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Ramona Parlor #109 is just one of the many parlors that form the Native Sons of the Golden West. The Native Sons is a fraternal
organization of native Californians who have dedicated themselves to preserving and promoting California history.
Ramona Parlor #109 was chartered on June 9, 1887. It is the second largest Parlor in Southern California and the only
only one that owns and operates its own community museum.
The Ramona Museum of California History was first opened in 1972 on Figuroa in HIghland Park. The Museum offers an eclectic
collection of artifacts and relics saved by its members since before the turn of the century. Since many of the members of
Ramona Parlor were some of the early movers and shakers in Los Angeles, the collection becomes especially interesting and
valuable. Visitors can view a sprig of Edelweiss picked in 1603 that had been circulated in circus tents and sideshows in
Europe, slippers, combs and spurs used during the mid-1800s, artifacts and photos from the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and
fire, unpublished photographs of Teddy Roosevelt and his Rough Riders and an original Sheriff's "Booking Log" from
the turn of the century.
Ramona Parlor #109 also supports Cleft Palate research at hospitals thoroughout the state. The Native Sons sponsors an
annual Public Speaking Contest for high school students. All topics focus on California history in an ongoing effort to boost
the unique and intersting history of the Golden State.
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Mission Statement
Our mission is to preserve and promote California History, to landmark historic sites and buildings, to support Cleft Palate
research and to encourage friendship, loyalty and charity through sincere dedication to a common purpose.
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