Matthew Minjares

The following pages are memories of my Mom and Dad. I, and my sisters remember clearly so many wonderful moments in time from our births till the passing of our beloved parents. I gathered information from all the receipts, pay stubs, and utility receipts from various homes. Daddy also kept scrapbooks and journals. They told a lot of stories in those pages. I wished we had asked more questions about our families, but this is the best I could do. I really wanted to share their stories and facts while I and my sisters still had our memories !!

I also wanted to share of the love they showed us and our children. Most of you have wonderful memories and I wanted those stories of your grandparents to be kept alive and share the family roots of where you came from. This isn't a testimony of just the happy days, but also the sad, and uncomfortable vulnerability in a family. We like to think our parents were perfect, but in truth they were pretty close to perfect.

The surname Minjares has its roots in the Spanish speaking world. Particularly in regions influenced by Spanish colonization. Sometimes you will find that family sometimes spelled the Minjares name differently. The variant of Minjares is also Minjarez. Daddy was determined to only the MINJARES (S)!! According to Family Search, Mexico has 2,902 people in Family Tree, United States 172 people, Spain 10. This only on the sources on the internet. I am sure there are many more and especially in Texas not to also mention California !!

So I hope you enjoy these writings and understand that sometimes I go overboard in my enthusiasm to share ;)

In truth I am letting you borrow my memories !!!! :)

the story of LIFE

FAMILY...

When one day, we won't be around to keep everyone connected.

So when we are no longer here....

promise this:

Keep each other close.

Respect each other's hearts.

Check in with family, especially when life gets busy. Show up when it matters most.

We hope the way you were loved will always pull you back to each other.

That's the legacy Mom and Dad wanted for the family they loved.

That's how you honor your Grandparents and Parents.

(The hard lesson we learn in life is that when the elderly die, a library is lost and volumes of wisdom and knowledge are gone. Sadly we didn't pay attention enough...)

Mathew Minjares was born September 21, 1902. He was father to 7 children A man of many talents to live life daily and appreciate what he had. He may not have always attended Church but he believe in God the Almighty. He came from a very religious family.

I present Mathew Minjares:

Mateo was born to Encarnacion Minjares and Donaciana Borbollia in the town of Hidalgo del Parral in the State of Chihuahua, Mexico. The reason for his birth in Mexico is that his parents were living in Pecos, Texas where his older siblings were born. They traveled to Mexico while Donaciana was pregnant with Daddy and went by train to visit family. While they were there a flu epidemic covered the area. The family could not travel back to the states. Daddy was born in Mexico!! He was always embarrassed that he was the only one born in Mexico. He never had papers to show his birth since he was born at a family home. He also was not given a middle name, so he started to put a "B" for the middle. Why he chose B we don't know, other than maybe for his mom's last name.

Daddy's father Encarnacion was born in 1871 in Chihuahua Mexico and died in 1951 In Santa Monica and buried at Holy Cross Cemetery. He farmed his land in the Santa Monica Canyon and also did yard work for neighbors when they moved into the city of Santa Monica.

Daddy's mother, Donaciana was born in Chihuahua (date unknown). It is rumored but not verified that her family forbid her to marry a common Mexican man. It is reported to be that her family was of French ancestry. After daddy was several months older, they returned to Pecos. Texas then moved on to Santa Monica. Donaciana died at age 76 in 1944 and is buried at Holy Cross cemetery. In 1936 they celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary. Married in 1886. I wish I had more information on both his parents and hers. Daddy did have many cousins that he kept in touch with. We never asked through what line of relatives they were related to. Donaciana was a very religious woman. We have several religious artifacts that came from her collection. A beautiful Stations of the Cross that Donaciana had which was given to momma and then to Tina. Also a painting of the Last Supper was in the family and Tina also has this on her wall. I also have from her collection a 2 piece wall statue of Mary and Jesus.

Daddy's siblings were 5 boys and 2 girls:

First born was Josephine B Minjares born in Texas 1891 and died in Santa Monica 1978. She never married or had children. Mom said the brothers forbid her to marry because they would have lost their laundress, cook and go to for help!!! She did have a boyfriend at one time per

mama.

She was a very religious person as well as her parents. She scolded me once when she came to my first home with Wayne and saw there was no religious statues and went out and bought me a statue of the Madonna. She often came in summertime and stayed with us in Escondido. When she came to visit we often took her to the San Diego County Fair or drives around the area. Mom was the Tour Guide!

Second born was Manuel Minjares. He was born in Pecos, Texas April 17, 1893 and died May 19, 1980. He was married to Ruth. They had no children. That's why I am named after her! He was the first to followed Daddy and Mom to Escondido. Around the late 1940's he built a house in San Marcos off of Calle Maria He added a pool at the 2 houses (out of 3 houses) he had on the same hill! He was always calling everyone Sweetheart!

Very friendly man and a very caring man with a great personality. During hard times he would have us all over to feed Daddy's big family. He kept track of all his siblings. He was a man of creative talent working with cement and building homes. He also loved to hunt deer with his brothers.

Many a summer afternoon we got to swim in his pools. He loved having Bar B Q dinners and having family and friends over to his house. He knew only friends and made NO enemies. A very social man.

