The Kelley House Museum recently accepted a donation of items related to the Kelley family, passed down to a descendant of Otis Kelley, William and Eliza’s youngest child. Most of the items relate to the first generation of Kelleys born in Mendocino, primarily Daisy MacCallum and Elise Drexler.
Daisy was a dedicated diarist. When we accessioned a collection of 27 diaries written by Kelley family women last year, most of the diaries belonged to Daisy. This latest donation includes 22 of Daisy’s diaries, one for each year from 1930 to 1953 (except for 1934). 1953 was the year Daisy died, and she wrote sparsely that year. Her handwriting is shaky compared to earlier years, and throughout the book Jean MacCallum and one or more of Daisy’s nieces seem to have contributed to the journal, noted by the different handwriting and referring to Daisy as “mother” or “Aunt Daisy.” On August 13, the entry reads “Aunt Daisy passed away at 9:30AM.” There are few entries after this, most noting people visiting to offer sympathies, and recording the whereabouts of Jean and Gwenlian MacCallum, Daisy’s adopted daughter.
Elise Drexler posing with children at Drexler Hall, taken May 12, 1917. Elise is wearing a dark dress and a white hat. (Gift of Paula Kelley-Mingram)
Of note is the abundance of items in this donation related to Elise Drexler, the third Kelley child. Elise moved to San Francisco after her marriage to millionaire Louis Drexler in 1893. When he died six years later, Elise inherited much of his wealth, and she fought and won an unprecedented court case to gain full control of her inheritance.
Elise was a philanthropist, and in an era characterized by women’s clubs, Elise worked independently. Many of her causes focused on children, and this new donation includes over 50 photos of Drexler Hall, formally known as The Convalescent Hospital and School for Crippled Children. Elise founded the hospital in 1916, and this batch of photos provides an unprecedented look inside the building and at the children who lived there. Elise, often not found smiling in photographs, appears alongside the children in several photos with a wide smile. Five photos show the 1917 May Day celebration at Drexler Hall, with Elise joining the children in the Maypole dance.
Also in the donation is a set of china with hand painted floral designs, done by Elise. Much of Elise’s artwork featured florals, including three paintings and a sketchbook already in the Kelley House archive.
As we continue processing this donation, more treasures will continue to reveal themselves. To view the photographs and other items as they are digitized, visit the Kelley House Museum’s online archive on our website. You can also search our entire digital catalog there!
This is the final weekend to view Conservation Forever: 50 Years of Mendocino Land Trust! Come celebrate the remarkable conservation legacy of this beloved local organization. The Kelley House Museum is open Thursday-Monday, 11am-3pm. Visit the Kelley House Museum event calendar for a walking tour schedule.