On Feb. 21, the San Juan Bautista Historical Society and Native Daughters of the Golden West Parlor #179 will co-host a book release celebration/kaffeeklatsch (light buffet lunch) in the historic Pico-Boronda Adobe located at 203 Fourth St. in San Juan Bautista. Author/curator Julianne Burton-Carvajal will discuss her newly published Artists' Honeymoon: Rowena Meeks Abdy & Harry Bennett Abdy at Work and Play in Monterey & Beyond, 1910-1920.
The heart of this creative and engaging book, designed in the Arts and Crafts style, is presented as a vintage photo album chronicling the artist couple's first ten years of marriage and travels around California, including several unique shots of San Juan Bautista during the WWI era. In addition to being a nationally acclaimed plein air artist, Rowena Meeks Abdy also designed and occupied the charming mission-style home on Franklin Street. Hear how noted Monterey Bay area photo archivist Pat Hathaway acquired a treasure trove of their unique century-old images depicting iconic California scenes and the fascinating series of serendipitous events that led to the publication of this truly beautiful book.
Books will be available for purchase and signing. As a tribute to Rowena Meeks Abdy's Austrian roots, a kaffeeklatsch will begin at 12:30 followed by the author's presentation at 1:30. Proceeds of the lunch will go toward the Adobe Restoration Fund. For more details, contact [email protected] or call 623-2001.
