August 20, 2005

Newsletter No. 5: Louis Rose Society for the Preservation of Jewish History

Sept. 25 Picnic at Louis Rose Point  Ok'd; Please Mark Your Family Calendars

    The public will have the opportunity to view Louis Rose Point where we hope to someday erect a monument honoring San Diego's first Jewish settler, Louis Rose.  The occasion will be a kosher picnic sponsored by the Louis Rose Society from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 25th, at the site, which is at the foot of Womble Road in Liberty Station (formerly the Naval Training Center).  The event is priced for family budgets: $10 for adults, $5 for children under 13.  Kosher hotdogs and hamburgers—as well as salads and other side dishes—will be prepared under the supervision of Louis Rose Society members Oscar & Olga Worm, former proprietors of Becker's Restaurant.

    "Americana" entertainment, recalling the songs and melodies of the Louis Rose era in San Diego (1850-1888), is being planned with the help of singer Colette Thomas, who really knows how to belt out a memorable tune..  Louis Rose Society members Lou & Shirley Berger are coordinating musical backup for the chanteuse.

   There had been concern that the site might not be ready because the Corky McMillin Companies, developers of Liberty Station, might be in the middle of construction.  But the San Diego Park and Recreation Department okayed the event after the McMillin Company said it would not interfere with the construction schedule.

    To reach the site from the Interstate 5 freeway, take the Rosecrans Street exit and then head south.  At the traffic light at Womble Road, turn left into Liberty Station and follow the paved road into the smoothed dirt area beyond the fence. You will see the mustard yellow,  former Head Start Building ahead to the left.  Park in the dirt parking lot, not in the former Head Start area where the festivities will be held.

    Besides music and kosher food, there will be brief speeches orienting attendees to the site as well as to the plans for the monument. Sandi and Shahar Masori of Balloon Utopia will be on hand to make balloon hats, swords, and other treats for the children, who are very welcome at this family event.

    So that we have enough food on site, please RSVP to Don Harrison at (619) 265 0808, or to his email address sdheritage@cox.net.  Admission  will be collected at the picnic site entrance. Additionally, anyone who has not yet joined the Louis Rose Society, and would like to do so, may make out a check for $36 to the Jewish Community Foundation/ Louis Rose Society. 

    We will post updates on the party preparations as they become available.