of detail scarcely possible in solid wood.”
In 1953 John Bolton Alvarado contacted MHAA’s secretary, Mayo Hayes O’Donnell, about purchasing his grandparents, Gov. Juan Bautista Valentin & Maria Martina Castro Alvarado’s armchair for $350 which originally was part of a larger parlor set. In that correspondence we read “as far as I can recall from a conversation with my father John Bautista Cosme Alvarado in 1909 the armchair was part of a set of Belter furniture obtained by Gov. Alvarado and his wife Martina Castro de Alvarado for their home in San Pablo, possibly in the early 1860s. I do not think these furnishings were ever installed in the Monterey home as by 1852 the Alvarado family were definitely settled in the 2 story adobe at San Pablo. Sometime after Martina’s death in 1875 my maternal grandfather Mr. Bolton came into possession of the Belter furniture and it was moved to San Francisco. Mr. B. had known Gov. A. since 1848 and they were old friends. Mr. Bolton died about 1889 and the estate was finally divided among five heirs in 1894. The large armchair was allotted to my aunt who subsequently had it shipped to Paris, France where it remained in her home for over twenty five years. At her death the chair was inherited by my mother and was then shipped back from France and delivered at her home in San Rafael, Calif. In 1932 at my mother’s death the chair passed into my possession by inheritance. In 1936 I sold the San Rafael home and the Gov’s chair went into storage at Bekins warehouse where it remained for 10 years. About six years ago I moved it to its present location 1900 Washington St. S.F. I hope that presently this relic of the past will make its last journey and find its last resting place within the sheltering walls of the Old Custom House at Monterey. RIP. I trust that the boys will have a safe trip from my domicile in S.F. to the Monterey Custom House and that their wooden passenger will not have to hit the bumps.” On September 22, 1953 John Bolton Alvarado received payment for the chair. On October 1st John helped Mr. Keithley load the chair into his station wagon for its journey to the Custom House. Afterward Mr. Alvarado said “my apartment does not look the same with the old chair gone. I shall miss it.”
Just 4 months later J.B. Alvarado died. In his 2/9/1954 obituary in the San Francisco Examiner we read: “Funeral services will be held this afternoon for John Bolton Alvarado, stock broker and member of a California family dating back to the days of Spanish rule. Mr. Alvarado who was 71 died of a heart attack February 1 at his home, 1900 Washington Street. He was the grandson of Juan Bautista Alvarado, governor of California from 1836-1842. He was a member of the Society of California Pioneers, the California Historical Society and the Press and Union League Club. Unmarried, he is survived by four cousins, D. Farragut Ashe and Gaston Bolado Ashe, of Hollister; Mrs. Elizabeth Bolton Steele, of San Francisco, and Leo Carrillo, Hollywood motion picture actor. Private services will be held at 3 p.m. at Halsted and Co., 1123 Sutter Street. Interment will follow in Cypress Lawn Memorial Park.”
Michael Mazgai
above photo: Alvarado family Belter armchair (photo credit author)
| | Gov. Juan Bautista Valentin Alvarado & Maria Martina Castro de Alvarado tombstone St. Mary's Cemetery Oakland (photo credit findagrave.com) | | (Father of John Bolton Alvarado) | | 1949 Alvarado armchair appraisal by Jules Charbneau | | John Bolton Alvarado residence @ 1900 Washington #605 SF CA (photo credit google maps) | | 1954 John Bolton Alvarado tombstone Cypress Lawn Memorial Park Colma CA (photo credit findagrave.com) | | Alvarado armchair (photo detail author) | | |
Local People
Chris Shake
Growing up in Monterey was an adventure fueled by the vibrant life around me. I attended Monte Vista Elementary until sixth grade, before moving on to Walter Colton Junior High for seventh grade. However, my academic journey took a different path when I realized that joining my father at the Old Fisherman's Grotto instead of returning to school was where my heart and passion was, marking the beginning of my first job as a dishwasher in our family-owned restaurant. Over the years, I worked my way up to become a line cook and chef, often side-by-side with my dad and my brothers in the kitchen.
I learned so much hanging out with my dad. He would take me to the bank, the accounts office, the lawyers office, real estate offices, and I would sit with him and listen and learn. The Monterey Library was also a place that I spent a lot of my teen years in, reading books when I wanted to learn about something.
Having five brothers, our childhood was filled with energy as we ran around the wharf, embodying the carefree spirit of youth. My fondest memories date back to the bustling fishing industry of the early 60s, where thriving fish markets lined the wharf, and boats arrived daily to unload their catches. The sound of activity, the smell of fresh fish, and the sight of marine stores repairing fishing vessels contributed to a lively atmosphere that felt alive with history.
