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The Mural
Painted by Charles Kassler in 1934 and then whitewashed just
four years later, "Pastoral California" has been on the walls of Plummer
Auditorium for more than sixty years. Its uniqueness comes not only from
its size (1200 sq. feet) but from its medium as well. Pastoral California
is a fresco. The word literally means a painting in wet plaster. The 1997
restoration of this mural symbolizes a strong community spirit and the
respect for Mexican tradition and history that are very much a part of the
city of Fullerton and the state of California.
The Banquet Scene
Seated at the table is Pio Pico, the last Mexican Governor
of California. He and his party are watching Laura Moya, a popular
singer of the time. Kassler is thought to have used his second wife,
Luisa Espinel, as a model for Laura Moya. Espinel, herself, was a
popular "California" style singer in the 30's and is the aunt of
current singer, Linda Ronstadt. Above and behind the banquet sits the
Mission of San Juan Capistrano, which served the entire area.
Jose
Antonio Yorba
The Caballeros
Depicted in the center of the mural, is Jose
Antonio Yorba whose original land grants included the cities
of Fullerton, Yorba Linda, Brea, Placentia, and Anaheim. He
and the caballeros around him participate in various games
and contests. Horse racing was the most popular sport during
the rancho period. Games like Carrera del Gallo involved burying
a live rooster in the ground and snatching it up from racing
horseback
The Lavanderia
Other signs of daily life included women gossipping around
the "washtub express" and children eating tortillas given
out by the padres. For its rare form and detailed imagery
"Pastoral Califoria" is a historic and artistic treasure.
photos by © Sal Rojas
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