The original Bear Flag was raised at Sonoma June 14, 1846, by a group of Americans in revolt against Mexican authority. In less than two weeks it was replaced by the American Flag. In 1911 the State Legislature adopted the Bear Flag as the California State Flag.
Our State
bird the Valley Quail adopted by the Legislature in 1931
History of the Native Sons of the Golden West
The Native Sons of the Golden West was founded in 1875 by General A. M. Winn, a Virginian, as a lasting monument to the men and women of the Gold Rush Days. General Winn lived in California during the Gold Rush and was highly impressed with the spirit and perseverance of the "Forty-Niners." He sought to create a memorial to them and, after considering statues, buildings and other structures , he decided to found an order dedicated to preserving the history of California. In its early years, members of the Native Sons safeguarded many of the landmarks of California's pioneer days, purchasing and rehabilitating them and then donating them to the State or local governments. One outstanding example is Sutter's Fort in Sacramento, where early settlers came after their arduous journeys to the Golden State; by the 1880s, the fort was abandoned and deteriorating and the City of Sacramento sought to demolish it. The Native Sons bought Sutter'sFort, repaired it and presented it to the State. Today it is one of California's most popular historic attractions.
Native Sons are involved in community activities, sponsor statewide public speaking and essay contests, mark historic sites with bronze plaques and celebrate Admission Day each September 9.There is an annual state softball tournament and subordinate parlors (lodges) have social activities ranging from picnics to dinners and dances and sponsor softball and bocce ball teams. For more information click on the Bank below and look for the NSGW Web Page link.
The Native Sons of the Golden West Parlor #272 History and News
One of California's Native Sons, L. R. "Bud" Utter all dressed up for a Grand Parlor meeting. He has been a member since 1969. Some of his jobs have been: Parlor President, Financial Secretary, Recording Secretary, Grand Trustee, President of Past Presidents, and Governor General of the Past Presidents. He has served the the Native Sons of the Golden West with loyalty and style. We salute you "Bud"!
We Salute Brother John Peterson
John has only been a member of University Parlor for just a few years, but already he has been actively involved with many of the Parlor's activities. He has been in charge of our Public Speaking contest and has run it in a very professional manner. University Parlor is very proud and honored to have such a member and Brother.
John, when he's not doing NSGW activities, runs the Nationwide Property Management Co located at 24254 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance, California 90505. He can be reached at (310)373-0451. He has been in business since 1976. He sells both residential and commercial real estate, and manages properties in the South Bay and Long Beach area. He gives each customer professional and personal attention at affordable fees. Give him a call, you won't be sorry!
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