Monterey was not just our playground; it was a place steeped in history. I was captivated by the old buildings and the stories they held, a connection to the past that shaped my understanding of the present. In my teens, my friend gifted me my first camera, a Chinon, and from that moment, I began capturing the essence of my surroundings—photographs of buildings, local business owners, and the life around the wharf.
One of the old-timers I had the pleasure to know was Bill Hiler, the owner of the general store on Fisherman's Wharf. Acknowledging my passion for Monterey's history, he generously offered me his collection of historical photographs from renowned photographers showcasing the wharf, Cannery Row, and the people who contributed to Monterey's charm. Although I didn't realize their true value at the time, these images sat in storage for years—yet, I frequently spoke of my collection.
Eventually, my passion for local history bore fruit when I was invited to showcase my photos at the Monterey History and Art Association at the Stanton Center. This opportunity allowed me to share my childhood experiences and the rich history of Monterey with others, an experience I am grateful for thanks to my photo collection curator, Judie Henderson.
Through this journey, I have learned the importance of appreciating and sharing my experiences with family, friends, and visitors. Each shared story fosters a connection, inviting others to see Monterey through my historical photo collection. These experiences are now ones I share with my son Austin, who will be the next generation of my family's business, serving as VP of my company. By celebrating this unique history together, we build a community that honors the past while embracing the future.
My childhood has shaped my appreciation for all that Monterey offers, and I feel fortunate to contribute to the ongoing narrative of this remarkable place.
If you have a friend or relative who would like to share their story about living in or around Monterey, please contact Monterey
History and Art Association at MHAA.org1931@gmail.com
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Peninsula Diary
Mayo Hayes O’Donnell
Mayo wrote this article for the Monterey Peninsula Herald on April 1, 1964. The article represents the state of the library at that time.
The Monterey History and Art Association acquired in November 1949, a valuable collection of early Monterey books and items of historical interest from the estate of Mrs. Martha Bolton, formerly of Pacific Grove. The items had been the property of Escolastica Rodriguez de Dye, wife of J. F. Dye, a partner of Thomas Oliver Larkin in the merchandise business in Monterey in 1848. Mrs. Dye was the mother of Mrs. Bolton.
The book collection is now displayed in an antique secretary-desk in Casa Serrano, the headquarters of the History and Art Association. There are 100 small books, all bound in leather, beautifully printed in Spanish and many containing steel engravings and illustrations in' color - a typical small library of an educated woman of the period. All of the books were printed before 1850 with the exception of two, and these bear the dates 1855 and 1856. Twenty-two of the books, were published in Spain, 26 in Paris, France; two in Valparaiso, three-in New York and one in Boston. The oldest, in three volumes, is entitled “Poesias de El Dr. Juan Melendez Valdes” and was published in Madrid in 1821.
One of the most interesting in the collection is a small book “Calendario of the Mexican Senoritas,” including chapters on the modes of the day, a play, poetry, a short story and patterns and instructions on embroidery with colored pictures.
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STORIES FROM THE LIBRARY
It happens to all of us. While cleaning or reorganizing around the house you come upon a never-before-seen item and ask yourself, “I wonder how long that’s been there?”. Most of you have seen the two large nineteenth century tables that occupy the “nave” of the MHOD Library and many likely know they were donated by the County courthouse in Salinas. You might even have used them yourself during research. But you were likely unaware that one of them contains a little history as well as a little mystery.
Returning things to normal following Christmas in the Adobes both drawers were removed from the table closest to the Doud house. When putting them back, like much older furniture, the drawers were not interchangeable and had to be returned to their original positions. It was during these maneuvers that some interesting graffiti was discovered on the bottom panel of one of the drawers.
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Who J.K. (John King) Alexander was is clearly no mystery. During the latter part of the nineteenth century he was Superior Court judge of Monterey county, prior to the formation of San Benito county. He was also its first, becoming so in 1879. So well-respected was he that he won re-election in 1884 as a Democrat when Monterey county, like California as a whole, voted Republican in the presidential election. Should you care to learn about this important figure in our history you can find it here. Biography of John K. Alexander of Salinas - California Genealogy Or you can find a more detailed biography in Monterey and San Benito Counties, vol. II in the reference section of the MHOD library. The photograph at the conclusion of this article, with presumably a facsimile of the judge’s actual signature, is from the latter work.
