EVERY SATURDAY – San Gabriel
Experience the rich history of California at the Ramona Museum of California History! This free community museum offers a unique and personal look into the state’s past with a vast collection of artifacts donated by members dating back to 1887. Explore and learn in a fun and educational way, perfect for a fun afternoon adventure. Don’t miss out on this must-visit destination for anyone interested in the Golden State’s fascinating history. Visit the Ramona Museum of California History today and step back in time!
Ramona Parlor was organized by a small group of men in their early twenties and met once a week in the historic Patriotic Hall on Figueroa Street in Los Angeles. In its heyday, the group boasted over 1200 members and was considered one of the most influential organizations in southern California. Senator Stephen M. White, Los Angeles Mayor Fred Eaton, and Ex-President Richard M. Nixon were all members of Ramona Parlor #109.
The Museum is located on Mission Drive, opposite the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse in the heart of the Mission District, and houses a number of fascinating artifacts from California’s colorful history.
Our Mission
Friendship, Loyalty, and Charity
This is the motto of the Native Sons of the Golden West, a statewide fraternal organization of native Californians committed to preserving and promoting the history of the Golden State.
Established in 1885, the NSGW landmarks historic features and buildings as part of its mission. The organization also raises funds for Cleft Palate, the fourth greatest malady affecting children in California.
Ramona Parlor #109 is just one of the hundreds of parlors throughout the state. It is the only parlor that owns and operates its own California history museum. The Ramona Museum of California History is in the heart of the San Gabriel Mission District and is open every Saturday from 1-3 pm.
Ramona Parlor #109
Ramona Parlor #109 is one of hundreds of parlors throughout the state of California. It is a lively group that meets once a month on the second Thursday in the Ramona Meeting Room behind the Museum on Mission Drive. Ramona Parlor is the only one that owns and operates its California history museum. The Ramona Museum of California History is in the heart of the San Gabriel Mission District and is open every Saturday from 1-3 pm. Tours may be arranged by appointment.
Ramona Parlor hosts many events throughout the year. An Annual Cleft palate Golf Tournament, a Casino Turnaround, A Day at the Races, and historical outings and dedications are just some of the activities held throughout the year.
Native Sons of the Golden West
We must go back in history to the California Gold Rush, which was one of the unmatched marvels of American history. In 1848, California was a tranquil wilderness where the population density was so low that, on average, only one human being dwelt per every 528 square miles. But after President James K. Polk made the official announcement on Dec. 5, 1848, that gold had been discovered, things ramped up very quickly.
Gold seekers (mostly young men) came in droves from all corners of the earth. Within a short time, 100,000 people were living in California. They were industrious, civic-minded people. They held a Constitutional Convention and activated a state government on Dec. 20, 1849. They acted so rapidly that it took Congress almost a year to catch up. Partially because California was not officially declared a state until Sept. 9, 1850.
It was an unparalleled phenomenon. No other American state has been organized in such “can-do” circumstances. But by the mid-1870s, many more new residents were flooding into California.
They were Civil War veterans seeking grants of public lands. Some people could enjoy the convenient transportation of the newly completed transcontinental railroad.
Old-timers shook their heads and worried that, with the nature of the population changing so rapidly. That it was only a matter of time before the colorful history of the Gold Rush and early-day statehood soon would be forgotten and neglected. So they hit upon an idea. Why not form an organization of men who had been BORN in California? Whose mission it would be to preserve the state’s history.
And that’s exactly what happened, causing the Native Sons of the Golden West to be formed on July 11, 1875.
Hours
Every Saturday: 1:00 pm – 3:00 am
For additional information, visit the website @
www.ramonaparlor.org/home
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