About 300 people turned out for a tour of the Valley Center estate built for Hollywood stars June Allyson and Dick Powell. The event benefited The Guardian Fund, an endowment fund for the Valley Center History Museum.
"Our endowment was blessed with about $6,000, bringing to $180,000 the total amount we have raised thus far through this kind of fundraising," said Bob Lerner, a Valley Center historian. "Our goal is $250,000, so we're on our way."
The event was held Oct. 25 at the hacienda just off Cole Grade Road near Valley Center High School.
Pamela Allyson Powell and Richard K. Powell, the children of the film stars from the 1940s and 1950s, mingled with guests and answered questions about their famous parents.
The home was built for the newlyweds in 1945 and was designed by noted architect Cliff May in the Spanish style of early California. While they were too young to have memories of the place, they do remember that their parents really loved the area.
"Dad was a pilot, so he probably flew himself down," said Richard K. Powell.
And because they were a boating family, they spent a great deal of time in San Diego, said Pamela Allyson Powell.
"Mom loved what Dad loved, but she was more comfortable in a ranch house than on the boat," said Pamela, chuckling at the memory.
As guests passed through the home, they marveled at its simple beauty and sweeping views.
"I would live here in a heartbeat," said Pam Smith of Valley Center.
Valley Center resident Jane Scibilia said she didn't know the famous home existed. "It's a real cool part of our history," she said.
Jerry Mendenhall took part in the tour to make comparisons. "I live in a Cliff May home in Vista that was built in 1955," she said.
Wine and cheese were served throughout the event. Sarah Clayton and Nicky Lovejoy were in charge of the indoor-outdoor bar. Ruth Olson and Marion Thomas were in charge of the cheese and snack table, while Louise Robinette's station was the kitchen, where a fountain of chocolate ran nonstop. Joyce Johnson and Bill Boyett staffed the welcoming table, checking in guests.
Enjoying the afternoon event were Steve Harris, Lori Rigo, Linda Powell, Ira Goode, Marjorie Deskovick, Bill Hutchings, Joe Proctor, Jinny Vaudell, Dottie and Ernie Reid, Mary Swanby, Ron Haas, Andy Mangini, Hugo Haas, Dora Westcott, Paul Gozzo, Wayne Hilbig, Kathleen Bell-Flynn, Steve Flynn, Gene and Jean Adkins, Caroline Bose and Joyce Boosey.
The house has changed hands several times and was purchased in 1999 by Glen W. Bell Jr., founder of Taco Bell. It is held in stewardship by the Bell family.
The Bell family was gracious about opening the home to visitors to benefit the museum, Lerner said.
Contact the Valley Center History Museum at (760) 749-2993 or www.valleycenterhistory.org.