Third born was Philip Minjares. He was born in Texas in approximately 18?? and died May 23, 1965 He was married 2 times. First wife he had 2 daughters Carol and Betsy and after they divorced the wife and girls moved to the San Francisco area. We didn't get to know those cousins. With second wife he had Jessie (Yanez). Jessie was one of the first grandchildren and was the apple of all her uncles! She stayed very close to her uncles and aunts. Many a time mom and dad would stay at her house to visit when in Santa Monica. Jessie studied to be a Nun and was already to have her ceremony in Oakland by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary on August 5, 1948 Well she met the love of her life and married Hank Yanez and had 3 boys and a girl. Uncle Philip had a third companion, Candelaria. The house they lived in was never finished. He made a living by doing landscaping, but he became an alcoholic and died due to the drink. Daddy made every effort to visit his brother when he visited Santa Monica. He often gave Uncle Philip money to help him. I remember taking Cousin John and brother Paul to the funeral. That was probably scary for them since it was my first drive out of town in my car!

Daddy was child number 4. Born 1902 and died January 8, 1999

Fifth child was John Minjares who was born May 6, 1905 in Santa Monica. He past away on May 4, 1983 from a heart attack in Cherry Valley. He was married to Alice Ruiz (Moms sister). They had two children. Gloria and Johnny (our double cousins). Uncle Johnny worked for the City of Santa Monica and they moved to Escondido around 1958. They bought 40 acres in the Lake Wolford area in 1957. They divided the 40 acres with Uncle Nacho and Aunt Dorothy and they all moved into the old Farm house on the property. The rumor they heard about the property was that the Bandit Murrieta buried stolen treasure on the property as he was passing through!! Never been found! He went to work for the City of Escondido doing tree trimming and keeping the city beautiful. They added a small house, by the big ranch house. Later built a larger home. Sadly they sold it to move closer to Johnny (his son) in Cherry Valley. I remember that Uncle John and Aunt Alice were very social and joined the Eagles and Moose Lodges. Before they moved to Escondido they signed up with the Arthur Murray dance studios and learned ball room dances. They were a beautiful sight to see dancing on the floor. Uncle Johnny was a also a very sweet man and never had anything bad to say. It appears that daddy and Uncle Johnny were close and often hunted together. He remained very a religious man like his mom. They got to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary at a very grand party in Beaumont.

This story is from Fifi: When Fifi was born with RED hair Uncle Johnny gave each sibling a copper penny! He said it was because of her red hair. Which then Virginia, Esther, Paul, Tina and Sonny were getting the pennies!!!! Of course in "those days" she was born at home with family and she had a Doctor! We always felt that Johnny Boy and Gloria were our brother and sisters, not just double cousins. Whenever we visited Santa Monica we usually stayed at their house. It was always perfect for the older siblings because Gloria and Tina were the same age and Terry and Johnny just months apart in age. So Gloria and Tina use to go to the beach, which of course was "Muscle Beach"!

Sixth child was Pete Minjares. Born in Santa Monica approximately 1907. He passed away in Utah from cancer. He was married to Lucille. She was born 1911 and died July 31, 1984 from cancer. They had 3 children; Margaret, Carmen and Pete Jr. in the 1950's they too moved to Escondido. In Santa Monica Uncle Pete's job was foreman on the WILL ROGERS Ranch in the canyon. He too would hunt deer with Daddy around the area. Daddy and his brothers were very connected in doing the same kind of cement work and hunting! Uncle Pete bought a house on Nordahl (where Costco sits) He too built an above ground pool. He also built a beautiful patio with a water fall. We often visited there too! He played guitar and banjo and would sing. Very talented in music and cement work. He taught Sonny the job of hod carrier. Uncle Pete often commented how Sonny was fast and great at this job. I remember Carmen's wedding to Gabriel Villalobos. They married in the original St. Mary's Church on the hill off of 9th Ave. I think 1950 so I was 4 years old. My first wedding to attend. Villalobos family lived on the next block on Fourth Street. Gabriel hung around the house a lot with Paul and my sisters. So on that special day he came to our house to make sure he looked good. Mom and Dad helped him to get ready. They had 6 children but sadly divorced. Carmen was a very talented artist and even received a full scholarship to college based on her talent. She chose Marriage instead. She continued her artistry until her death and had thousands of art canvases to her credit. Margaret married Tony Perez (his father was daddy's best friend). Margaret was always so cheerful and she taught Esther, Tina, Terry and I how to knit!! Sadly we lost her a couple of years ago and Carmen in 2025. As for Pete Jr. he led a sad life due to drugs. He past away years ago in Nevada. Uncle Pete and Aunt Lucille moved to live in Richfield Utah for their retirement years. Mom and Dad and Uncle Johnny and Aunt Alice would often travel to Utah to visit.

