casa del herrero · 2020. 2. 27. · casa del herrero takes as its mission to maintain, preserve,...

GOOD WORK LIVES ON

Casa del HerreroANNUAL REPORT

2018-2019

CASA DEL HERRERO STAFF

Jessica Tade, PhDExecutive Director

Nichole LaViola Membership and Volunteer Manager

Laura WylesOffice Manager

José AguilarSite Manager and Head Gardener

Sergio MartinezGardener

Photography throughout this report provided courtesy of

Matt Walla and Monie Photography.

THANK YOU TO

THE SANTA BARBARA

FOUNDATION

FOR PROVIDING FUNDING

TO MAKE THIS

PUBLICATION POSSIBLE.

Casa del Herrero takes as its mission to maintain, preserve, and restore the house, furnishings,

gardens, and history of the Steedman/Bass estate for the benefit of the community, visiting public, scholars,

educators, and students.

Casa del Herrero board members are engaged volunteers who provide leadership in stewarding the historic house museum and gardens. Through their combined experience and enthusiasm, the board works to preserve the Casa’s history in service to the local community.

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Board of Trustees

O F F I C E R S

Travis Kranz, PhD, PresidentMeghan Stoll, Vice President

Christopher C. Hardy, CPA, TreasurerJennifer Kelly, Secretary

T R U S T E E S

George Steedman Bass, Founding Trustee

Heather BilesChris Blau

Karen Jones ClarkBryan Goligoski

John F. Hall

Albert P. Hinckley, Jr.Emily Jones

Mari McAlisterJanet McCann

Elizabeth Storm McGovern

Fran Morrow, PhDAnnalisa Hinckley SavinRobert E. Williams, Jr.Katherine Pharibe Wise

Peter Ziegler

ANNUAL REPORT CASA SPECIAL ISSUE

Message from the Executive DirectorGeorge and Carrie Steedman were fortunate to build a home that remains a testament to their ingenuity and creative sensibility. The era of the 1920s great estates is alive and well at Casa del Herrero. Today, I am especially proud of our preservation efforts, and our ability to share this important piece of Montecito history with the community. As I reflect on the past year, I am grateful for our family of donors, volunteers, committee members, and our dedicated Board of Trustees. Together, we have accomplished so much. We completed necessary restoration on the Pump House electrical wiring, restored the roof on the Casa workshop, started the Steedman family archive, and restored a number of historic chairs. Additionally, we revitalized the Arizona (cactus) Garden thanks to funding and assistance from the Garden Club of Santa Barbara. Collaboration was key to our success. The Casa takes great pride in its ability to work with community groups, providing educational opportu-nities geared toward igniting the imagination and tapping into creative potential. More and more, we are looking to encourage creativity and innovation in our county’s youth. In this annual report, you will find stories and reflections, Casa history, and a recap of our signature events. Additionally, you will read about our ongoing conservation efforts. None of this important work would be completed without donors and supporters like you. Evoking Steedman family history reminds us what is possible if we take the time to honor our passions, nourishing the part of our spirit that craves beauty and inspiration.

With gratitude,

Jessica TadeExecutive Director

1922George Fox Steedman purchases

land in Montecito and begins work with George Washington Smith

Steedman Family History:From St. Louis to Santa BarbaraGeorge Fox Steedman married Carrie Robb Howard in 1903, and together they built a life in St. Louis, Missouri. They had two daughters, Katherine and Medora, who later had children of their own. The Steedmans came to Santa Barbara in 1921 to visit George’s brother, who was seeking treatment for diabetes from Dr. William David Sansum, the founder of Sansum Clinic.

Enjoying their time on the West Coast, and finding the climate very suitable, they purchased land to build a second home. George Steedman began working with Architect George Washington Smith to design Casa del Herrero. Work on the house took place from 1922 to 1925, with George Fox Steedman moving in on June 29, 1925, the day of the great Santa Barbara

earthquake. Carrie would follow shortly thereafter. George Steedman had a heart condition, which prevented strenuous activity. He spent his days in his workshop creating beautiful pieces of silver. Carrie loved flowers and flower arranging, and her favorite flowers (camellias and roses) could be found in the lovely garden spaces around the estate. The Steedmans enjoyed their life

in Montecito. With George Steedman’s death in 1940, and with Carrie’s passing in 1962, the Casa became home to their daughter, Medora Bass. It was Medora’s final wish to give the Casa to the community. Upon her death in 1987, her son, George Steedman Bass, worked with a dedicated group of community members to turn this wish into reality. In 1993, the Casa del

Herrero Foundation was officially established. The organization began giving its first public tours in 1995. The Casa is included on the National Register of Historic Places, and achieved National Historic Landmark status in 2009 in part due to its eclectic mix of Country Place Era and Moorish-inspired gardens created by Ralph Stevens, Lockwood de Forest, and Francis T. Underhill.

Today, the 11-acre estate functions as a nonprofit organization with the goal of preserving the house and grounds, as well as the Steedman family’s collection of fifteenth and sixteenth-century fine and decorative art objects from the “Golden Age” of Spain; books; sketchbooks; drawings; and horticultural records. The Casa is preserved and stewarded for the benefit of the community.

1923 George Fox Steedman visits Spain,

purchasing furniture, decorative arts, and architectural fragments

1930The Steedman family begins living full-time at the Casa

1925George Fox Steedman

moves into Casa del Herrero on June 29

1933The Steedmans add the only addition to the main house, a book tower designed by

Lutah Maria Riggs

1987 Medora Bass (George and Carrie’s daughter) passes away,

and is the last family member to live in the house

1962Carrie Steedman

passes away

1940 George Fox Steedman

passes away

1993 Medora’s son,

George Steedman Bass, forms the Casa del Herrero Foundation

2009 The Casa becomes a

National Historic Landmark

2019 The Casa remains a nonprofit dedicated

to maintaining and preserving the house, art collection, gardens, and history of the estate

for the benefit of the community

1995 The Casa’s public tours begin

6 7ANNUAL REPORT CASA SPECIAL ISSUE

CDH: Why was it important for you to give Casa del Herrero to the community?

