Josephine Simoneau Fussel Collection, 1902-1968

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Summary

Title:
Josephine Simoneau Fussel Collection
Dates:
1902-1968
Creators:
Abstract:
Extent:
45 items, .1 linear ft.
Language:
Preferred citation:

Josephine Simoneau Fussel Collection. Monterey Public Library, California History Room Archives

Background

Scope and content:

The Collection includes the correspondence and memorabilia of Josephine Simoneau and Isobel Osbourne Field. Most of the correspondence, greeting and sympathy cards, programs, printed matter and other memorabilia relate to Robert Louis Stevenson and Jules Simoneau. Other correspondents include author Ann Fisher and Louis Sanchez. The collection includes several programs from anniversary celebrations in honor of Stevenson (1902-1905), which Jules Simoneau attended, a photograph of Stevenson signed by Fanny Osborne Stevenson, and other materials connected to Stevenson and Simoneau. The sympathy cards, received at the time of Jules Simoneau's death, include cards sent by Mrs. Fanny Osborne Stevenson, her son Lloyd Osborne, and her sister Fanny Sanchez. Included in the collection is the pamphlet, A Bit of My Life, with Christmas Greeting, 1951, written by Isobel Field, and a deck of fortune telling cards, designed by Isobel Field or "Teuila," the native name given to her during the Stevensons' residence in Samoa. Several schoolbooks used by Josephine Simoneau and other local residents in the 1880s to early 1900s are also present, as well as her scrapbooks and day diaries. (A most charming surprise in the collection is a small leather bag of Josephine's childhood jacks.)

Biographical / historical:

Josephine Simoneau Fussell was born Feb 23, 1877 in Monterey, California and died May 23, 1973, also in Monterey. She was the daughter of Jules Simoneau and Martina Feliz. Jules Simoneau, a French restaurateur, born in Nantes, immigrated to California and was a pioneer of Monterey, California. Simoneau befriended Robert Louis Stevenson during his stay in Monterey during 1879. His daughter, Josephine, lived all her life in Monterey, residing in the Simoneau House at 456 Van Buren Street. She married Manuel Machado. After Machado's death during the First World War, she married Thomas Fussell. She was known locally as "Mrs. Monterey" and was known for her wealth of information about early Monterey. She was a member of what was called the "Larkin Street Gang" of early pioneer Montereyans. Although only two years old at the time of her father's contact with Stevenson, Mrs. Fussell was a frequent resource for the story of her father's friendship and care of the writer, who was ill at the time. Isobel "Belle" Osborne Field was the daughter of Fanny Osborne and stepdaughter of Robert Louis Stevenson. With her mother, sister, and aunt, she stayed a few months in Monterey at the boarding house of Maria Ygnacia Bonifacio, known as the Sherman Rose, in 1879. Stevenson followed Mrs. Osborne, whom he later married, to Monterey. Isobel Osborne married artist Joseph Dwight Strong who also resided in Monterey for a period. After his death, she married Edward Salisbury Field and lived in Santa Barbara. She authored a memoir describing her life and experiences, including her time with Robert Louis Stevenson. She died June 26, 1953, in Santa Barbara.

Acquisition information:
Donated by the Robert Louis Stevenson Club of Monterey, Maureen A. Bianchini, Chair, on October 5, 1998.

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid created by Monterey Public Library, California History Room Archives staff.
Date Prepared:
1902-1968
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using Record Express for OAC5 on July 14, 2025, 2:54 p.m.

Access and use

Restrictions:

Access by appointment only; contact Local History Librarian or designated staff.

Terms of access:

Reproduction by Local History Librarian or other designated staff; may be restricted due to condition of the materials.

Preferred citation:

Josephine Simoneau Fussel Collection. Monterey Public Library, California History Room Archives

Location of this collection:
625 Pacific Street
Monterey, CA 93940, US
Contact:
(831) 646-2091
libchr@monterey.gov
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