Seventh child was Anita Minjares. Born September 27, 1909 and past away in Santa Monica April 19, 1983 from brain cancer. She was married to Frank Rivera. Uncle Frank was daddy's friend in the canyon and went to school with him. Tia Anita worked as a seamstress and was very good at it. She often made drapes for offices and homes. They had 5 children; Carlos, Kiko (Frank Jr), MaryAnn, Fred, and Donna. Carlos moved to Escondido and lived below Mom and Dad in Jesmondene. He had an avocado ranch off of North Broadway. When Mom aged he would bring her Communion every Sunday for her. Maryann and Husband Ron moved to Oregon and often visited with Virginia. Kiko was also in the Korean War and lives in Menifee. Freddie was the handsome, fun loving guy but sadly past at a young age Donna lives in Novato, she is my age. (Old ;) Not in touch with these cousins as much as others.

We had a lot of cousins to visit and play with!!

Daddy's family lived in the Santa Monica canyon where they homesteaded. They raised Lima beans and vegetables and hay. The family had horses so all learned to ride at a young age. His mom was known for making the best tortillas in the canyon. Grandpa Minjares is well known for gathering the grandchildren and telling stories. He was very good at telling stories per my older siblings.

The canyon was home to many families that daddy grew up with. The canyon is seeped in history. The book "A Walk Through History" features many articles of the original families with pictures of the canyon and life of the families. Spanish explores from the Portola expedition scouts first looked out over the canyon where many Native American tribes resided. The first European settlers arrived in 1839. Ranch Boca de Santa Monica was granted to Francisco Marquez and Ysidro Reyes by the Mexican government. The canyon which daddy loved had springs and streams.

The Canyon school was opened October 1894. This is the school daddy went to as did his siblings and neighbors. Daddy went up to 6th grade. The old school was located on a plot of land on Sycamore Road in lower Rustic canyon for 18 years. They moved the school to preserve it on Channel Street in 1912. Daddy and mom and myself traveled there to see it. Daddy was very happy to see it as a historical site. The site where their house sat in the canyon became a clubhouse for the "Uplifters Club". Many of the artists and celebrities starting buying up property in the canyon and belonged to this club.

August 17 2017, Paul, Tina, Sister and I traveled back in time to visit the beginning of our family roots in California. Laura and Pat were our pilot and co-pilot on this day. It was very meaningful to Pat to see where her mothers life began. We located the area where Daddy's family lived. It now has a YMCA building where his house stood many years ago. First it was the Up Lifters Club and now the YMCA. The area had many sycamore trees and we even sighted Deers!!! Later on that day we traveled to the addresses we had on file of where Virginia was born in Venice at 122 1/2 Appleton Way. We visited 1827 17th street where Mama's original house once stood. The house was home to mama's family. In the 1950's the house was condemned and Ernie Reyes (Tia Anita's 2nd husband) had a 2 story house moved on the lot. Grandpa and Grandma Ruiz lived on the lower level and Tia Anita lived above. In the back of the house there are two small houses built. The first one was built for Tia Anita and her husband Albert Manriquez (1930's) Eventually Tia Anita moved away and mom and dad lived there. Born there was Esther, Paul, Tina and Sonny. On the back street 18th was a house where Sister was born (which is now an apartment building). Behind the house on 17th street located in the alley is the garage that daddy used for his hunting club! He called it the Green Horn Club! He started this club 1930. Aunt Fifi has the original deer horns mounted on wood painted green that daddy made. Members were Uncle John (his brother) Uncle Nacho (brother-in-law) and a friend.

So the Minjares Family moved from the canyon November 5 1921 to Santa Monica city and had a house at 955 21st. street. We have gone back to see, but it is now an apartment building. Grandma Minjares use to take in washing for other people. One person she was washing clothes for was Jack Webb (actor\Dragnet series). Grandpa did yard work in the area. But all the boys were working and contributed to the household.

When Daddy had his first girlfriend September 16, 1922 and they broke up June 23. He named a couple of them!! One was Victoria P, Isabel Barroz and Ernestine. Daddy loved writing down everything in note books. He even wrote poetry!! I will insert copies from his notebooks and scrap books in these pages.

Now the story of how Daddy met Momma!! Daddy's friend Albert Manriquez (later married Tia Anita Ruiz) was playing baseball for Grandpa Ruiz. Grandpa Ruiz had a Baseball team called

Los Californianos. Daddy got his car March 25, 1925 (a chevolet) and would take Uncle Albert and girlfriend Anita. Mom and tia Anita were close in age and they went all over together. Hence mom met Daddy! Their first date was around 1927 and they have a picture taken in the Pacific Palisade park above the ocean by the Santa Monica Pier.

Mom and Daddy married September 26, 1928 at "La Placita" (Catholic Church) downtown Los Angeles. The church is still active in the same location. It is the first church in the city of Los Angeles. It was founded in 1814 and the structure was completed and dedicated in 1822. The maid of honor was Sara Morales, Best Man was Frank Rivera. Dad paid for the wedding. Mom had a store bought wedding dress. Reception was at her home. Aunt Pansy (moms sister in law) made the cake. Dad gave mom $100 to buy furniture for their home. She paid for a stove, chairs and table. Daddy already had a bedroom set and brought it from his home.

Daddy was a very social person. He had many friends in the canyon, Santa Monica and then later in Escondido. He was also asked to be a Godfather for Donnie Valenzuela in 1927, Segundo Francisco Minjares in 1926. (Don't know relationship) per his notebook.

