Community Service, Ebell Society of the Santa Ana Valley

Community Service

Ebell members were very tuned into civic responsibilities. When they saw a need for action—they took it. Around 1902, the Ebell president wrote letters to their representatives in Congress asking that their influence be used to prevent destruction of the California Big Trees. (Perhaps they were referring to the Redwoods. ed.) A petition was signed to put the forest reservations on an income-paying basis, and endorsements were sent to Acts before the Legislature, looking to the protection of Meadow Larks, and to amend the law regarding the property rights of women.

In February 1901, they decided that Ebell should act in concert with the Chamber of Commerce and Library Trustees to obtain assistance from Andrew Carnegie to build a suitable Public Library. This effort was successful, and Santa Ana was richer for the lovely library built here. Unfortunately it was replaced in recent years.

Another project undertaken by the ladies was a request made to the Orange County Supervisors that they preserve the wild flowers and plants in Orange County Park, as they were being plowed up. This request received prompt attention. There was a continued interest in the preservation of California Big trees, the Calavaras grove in particular; the conservation of wild flowers and wild life; the restoration of the Old Missions; and the marking of El Camino Real. An effort was also made to introduce the study of California History into the public schools.

Ebell was involved in many civic movements, such as endorsing the introduction of the Kindergarten in the Santa Ana public schools, and by the Society’s influence, aiding in its establishment. A monetary contribution was made for the relief of San Francisco earthquake and fire victims; proceeds from a special meeting were donated to the Civic Improvement Club; letters endorsing the Child Labor Bill were dispatched to their legislators; a food box was sent to an orphanage in Los Angeles; and a bell to mark the route of El Camino Real was installed at the corner of Fourth and Main Streets in Santa Ana. Also during this period, a resolution was signed, endorsing the Child Bureau Bill, then before the Senate, and letters sent to their congressmen and senators urging its passage.

A donation was given toward a drinking fountain, which stood for many years at the corner of Fourth and Main Streets. Money was twice donated to the Young Men’s Christian Club, a boys’ club started that year as a nucleus for a Y.M.C.A.

The Society endorsed many efforts for the betterment of state and county. They petitioned the Board of Supervisors for a Forestry Board; endorsed the local playground movement; and petitioned for the establishment of a Juvenile Court and Detention Home.

Money was given to the Public Schools to buy pictures. Ninety-seven sacks of oranges were sent to Los Angeles for distribution among sick and needy children, and a box was sent to Indians. A donation was sent to flood sufferers in Ohio.

A petition was sent to the City Council requesting that the recently granted license for a Woman’s Pool Hall be rescinded because of its bad influence on children.

With the end of the war, came a period of adjustment—from war time service to peace time pursuits. Money was contributed to European Children’s Relief, to Americanization work, and the support of a French orphan.

On November 20, 1919, a Memorial tree, in honor of Orange County Servicemen, was planted on the High School grounds. One hundred books for community singing were purchased—at the cost of $14.37. Ebell endorsed several bills, among them the “Towner Bill” before Congress, and the Community Property Bill before the Legislature.

Funds were donated to the Near East Relief and the Salvation Army. Through the efforts of the education committee, assisted by the city librarian, Children’s Book week was observed. Ebell donated money to furnish a room in the new Y.M.C.A. building; to assist in building a Y.W.C.A. hut on the High School campus; and to the Near East Relief Fund. They also assisted in furnishing milk for undernourished school children, and furnished the prize pin given in the Orange County Country Music Association’s vocal contest.

A Resolution was passed emphatically endorsing the stand taken by District Attorney Nelson and Probation Officer Miller to stop the distribution of objectionable literature to children and banish it from our local news stands. This attitude taken by the women and County Officers had an immediate and salutary effect.

In the next couple years, many charitable contributions were made: to Associated Charities, and to the Caroline Severance Memorial Fund for State Endowment. The club also gave a nursing scholarship to Orange County Hospital. Another project was the beautification of all four corners of Santa Clara and Main Streets.

In 1960, the fountain placed in the adult patio of the new city library was Ebell’s gift in honor of its members who had served as Librarians: Miss Helen Kernodle, Miss Jeanette McFadden, and Miss Ethel Walker.

Santa Ana had grown into a city with the paid organized groups taking over the civic and charitable work, Ebell no longer found it necessary to give so much time or money in support of the work, and their efforts were used to further their own club programs and progress.

The Ebell Society of the Santa Ana Valley

The Ebell Society of the
Santa Ana Valley