Preserving and interpreting the natural and cultural resources of the San Dieguito River Valley
A Letter from Andy Smetana: I was a boy scout in Troop 616 based out of Scripps Ranch. Back in 2012, San Dieguito River Park needed a new trail kiosk built at the Dust Devil Nature Trail which had recently opened to the general public. This was exactly the type of project I was interested… Read More »
Strategically placed next to a bright window in the east side porch of the Sikes Adobe is an antique Singer Manufacturing Company sewing machine. While there is no definitive evidence that the family owned one, it is conceivable that Eliza Sikes would have made good use of one if it was available to her. Archaeological… Read More »
Two of the most interesting architectural features in the original adobe structure are up high and often commented upon by visitors. The first is the transom opening above the south wall door in the adobe kitchen leading to the formal parlor/sitting room and the second is the cloth or manta ceiling throughout the… Read More »
Homes Stereopticon at the Sikes Historic Farmstead Stereoscopes are an old invention that allows the viewer to perceive a photographic image as 3-D. To achieve this effect two photos are taken with the same focal point, but from different angles. When viewed through two prismatic lenses, adjusted for individual vision requirements, it becomes a single… Read More »
On April 1, the Sike’s Adobe Historic Farmstead was a featured location of the California Native Plant Society-San Diego’s Native Garden Tours organized by Christine Hoey and Silke Gathmann of CNPS-SD. More than 400 people turned out in perfect weather. The blue skies and warm temperatures were ideal for tours of the pollinator garden, and… Read More »
A Manross, Prichard & Co. Ogee style wall clock was recently donated to the Sikes Historic Farmstead. This generous gift was from Dave Morehead and Rob Stevanato. The clock had been in the private collection of Rob’s father, who was an avid collector of antique and vintage clocks. It is believed this clock was acquired… Read More »
Anita Hissem shares a genealogy and history compilation of the Zenas and Eliza Sikes family written by Ron Hall. From left: Anita, Sikes docent and distant cousin of donors. Steve Hissem, Sikes docent; Jeff Cravath Goshorn, great grandson of Kate and Augustus Cravath with wife, Cathy touring the adobe after delivering the dresser from the… Read More »
On Sunday March 12, local boy scouts completed the requirements to earn their Environmental Science merit badge – which is one of the required badges for the rank of Eagle Scout. At the Sikes Adobe Historic Farmstead, Ranger Jess hosted a three part environmental science project focused on invasive species for the scouts with the… Read More »
INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION OF ENVIRONMENTALISTS Join us for a training on 2/18/23 at 10am in the Escondido Library. For more information and how to register, click here: Interpretive Ranger Volunteer Flyer 11823 (1)