Daddy also spoke about the many friends in the Santa Monica area. I don't remember names. In Escondido he had many friends that he hunted with, worked with and partied with! Refugio Perez (don Cuco), George Cordova, Dario Garcia, (cousin to Mama), Max Atilano, Romonacho Vargas, Efran Rios, Albert & Mary Dominguez, Chris Aguilar and his brother in laws were a big part of his gang! I remember many times going with Daddy to visit friends. He was a faithful friend to many! They used to sit around, drink beer or wine and tell stories.

He loved to hunt deer in the hills and mountains of Santa Monica, Tuna Canyon, San Fernando Valley hills and the hills of Topango. When he moved to Escondido he hunted in Valley Center, Rodriguez mountain and San Pasqual Hillsides. He was an avid outdoors man. He loved telling stories about seeing the deer and how the kill went down. He would hang up the deer on clothes lines or trees and gut them out and prepare them for the freezer. Some of the deer was divided up equally among the hunters he went out with. The meat he kept was set aside for the tamales mama would make each Christmas season. Yummy!!!! He also would hunt for quail when the season approached. Rabbits also were his game of choice. He would say only kill a rabbit if the month ended with an R. He said because of the worms. I remember when we lived in Jesmondene he would barbecue the rabbit meat. He loved that!!! Memories the grandchildren remember. I remember I was about 6 years old and Mom found a tick on my neck and had Daddy remove it. After that he made sure to be more careful with the deer hides.

Daddy always built a barbecue grill or pit where we lived. He was very creative! Many a time Daddy and Mom would go buy a goat or cow for the pits. He would gather wood and start burning a day before to have the hot coals for the meat to cook. When relatives came from Santa Monica there was always a party! The best part was these parties would be with friends, neighbors, and family. The best part too was that most of these friends and family all played an instrument, so we had live music. The dancing would go on for hours. Sometimes when the band went on break, someone would bring out a radio/phonograph to have music going. Since I was the little one I was dragged to all events. So My MEMORIES are of my parents dancing and dancing and having fun.

For the most part band comprised of: Dario (bass), Max (violin), Maggi (Clarinet), Romonacho (Sax), Uncle Pete, (guitar and Banjo), and sometimes the Ladies would sing.

Daddy also made sure his girls (Virginia, Esther and their friends (went to dances) He would take them to Oceanside and to Rincon on Saturday nights. Yes, I was dragged along and had

to sleep on the front seat while they were inside dancing!!! Dad and Mom were always accommodating to their children. They gave us such a good home.

Daddy's relationship with his sons was kinda of different!! He loved his sons we know, but they didn't seem to have anything in common. They weren't interested in his passion of hunting and fishing. They were hard workers like him. When young they helped in the fields and orchards to contribute to the household.

As a young man Paul went off to the Korean war and safely returned. He joined the National Guard at 17! He lied about his age and never told Mom and Dad till after he signed up. Many of his friends also joined up with him. Mom was so upset that it sent her to bed crying for days! Paul worked at Talone's Butcher Shop on the kill floor until his retirement. He often exchanged letters with family about his time in Korea. Often he wrote about how freezing cold it would be with the snow and ice. Mom often sent him "care packages". She would send cigarettes, cookies, and tortillas! He never really spoke about the war when he returned. I feel he suffered from PTSD (which nobody spoke about in those days) Sadly he did get into trouble a few times for drinking. He was known for getting into fights!! Usually protecting friends!! He was a product of a small hometown and was very well known and had many friends and a very good looking guy! He attended Escondido High school on the hill. He played football for Escondido High. Football stadium was on Valley Parkway and Fig St. (Where the Health department was) He was given the nickname of "Chula". We finally heard the story of how that came about at his funeral. His friend Willis' son told the story that when they were at the beach swimming and on the return home he showed that he didn't need to shave his legs The guys laughed and called him Chula!!!!!!! He did love to go to the casinos like his parents!!! Thankfully his children and grandchildren made sure to take him when he could no longer drive himself. He did suffer from COPD after years of smoking I know my brother was very proud to have a big family. When he was a young man he always said he wanted a big family. Well he got his wish! He married Delia and had 7 children and many grandchildren and he got to meet some of his Great grandchildren. He had his home open to them all. Delia and Paul created a beautiful family. Sadly he lost his wife Delia in 2018. He may not always have been the perfect husband but he loved her. We also know that he wasn't a very patient man in his years of bad health. I feel that he was sorry for his actions but he wasn't a man to admit his failures. He was a proud man that loved to dress always in his best. He did have a great memory for remembering details of the family, but sadly I never wrote it down. We lost him and that was a very sad time for us all. He is truly missed, my BIG BROTHER