George: My grandfather, George Fox Steedman, was an amazing person. He had energy, vision, and a love of quality. He was innovative and a talented artist. I believe he was a genius. There are so many important aspects of the estate worth saving – the Spanish antique furniture, Spanish ceiling, and Moorish tiles. Also, the innovatively designed

Laura Bridley can still remember walking up to the Casa’s main house for the first time in the early 1990s. She recalls thinking that the estate seemed very mysterious as she went down the long driveway to the beautiful motor court. Once inside, she was struck by an incredible feeling of being inside a perfect time capsule. It was during this visit that Laura spoke with George Bass, the Casa’s founding trustee, and together they began to discuss a plan to preserve the house and grounds for the benefit of the community. “Everything was over-grown, and in a certain state of entropy,” said Laura. “But I was behind George’s ideas for the future of the estate. In my life as a city planner, I have seen many

buildings torn down. It was nice to be part of a project that was keeping our local history alive.” Medora Bass (George Bass’ mother and George Fox and Carrie’s daughter) had a very clear and steady vision for the Casa. She wanted the house to be open to the public, and for her family legacy to continue. After her death, George Bass wanted to make good on his mother’s aspirations, establishing a nonprofit organization to preserve the Casa’s histor-ic architecture, fine and decorative art objects, and beautiful garden spaces. With Laura’s help, he held community teas so that residents could provide feedback, and together they worked with the local planning commission and land

use committee. “When George spoke about his intentions for the Casa, he really wanted Medora’s passions to live on,” said Laura. “He spent his child-hood coming here and loved the estate. But, nothing he pushed was his own idea – everything he did came from a place of wanting to make good on his mother’s wishes.” Laura has been associated with the Casa since its inception, drafting the Conditional Use Permit for visitors and daily operations, and serving as the organization’s first executive director. She completed necessary nonprofit compliance and started the first docent-training program. Working with a stellar group of community members, the Casa was officially opened to the public in 1995, the year of the estate’s 70th anniversary. “In those early days, I knew we were saving an important monument that truly defines Montecito,” said Laura. “In addition to support from the Bass family, I had a great Steering Committee that really helped me. Casa del Herrero would not have made it without the local community.” Today, Laura remains connected to the Casa through her committee work, and as a dedicated donor. Her deep passion for the Casa only continues to grow over time. “I am most proud that the Casa was saved for the community, that it is still here and in good hands,” said Laura. “There were so many tasks that needed to happen in those early days just to stabilize the organization. It makes me feel good to be part of its preservation.”

book tower, workshop with its amazing tools and exquisite equipment, and wine cellar. My grandfather took up silversmithing toward the end of his life, and the Casa is fortunate to have several pieces by his hand including bowls and large vases.

CDH: What was your biggest challenge during the process?

George: My mother died very quickly from cancer, but before she did, she set a clear vision for the future of the estate. My sister and I began the process of giving the Casa to the community, but it was very complex. It was challenging to get all of the family members on the same page, but we did, and today I am proud that we were able to create a nonprofit organization and that the estate has become a National Historic Landmark.

CDH: Can you share a few child-hood memories of your time at the Casa?

George: I remember camping for one week in the small forest area in the south acreage with my brother, Tom. My grandfather had the staff set up beds with each leg in a small can of water so that the ants would not bother us while we slept. I can also recall my grand-

mother asking the driver, Clarence, to take Tom and me for rides in the silver-grey Buick with the convertible top down. We all enjoyed Fiesta, and I can still recollect the fire engines, music, and groups of horses. I loved to see the gentlemen and women mounted on antique silver saddles wearing their old Spanish finery. It was a wonderful parade.

CDH: What were your grandparents like?

George: I feel that my grandparents were very polite, and were always dressed in nice clothing. My grandfather wore a bow tie every day. I loved the Casa, but I had to be careful of my clothes, my manners, and my politeness toward other people. During the Great Depression, my grandfather would provide work for men on the estate, and my grandparents were both very generous. Obviously, when I was young, I didn’t know about this generosity. My grandparents were busy – my grandfather in his shop, and my grandmother with her flowers. They were very friendly people.

CDH: What is your favorite thing about the Casa?

George: I loved the personal elevator!

A Conversation with George BassPreserving Casa del Herrero Remains a Lifelong Passion for First Executive Director Laura Bridley

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In 1993, Casa del Herrero became a nonprofit organization, thanks in part to Founding Trustee George Steedman Bass. George remains dedicated to the Casa and is proud of his family’s legacy in the community. Recently, George was kind enough to share some anecdotes about the Casa, memories of his grandparents, and the passion he will always have for Montecito’s only National Historic Landmark.


For Joan Jackson, Passion for the Casa Remains UnwaveringThe Steedman Family Silver Collection

During his lifetime, George Fox Steedman pursued many interests including silversmithing. In his workshop, he created beautiful silver pieces such as goblets, dinnerware, and vases. He often made gifts for his family for birthdays, Christmas, and other holidays, each one individualized for the recipient with stamped markings and dates denoting the occasion. Casa del Herrero is pleased to announce the release of a book on the Steedman family silver collection slated for the end of the year. In his own words, author Robert Sweeney describes the silver book project, its inception, and the interesting journey toward completion.

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“This project began unofficially in 2008 while I was completing the manuscript for my book on Casa del Herrero. Reviewing the extraordinary archives George Fox Steedman left for posterity, an exhibition of the silver he produced in his workshop came easily to mind and I put together a proposal. The idea gained traction several years later when George Steedman Bass asked me to complete the text for a small publication on his grandfather’s work as a silversmith. Approximately 100 pieces, pro-duced between 1927 and 1940, are known. Roughly half remain in the family; the other half have been given by the family to Casa del Herrero. The research traces Steedman’s interest in silver to 1923, when he purchased the massive catalogue of an exhibition of British plate held in London in 1902. It also places his activity in context of newfound interest in silver in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Silver was method-ically documented and catalogued for the first time; publications were issued; exhibitions were held; and collections were formed.

Joan Jackson was always impressed with the Casa, finding it extraordinarily interesting from the start. She was acquainted with the Casa’s Founding Trustee, George Bass, through her husband, Palmer, as the two men had become friends in 1955 on a troop ship. When George decided to steward his mother’s wishes to maintain Casa del Herrero as a historic estate, he called Joan for advice and help with the process. Joan happily agreed, and now more than 30 years later, her devotion and commitment to the estate remains unwavering.

“The Casa is a lovely testament to good taste, and to the times in which it was built,” said Joan. Agreeing to lend a hand was easy – the hard work came over the following 18-month period as Joan and a dedicated group of community members began readying the Casa for the public. The group worked with Laura Bridley (the Casa’s first executive director) to make necessary repairs around the estate in addition to getting insurance and a Conditional Use Permit, and establishing a docent program. Major work was completed

on two outlying cottages so that rental income could begin to sustain the fledgling organization. “In the beginning, the first issues we faced were large ones, and I remember these more because they seemed so monu-mental,” said Joan. “There was very little funding, and we needed to have the right people to help. But, we got things fixed up and began moving along.” Early on, the group faced an important decision. What period of time would be represented? George and Carrie Steedman lived at the Casa from the mid-1920s until George’s death in 1940. Carrie remained at the estate until her death in the early 1960s. Joan and the group realized that the original furniture was still in the house, and the discovery of a set of photographs from 1931 made it easy to determine placement. “As for the interest in Spanish Colonial architecture, the Casa is a fairly perfect exemplar,” said Joan. “The striking thing about the property is that it still has all of its original furniture and gardens intact.” Today, Joan remains a passionate supporter of the Casa and is proud of the hard work that went into preserv-ing the estate for the community. “Every time I come to the Casa, I notice something specific that I have not noticed before,” said Joan. “The place is complex, and intricate. I am always seeing new details that suggest the richness of the house. For me, the Casa will always represent a special part of Santa Barbara history.”

