Forty-four members, prospective applicants and guests were convened by Governor Julie Plemmons on Saturday, October 26 at Lomas Santa Fe Country Club in Solana Beach to initiate First California Company’s twenty-first year.
Membership Chair Martha Pace Gresham introduced new members Jimmy Grimes from San Diego and John Ferris of Coto de Caza. Those in attendance then introduced themselves and their guests. Governor Plemmons and Lieutenant Governor Marty Sommercamp reported on their attendance and participation in the Society’s Council and Membership meetings July 27-29 in Williamsburg and recounted their experiences and impressions of the commemorations of the 400th anniversary of the First General Assembly.
After a short business meeting, reports from the officers and Thanksgiving-themed luncheon, Lieutenant Governor Marty Sommercamp offered a video presentation on the 400th Anniversary of the First Thanksgiving on December 4, 1619 at Berkeley Plantation on the James River, in what is now Charles City, Virginia. The program related the history of plantation and the event and how its existence was rediscovered among the long-neglected “Nibley Papers” by Dr. Lyon Tyler, retired President of William and Mary College and son of President John Tyler, who resided nearby at his Sherwood Forest residence. First California member Julia Tyler Samaniego would later recount her memories of her grandfather, Dr. Tyler, and scenes of locales of where she was raised.
The time, date and program of the forthcoming Winter Meeting will be announced when available.
