White Elephant Sale History

The first sale of the Women of St. James was held in 1906. It is thought to have been held in the home of Imogene Van Schaick on Hillside Drive. The merchandise was handmade items that had been produced by the ladies. Tea was served to all who attended. $143 was raised for the Missionary Fund. In the coming years sales were held when money was needed by organizations such as the Sunday School, the Altar Guild, or the Missionary Fund. At first they were held in the Wisteria Cottage which is now the home of John Cole's Bookstore. Then it moved to the Women's Club on Herschel across from the Fire House. When The Parish House was built the sale went there. When the church purchased St. James Hall the sale had found its home. Up to this time it was a one day event but a second day was soon added.

In 1932, in the depths of the depression, the sale became a rummage sale. At this time people were very proud and resented handouts. However, they were very happy to purchase needed items which were sold at very low prices. The sale then had the same three goals that it has today. The first is Outreach, which widened the scope of the Missionary Fund. The second is to provide families with needed clothing and household items at very low prices. The third is fellowship which comes when people work together for a common cause.

In 1942, the government saw the need for a USO facility for the service people stationed at the newly opened Camp Callan which occupied the area where USCD now stands. There was no available building for such a facility in La Jolla. The city allowed such a building to be erected at Eads and Silverado. Many in our Parish still have happy memories of good times during the war in that building. After the war, the property was returned to the city. In 1952 Major Van Schaick persuaded the city to sell the property to St. James. It is named St. James Hall. In addition to the White Elephant Sale, the Hall was used in many ways by the church and the community. The Sunday School was held there. It was also used by civic groups and youth associations. Dances in the Hall followed many football games. The Hall had historical interest since the government built very few buildings just for the USO.

By the 1980's and the 1990's, the building had begun to deteriorate. It was discovered that it could not be torn down due to its historical nature. Plans were made for its renovation. The original form had to remain, but the law required ramps be installed to enable the handicapped to use it. It was the only building in the area so designed. A drive for the funds was started but before the goal was reached, the Hall could not be used because of safety and sanitary reasons. A mortgage was obtained and the renovation was started. It took a year to complete.

In all the years of the sale, the 1994 sale was the most unusual. There was a debate as to whether the sale could be held without the Hall. It was decided not to break the tradition of having an annual sale and the plans went forward. The departments were in all parts of Glazebrook Hall. They were on the porches of the church, in the patio, and on the paved area in front. It proved to be a fun experience for all. In 1995, the sale returned to the Van Schaick Room and the beautiful new Hall.

....excerpts from a letter written by Mary-Alice Haupt, Publicity Chair for the 1996 White Elephant Sale.