Many people have contributed to this project – the Steedman family, trustees and staff of Casa del Herrero, Photographer Matt Walla, and Architect Marc Appleton – all stepped forth to make this publication possible. Special


Joan Jackson with her husband, Palmer, at the Casa’s Feria Andalusia. Joan was instrumental in starting this annual event, and is pleased to see how it has evolved over time.

thanks go to Charissa Bremer-David, curator of decorative arts at the J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles, whose technical descriptions of the individual pieces give the catalogue a degree of professionalism that does George Fox Steedman proud.”

Preservation at the CasaAs with any house, repairs become necessary over time making preservation a priority. Moreover, the 11-acre estate is home to historic garden spaces; a collection of fifteenth and sixteenth-century fine and decorative art objects; books; sketchbooks; drawings; and horticultural records. Completing important restoration work allows the Casa to maintain these collections while keeping the Steedman family legacy and its important place in local Santa Barbara history a vital presence in the community.

Workshop Roof The Casa’s original owner George Fox Steedman initiated several construction projects on the estate in the 1930s including building his beloved workshop. With the historical nature of this structure in mind, necessary restoration was completed while preserving the original roof tiles.

Frailero ChairsIn the 1920s, George Fox Steedman purchased several Spanish frailero, or monk’s chairs, which today are located in the Casa living room and second floor hallway. Thanks in part to the diligent work of the Casa’s Fine Arts and Furnish-ings Committee, many of the chairs have been repaired and reupholstered, return-ing them to their original splendor.

Channing Peake DrawingsChanning Peake was a renowned California artist whose career was celebrated internationally. What few realize, however, is that Peake worked as an apprentice at Casa del Herrero from 1933-34. Recently, four original drawings by Peake’s hand were preserved with archival framing. They will be on

Bass Family Silver GiftRecently, Melita and Steedman Bass (great-grandchildren of George Fox and Carrie Steedman), donated 32 silver pieces created by George Fox Steedman’s hand. These pieces join the Steedman collection of silver already at the estate. Thanks to the dedication of the Steedman family, many of the silver pieces are currently on view.

Steedman Family ArchiveDuring his lifetime, George Fox Steedman meticulously kept his paperwork, correspondence, notebooks, and drawings in organized drawers and filing cabinets. The Casa is fortunate to have these ephemera and is in the process of creating the Steedman family archive so that George’s papers can be preserved for future generations.

view at the Casa after they return from a yearlong run with the exhibition Channing Peake at Casa del Herrero and Highlights from the Santa Barbara County Collection.

Manuscript PageThe Casa is in possession of a manuscript page depicting Saint Anne teaching the Virgin to read, with Anne of Brittany in prayer. The page is a cutting from the choir book of Louis XII and Anne of Brittany from Paris, circa 1500. Possibly purchased in Paris during one of the Steedmans’ many trips to Europe, the manuscript page was later hung in George Steedman’s bedroom, remaining an important artifact to him throughout his lifetime. Thanks to the generosity of Margaret Wise, and to the efforts of dedicated board members, the manu-script page has been preserved with archival framing.


See accountant’s compilation report.

Without Donor With Donor TotalAssets Restrictions Restrictions 2018

Current AssetsCash and cash equivalents 102,356$ 12,848$ 115,204$

979,654,2957,824,1022,820,1stnemtsevnI503,11yrotnevnI - 11,305

Total current assets 1,141,881 1,441,607 2,583,488

Other Assets005,66krow trA - 66,500

Property and equipment, net 2,755,252 - 2,755,252

Total other assets 2,821,752 - 2,821,752

Total assets 3,963,633$ 1,441,607$ 5,405,240$

Liabilities and Net Assets

Liabilities710,1 elbayap stnuoccA $ -$ 1,017$ 009,7tisoped ytiruceS - 7,900

Total liabilities 8,917 - 8,917

Net AssetsWithout donor restrictions 3,954,716 - 3,954,716

-snoitcirtser ronod htiW 1,441,607 1,441,607

Total net assets 3,954,716 1,441,607 5,396,323

3,963,633$ 1,441,607$ 5,405,240$

CASA DEL HERREROStatement of Financial Position - Income Tax Basis

As of December 31, 2018

See accountant's compilation report.

Without Donor With Donor Restrictions Restrictions 2018

Revenues and Income083,881snoitanoD 758 $ $ 189,237$475,22emocni pihsrebmeM - 22,574503,04emocni toohs otohp dna ruoT - 40,305180,57emocni latneR - 75,081

Gift shop sales, net of cost of goods sold 13,134 - 13,134)984,63(ten ,ssol tnemtsevnI (91,697) (128,186)

440,71ecnarusni -emocni rehtO - 17,044Special events:

Special events gross proceeds 296,126 - 296,126)933,37(sesnepxe stneve laiceps tceriD - (73,339)

Net special event proceeds 222,787 - 222,787799,37snoitcirtser morf desaeler stessa teN (73,997) -

Total revenues and income 616,813 (164,837) 451,976

Expenses159,162segaw dna seiralaS - 261,951287,92stifeneb eeyolpmE - 29,782695,02sexat lloryaP - 20,596840,9sesnepxe pihsrebmeM - 9,048341,93esnepxe latneR - 39,143776,8sexat ytreporP - 8,677993,8ecnanetniam dna sriapeR - 8,399661,33sesnepxe eciffO - 33,166795,23secivres lanoisseforP - 32,597155,73sesnepxe nedraG - 37,551330,15ycnapuccO - 51,033577,9ecnarusnI - 9,775753,4esnepxe tnecoD - 4,357311,1ecnerefnoc dna levarT - 1,113537,7snoitaler cilbuP - 7,735362sevihcra dna noitavresnoC - 263058,78noitaicerpeD - 87,850

Total expenses 643,036 - 643,036

Decrease in net assets (26,223) (164,837) (191,060)

Net assets, beginning of year 3,980,939 1,606,444 5,587,383

Net assets, end of year 3,954,716$ 1,441,607$ 5,396,323$

Year Ended December 31, 2018Statement of Activities - Income Tax Basis

CASA DEL HERRERO

See accountant's compilation report.

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Statement of Financial Position – Income Tax BasisAs of December 31, 2018

Statement of Activities – Income Tax BasisYear Ended December 31, 2018

See accountant’s compilation report.

Financial ProfileCasa del Herrero’s financial statements reflect a commitment to sustainable financial stewardship, and its fiduciary responsibility to its family of donors and the community.


