Kellam de Forest Speaker Series: The Social Work of Pearl Chase and Margaret Baylor

The Pearl Chase Society announces the second of its presentations in the Kellam de Forest Speaker Series named in honor of our illustrious founding member who did so much to further the cause of historic preservation and community action in Santa Barbara.

On May 12, Cheri Rae, author of the upcoming biography, A String of Pearls: Miss Chase of Santa Barbara, will offer insights about young Pearl Chase who was a teacher at Santa Barbara High School and a social worker at Neighborhood House and the Recreation Center. Long before she became known for her beautification of Santa Barbara, Chase teamed with Margaret Baylor, a pioneer Santa Barbara social worker, to establish extensive social services in the community, including the Red Cross, WWI relief work, and Americanization classes—all at the Recreation Center, built in 1914, thanks to their fund-raising efforts.  

On June 9, Douglas Woods, author of California Casa, a beautifully photographed volume, will speak on Spanish Colonial Revival style, Kellam’s favorite. Mr. Woods’ new book focuses on examples of the style centered in Santa Barbara.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER SERIES: After Kellam’s passing, the Society received many generous donations in his name. After careful consideration, the Board decided the creation of an ongoing series would provide the community with great educational and inspirational benefit—something Kellam would have embraced with his characteristic enthusiasm.  

The series is free to the public, however donations will be accepted to help sustain the program. The series takes place on the second Friday of each month at the Carrillo Recreation Center, 100 East Carrillo Street, 6 to 7 p.m. Refreshments will be served afterward.

To reserve a seat, please call 805-403-7053. Seating is limited.

 ABOUT THE PEARL CHASE SOCIETY 

The Pearl Chase Society is an all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving Santa Barbara’s historic architecture, landscapes and cultural heritage. Established in 1995, the Pearl Chase Society continues to advance and enlarge upon the founding vision of Pearl Chase. The Society is a citizen-based conservancy that fills a crucial need today in preserving and enhancing the cultural and architectural heritage of Santa Barbara County. It engages in charitable and educational activities to promote and preserve Santa Barbara’s historic sites of rare value and continuing community interest. 

For more information about the Pearl Chase Society, please visit pearlchasesociety.org