LETTERS

Thank you for your article on the “Ramona” pageant [“Golden Girl,” Jan. 11.] This play is truly a treasure.

No article on the play would be complete without the mention of my beautiful, late mother-in-law, Juanita Encell Shields. She played Ramona starting in 1941, then from 1946 to 1948 after a break in performances for World War II. She played Ramona again in 1950 after the birth of my husband (the first of her two sons). In fact, my husband recalls having his first birthday party on the “Ramona” stage following a rehearsal.

She returned to play Senora Moreno from 1972 to 1973. In fact, she played all of the major female parts, including Margarita. Throughout her life, my mother-in-law remained devoted to the play and the important lessons of tolerance and understanding at the heart of the Ramona story.

On a return visit in 2004 to celebrate the 81st year of the pageant, we were touched to hear that so many still involved with the pageant remembered her so fondly. There are also fabulous pictures of her in the book “The Ramona Pageant: A Pictorial History 1923-1998” published by the Hemet News.

I encourage all of your readers to take the time to see the “Ramona” pageant and learn more about the history that shaped early California.

Sandra Stark Shields

Los Angeles