For Carolyn and Bob Williams, Casa del Herrero Provides Opportunity to Share Passion for Historical PreservationWinemaking at Casa del Herrero

With a letter in hand from the Treasury Department authorizing the production of wine for family use in quantities not to exceed 200 gallons, George Fox Steedman was ready to begin the process of producing wine at Casa del Herrero. The resulting cellar at the estate was a small but efficient home winery. Typical of Steedman’s many creative endeavors, he researched home winemaking extensively, looking at articles such as “The Composition of Wine and Must,” “Wine in the Diet,” “Bacterial Diseases of Wine,” “Wine Making is an Art,” and “Metals and Wines,” to name a few. He wrote letters to experts across America asking questions and advice on topics such as wine sterilization, proper corks, and barrels. He designed several custom- made systems to simplify and automate his winemaking. Steedman used primarily red grape varieties sourced from local vineyards, such as Santa Cruz Island Grapes, which most likely arrived at the Casa in wooden lug boxes. He would crush and de-stem the grapes, and the crushed grape must was transferred to concrete fermentation vats. Steedman used selected yeast for fermentation, and punched down the skins in the fermenting wine by standing on fold-down benches in front of the fermentation vats. When fermentation was complete, the young wine and skins were drained through openings at the bottom of the vats, and the skins were pressed in a typical basket wine press. The new, young wine was placed in

either glass five gallon carboys or oak wood barrels, which Steedman carefully researched, and was held in the cellar area to mature. The wine was bottled and corked, and cellared in custom wine racks. Throughout the process, Steedman kept meticulous notes, the culmination of which was a manual of sorts developed in 1932 titled “Notes for Making Ten Gallons of Concord White Wine and Ten Gallons of Concord Red Wine” prepared for Sterling E. Edmunds, Esq. PhD of Michigan and Missouri. Underneath the

title, Steedman wrote, “requiring a 20 gallon crock, good luck, and a pair of rubber boots.” While Steedman at first achieved uneven results, he was later quite happy with the quality of wine he was able to produce. Writing to Paul Masson, a winemaker in San Jose, Steedman shared that he was “…greatly pleased with the results of my last two or three years of winemaking. I have learned to use your grapes and am making much better wine than I ever expected to be able to make as an amateur.”

Some information for this article provided courtesy of Robert Sweeney’s book Casa del Herrero – The Romance of Spanish Colonial published

by Rizzoli International Publications, Inc., and Winemaker Ken Dunkley.

After just one week in their new Montecito home, Carolyn and Bob Williams hosted their first out-of-town guests. Wanting to be good hosts, Carolyn asked her neighbor for some ideas of sites they could visit in the area. Without hesitating, the neighbor directed Carolyn and Bob to visit Casa del Herrero. After experiencing quite a memorable tour, the Williams’ were interested in pursuing further involve-ment with the organization. Eight years later, Carolyn remains a passionate docent and three-time co-chair of the

Casa summer event, and Bob has served as a member of the Board of Trustees and chair of the Buildings and Grounds Committee. “This is the first time Bob and I have volunteered together,” said Carolyn. “It makes it special for us because we are both passionate about the estate, and it feels good to know we are making a differ-ence.” Carolyn and Bob have a long history of giving back in their past communities. Carolyn thrives on discovering meaningful ways to engage

with people, which she has previously channeled into serving as a docent for major museums. Part of this stems from her love of history and spending much of her career working as a middle school and high school language arts teacher, where she loved communicat-ing new ideas to students. Professional-ly, Bob spent many years in community development. This gave him the opportunity to be involved in historic preservation in cities throughout the country. Today, they feel fortunate to be connected to the Casa, each bring-ing a special skill set to their volunteer-ism. “Casa del Herrero is such a significant part of the Santa Barbara community,” said Bob. “We try to give back as much as we can, which is rewarding. I like to focus on what I can contribute to provide the most positive outcome.” Through their support of the Casa, Carolyn and Bob have seen first-hand the value of preservation. Thanks to their efforts, and those of other dedi-cated individuals, the Casa remains a community treasure. “We were intro-duced to the Casa in such a positive way that we feel we can now pass on this experience to others,” said Bob. “Mr. Steedman was a Renaissance man, and the Casa remains preserved as a National Historic Landmark in part due to his creativity.” “Casa del Herrero reflects the spirit of this community. There is so much historical significance,” said Carolyn. “I am impressed that the Casa is a place that continues to grow even though so much of the past is preserved.”

16 17CASA SPECIAL ISSUEANNUAL REPORT

Casa GardensAn Eclectic Mix of Country Place Era and Moorish Inspiration

No aspect of the estate was reworked more vigorously than the garden areas. George Fox Steedman was a perfectionist, and he made many changes to Landscape Architect Ralph Stevens’ original design.

The result of Steedman’s intervention is an eclectic mix of Country Place Era and Moorish-inspired gardens. Today, Casa del Herrero maintains National Historic Landmark status in part due to

these unique spaces. A visit to the Casa begins by walking down the driveway to the motor court, where one can view palms and giant bird-of-paradise plants. A wrought-

iron gate set in the east side leads to the Camellia Garden. A few steps more, and guests find themselves standing in the Blue and White Garden. Plants such as calla lilies, iris, statice, helio-

trope, Japanese anemones, and Shasta daisies fill this space. According to Medora Bass in an article she wrote for The American Women’s Garden Maga-zine, her parents George and Carrie Steedman enjoyed this garden in the moonlight. From here, the Rose Garden and Lily Pond are not to be missed. Once one has passed the Gothic birdhouse and the star fountain, a distinct highlight is standing at the end of the main alleé and looking over a low wall into the Casa’s Arizona Garden. This garden space is filled with plants such as aloe, Mexican fencepost, and golden barrel cactus. There are also some lovely Dracaena draco (dragon) trees. With its beautiful plants and gravel pathways, the Arizona Garden marks a nice transition from the manicured landscape to the wild cyprus and oak trees beyond. Walking through the orchard one can find citrus and other fruit trees. During the Great Depression, George Steedman would bring in men looking for work, providing them with projects such as digging trenches and laying pipes so that the fruit trees would have proper drainage. Today, the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County gleans the Casa fruit trees through its Backyard Bounty program. Each year, the Casa provides hundreds of pounds of fruit to those experiencing food insecurity

throughout the county. From the orchard, the walk up to the main house concludes with a small, but lovely, Herb Garden, first envis- ioned in a drawing done by George Steedman in 1932. While vegetables were grown on the property before this time, George wanted herbs and plants that would be suitable to a kitchen garden. Close to the green houses, and around the corner from the Herb Garden, is the Casa Cutting Garden. All year long, but especially in summer, this garden is overflowing with flowers and foliage used to create arrangements around the estate. During her lifetime, Carrie Steedman loved roses and camellias, often winning awards for her flower arrangements. George Steedman found her creations so lovely he set up a darkroom so that they could be photographed. To honor Carrie’s passion, volunteer flower arrangers come to the Casa every week, preparing artful designs that bring a little something extra to the docent-led tours. Taken together, the Casa’s garden spaces are a beautiful reminder of the Steedman family’s creativity and connection to the natural world. They reaffirm George Steedman’s thought- fulness and attention to detail as he created, in his words, a “good, satisfying home.”

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Some information for this article courtesy of Robert Sweeney’s book Casa del Herrero – The Romance of Spanish Colonial published by Rizzoli International Publications, Inc.,

and “The Garden of Medora Bass – Casa del Herrero, Santa Barbara, California,” from The American Woman’s Garden Magazine, 1983-84.


