Kathe Schwent Robbins Collection

Title: Kathe Schwent Robbins Collection

Dates: 1996-2013

Collection Number: MS 2014-001

Creator/Collector: First Night Escondido City of Escondido Stop Merriam Mountains

Extent: ¼ linear feet

Repository: Escondido Public Library, Pioneer Room

Abstract: A collection of ephemera (seven pinback buttons) from various events in Escondido, California.

Language of Material: English

This collection is open for research.

Kathe Schwent Robbins Collection, Pioneer Room, Escondido Public Library

[Identification of item]. Kathe Schwent Robbins Collection. Collection Number: MS 2014-001. Escondido Public Library, Pioneer Room

According to a letter accompanying the donation, this collection was donated to the Escondido Historical Society on September 27th 2014 by Kath Schwent Robbins, a retired Escondido High School District teacher to taught at San Pasqual and Escondido High schools. Robbins notes in her letter that she collected the buttons “over the years” and has included only those buttons relating to Escondido. Enclosed with the donation letter is a photocopy with a tear in the bottom of the page. The images are of 8 buttons, including the “First Night Escondido” buttons and the “Stop Merriam Mountains Now!” button, along with other campaign buttons that were not included with the donation. The status of these buttons is unknown.

Kathe Schwent Robbins was a teacher with the Escondido High School District and President of the San Marcos Friends of the Library (https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-san-marcos-library-sleuths-trace-family-treasures-2011dec19-story.html). On October 8, 1888, Escondido became an incorporated city. Hundreds of community members joined in the October 6 [2013] festivities to commemorate the city's 125th anniversary (https://www.escondido.org/happy-birthday-escondido.aspx). When it debuted in 1995, First Night Escondido was one of dozens of arts-centered New Year’s Eve events staged in cities across the country. The local celebration featured multiple stages with live music and dance performances, fireworks, strolling entertainers, children’s craft areas and a food court. Originally spread over several downtown city blocks, First Night Escondido attracted about 20,000 participants at the height of its popularity. The national organization First Night USA licensed the events. First Night was canceled in 2010 after lack of funding due to the 2008 Recession. (https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-escondido-first-night-organizers-cancel-annual-2010jun30-story.html). Merriam Mountains project was a 2,630-home development project proposed by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors in 2008-2010. The project was not completed. Proponents said the project would bring needed infrastructure improvements, spur the local economy and improve fire protection. Opponents said it would ruin the area’s rural character and increase fire risks, noise and traffic (https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-escondido-merriam-mountains-project-revived-2010jan13-story.html).

This collection includes 7 pinback buttons from various events and protests in Escondido history. 3 buttons celebrate 125th Anniversary of Escondido, 3 buttons commemorate “First Night Escondido,” and 1 button was used to protest the development of the Merriam Mountains.