Esther Jacobsen Bates brings the Elverhøj Museum into full flower for Solvang’s Centennial. Cover Story — It’s June 5, 1960. Four-year-old Esther Jacobsen is up early this morning, too wound up to sleep. After breakfast, she puts on her special Danish outfit and steps outside to gather a small bouquet of flowers from the garden. [...]
A century ago, in January 1911, the Danish-American Colony corporation bought 9,000+ acres of land stretching from Alamo Pintado Creek to Rancho Jonata (Buellton area). The new settlement was named Solvang, which means “sunny field” in Danish. The corporation advertised in Danish-language newspapers, and almost immediately Danish immigrants from all over the U.S. and Denmark [...]
Business Profile — Chris Nielsen brings his ethic of responsibility to his Edward Jones branch. For Chris Nielsen, the Santa Ynez Valley isn’t just a place to live; it’s the place he calls home — in every sense of the word. With roots that extend deep into the rich, fertile soil, he is a native son [...]
Close to the center of Solvang—near enough to invite tourist parking during weekend festivals—sits a lovely but modest home owned by Leo and Mary Mathiasen. Along with their house, the Mathiasens moved to this neighborhood in 1961, when Solvang was a small community but brimming with Danish heritage. Leo and Mary purchased their house from [...]
Business Profile — Do what you love, and a career will follow. Just ask Becca Nuss. She took a passion for photography that began as a hobby when she was in high school and molded it into a livelihood. Nuss, who grew up in Los Olivos, is a portrait and wedding photographer who uses the [...]
Olivera’s celebrates 61 years, Emmet Hickey is in the driver’s seat. The patient is gray in color, four appendages dangling, insides open, guts being explored. We are awaiting a prognosis when the chief’s cell phone, attached to his black leather belt, rings. “This is Emmet. How can I help?’’ The doctor is in. Meet Emmet [...]
The next time you find yourself in the village of Solvang, look up. “Nesting” on rooftops of many of the Danish-style buildings that line downtown Solvang’s main streets are placid wooden storks, life-size replicas of the European White Stork. Why are they “roosting” up there? They’re bringing good luck! In Denmark the long-legged birds—which make [...]
Planning a wedding? The Santa Ynez Valley is Loaded with Lovely Locations! — Drawn by its scenic beauty and friendly communities, happy couples planning their nuptials naturally gravitate to Santa Barbara County. Whether seeking a storybook location loaded with country charm, a spot with forever views or a venue boasting all the amenities, they’ll find just [...]
Before we know it January will be here and the new wildflowers will be coming up. For 2011 I would like to focus on two plants, one being the Hummingbird Sage (Salvia Spathacea) and the other the Fuchsia-Flowered Gooseberry, (Ribes Speciosum). Both of these plants are drought-toleratant and attract hummingbirds. The Hummingbird Sage is a [...]