Blue and White Garden

Herb Garden Orchard Arizona Garden

Star Fountain and Main Alleé

Casa SupportersThe Casa’s family of donors helps the organization fulfill its mission to maintain, preserve, and restore the house, furnishings, gardens, and history of the Steedman/Bass estate for the benefit of the community, visiting public, scholars, and students. Because of donor support, the Casa continues to preserve local history for the public benefit.Jacqueline AbbudJen and Skip AbedRussell AdamsBernadine and Herb AldwinckleMargaret and Peter AllenAlliance Data Systems, Inc.Deborah Anders and Hal AltmanAmerican Riviera BankJane and Kenneth W. AndersonBarbara and Terry AndersonAnn James Interior DesignJoanna Kerns and Marc AppletonPatricia and Evan AptakerJean ArcherLois and James ArcherDemetri ArgyropoulosAshley AshoffTracey and Minos AthanassiadisGage Ricard and George AzelickisLisa and Bryan BabcockBernadette BagleyRobin and Peter BarkerMary BarterDiane BaskinGeorge S. BassMelita Jane BassSusan and Riley BechtelStephen Forrest BeckLaurel Beebe BarrackKiki BeanVera and Don BensenLeslie and Philip BernsteinPenelope and Adam BianchiHeather and Chris BilesJill and John BishopWendy and Chris BlauLynn and Thomas BolandCrystal and Tracy BoltLoren BoothDebbe and Franklin Otis Booth, IIIJessica and John BowlinSharon and David BradfordMelanie Brainard

Laura and John BridleyElla and Scott BrittinghamDebby Lipp and Paul BroekerLynn and Chris BrownLinda BrownSusan BrunnJane and David BuchananStephen Schaible and Daron BuiltaEdwin BurgosFrederick P. BurrowsBurrows/Tucker Group at UBS Santa BarbaraAnn Smead and Michael ByramCabana Home LLCSusan and Brett CaineJanet and Stephen CarlsonLouise and Tim CaseyJeffrey CavenerMary Carolyn and Stebbins ChandorSusan and Dennis ChiavelliKaren and Stephen ClarkCeci ClarkeBetsy and Kenneth CoatesSallie and Curt CoughlinMadeline CripeSandra and Patrick CrotteauPatricia CullinanIan Cutler/Cutler’s Artisan SpiritsKathryne and William DahlmanDamitz, Brooks, Nightingale, Turner & MorrisetBarbara DangleisSissy Taran and Colman DanielChristina and Peter DaRosJulie and Mike DavenportIlyce and Walter DawesBarbara and Charles De L’ArbreJane and Bruce DefnetJane and David DeSelmDesigns by GeorginaHaddon DillonDiane Galvan and Larry DisharoonDeborah Donohue

Joyce Duncan FalkJane DyruffAnn EdmonstonElizabeth EdwardsMichael W. Hoefer and Paul EllerbeckPaula and Bruce EmmensAdrian and Ted ErlerDiane Evans and Tom FarrSintija and Harry FelderKate and Adam FirestoneKee and Paul FlynnTisha Weber FordCheryl and Andrew FosslerWendy FosterSusan Gordon and Scott FrancisBetty Lou FrostDiane Dodson GaltDorothy and John GardnerKaren and Nino GarroliniMarie GauthierJudy and Ernie GettoAlexandra GiffordAnne and John GilchristDolores and Freddy Airey GillmoreVito GioielloAdele GoggiaBryan GoligoskiGrace Design AssociatesGray & Gray ArchitectsSally GreenJana and Randall GreerFabienne GuerinSusan and Gary GulbransenCindy and John HallMary and Doug HampsonStephen HarbyPerri HarcourtAshley and Chris C. HardyHarrison Design Co.Edward A. HartfeldBarbie HenzellKisa and Christian HeyerPeter F. Hilf

Albert P. Hinckley, Jr.Tanny Keeler and Kent HodgettsJoanne C. HoldermanEdith E. HollisterRobert HughesNancy HunterImagine Artful ThingsMary Jane Ingalls BuchananLynne IsraelGary T. IzumiJoan and Palmer JacksonChana and James H. Jackson

Susan and Palmer Jackson, Jr.Hollye and Jeff JacobsGina JannottaJoyce W. JohnsonEmily and Blake JonesTyrena and Willam K. JonesDee and Steve JonesJPMorgan ChaseKatie and Richard KahmannKaren KawaguchiKevin KeatingCarlotta and Rusty KeelyKathy and Steve KellerJennifer and Niall KellyMargaret and Barry KempLiza KerriganBobbie and John KinnearKristin and Kevin KirbyWendy and Philip KistlerDaniel Launspach and Denise KlassenRisa KleywegKristi Marks and Charlie KnightCarolyn and Ronald KoeglerHarry KolbTravis and Thomas KranzSerena and Paul KusserowKristin and Landon LackDoreen LadinMarie LarkinMarlene and Bruce LarsonElizabeth LeddyArthur LeonardArlene Sanford and Devra LiebLinda Koehler and Robert LieffIngrid Hinckley LindsayJudith LittleLouise Turner HatsLillian P. LovelacePauline and Marc LoweCarole MacElhennyPatricia and John MacFarlaneMacFarlane, Faletti & Co. LLPJudith MackDebbie and John MackallKathleen and Timothy MackerLaurie and Thad MacMillanMarni and Doug MargerumJohn MargolisSuzanne Tucker and Timothy F. MarksMaureen MassonLaura MastGinger Salazar and Brett MatthewsAlixe and Mark Mattingly

Hilary and Bayard MaybankAmy and Michael MayfieldMari and Patrick McAlisterKenneth McAshanJanet and John McCannJennifer and Patrick McCoyElizabeth Storm McGovernCornelia and Brian McGrathPatricia McGuinnessLana and John McIntyreSusan and Mark McKeefrySusan and William McKinleyBrian McLeanJames McNabbJocelyne and William MeekerRoberta MeheganKellen and Andrew H. MeyerGretchen and Marshall C. MilliganMireille and Chris MillsMari and Hank MitchelBetsey and John MollerValerie and Robert MontgomeryLois H. MooreLynn MorrisFran M. MorrowAlexandra and Charles MorseLaura and Cleveland MotleyJudy MunzigMichel NellisSusan and James NeumanNanette and Henry NevinsLetitia Harper and Tim NewlinNorthern TrustPenny Mathison and Donald NultyColleen O’BrienLaura Lewis and Kevin O’ConnorTerri and Bob OrtegaJulie OuelletteThe Little Garden Club of PasadenaJohn E. ParkersonCarol and Lawrence ParsonsFrank PenninoCaroline PereiraAnne PetersenEllen and John PillsburyKathleen PowersJulie and Christopher ProctorJames Madsen and Grant ReidValerie and AJ RiceSusan and Tom RichardsDorothy RileyDavid Luna and Jim RiveraLiz Rosedale and Ty Rodgers

