[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 15 (Tuesday, February 2, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E115-E116]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN HONOR OF THE NATIVE DAUGHTERS OF THE GOLDEN WEST, SAN JUAN BAUTISTA 
                             PARLOR NO. 179

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 2, 2010

  Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Centennial 
year of the Native Daughters of the Golden West, San Juan Bautista 
Parlor No. 179. Over the past hundred years, the San Juan Bautista 
Parlor has furthered the aims of the Native Daughters of the Golden 
West by preserving California's history, improving its present, and 
ensuring a brighter future for all its citizens.
  On February 23, 1910, NDGW Grand President Emma Lillie Humphrey 
presided over a ceremony to institute the San Juan Bautista Parlor. In 
1934, the Parlor purchased an Adobe built in 1830 on Fourth St. It soon 
became known as the Native Daughters Adobe. The Parlor restored the 
building to a useful condition and continues to maintain this historic 
building. It remains the monthly meeting place of the Parlor and a 
focus for many activities for local organizations. Chief among these 
are its work with children's organizations, veterans and active 
military. Their weekly Yoga class at the Adobe promotes a healthy 
lifestyle for the community.
  The Native Daughters of the Golden West Children's Foundation holds 
fundraising events to assist California's children with special medical 
needs that are beyond the family's means. Additionally, San Juan 
Bautista Parlor No. 179 gives a scholarship annually to students from 
the local high schools and sponsors students who participate in the 
state-wide NDGW California History essay contest.
  The Parlor's activities reach beyond the borders of San Juan Bautista 
and San Benito County, CA. With their focus on California history, the 
Parlor has placed plaques designating historical landmarks, helped 
restore and preserve the beautiful monuments in the state's twenty-one 
missions, and is very active in fund raising activities for the 
missions. The Parlor also provides California Flags to local schools, 
libraries, VFW Posts, city and county government offices.
  The internationally played card game ``Pedro'' was said to have been 
invented in San Juan Bautista and has been continuously played 
throughout California since the mid-1800's. Each month, the Parlor 
hosts a Pedro card party for the community which keeps the Pedro 
history alive.
  Parlor No. 179 organizes several annual events that celebrate 
California's history. Fremont Peak Day, co-sponsored with local Posts 
of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, commemorates the Bear Flag Revolt of 
1846, the engagement between the forces of John C. Freemont and General 
Jose Castro. An Admission Day community barbeque celebrates the date 
California became the 31st State: September 9, 1850.
  Members of San Juan Bautista Parlor No. 179 are also involved in 
activities which promote recycling, energy awareness and water 
conservation, protecting and preserving California's natural resources 
and its environment.
  Madam Speaker, I know my fellow members of the House will join me in 
congratulating the Native Daughters of the Golden West, San Juan 
Bautista Parlor No. 179 on their 100th anniversary. Their civic pride 
shines brightly and illuminates the many activities that improve the 
community and conserve and promote our heritage.

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