| |
Santa Ynez, California 1947-1952?
It is not known the exact year when Vern arrived in the Santa Ynez Valley, or how he came about to be there, nor exactly how long he stayed. It was without question the zenith of his artistic career. Here, in the center of horse country and ranches, he worked as artisan, painter and woodcarver. He appeared to emphasize his skills in woodcarving. The photo below was sent to my father, Claude Parker. Apparently one for a newspaper article, I researched the archives of the Santa Ynez Valley News from the years 1947-1955, and was unable to find an article. He mentions the photo being sent to the St. Louis newspaper, but that has been unverified.
Vern Parker News Article, Santa Barbara News Press, 1947
 |
Enlarging on his woodcarving skills, the photo shows him surrounded by his creations. |
 |
The reverse side of the photo describes only a few of the carvings displayed: "Note the Belgian-at my back. Rider and Pack horse in foreground. Stage Coach in center. This picture will be in the St Louis paper with a writeup. Can you count the horses? Get a strong glass. Express for Maryland Farm Brentwood Tenn. American Saddle horses 28 in high.Santa Ynez Valley Calif." The stagecoach in the center is in a private home in Santa Ynez. The Belgians were carved for the T. M. Parks of Santa Ynez. |
In October, 2001, my husband, Clarence, and I had opportunity to visit friends in Nashville, Tennessee. Brentwood is a suburb of Nashville. I was able to speak to Jim Ward, son of the owner of Maryland Farm. He told me that Maryland Farm no longer exists, that the carvings Vern did for his father were for the entrance to the farm. All that is left is one horse and the sign that was carved for the entrance. I brought home photos of a very elaborate and unique example of Vern's artistic ability.
 |
The remaining saddlehorse of Maryland Farm. It holds a prominent place in the Brentwood home of Jim and Mary Lou Ward. |
 |
Jim Ward, the Saddlehorse, and Joanna Hagman, niece of Vernon Parker. |
The Maryland Farm entrance in its grandeur. Probably around 1950. "I was just a teen-ager," recalls Jim, "not aware of the workers around the farm. All I remember is the woodcarver from California working on the gate entrance." The Santa Ynez Valley is still a haven for horse ranches and country living. The town of Santa Ynez is still quiet, a sleepy, friendly community, where the storefront buildings are carefully preserved. Although the workshop of Vern Parker has long been replaced by a cafe or grocery store, there is a Santa Ynez Valley Historical Society that holds many treasures of the valley. Among them, in the Parks-Janeway Carriage House, are two woodcarved horse-drawn wagons on display behind glass. Convinced as I was that they were the work of Vern, the director kindly brought them out for closer examination. The Belgian horse drawn wagon was indeed signed, "Vern Parker, 1950." Although the white mule and wagon is not signed, it is definitely the work of the same man.
The wood carving of Vern Parker on display at the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Society Museum & Carriage House.
The T. M. Parks Belgian horse & wagon. It is signed.
Carved in perfect detail, every effort was taken, even to the different white patterns of the horses's feet.
 
Detail of the T. M. Parks Belgian horse and wagon.
Actual Photo of the Carvings at the Historical Museum
Red wagon and white mule.
This artwork is not signed.
 
Detail of Red Wagon & White Mule
 
After a few inquiries and letters, I was able to talk to a few old timers in Santa Ynez, who remembered Vern Parker and his success there. Mattei's Tavern is a well-known, popular restaurant in Los Olivos. Previously a stagecoach stop between Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo, it retains an atmosphere and color of the Old West. The sign above the entrance is the work of Vern Parker. A hand-carved stagecoach that has stood time and weather for over 50 years.
|