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THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING FOUNDATIONS FOR SUPPORTING THE CASA’S WORK:

Adirondack FoundationAnn Jackson Family FoundationHutton Parker FoundationKirby Jones FoundationMacDonald Family FoundationMarion and John E. Anderson FoundationNichols Foundation West at the Boston FoundationSanta Barbara FoundationThe Guerin FoundationThe Harold McAlister Charitable FoundationThe Mosher FoundationThe Susanne and Gary Tobey Family FoundationThe Towbes FoundationWatling Foundation


THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING ARTISTS FOR PROVIDING PROCEEDS FROM ART SALES AT THE CASA'S FERIA ANDALUSIA EVENT:

Meredith Brooks AbbottWhitney Brooks AbbottLiz BradyLynn Cunningham BrownErika CarterNancy DavidsonWilliam DeweyPriscilla FossekRick GarciaDaniel GibbingsWyllis HeatonLenore Tolegian HughesVirginia McCrackenAnn SandersFrank SerranoRichard SchlossGarrett SpeirsRobert StiversRalph Waterhouse

Robin RodnickMarianne Sprague and Allan RogersRegina and Richard RoneyRichard RosinDebbie RossAlison Wrigley and Geoff RusackPatricia RyanKendra and Don SabinoPat and Jeff SaleyMichele and Andre SaltounAlice and Sheldon SanovSanta Barbara County Horticultural SocietySanta Barbara Newcomers ClubDiane and Steve SassenJudy and Ed SavageAnnalisa and Adam SavinJill and Howard SavinHoward ScarDebby and Steve SchererLisa and Michael SchlagelNancy B. SchlosserMaria and Mark SchmidtRobin SchutteLinda and John SeiterLynda Millner and Donald SethIngrid and James ShattuckVictoria ShawPam and Jon ShieldsAliza and Fred ShimaAnne and Allen SidesSharol and Wayne SiemensSue and Joe SkenderianBarbara and Wayne SmithKyle Irwin and Jens SorensenDaryl and John StegallMeghan and Robert Stoll, Jr.Catherine StoutVicky and Guy StricklandDouglas Wise and John StuartNola StuckyStephen P. TannerLaura and Alexander TaronThe Garden Club of Santa BarbaraThe Garden Club of the Junior League of New OrleansMindy ThomasDeborah ThorsenSusanne and Gary TobeyBen TuckerDeborah and Milton ValeraSusan Van AttaAlice Van de Water

Kristine VilliottDonna and Rudy VisThe Warrenton Garden ClubJean Von WittenburgPatricia and Nicholas WeberKristen Klingbeil-Weis and Karl WeisCarol Anne and Jonathan WernerMichele and Stewart WhiteSusan White HeinzMarty and Jennifer WillhiteCarolyn and Bob WilliamsCiCi WilliamsonStephanie WilsonLaura and Stuart WilsonAndrea and Reading WilsonAnn Sanders and Gerry WinantMichael MacElhenny and David J. WineKatherine Pharibe WiseTana and Jeffrey WynnYa LivingJoanie and Gerhardt ZacherKaty and Robert ZappalaCheryl and Peter ZieglerDale and Geoffrey Slaff Zurawski

Casa Docents and Volunteers

“I am so pleased that the Casa continues on as a public monument for the community,” said Joyce Johnson, longtime docent and volunteer. “It is rare to have a house museum that still includes all of the original furnishings and artwork. This is the right kind of preservation.”

With more than 80 people giving their time to Casa del Herrero including docents, flower arrangers, garden enthusiasts, and committee members, volunteers are truly the life-blood of the organization. The Casa remains grateful for the support of these dedicated individuals!

“The Casa is special. It is hard to describe because there is nothing else like it,” said Diane Sassen, longtime volunteer flower arranger. “Seeing the Casa for the first time changed my life, and it continues to change my life in so many positive ways. It opened a window to this beautiful world I never knew existed.”

“I went through the training and became a docent in 2014 after retiring from a long career with the U. S. Forest Service,” said Bruce Emmens, docent and Build-ings and Grounds Committee member. “Learning about the architecture, art, and furnishings at the Casa has really assisted me in my new endeavor of residential real estate sales in the Santa Barbara area. More importantly, it has allowed me to share the amazing story of the planning, design, and development of the estate, and the brilliant people who collaborated to make sure it became a National Historic Landmark.”

“I have given tours at the Casa for nearly 10 years, and I’m continually astonished at our visitors’ amazement,” said David DeSelm, longtime docent. “From their first glimpse of the Spanish entry court and façade, to their fascination with the interior rooms and furnishings, to the stories about the Steedman family, to their delight in the variety of the gardens, and the complexity of the workshop, they all leave with enthusiasm and big smiles on their faces. It always makes me feel good to show them around the estate.”

“I always wanted to be a tour guide so when a friend sent me to see Casa del Herrero I knew I’d found my place,” said Lynda Millner, longtime docent. “Having lived in Andalucia, Spain for seven years, the Spanish architecture brings back so many wonderful memories of ferias, flamenco, horses, and sherry. I especially love that we have Steedman relatives with memories of the estate, who can share stories about visiting their grandparents. It enables us docents to make the place come alive for our visitors. It’s been nearly 20 years and I’m still having fun leading tours.”

“When I think about my life in Montecito, Casa del Herrero is the focal point,” said Dan Eidelson, founding Steering Commit-tee member. “There was a period of time that I was completely devoted to the property, and as a result, the significance of the estate will always be important to me.”

“It is special for me to volunteer here because I find this place to be magical,” said Gretchen Ingmanson, longtime garden volunteer. “I get a feeling of honored ownership from the projects I work on at the Casa. I don’t own this place, but I am able to get an intimate view through my volunteering.”


Diane Sassen

Jane Dyruff and Joyce Johnson

Sally Green and Laura Wilson

Robert Williams, Don Bensen, Mike Modugno, and Bruce Emmens

Lynda Millner

Gretchen Ingmanson and Duke McPherson

Casa Signature EventsLongtime Volunteer Gina Jannotta Enhances the Beauty of the Casa with Artful Flower Arrangements

Nearly 20 years ago, Gina Jannotta and her husband Joe decided to spend fewer winters in the Chicago suburbs in order to enjoy the sunshine of Santa Barbara. They rented a cottage while they became better acquainted with the community, discovering Casa del Herrero almost immediately. They took a guided tour, falling in love with the estate and realizing a connection through mutual friends to the Casa’s Founding Trustee, George Bass. All these years later, Gina remains a passionate donor also giving her time to serve as a volunteer flower arranger. “At first, we only spent winters in Santa Barbara. I was busy volunteering in Chicago, and was not sure I wanted to get involved,” said Gina. “But, I was very interested in gardens and flower arranging. Once I started doing the flowers my love for the Casa began to grow. It has been a wonderful experi-ence.” After her initial introduction to the Casa, Gina came back to the estate with the Garden Club of Santa Barbara to assist with the yearly pruning of the roses. It was during this event that the group discussed the idea of creating flower arrangements to enhance the guided tours. A year later, the volunteer program was up and running, with Gina joining the team. “My mother was a flower arranger and member of a garden club. She was also my girl scout leader who decided we needed a badge for flower arranging,” said Gina. “That was my first attempt at flower arrang-ing. It was not until I was much older that it all began to click.”

