It all began in 1906 and it is still continuing! Then, the dedication of only a few women, sewing handmade items to sell, raised $143. Now a large group of volunteers also includes men who come in to help set up, check merchandise, serve as security guards and clean up. All money raised was for the needs of the St. James Episcopal Church and its Missionary Fund.
Wisteria Cottage, later known as John Cole’s Book Store, was the site for the first sale. The sale then moved to the Woman’s Club on Herschel Avenue, across from the old firehouse, and when the parish house was built, the sale was held there. The event was only for one day.
During the Depression era it became a rummage sale. In those days, people were very proud and resented handouts but were happy to purchase needed items at low prices.
In 1942, the government needed a USO facility for service personnel at Camp Callan, which was where the UCSD campus is now located. There was no available building for such a facility in La Jolla, so the city allowed a building to be erected at Eads and Silverado streets. In 1952, after the war had ended, Major Von Schaik persuaded the city to sell the property to St. James; thus, it became St. James Hall.
Many in our parish recall the fond memories of fun times when the hall was used for social events by the service personnel and the community, Sunday School, dances after football games, civic groups and youth associations. The sale had found a permanent home!
Its historical significance stems from the fact that the government built very few facilities for the USO.
In the 1980s and ’90s, it was discovered that the building could not be torn down completely because of its historic nature, so plans were made for a renovation with its original structure remaining. After intensive discussions, and not to break tradition, in 1994 the sale was held at Glazebrook Hall. Items were displayed on the church porch, patio and on the paved area in front of the hall. It proved to be a successful and fun experience.
The 1995 sale returned to the Von Schaik Room and to the renovated St. James Hall. It remained as the White Elephant Sale until 2006, when it became the Golden Elephant Sale with the intent to upgrade the quality of items by accepting more brand names to sell at low prices.
This year, St. James celebrates 75 years in its location and as we do the math, we can figure the length of time the ladies have been serving the church, local and international charitable organizations with the same goals established in 1906: outreach, helping families and fellowship, which comes when people work together for a good and common cause.
Some ladies from St. James Episcopal Church have served from 15 to 40 years. A few are in their late 80s and they contribute with love and dedication to a cause that supports a local and global environment. To mention a few, we are grateful to those who are not pictured, Rosamond Loomis and Ann Williams, and to those who have helped for years.
The 2007 Golden Elephant Sale begins with the First Choice Presale on Friday, Sept. 14, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at St. James, 743 Prospect St. Tickets are $10 with a 20 percent surcharge on all purchases. The public is welcome.
The main sale will be on Saturday, Sept. 15, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and on Sunday, Sept. 16, noon to 2 p.m. For information, call (858) 459-3421.