The Evening News. October 6, 1916.

12. Days Of The Dons. Part II.

The distinguishing quality of the days of the Dons was generous, hearty hospitality. Among this landed aristocracy there was no such word has stranger. Every passer-by was welcome, not only to food and rest for the night, but to a fresh horse from the corral. Indian and half-breed servants there were by the dozen ready to serve.

Don Antonio Sunol, one of Napoleon's veterans, was known as having the best trained servants in the valley. When guests came each was given an Indian guide and servant. The servant cared for the guest's saddle, his horse, fastened his spurs and was always at his command.

Entire families came on visits and remained weeks. Captains of trading vessels and their officers, as well as the distinguished travelers Vancouver, Beechey, Markoff, Duhant-Cilly, were entertained by the Dons. Many pretty and tragic romances resulted from these strangers' visits.

The Spaniards loved to dance, but the fandango was not nearly so gay and animated as on the stage. Dan[?] spoke of his disappointment in the lack of animation of the Spanish women in the fandango. They danced very slowly, eyes on the floor, producing almost an effect of solemnity. However the men showed great spirit and grace in the fandango.

When strangers came the Dons gave great halls to which everyone, rich and poor, was invited. Sometimes no invitations were issued, but guests came miles on horseback. All knew they were welcome.

When the Dons wished to be especially gracious a young member of the family in holiday attire rode into the Pueblo, clinking his silver spurs, strumming a light guitar, singing Spanish songs. At the humblest hut or to the plainest old lady he gave a daylight serenade, making the hut a palace and the old lady beautiful. Then the cavalier uncovered and verbally extended the invitation to the great party.

Young ladies went to the dance attended by their mothers or deunnas, usually elderly relatives. In the sunny valley love was as natural as the sunshine. The duenna looked approvingly at the lovers, glad that she saw her own girlhood relived. When the love-making was successful the youth told his father his plans; and then, the father of the young lady. If consent was given the trousseau was prepared immediately, and the wedding festivities lasted weeks. The bride's trousseau consisted of household furnishings. Her marriage portion was cattle, horses, lands.

Once a year there was a great rodeo to which each Don invited all the neighboring Dons and their families. On these occasions the young steers were branded. Only expert vaqueros could brand cattle, and the scene was always spectacular and picturesque. In later times when Tiburcio Vasquez, the bandit was not following his engaging profession, he branded cattle at rodeo.

At all these festivities great quantities of food were consumed, chickens, beef, tomatoes, frijoles, enchiladas. Peppers were the seasoning. At one wedding feast ten tons of provisions were eaten.

Markoff, a Russian traveler, gives a picture of a supper he had at a grandee's house at Santa Clara in 1835. The Spaniards sat with their hats on during the conversation, and they did not remove them during supper. When that event came, a tea kettle was put on the table. Supper consisted of a hashed meat dish. It was placed in the center of the table. Markoff ate two small pieces of the meet. They contained so much pepper that his mouth was burned, and he had to give up the supper. The Don's family ate the food with great relish. The second course consisted of baked apples and tea. After supper all smoked.

Transcribed by Claire Martin, for the Santa Clara Co. CAGenWeb Project. 2007

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