Sonny (Ruben) sadly started drugs at a young age of 15. He was a very handsome man. He also was very smart. He never like school, in high school he often ditched. He taught himself Spanish (writing and speaking). He was interested in many subjects. Had he applied himself he would have been very successful. He never had children of his own and loved his nieces and nephews. When he started using marijuana, this then led to heavy stuff, heroine. As an adult he worked with Uncle Pete as a Hod carrier. Sadly drugs became his downfall. He spent years behind bars for different reasons, drugs and finally as a partner in a serious crime of robbery at a liquor store. He spent time at local road camps, Tahachapi, Chino and Folsom. I remember he would come to my house asking for money, any amount would do for him. Actually he came to all our houses asking for money and everyone started telling him no. Wayne finally told me no, not to give him any because he worked hard for his money and we had little kids that needed every penny he earned. It made me sad but Wayne was right on this instance. We knew it was for drugs anyway. He loved to listen to Jazz and loved to talk about the talented musicians he listened too. He too had a nickname of "String". Sonny did like to bake cookies when he was younger and thought he would make a great Cook! He was very helpful in take care of Mom when she broke her leg. He was very patient with her. He had many friends too but always not the upstanding kind. He had different relationships but finally married in the 70's to Ella Mae. She was very kind and loved him very much despite his drug

problems. She had two children Michael and Joanie. Mom and Dad really enjoyed knowing Michael and Joanie. Sadly we don't know what became of them. Sonny loved children and was a good stepfather.

In Mommas story I will talk about the Girls of the family. Stay tuned!!!

On May 5, 1941 The BIG move happened! Dad and Mom moved to Escondido. Mom's was persuaded by second cousin, Nacha Gonzales, to move to Escondido during the war (she is first cousin to Tata Ruiz). Nacha and her husband Frank and children lived in Escondido. She was a force to be reckoned with! Very smart business woman. She obtained acres to lease and her livelihood was planting crops and hiring workers. During this time, World War II was going on and the nation needed food. Mama didn't like living in the big city and didn't like the air raid drills. After Pearl Harbor, the government was afraid Japan would attack. Mom use to tell us how they had to cover the windows at night because of house light. They first moved in with the Gonzales family in a house on Pennsylvania St. They then moved up by Bear Rock and lived in a tent. When Tata Ruiz came to visit and saw how his daughter was living he went and bought wood for Daddy to build better living quarters. At this time Virginia, Esther, Paul and Tina had to walk to Rincon School. A one room school house that was at the corner of Broadway and Jesmondene. Tina was in kindergarten, it was a long walk. Well Paul, being a terrific brother would have to carry her there and back. Tina would cry and not want to be in school and Paul would have to carry her back home. Ok Tina no getting mad at the truth ;) They then moved to a farm house not to far from Bear Rock. It was on the corner of Center City (395) and Nutmeg. Highway 15 took the house out. From there they moved to the house on Pennsylvania again when the Gonzales' moved on Valley parkway. From there I believe is when they bought the house at 1032 E 4th Ave. Friends told Mom about it and while Dad was at work she bought it! I have a copy of the transaction! IN "those days" the owner signed a paper selling the house with 2 lots 5 & 6 Block 53 for $400 at $15 per month at 6% interest with $100 cash down. The witnesses to the transaction also had to sign. They were Helen Mendez and Laurie Garcia. The owner was J. A. Yontsey and wife.

The house on 4th street consisted of a kitchen and two bedrooms. The bedrooms had dirt floors when they moved in and an outdoor latrine. The 4 girls slept on bunk beds in one room and our parents in the other bedroom. The boys slept in the porch area. Of course Mama wanted improvements and daddy (being a good man) added on! Off the kitchen a large living room and to the side a large bedroom with French doors out to a patio that dad also made! Uncle Pete and Uncle Manuel helped build the fire place in the large room. In the large room mom wanted a large bay window, and an octagon window to the side of the front door. Which you can still see today. Mama was very good at decorating and having a good eye for what was new and modern. Also, mom wanted a built-in book case which he put on one wall of the big room. A bedroom was added next to the big room. The big room had cement floors that were painted RED! Of course mom bought new furniture and an area rug. We were so happy and comfortable. At an earlier time Dad also built on a bathroom with a walk in shower on the back of the house. No longer needing to use the "outhouse"!!

The area where the outdoor toilet was located. He built a playhouse for us. He planted fruit trees on the next lot. Later that lot was bought by Joe and Esther and they built two houses for rentals. One thing about my Dad was that he always, wherever he lived would plant an Elderberry tree that was his tradition. Just a fact! He also planted muscat grapes. Those muscat grapes are still producing today! They did so well that there are cuttings planted at Fifi's house and Tia Tina's. After these additions were built he tackled the Kitchen and had a makeover. He replaced the flooring and we had to walk carefully for a week on boards till it

was completed. He replaced the sink and cupboards with a porcelain enamel sink that was popular in the 50's. Daddy also put a drop ironing board on one wall for mom. Yes she also had a ringer washer and used a cloths line in back of the patio. The washer was now installed on the porch where my brothers slept. But with the new bedroom, they got one bedroom and the girls in the other room. Our parents moved to the new big bedroom, but I still had to share with them since I was the youngest. I didn't get my own room till I was 11 when we moved to Jesmondene!!

