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Winston Elstob Collection: Anza Expedition Bicentennial Committee Collection, 1975-1976
ARC 567
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Title: Winston Elstob Collection: Anza Expedition Bicentennial Committee Collection, 1975-1976
Dates: 1975-1976
Collection Number: ARC 567
Creator/Collector:
Winston Elstob
Extent: 1 linear ft.: 5 cartons
Repository:
Monterey Public Library
Monterey, California 93940
Abstract: Winston Elstob was born in Flushing, New York, on January 5, 1927. He moved to the Monterey Peninsula in 1957 and managed
a bookstore on Cannery Row called “The Polygon” (1962). During this time he developed an ardent interest in California and
Monterey history. He became an active member of the community in working to save Cannery Row and was the president of the
Cannery Row Association. Elstob is also passionate political activist and environmentalist. He is a founding member of the
Green Party of Monterey County, previous co-chair of the Peace Coalition of Monterey County, and was president of Veterans
for Peace (Chapter 46 of Monterey County). He has authored three books: Chinatown a Legend of Old Cannery Row (1965) and The
Handbook for the Juan Bautista De Anza Expedition (1975), and edited Birds: an Anthology of Poems (1971). Elstob currently
resides in Pacific Grove, California.
Language of Material: English
By appointment only; Contact Local History Librarian or designated staff
Reproduction by Local History Librarian or designated staff; may be restricted due to condition of material.
[Identification of item]. Winston Elstob Collection: Anza Expedition Bicentennial Committee Collection, 1975-1976. Collection
Number: ARC 567. Monterey Public Library
Gift of Winston Elstob, October 2005
Biography/Administrative History
During Monterey’s 1970 Bicentennial celebration, Elstob was appointed as the Bicentennial Director of the historic walking
tours of the city. As Bicentennial celebration and festivities commenced, the walking tours group decided to continue conducting
historical city walking tours and it was through this effort that Elstob co-founded the California Heritage Guides, a non-profit
organization. It was through the Heritage Guides that Elstob met Helen Shropshire. His interest in local history and the strong
California- Mexican connection fueled a discussion with Shropshire about finding some way to celebrate this rich heritage
during the U.S. Bicentennial. Elstob and Shropshire proposed that the Guides could create an event to represent the West Coast
during the nation’s Bicentennial celebrations. Elstob’s idea was to bring attention to Juan Bautista de Anza’s epic journey
from Mexico to California during 1775-1776, by reenacting his long and arduous trek.
Scope and Content of Collection
Letters, memos, correspondence, an article, copies of the article (one mimeograph), handbook, booklet, newspapers, newspaper
clippings, photocopies of newspapers and newspaper clippings, magazines, B&W prints of varying sizes, mounted prints, display
card (embellished photo), proof prints, photo print calendar, B&W negatives, color negatives, color slides, color slides,
hand drawn map, California Legislature Resolution, Rotary Club Flag, are all part of the Elstob collection documenting the
Anza bicentennial committee activities and the expedition reenactment, 1975-1976.
Organized in four series: I. Papers, II. Clippings, III. Photographic Materials, and IV. Oversized Materials (various formats).
Shropshire, Helen
The Polygon
Cannery Row Association
Peace Coalition of Monterey County
Veterans for Peace
California Heritage Guides
Monterey, California
Mexico City
Arizona
Cannery Row
Chinatown a Legend of Old Cannery Row
The Handbook for the Juan Bautista De Anza Expedition
Birds: an Anthology of Poems