Rudecinda Sepulveda Dodson
Rudecinda Sepulveda Dodson | |
|---|---|
| Born | María Rudecinda Florencía Sepúlveda October 27, 1858 Palos Verdes Peninsula, California, U.S. |
| Died | September 11, 1930 (aged 71) San Pedro, California, U.S. |
| Occupations | Clubwoman, landowner, philanthropist, political hostess |
| Spouse | James H. Dodson |
| Relatives | Arthur McKenzie Dodson (father-in-law) |
María Rudecinda Florencía Sepúlveda de Dodson (October 27, 1858 – September 11, 1930)[1] was an American landowner, clubwoman, and political hostess based in San Pedro, California. She was a member of the Sepúlveda family of California, and "a dominant figure in the social and club affairs of Southern California."[2] She was sometimes known as "the fairy godmother of San Pedro."[3]
Early life and education
Sepulveda was born in Palos Verdes, California,[3] the daughter of José Diego Sepúlveda and Maria Francisca Elisalde de Sepúlveda.[4][5][6]
Career
Dodson founded the San Pedro Woman's Club in 1905, and was active in the causes of suffrage and temperance. She donated land for a church, a fire station, a theatre,[7] a park, and other community purposes. She was a chapter president of the Native Daughters of the Golden West,[8][9][10] and a benefactor of the American Red Cross.[2][11]
Personal life and legacy
In 1881, Sepulveda married James H. Dodson, mayor of San Pedro. They had three children: James H. Jr.,[12][13] Carlos (Carl), and Florencia (Florence).[4] She died after a stroke in 1930, at the age of 71.[1] Rudecinda Sepulveda Dodson Middle School in Rancho Palos Verdes is named in her memory.[14][15]
References
- ^ a b Wheeler, Stanley A. (October 1930). "Noble Character Passes On". The Grizzly Bear. 47 (282): 8.
- ^ a b "Rudecinda de Dodson, Famous Pioneer Woman of California's Spanish Era, Claimed by Death". The San Bernardino County Sun. September 12, 1930. p. 13 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b Binheim, Max; Elvin, Charles A. (1928). Women of the West: A Series of Biographical Sketches of Living Eminent Women in the Eleven Western States of the United States of America. Publishers Press. p. 36.
- ^ a b Luck, Diane (February 12, 1970). "Dodson women remain on lands of their ancestors". San Pedro News-Pilot. p. 26 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Plans told for extensive new school project". The Los Angeles Times. March 23, 1958. pp. 1, 3 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Value of Catalina Island Once Low". The Sentinel. 12 (12): 6. July 11, 1919.
- ^ "Dodson House, San Pedro, Los Angeles, CA". Pacific Coast Architecture Database. Retrieved 2026-03-12.
- ^ "Rudecinda Parlor of Native Daughters Instituted Saturday". San Pedro News-Pilot. March 9, 1925. p. 2 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Rudecinda Parlor Notes Anniversary". San Pedro News-Pilot. March 16, 1963. p. 6 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Native Daughters Have New 'Baby'". The Grizzly Bear. 36 (216): 4. April 1925.
- ^ Gnerre, Sam (2019-10-21). "South Bay History: Rudecinda Florencia Sepulevda de Dodson played a major role in San Pedro's development". Daily Breeze. Retrieved 2026-03-11.
- ^ "Sensation is Promised in Divorce Case". San Pedro News-Pilot. September 24, 1920. p. 1 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Mrs. Rudecinda Dodson's Injuries Not Serious". San Pedro News-Pilot. December 8, 1916. p. 2 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Martin, Bynner (August 24, 1957). "The Pilot's Log". San Pedro News-Pilot. p. 2 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Rudecinda Sepulveda Dodson Middle School". Dodson Middle School, LAUSD. Retrieved 2026-03-11.
External links
- "Roman D. Sepulveda and Rudecinda Sepulveda Dodson on deck of liner California, San Pedro, 1929", a photograph in the UCLA Library Digital Collections