When Daddy was rebuilding the kitchen floor one terrible night a skunk got into the house!! Yikes, yup a Skunk. Well a neighbor Richard Arreola brought his BB gun and killed it! Whew what a horrible smell we had in the house. The worst part is that Mom had just returned from the hospital after surgery and couldn't take the smell and had to go stay with family.

After we moved into the house on 4th street Daddy also put a slab of cement behind the house and used boards 1 x 1 and we called it our summer house. Mom loved it and used it when it was very hot in summer. Of course you couldn't stop moms ideas!!!! Then next project was our patio. It was very large with a sink and cupboards on one side of an open grill. This grill had a rack and a crank for up and down. Also kept an ice box refrigerator there too. We had a tall large umbrella tree that dad surrounded with a cement base on the patio. It was great for parties. The patio served as a party venue for many family gatherings. Even rented it out once when a family friend wanted to celebrate her birthday. The patio became our sleeping area during the summer when it was hot. We all slept outside on cots. One of the parties was for our brother Paul when he returned from the Korean War. Family came from Santa Monica and local friends and family and his buddies. My family knew how to party!! I use to hear stories that the parties often lasted way into the night and for several days on Fourth Street and when they lived on the hill by Bear Rock.

Our Tata Ruiz gave to Fifi and I a pair of roller skates. We had fun with them but if we wanted to both skate, we would each wear one skate! Yup that patio was the greatest !!

Living on fourth street was a wonderful time because we were all together. My older siblings were expected to work in the fields with our parents. Paul, Virginia, Esther and Tina. They hated that work!! They picked grapes, olives, strawberries, peaches and avocados. Their money earned was given to the parents. They were able to keep a little allowance. In the "olden days" that's what was expected of families. At dinner time we were all expected to sit for dinner and have family time. After dinner, games were usually played, such as dominos, go fish and donkey card games. Sometimes they would play to see who would have to wash dishes!!! We had a radio to hear the stories from such classics as: Amos and Andy, the Lone Ranger, Fibber McGee and Molly and shows that highlighted singers of that era.

In July 1950, the local drive-in movie opened up. So Friday or Saturday nights (we were regulars) and would go to the movies. The tickets were 50 cents per person. The theater was located on Grant (Mission) between Escondido Blvd and 395 (center city). In the beginning they would offer food trays to be picked up at the concession stand. It was a time that we saw a cartoon, two movies and the news reel between movies! Sadly it was moved in 1967 further west on Mission Ave.

Then Television came into our lives!!! We had to beg Daddy on the idea first. His argument was why? To him it wasn't necessary after all we had a radio, the movie theater downtown (Ritz & Pala) and the drive in. Well he finally said ok, and gave mom permission. We had an admiral tv. The screen probably was 17 inches with a Bakelite cabinet and sold for about $143.00 (equivalent to $1,500 today). Daddy put an antenna in the back yard where we would have to turn it as needed to get LA and San Diego stations.

I have to say the most memorable for me is the music!! With my siblings being older I listened to music of the 40's and 50's. We had a phonograph with 78 records which were made

beginning 1948. Love the eras of their music which I still listen to now. We always had music in our lives. Whenever we were in the car Daddy always let us listen to the music of our times. He never denied us those moments.

Cars and trips - Well we always had a car and a truck for Daddy. The 40's and 50's we had a Chrysler sedan, then a '49 Ford, then Mom (on her own) went to San Diego and bought a 1957 Ford. Daddy had a green truck that on one day when we lived on 4th St, he parked in the back of the house, when he returned about an hour later, his truck was gone!! Yup, a teenager took the opportunity and went joy riding! Police found it a couple of blocks away. Back in the day people would leave keys in their vehicles nor lock house doors. Daddy was shocked but took it in stride! He always had a pickup truck. We all remember Daddy having his "medicine" in the truck with him. Daddy quit driving after his stroke when he turned 92. He was wise and knew his limitations. We all felt bad for him.

Daddy was very afraid of lightning storms. He would make us unplug the TV and we couldn't talk on the phone. We assured him that new safety rules were in place but we couldn't convince him! When he was little lightning struck close to him in the canyon, so he never trusted lightning!!

In the early 1950's I remember all of us piling in the car to go to Santa Monica to see family. In those days no seat belts or car seats. I remember we were needing to sit on laps to accommodate everyone. Me being the littlest I would stand behind someone or lay in the back window. Of course speed limit was like 45 mph and it would take hours to get to Santa Monica. Daddy always wanted to leave in the early morning hours whenever we were traveling. Years later when speed limits increased and highways improved the time was shorten to travel, but Daddy was always amazed when we would travel to and from in a day!! He would just shake his head amazed.

When we visited Santa Monica we would sometimes stay with Aunt Alice and Uncle Johnny, seldom did we stay at Grandpa Ruiz's house. As I was to young to remember but my siblings do. They didn't like to stay at Gradma's house because there were to many rules!

On Sundays Daddy liked to travel the back roads of San Diego county. Mom would pack lunches and off we went. Our parents also liked to go camping. In the 1950's we would camp at the Santa Ana river, the beaches, and the mountains. I remember one time we went to camp by Lake Henshaw. It was a yellow tent and daddy stored it in his tool shed, well my girl friend Carol went this time with us and she had never ever went camping, so I said you can be the first to enter the tent. Well she screamed loud and we hurried in to find a dead rat. She never forgave us!!