For Gina, volunteering at the Casa is a very special opportunity. She loves wandering in the gardens, picking flowers and foliage for her arrangements. “When I am in the house putting the arrangements together, I like to think about what the family would have done when they were living here. It is very unique to have a home that remains maintained as if the original owners were still around,” said Gina. “And to pick

Casa del Herrero hosts two signature events a year – Feria Andalusia Art Show and Garden Fair and Christmas at the Casa. Both events are significant fundraisers for the organization, providing necessary funds to complete important conservation projects, maintain the home’s beautiful garden spaces, and provide education to visitors.

flowers right onsite is quite incredible. What a treat!” With fond memories of great events and wonderful experiences, Gina’s love of the estate continues to flourish. “Santa Barbara’s history is definitely reflected at the Casa,” said Gina. “Our community should know about the estate because it is a wonder-ful example of time standing still.”

Feria Andalusia Art Show and Garden FairThe Casa’s garden spaces become the perfect backdrop for this annual event, honoring the estate’s architectural heritage while celebrating the connection we share as a community. Always a feast for the senses, the afternoon features festive music, delicious appetizers, and an exhibition showcasing the artwork of local Santa Barbara artists presenting paintings, mixed media, and fine art photography.

Christmas at the Casa >

Every year, the Casa starts the holiday season with this signature event – a wonderful evening celebrating the importance of preservation. The festive gathering is always full of good cheer, great food, and lovely wines. The party concludes with Christmas cookie party favors provided by Solvang Bakery. The evening usually features a special tribute honoring those individ-uals who have given a tremendous amount of heart and passion to the Casa. Previous honorees have included Joan Jackson, Susan Jackson, Marc Appleton, and Sharon Bradford.

24 25ANNUAL REPORT

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CASA SPECIAL ISSUE

Meghan Stoll and Travis Kranz

Garrett Speirs and Liz Rosedale

Lynda Millner and Lynn Brown

Laura Motley and Jane Defnet

Susan and Joan Jackson

Pharibe Wise, Marc Appleton, and Wynne Hannon

Christmas at the Casa Event Committee

Hank and Mari Mitchel, and Bobbie and John Kinnear

Casa MembersOur Casa is Your Casa

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While membership has its privileges, the most important benefit is the support your gift provides to Casa del Herrero. Your membership keeps the door of access open to all those wishing to engage with the Casa – to share our local history, to preserve our fine art objects, and to keep George Washington Smith’s architecture a vital, living presence in our community.

When you become a member, you join a legacy of individuals preserving local history for the public benefit. Find a membership level that is right for you at casadelherrero.com/membership/.

Forger’s GuildJean ArcherStephen BeckLinda BrownPatricia CullinanDeborah DonohueKaren and Nino GarroliniMartha GraySally GreenAnn JamesDee and Steve JonesSerena and Paul KusserowMarlene and Bruce LarsonArthur LeonardPatricia McGuinnessJohn E. ParkersonVeena RaiPat and Jeff SaleyDiane and Steve SassenRobin SchutteLinda and John SeiterVicky and Guy StricklandDeborah ThorsenSusan Van AttaJean Von Wittenburg

Blacksmith’s GuildJacqueline AbbudDeborah Anders and Hal AltmanDemetri ArgyropoulosBernadette BagleyJill and John BishopDebby Lipp and Paul BroekerEdwin BurgosNollie Lei Dawson and

Robert Alan BurtnessJeffrey CavenerChristina and Peter DaRosJane and David DeSelmDiane Galvan and Larry DisharoonPaula and Bruce EmmensDiane Evans and Tom Farr

Sintija and Harry FelderCheryl and Andrew FosslerBetty Lou FrostMarie GauthierAlexandra GiffordJoyce W. JohnsonKatie and Richard KahmannKevin KeatingCarolyn and Ronald KoeglerJudith MackJohn MargolisAlexandra and Charles MorseMichel NellisTerri and Bob OrtegaCarol and Lawrence ParsonsJames Madsen and Grant ReidAlice RothlindLynda Millner and Donald SethSue and Joe SkenderianLaura and Stuart WilsonTana and Jeffrey Wynn

Silversmith’s GuildVera and Don BensenLynn and Thomas BolandSusan BrunnStephen Schaible and Daron BuiltaAnn Smead and Michael ByramJanet and Stephen CarlsonSandra and Patrick CrotteauAdrian and Ted ErlerJana and Randall GreerLaurie and Thad MacMillanFrank PenninoPatricia RyanDeborah and Milton Valera

PatronBarbara and Terry AndersonLaurel Beebe BarrackMichael W. Hoefer and

Paul EllerbeckRobert Hughes

Mary Jane Ingalls BuchananMargaret and Barry KempElizabeth LeddyIngrid and James Shattuck

Casa SocietyJen and Skip AbedJoanna Kerns and Marc AppletonRobin and Peter BarkerLoren BoothElla and Scott BrittinghamLynn and Chris BrownLouise and Tim CaseyMary Carolyn and

Stebbins ChandorKaren and Stephen ClarkBetsy and Kenneth CoatesKathryne and William DahlmanJane and Bruce DefnetTisha Weber FordSusan Gordon and Scott FrancisCindy and John HallMary and Doug HampsonPerri HarcourtAlbert P. Hinckley, Jr.Nancy HunterHollye and Jeff JacobsJennifer and Niall KellyBobbie and John KinnearKristi Marks and Charlie KnightCarole MacElhennyDebbie and John MackallSuzanne Tucker and

Timothy F. MarksGinger Salazar and Brett MatthewsAlixe and Mark MattinglyAmy and Michael MayfieldMari and Patrick McAlisterJanet and John McCannLana and John McIntyreKellen and Andrew MeyerMari and Hank MitchelBetsey and John MollerLois H. Moore

THANK YOU TO OUR 2018-2019 MEMBERS!

