re: More on the Serranos

One of the things I really enjoy is the "thrill" of the chase, archives-wise.  Two letters have surfaced in collections which specifically pertain to the Francisco Serrano family.  One was brought to my attention by Judy Serrano's husband, Darren.  It is a letter written by Father Junipero Serra on behalf of Francisco Serrano, dated in 1780.  It is therefore the earliest document we know of mentioning Francisco in California.

The second letter was written by Pio Pico -- one-time Governor of California -- to Petra Avila, the widow of Francisco's son, Jose Antonio Fernando Serrano. 

These are both quite significant documents tying the Serrano family to two of the best known figures in California history.  Cool!

San Bernardino California Harvest Fair

On Sunday, November 15, 2009, we trekked out to the San Bernardino Harvest Fair.  It's an Old West themed event held annually for two weekends.  We had a great time and noticed additions since we'd last gone a couple of years ago.  They had stagecoach rides (yes, we took one), and a few impersonators: Richard Boone as Paladin, Bill Nolt and Nikki Pelley as Roy Rogers & Dale Evans, Ermal Williamson as John Wayne.  Several staged shootouts and skits, of course.

More photos at my Facebook album: http://www.facebook.com/#/album.php?aid=7984&id=1740920575&ref=nf

The Serranos

Bienvenudos, amigas y amigos (y los primos y primas)

In conjunction with the Saddleback Area Historical Society at Heritage Hill, Lake Forest, CA, and a couple of Serrano cousins, I've been probing deeper into the genealogy and history of the Francisco Serrano family of Californios.  Particularly I will mention cousins Judy Serrano and Ralph Oaxaca Serrano.

Francisco Serrano is first recorded in California as a soldier at the San Diego Presidio in 1782.  He had a significant career in the military and was also -- from 1799-1800 -- alcalde or the Los Angeles Pueblo.  Francisco was the father of several children, the better known ones being Leandro of Rancho Temescal and Jose Antonio Fernando Serrano of El Toro (Rancho de los Alisos).  One of the adobe homes built by Jose Antonio is one of the prime historic buildings located at Heritage Hill Historical Park in Lake Forest and near where the Saddleback Area Historical Society has its library facility.

Here's a picture of my sister Maggie Brown standing on the covered porch of the Jose Antonio Fernando Serrano adobe taken at the Saddleback Area Historical Society Pioneer Family Gathering, October 25, 2009.  We both attended in historical reenactor garb and it was a grand experience.