During the fifties at summer time mom and dad would gather at the beach in Carlsbad where most of the Escondido families gathered each summer. They would put up boards and blankets for our sleeping areas. A large area for the kitchen to prepare meals and wash dishes Mary and Chaio started this tradition. He worked for SDG&E and would get wood from his job and he would put a toilet area in the side of the hill for everyone to use. The number of families was monumental It was always fun for us kids!

Growing up in Escondido was a great life. When they moved to Escondido the population was only like 4,000 people. You probably heard how the 50's was a simple time. It was actually. Of course we didn't hear about segregation, or others struggling to have a good life. We had church on Sundays. (St. Marys) read the Sunday paper and took rides or stayed home.

Momma did laundry on Saturdays on the ringer washer and hung clothes on the line. Imagine the loads to do!!! Weekdays Daddy worked and Mom would get up early and fix his breakfast and make his lunch and fill his coffee thermos. She would make sure all of us were up and ready for school. She too went to work cleaning homes for years.

With 5 girls you would think Daddy would be busy over the years of giving daughters away and walking them down the aisle. We cheated him out of that privilege until your Aunt Fifi!! Yup, he got to finally walk a daughter down the isle. April 25, 1964 Daddy walked her down the aisle at the Ramona Wedding Chapel in Old Town. He was beaming with pride!!!!!! Daddy also got to walk his granddaughter Pat (Morones) on his arm to wed Bill at Esthers house. Funny story to this, our Uncle Johnny and Aunt Alice were also invited as family. Well they arrived late and He opened the door shouting we are here!! Only it was in the middle of the ceremony!!

Back to Daddy! Well daddy was also known for his sayings:

if someone would say Hey I am coming (daddy) So is Christmas!

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if someone would say Hey - he would say Hay is for horses!

if he was leaving he would say - Got to go see a man about a horse!

if he had to go pee when we were on the road he would say - Got to go see my Uncle!

(when I was little I thought wow I have a lot of Uncles all over the area)

He would say "Never mind the weather"

I remember a song Daddy would sing to me on a rainy morning. I still sing it to Henry!

Its raining its pouring

the old man is snoring

He bumped his head

and couldn't get up in the morning!!

Daddy as I said was the best in pouring cement, laying blocks and making Bar B Q grills. One thing about daddy he didn't attend a lot of school but he was sure good at math. He could easily figured how much cement, lime, and water to make the "mud" he needed. Also measuring the 2x4 boards for his houses. The correct number of blocks or bricks for various projects. His hands were rough from all the cement work and hard labor he did in his life, but his hands were also gentle when he held me. He had strong hands, short rough and thick fingers. His hands I remember so well. The best part of going to the movies was when we went home he would carry me into the house and I always pretended to be asleep. That was the best.

Daddy was not about punishment to his children Except maybe 2 times. Fifi told me this story. When they were staying and living at Nacha's house, Mom had to give an enema to one of her children. Well that child was Fifi. She was about 4 or 5 years old. Well she ran and hid under the bed and wouldn't come out for Mom. Mom gave up and had daddy go after her. Well she still refused and daddy dragged her out and spanked her. Luckily he never spanked any of us, he didn't believe in that at all. My sister, Aunt Fifi remembers when she had an ear ache and daddy said that he could make it better. Well he blow smoke in her ear to make it all better! Don't know if it worked. We will have to ask her!

Daddy was a man of many talents. He was a man who loved his wife and Mom made sure he did!!!! Whatever Mom wanted he did it! As I already mentioned he enlarged our house on "Fourth street" to accommodate his family. He also built a house for Tina and Louie when they were expecting their first baby (Sandra). The "Summer house" became a 1 bedroom home for them. When Mom got a hankering to live in the country (she went and bought the land) he built her a house in Jesmondene.

The house in Jesmondene, was our new family home. It was Mom and Dad, Fifi, Sonny and myself moved there in winter 1957. Mom went to a realtor (where Scripps Medical center is today) and bought 5 acres. Dad didn't have a clue Mom wanted to move to the country till she found the one spot for her. Before we had our home built a fire hit the area around 1956. Luckily Daddy had just had the land cleared, hiring a tractor to knocked down the weeds. At that time the foundation was the only thing done. The land was completely that just land!! It did have an abandoned old car and boat near where the house stands. Daddy dragged it all and buried it. Mom, found the perfect home that was cheap to buy, I believe it was $300 to purchase. It was a "Linda Vista" home bought from the Navy. The men in the family spent many weekends tearing down the home and re-building it on the land. The flooring and walls were numbered to be put back together, like a puzzle. Daddy built the block foundation. The floors, walls, roof, doors and windows were a packaged deal. The only change Mom insisted on was a large front Window! Still the same one in the house. We had an awesome view of the area and Escondido city. That is until all the building began in the area. When the house was finished there was no electricity . Mom went to SDG&E and bought the poles to bring