Fran MorrowNorthern TrustLaura Lewis and Kevin O’ConnorDavid Luna and Jim RiveraMarianne Sprague and Allan RogersAlison Wrigley and Geoff RusackMichele and Andre SaltounLisa and Michael SchlagelNancy B. SchlosserAnne and Allen SidesSharol and Wayne SiemensBarbara and Wayne SmithKyle Irwin and Jens SorensenDouglas Wise and John StuartLaura and Alexander TaronBen TuckerAlice Van de WaterCarolyn and Bob WilliamsMichael MacElhenny and

David J. WineKatherine Pharibe WiseJoanie and Gerhardt Zacher

Casa Silver SocietyHeather and Chris BilesLaura and John BridleyBryan GoligoskiEmily and Blake JonesElizabeth Storm McGovernGretchen and Marshall MilliganPam and Jon Shields

Director’s CircleSusan and Riley BechtelWendy and Chris BlauFrederick BurrowsJoan and Palmer JacksonSusan and Palmer Jackson, Jr.Travis and Thomas KranzSusan and William McKinleyNanette and Henry NevinsMeghan and Robert Stoll, Jr.Cheryl and Peter Ziegler


For Sharon and David Bradford, Richness of Casa History Enhances Montecito Community

From the ArchiveGeorge Fox Steedman’s Personal Notebooks from SpainIn May and June of 1923, George Fox Steedman took a trip to Spain as part of the planning process for the design and decoration of Casa del Herrero. Traveling with Louis La Beaume, an architect friend from St. Louis, he visited Madrid, Segovia, Toledo, and Lisbon before heading to Andalusia where he stayed in Seville and Granada. Along the way, Steedman purchased furniture, decorative arts, and architectural fragments for the Casa. Steedman detailed the trip in notebooks, writing down comments and making sketches of interesting furniture and architectural details. He also took more than 3,000 photographs. Antiquarians Arthur Byne and Mildred Stapley served as guides and counselors for Steedman’s purchases, which were interspersed with visits to significant landmarks and private collections. While in Toledo, Steedman visited Casa y Museo de El Greco. He sketched several details including the entry steps, which would later become the prototype for the stairs leading to the Spanish patio from the Casa living room. In Seville, Steedman acquired several of the most prominently displayed items in the Casa including the Medejar seventeenth-century doors and frame for the second floor hall and the sixteenth-century escutcheon over the living room fireplace. Visiting Granada, Steedman became enchanted with the gardens of the Generalife, a nearby summer palace. He sketched one of the arcaded walls, which would later become the prototype for the enclosed Spanish patio at the Casa.

Information for this article courtesy of Robert Sweeney’s book Casa del Herrero – The Romance of

Spanish Colonial published by Rizzoli International Publications, Inc.


From their first interactions at the Casa, Sharon and David Bradford were drawn to the unique and creative expression of architecture on the estate. For Sharon, who may or may not have climbed over the Casa wall with her little brother as a kid, the house seemed to have a special, indescribable quality. All these years later, Sharon is now a former board member, and together, she and David have been longtime support-ers. “I have always loved the history of architecture,” said Sharon. “My first fascination was with the great estates but as time went by I became more interested in the beautiful, simple homes and old adobes. The Casa has so

many unique elements – from the fountains and tile work to the birdhouse sundial. For me, the Casa will always remain magical.” The Steedmans’ built a home that was more than just shelter; it was a reflection of their creative passions noticeable in almost every detail of the house. This attention to creativity is not lost on Sharon and David, who both see the necessity of supporting arts and culture and the role the arts play in defining a community. “Art makes a community great. It is the soul,” said David. “The arts enrich our lives by providing almost a spiritual modality of interaction between people, history, and

cultures. George Fox Steedman had so many interests that remain relevant to our lives today.” During her time on the board, Sharon and her fellow board members worked intently on a strategic plan, which for Sharon was an intriguing and interesting process. The resulting trajectory would carry the organization through a solid decade of strong leader-ship. Together, the group decided to start holding a yearly event, which they called Christmas at the Casa. Over the years, there has been ever-increasing interaction with the community, and today, that signature event is a beloved fundraiser. “I am happy to see how the organization has progressed over time,” said Sharon. “The Casa used to be a hidden gem, and now people know it is here and look forward to seeing it.” George Fox Steedman worked with many talented local artists and architects such as George Washington Smith, Lutah Maria Riggs, and Channing Peake. Today, this creative legacy makes preservation a key component of the Casa’s mission. With support and passion from individuals like Sharon and David, the organization remains stead-fast while the architecture and gardens remain frozen in time. “You really cannot appreciate the present unless you understand the past,” said David. “Preservation is important because it allows us to build on our appreciation of the past while focusing on where we want to go as we continue to build a sense of community. The Casa adds much to the richness of our architectural history. It really is a great local asset.”

Traveling to Barcelona after Andalusia, Steedman purchased the Martyrdom of St. Lorenzo, quite a significant piece, now hanging in the Casa dining room. With the conclusion of the trip, Steedman returned to America while Arthur Byne continued to make purchases on Steedman’s behalf also orchestrating the shipment of more than 87 cases to Santa Barbara. Today, Steedman’s recollections of the buying trip to Spain remain alive in the pages of the notebooks he left behind.

Community Collaborations

Nonprofit PartnershipsNonprofits give so much to the community, and the Casa is a grateful beneficiary of volunteer efforts from the Rotary Club of Montecito, is a yearly participant receiving help from the United Way’s annual Day of Caring event, and frequent contributor to the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County’s Backyard Bounty program, to name a few. Additionally, the Casa provides educational opportunities such as its work with the Santa Barbara Braille Institute, providing students with hands-on tours and mobility courses.

Casa del Herrero is committed to community collaborations. As such, the Casa is frequently a hub of activity. From nonprofit partnerships to local youth and school group visits, the community is able to engage with the preservation and stewardship of the historic estate through educational and artistic activities.

Garden Club of Santa Barbara Renovates Arizona GardenThe Garden Club of Santa Barbara has a wonderful history of collaboration with the Casa, most recently on the renovation of the Casa’s Arizona (cactus) Garden. Thanks to funding from the club’s Civic Project Grant Program, as well as time and effort from club members, the garden has been returned to its original splendor – a beautiful, contemplative space in which to view unique cactus specimens.

Channing Peake at Casa del Herrero and Highlights from the County CollectionChanning Peake was a renowned California artist whose career was celebrated internationally. What few realize, however, is that Peake worked as an apprentice at the Casa from 1933-34. Peake’s important artistic contribution was celebrated in the exhibition Channing Peake at Casa del Herrero and Highlights from the Santa Barbara County Collection at the Channing Peake Gallery in Santa Barbara. Coinciding with the gallery’s 30th anniversary, the exhibition was a collaboration with the Santa Barbara County Arts Commission.

Local Youth and School Group VisitsThe Casa provides a variety of educa-tional opportunities geared toward young people. Creativity is always a part of the day’s learnings as the Casa is committed to encouraging inspiration and imagination in our county’s youth. In the past year, the Casa has hosted organizations such as Girls Inc. of Carpinteria, Montecito Union School, and the Santa Barbara School of Squash (an urban youth enrichment program) at the estate for special tours and activities.


Amy Mayfield, Puck Erickson, and Sharon Bradford Westmont basketball team Day of Caring

participants

Santa Barbara School of Squash Girls Inc. of Carpinteria

Foodbank of Santa Barbara County Backyard Bounty program

Channing Peake paintings in the Casa living room

P.O. Box 5612, Santa Barbara, CA 93150 | (805) 565-5653 | casadelherrero.com

casa del herrero · 2020. 2. 27. · casa del herrero takes as its mission to maintain, preserve,...

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