History
We Are Celebrating 55 Years!
In 1963, the Historical Society was a committee under the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce. Chamber President Gerry Gaffney felt that the history of the town should be a separate organization. An organizational meeting in May was well received by all local groups in town.
Present at that first meeting included William Bathgate, Don Dumford, John Haas, H. L. Remmers, Douglas Hamond, C. Russell and Mrs. Cook, Mrs. Robert Marshall, Mrs. Marco Forster, Tony Alarcon, Clarence Lobo, Mr. Craig Snyder, Mrs. William Forsyth, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Brow, Josh Gammell, Mr. and Mrs. Stan Geach, Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Gaffney and Stephen Hobart.
Organizations that were represented included the City of San Juan Capistrano, the American Legion, Rotary Club, Teachers Association, the city’s Planning Commission, Woman’s Association of Community Presbyterian Church, San Juan Capistrano Woman’s Club, Orange County Historical Society, Local Indians, DAR, and Catholic Woman’s Club.
H.L. Remmers was elected temporary chairman of the group. The purpose would be to preserve the many historic structures worth of attention in this area. The first fundraiser for the new Society was held on August 7, 1963, at El Adobe Restaurant. Five hundred dollars was raised from this event which allowed the Society to file articles of incorporation. It was recognized by the State of California on December 31, 1963.
On February 2, 1964, the new Historical Society elected Don Dumford as president, Fred Hunn Vice-President, Donna Chermak, Secretary-Treasurer. Directors elected to a two-year term were Betty Forster, Lucana Isch, Richard Day, Chief Clarence Lobo, and H.L. Remmers. Don Dumford served two terms as President. He was followed by Jerry Gaffney. Mrs. Dotty Gaffney followed her husband as President in 1968.
In the 55 years the Society has grown to include not only the Garcia/Pryor House (home of the O’Neill Museum), but also the Leck House, the Oyharzabal shack, the Silvas Adobe, and the old Jail. The Society continues to live up to its motto, “Remembering Our Past Ensures Our Future”. All are welcome to come and share our history.
Recollections of Ce Ce Vasquez the Matriarch of San Juan Capistrano
In 2027 the Stroscher family will be celebrating 140 Years
as Residents of San Juan Capistrano
Watch this video featuring
Andrew Stroscher to learn about the entire history of the Stroscher family
William and Frederica Stroschein
Born in 1856, Wilhelm Stroscher became William Stroschein when he immigrated to the United States from Prussia. After arriving in the German settlement of Anaheim, he met and married his wife, Frederica. In 1887, the couple moved to San Juan Capistrano with their newborn daughter. They purchased the orchard across the street from the Mission ruins and lived in the Miguel Parra Adobe until their house was completed on the northeast corner of El Camino Real and Old Mission Road.
William expanded his orchard over time and grew walnuts. He was also a director of the Capistrano Water Company and spearheaded the conversion of the town’s irrigation system from dirt ditches to cement-lined channels. William and Frederica had 10 children.
William died in 1915, but Frederica outlived him by another 40 years. She greatly expanded the Stroschein Orchard and switched to growing oranges. She was also a founder of the first Protestant church in San Juan Capistrano.
Their son Carl was the last constable of San Juan Township. He built the “Little Yellow House” at the corner of El Camino Real and Father O’Sullivan Way so he could live close to his mother and keep an eye on her. William and Frederica’s youngest son, Herbert, became a dentist and took over the family orchard after Frederica died in 1955.
Click on Any of the Links Below for Local Historical Information
In Memorium
Gwen Vermeulen
It is with great sadness that the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society announced the passing of Gwen Vermeulen on June 27, 2024. Gwen passed away peacefully at the age of 96.
Gwen Jean Vermeulen (Nee Burroughs) was born March 22, 1928 in Lincoln Nebraska to Gladys Mary Burroughs (Perry) and Wendell Francis Burroughs. In 1932 they moved to Santa Ana, California. Gwen attended primary school in Santa Ana,Willard Jr. High School, Santa Ana High School and
Santa Ana Junior College.
Matt Gaffney
Long-time Historical Society member, Matt Gaffney passed away April 1, 2024. He had been very ill but held on to be the Grand Marshal of the 2024 Swallows Day Parade.
Longtime San Juan Capistrano resident, Matt was an altar boy at Old Mission Church, attended Mission School. He was the first Boy Scout in San Juan Capistrano to attain the Ad Altare Dei Catholic award. After graduating from Mater Dei High in Santa Ana, he joined the Navy and later received his insurance license from Saddleback College.
Ilse Byrnes
Renowned Orange County historian and conservationist Ilse Byres dies at 94
By Meghann M. CuniffJan. 19, 2022
In a decades-long preservation effort that included San Juan Capistrano’s Los Rios Street, San Clemente’s Casa Romantica and what’s now Crystal Cove State Park, Ilse Byrnes enjoyed another marked accomplishment: She fit in with the locals.
The influential historian and conservationist died Jan. 12 at the age of 94, leaving a legacy that longtime friend and fellow activist Jerry Nieblas said is akin to that of a multigenerational family with roots in early California.
Carmen Oyharzabal
On Wednesday, March 27, 2024 San Juan Capistrano lost one of its last founding Basque family members. Carmen Oyharzabal passed away at age 97
Carmen was born, raised and lived her entire life in the Yorba Adobe on Camino Capistrano next door to El Adobe restaurant. A devout Catholic, Carmen graduated from Mission School and later became a registered nurse. She spent her nursing career at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Orange. As a nurse and long-time friend of Monsignor Paul Martin, pastor of the Mission, she helped with his care during the last month of his life. Until Covid, Carmen could be seen every week at Serra’s Pantry at the Mission Basilica Church handing out food to those in need.
Join the SJC Historical Society
Membership in the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society gives you the quarterly Journal, information on activities and events of the Society, and the satisfaction knowing you are helping to preserve the past for future generations. Membership dues are a major source of income for the Society and help to continue its programs, operate and preserve the O’Neill Museum, and continue to collect and add to the historical archives.
