On the evening of May 23 eight recipients of the People In Preservation Awards from Save Our Heritage Organisation (SOHO) were feted at a special event held at the Point Loma Assembly clubhouse a restored turn-of-the-century meeting hall. Each year SOHO, the county’s largest and California’s oldest continuously operating preservation group, has saluted individuals and groups who have helped preserve important aspects of the county’s heritage. I was fortunate to be in the line-up of winners for my book, “Lilian J. Rice, Architect of Rancho Santa Fe” [Schiffer, 2010]. The book took top honors in the biography category at the San Diego book Awards, 2011. My SOHO award, “A Monumental Work Award” was one of two that I received that day as County Supervisor Dave Roberts, Third District, also awarded me an official Certificate of Recognition in honor of my achievements. The county award was, “In appreciation of your advancement of historical knowledge about Lilian J. Rice and her importance to the architectural history in our community,” as noted on the certificate. The SOHO jury was impressed by the level of dedication and determination that I have shown in my mission to celebrate Lilian Rice. “Diane brought to highlight Rice’s importance in the architectural history of the region, thereby contributing to the advancement of historical knowledge in the community as well. Her ongoing mission to share the Lilian Rice story is admirable and her efforts to enlighten the public on her life and legacy are to be commended,” said Bruce Coons, SOHO executive director. For those of you who don't know, I am the official biographer of Lilian Rice as designated by family descendants. My work on the little-known–and largely under-appreciated–early 20th century architect includes countless hours of research and sharing these findings with thousands of people through a variety of media which includes video presentations, a quarterly newsletter, and online social media. The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, a boutique hotel in Rancho Santa Fe that began life as a Lilian Rice designed Guest House in 1923, has partnered with me in providing The Inn guests with “The Diane Welch Celebrity Walking Tour” a personal guided heart-healthy stroll through the historic village of Rancho Santa Fe. Celebrities highlighted in the tour include former ranch residents, movie mogul Joseph Schenck and his wife, actress Norma Talmadge; silent movie star Pauline Neff, and her husband, aviator, Frank Coffyn; opera star Madame Amelita Galli Curci; movie producers King Wallis Vidor and John Stuart Robertson; Douglas Fairbanks Sr. and Mary Pickford; and more. In the 1930s Errol Flynn used the ranch as the location for a movie, Howard Hughes rented a home there, and perhaps the most remembered celebrity to call Rancho Santa Fe home was Bing Crosby. With the $12 million restoration of The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe close to completion new life has been breathed into its genteel history, one which is unique for its romance, notable celebrity guests, and for its original designer. Lilian Rice’s understated simple elegance that integrated rustic pueblo with Mediterranean type features struck exactly the right note for this home-away-from home guest house, that has become the tranquil gateway to Rancho Santa Fe. Visit www.welchonrice.blogspot.com to learn more about my work on Lilian Rice. Visit www.theinnatrsf.com for more information on the Diane Welch Celebrity Walking Tour or call 858 756 9291.
