Recognizing the 125th Anniversary of the Ebell Society of Santa Ana Valley

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Ebell Society of Santa Ana Valley, which was commemorated on October 19, 2019, at the organization's historic club house.

The Ebell Society of Santa Ana was founded in 1894 to provide social, cultural, and educational opportunities for members.

With its motto ``That is Only True Living which is Ever Learning,'' the Ebell Society includes 10 educational and cultural sections, including antiques, bridge, genealogy, quilting, home and garden, literature and the arts.

The Society's founding president, Mrs. Franklina Bartlett, was an outstanding citizen and a prolific writer whose short stories appeared in publications alongside well-known authors such as Willa Cather, Jack London, and Mark Twain.

In the early 1900s, featured Ebell Club speakers included Helen Keller, Will Rogers, Jack London's daughter Joan London, and Chief Standing Bear of the Sioux Indian Tribe, who was recently honored with a statue here in the Capitol. These renowned individuals helped raise money to build the Ebell Clubhouse, which was designed in 1924 by Fredrick Eley, one of Orange County's best-known architects.

The 95-year-old Mediterranean-style building, which is included on the National Register of Historic Places, underwent restoration in 2018. Thanks to the caretaking of the Society's members, the Ebell Clubhouse continues to be a hub for community gatherings.

Throughout the years, Ebell has made philanthropy and community service an important part of its mission. Ebell members ran a nursery for working women's children for almost 35 years, made bandages and sold Liberty Bonds during World War I, and held blood drives during World War II.

Today's members provide philanthropic support to WISEPlace Women's Shelter in Santa Ana and the Friendly Center of Orange County.

In addition, the Ebell Society Color Guard proudly participates in patriotic observances in the community throughout the year.

The club's current president is Dr. Betts Rivet, an author who retired from the Santa Ana school system and then taught English at a women's college in China for 19 years.

Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the 125th anniversary of the Ebell Society of Santa Ana Valley. Congratulations to this group of outstanding Orange County citizens who continue building our community through the pursuit of education and philanthropy.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source