What we wonder over is how did his honor’s name appear in the desk in the first place? We assume (though we don’t know) that the tables were reserved for counselors, one each for the State or plaintiff and the other for the defendant or respondent. Did an out-of-town lawyer with a poor memory make a note of the judge’s name so as not to cause embarrassment or disrespect? Was the writer simply bored and filling up some idle time? Was the writer a lawyer named Vannoy (or Varnoy)? We can’t find any records of anyone by those names in the area at the time The one thing we are almost certain of is that it was not the judge’s handiwork. Not only does it bear no resemblance to the reproduction beneath the judge’s portrait, it strains credulity to imagine a distinguished jurist marking his territory like a schoolboy carving his initials into his desk. We welcome your thoughts and especially any knowledge you may have on this curious bit of trivia.
Van Harris
Library Volunteer
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AnnaMarie Della Sala-Stanton (1950–2026)
AnnaMarie Della Sala-Stanton was born on August 22, 1950, at Carmel Hospital and raised on the Monterey Peninsula as the beloved first child of Rosie (Bruno) and Charles Della Sala. From her parents, she inherited a deep commitment to family, community, and hard work—virtues that shaped her life and guided all her endeavors.
A graduate of Monterey High School, AnnaMarie went on to earn her degree from San Diego State University and later obtained her teaching credential from the Monterey Institute of International Studies. These achievements marked the beginning of a 32-year career in education, during which she served as an elementary school teacher in Monterey and Sherman Oaks. Her classrooms were known not only for academic excellence but also for warmth, creativity, and the sense of wonder she fostered in every student. She inspired generations of children to learn with curiosity and confidence.
Beyond the classroom, AnnaMarie’s life was inseparable from music. A gifted guitarist, bassist, and songwriter, she shared her talents generously, performing at community events and school fundraisers, often alongside her husband and musical partner, Robert Stanton. Married in 1979, their partnership spanned 46 years, grounded in mutual affection, artistic collaboration, and enduring joy.
Upon retirement and her return to Monterey, AnnaMarie became a devoted leader in local cultural and civic life. Deeply proud of her Italian heritage, she served with distinction as President of the Italian Heritage Society of the Monterey Peninsula, Co-Chair of La Merienda for the Monterey History & Art Association, and Corresponding Secretary of the Italian Catholic Federation. Her organizational skill, enthusiasm, and creativity were widely admired, culminating in her receipt of the 2022 Laura Bride Powers Memorial Award. She also contributed to the preservation of Monterey’s Italian American history through her co-authorship of several books, including Italian Fishing Families of Monterey and Italian Americans: We Don’t Just Fish!
AnnaMarie’s talents extended far beyond her public achievements. She possessed a refined sense of design, a love of gardening, and a lifelong devotion to her family and pets, Mozart and Chewy. Her home reflected her spirit—beautifully ordered, welcoming, and filled with music and light. Friends and family alike knew her as a person of integrity, generosity, and grace—someone who could always be relied upon to lead, to teach, or simply to listen with compassion.
On February 2, 2026, AnnaMarie passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love. She is survived by her husband, Robert; her mother, Rosie; her brothers, Anthony and Charles (Sandy); her sisters, Kathy (Tony Shepherd) and MaryAnn Randolph; and a large circle of family and friends whose lives she enriched immeasurably.
AnnaMarie Della Sala-Stanton’s life was a brilliant tapestry of devotion—to teaching, to music, to heritage, and to those she loved. Her legacy endures in the generations she inspired, the community she uplifted, and the harmony she brought to every life she touched.
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Shopping at the Stanton Center Gift Shop
Need a unique gift? We have Jo Mora canvas and easel sets, mugs, notebooks, pens, ornaments, candles, greeting cards, soaps, children's items, Cartes and much more. The Museum Store is open during our regular museum hours.
Stop in and see what we have!
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Monterey History and Art needs volunteers at:
Stanton Center: volunteers are needed to monitor and host events.
Casa Serrano: docents are needed to staff the adobe on Sat. and Sun. from 2-4 pm and to staff special events.
MHOD Library: volunteers are needed Wed. thru Sun. from 1:30- 4 pm to welcome visitors and help with research questions. Other tasks include: scanning material to place on our website and sharing the history of the library and Monterey.
Training will be provided for volunteers at each of these sites.
email us at MHAA.org1931@gmail.com
THANK YOU
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Come visit our exhibits at Stanton Center.
Free admission for MHAA members!
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P.O. Box 1082
Monterey California, 93942
montereyhistory.org
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