My father-in-law was much older than I when he passed away 15 years ago. He was a very talented man and known around Santa Barbara for his work with Madam Ganna Walska at Lotusland. But, before Madam he had his own iron shop in El Paseo and, among other things adding character to the area, he made the cross you can see standing (center) in the burned out Monastery in Montecito.
Additional details on the history of the monastery and cross can be found in a Noozhawk article and at The Daily Office .
The smoke has cleared and we know that many families have lost their homes and familiar surroundings. Our family was spared this time and our heart goes out to our friends and neighbors that are returning to warm ash where their homes once stood.
Hi Christina,
I also remember this cross. I was married to Chuck Thielst and my daughter is also Cristina Thielst. You are married to Jeff then?
dawne (thielst) meckel
Posted by: dawne (thielst) meckel | November 26, 2008 at 05:11 PM