Joan H Hall

Today, some hundred years after Cornelius Rumsey passed away, his contributions to Riverside are still enjoyed by new generations. His Indian collection of artifacts, located in the Riverside Metropolitan Museum, is considered one of the finest in California. Many palm trees gracing Victoria Avenue today were transplanted from his Alta Cresta Rancho property. He left a legacy that few could equal and a dynasty of many descendants, some still residing in Riverside, California.

Jonathan Tibbet was born in 1856 near the San Gabriel Mission and considered himself a true Californian. Several indian villages were located on the family rancho and this is where young Jonathan acquired a life-long relationship with Native Americans.This individualist was a shrewd businessman who made numerous enemies. However, he and his wife, Emma, were well-known for their frequent gatherings and warm hospitality. Their home on Prospect Avenue had been developed into a pleasing private garden covering some three acres.During the 1920s, Mission Indian Federation conferences were held on the Tibbet property and surrounding streets, where hundreds of indian families camped for a week twice a year.