RCSB Meeting, Author Pat Caird

07 Mar. 2025 |
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The Rotary Club of Santa Barbara is pleased to welcome Patricia Caird, who recent published a book entitled, "Who Was Grandpa Doc? - William J. Mellinger, 1816 -1948 - A Man Who Knew No Limits."
William J. Mellinger, MD, came to SB in 1920 where he practiced medicine and got involved in many organizations, including SB Rotary. He was a founding member of the San Marcos Trout Club, was an archaeologist working for the SB Museum of Natural History in the beginning of its Anthropology Department, and much more. He joined Rotary Club of SB in 1923, spoke many times in the at meetings, was a character who was entertaining as well as serious, and held various offices and was involved in the Hub publication. Patricia will be sharing a few stories of his talks and activities in Rotary as well as all over town.
After a short teaching career and 26 years working in the family's wholesale nursery, Patricia Caird became the archiver of her rich family history of her maternal grandparents. She soon discovered there was a story to be told. This book is the result of her efforts. The book comes highly recommedned by local historian Neal Graffy, and her presentation should be very interesting to all of us who enjoy hearing about Santa Barbara's rich heritage.
This is a fantastic way to learn a little about the history of our Rotary Club and Santa Barbara during a important period of Santa Barbara's history.
At the meeting we will also be honoring another fantastic Santa Barbara Teacher and presenting a donation of $1,000.