electricity to the house. That took a few months. We also did not have water!!! Yup, Dad being the genius he was, he set up a tank on a tower up on the hill a short way from the house. Gravity!!! He bought a water tank for his truck and would fill it up at the house on 4th street and also used Esther's house to fill up the water tank. Then he would transfer the water to the big tank. For years we had to heat water on the stove to bathe and cook. Mom would go on Rock Springs Road to buy water for 10 cents for a bottle. We used the water from springs for drinking and cooking. Not sure if the springs are still there now that there is a housing development in the area. Now you know the history of the road name! For heating during the winter we had kerosene heaters in each room. We did get phone service too but it was a party line system. Our phone number was SHerwood 5-7423. Mail was delivered at a mail box a 1/2 mile away. At that time it was a Route 2 Box 5003, but changed over the years. Then we had an address of 10402 Tata's Pl and a mail box closer!! The water finally was delivered by Valley Center Water District around 1971. It was expensive and they had to pay for a fire hydrant and had to redirect the road and had to have it graded and blacktop the hill area because it was at a 6% grade. Also had to pay to put culvert pipes on the road. They paid to have the land surveyed too per San Diego County rules. My parents also had to come up with a name for the road. First choice was Nana's Pl, but it was taken. They then chose Tata's Pl. At that time we were the only house in the area. They spent a lot of money to get it all done. Even had to get permission from the landowners in the area for easements.

Back in the day we use to see wild animals like Deer, Bob Cats, mountain lions, and such.

In the late 60's Uncle Manuel found an old Gas station building and bought it and gave it to Dad. It was made of metal and had windows that were all broken out. It really was just a shell. Daddy being very clever built a shed from that shell. He kept his tools and "stuff". Well from that shell Mom had him build a 1 bedroom home for me and my family. Wayne was hurt on the job and couldn't work. We were very poor with no money coming in and 3 children. Mom had the idea to build us a place to live. Yes we moved in, Dad and Wayne did the electric wiring, the plumbing, the roof and with cement floors. That shell became my home. We also had a small older travel trailer and parked it next to the house. The boys slept in it and we had our comfortable home in two parts! We lived there about a year when Wayne decided we would move to Porterville. Near where Tia Anita and her 3rd husband (Louie Yorba) lived. Wayne got a job and we packed up and moved. That house was abandoned but not for long. Mom decided that in their old age they didn't need a big house and moved to the little house. They were there till their passing. The front house became a rental.

We had a very nice couple live there, Bud and Alyce Aikens, with their daughter till they bought their own home in Valley Center. That is when the Brown Family bought the house and moved

in and it still is the Brown House. Mom and Dad were thrilled to have family live close by. Years went by and then the unthinkable happened. Dad had a stroke and was having health issues. The fabulous Minjares family came together and enlarged the small 1 bedroom home. The once small bedroom became a large bedroom with added space to have an enclosed area for a large closet and laundry area. The bathroom was also enlarged with a walk-in shower. It became the home they needed. The grandchildren made this happen.

Daddy did build another shed under the apricot tree where he kept his tools and a homemade green wooden box where he kept his journals and papers. He probably kept his "medicine" there too!

Daddy did buy a camper. with a stove and bed and ice box for his truck that he used for many trips for him and mom. They traveled to Utah, used it to going hunting, and traveled to Oregon. He loved his camper. Later when the travel days were over and he sold his truck he kept a little record player and listened to his records in the camper. They were Mexican corridoes. He loved his music and spent many hours listening to that special sound that he loved. He also enjoyed detective magazines to read. So music and mags! Also his private get away!

The homestead meant a lot to the grandchildren!! Playtime on the hill meant so much to each of you! It makes my heart happy to hear you tell stories about that time and how much it means to you to this day. There were carts for going down the hill, there were the kite flying days, hiking, the Easter egg hunts, playing in the dirt, Bar B Q's (daddy the chef), there was thanksgiving feasts, and of course Christmas HAVE to mention the time Danny and David wanted to dig for a swimming pool!! Instead they got a mud hole!!

When I shared with Danny that I wanted to write about my parents he came up with the idea of having the grandchildren and great grandchildren write a memory of their grandparents. So added to these pages are beautiful personal stories they remembered. It is heartwarming and I am so happy and grateful to all sharing these precious memories.

When daddy had his first stroke, around 1992 it was devastating to him. He was always so active. It was hard for him to just sit! He did watch TV, seeing the news casts and he loved westerns and comedy shows. It was hard for him to to talk towards the end. He spoke volumes with his eyes! When any of his children or grandchildren visited him he would literally light up. I can remember his eyes showing such love to us. When he had to stay at the convalescent home on Fig St which he hated, he knew we didn't want to send him there. At the time Moms health was starting to fail too and we thought it best. We took turns sitting with him. We never wanted him to feel alone. Sadly that is where he past.

I also have to mention the love that you all showered on Mom and Dad when their health was failing. Sadly after their passing we siblings sold the house. But we all have our own memories. Life as we knew it will never be the same without them in our lives. We are lucky to have our own memories too which our treasure trove is full of.

Sadness is the fact we will see losing each loved one thru the years, has already begun.

We were many in my family of 9, now we are a few. I hope and pray you have all continued the time to make memories small and large for your own familie