The Daughters of the American Revolution, Don José Verdugo Chapter, NSDAR hosted an event at the Catalina Verdugo Adobe, 2211 Bonita Drive in Glendale, on Sunday, Dec. 7. Spanish-American patriot Don José Verdugo is the namesake for the DAR chapter that was founded in 1953 in La Cañada Flintridge.

A traditional Feliz Navidad celebration was held and a dedication was held for the new timeline way sign describing the history of Rancho de San Rafael. Presently, the Rancho is located in Glendale, Burbank and part of La Cañada Flintridge. The significance of Don José Verdugo, and the Catalina Verdugo Adobe, was highlighted as Glendale‘s oldest building and is a beloved landmark nestled in the Verdugo Woodlands. This City of Glendale park is open daily to the public.

Many descendants of the José Maria Verdugo family and dignitaries from DAR came from across the state of California. Two DAR Excellence in Preservation Awards were presented by Christina Ramos, the state regent of the California NSDAR to Verdugo descendent Don Urquidez and Ann Dennis of the Days of Verdugo Heritage Association.

Elen Astrayan, councilwoman of the Glendale City Council, spoke on behalf of the city. She highlighted historic preservation and the importance of the shared history with the community’s young people.

This was Phase ll of the historic projects at the Adobe. Phase l took place in 2023 with the dedication of the Oak of Peace, spearheaded by Amy Toczek, a DAR member and Burbank resident who worked diligently with the City of Glendale. Sara Towne-di Chico of the Martin Severance Chapter, Pasadena DAR and 250 DAR chairperson of District X, read a historical tribute to Don José Maria Verdugo. Phyllis Lynes, regent of District X which represents all the DAR chapters in the San Gabriel Valley, was also in attendance.

The Crescenta Valley High School choir assembly sang a selection of Christmas carols and holiday music. Dancers from Ballet Forklorico Mexico Azettca of Burbank performed traditional dances, and Sandavol Tacos provided Mexican food for all to enjoy. Boy Scout Troop 319 of Burbank, Verdugo Hills Council were in attendance to lead the pledge of allegiance and facilitated a scavenger hunt for all of the children in attendance.

The Catalina Adobe is the historic preservation project for the Don José Verdugo Chapter, NSDAR. Members have been trained as docents and the Adobe and will be open for docent-led tours monthly going forward.

Daughters of the American Revolution, founded in 1890, is headquartered in Washington, D.C. DAR is a nonprofit, non-political volunteer women’s service organization, dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history and securing the future through better education for children. For more information, visit  www.dardonjoseverdugo.california.org.

Contributed by Beverly de LUCIA