Description: Join author and historian David Petry for a walking tour of the beautiful and historic Santa Barbara Cemetery. Founded in 1867, this cemetery encapsulates Santa Barbara's transition from a Spanish port of call to a thriving American town. In it are our town leaders from first Santa Barbara mayor Lewis Burton to recent US congressman, Walter Capps. Many industry leaders lived in Santa Barbara and are interred here as well as movie stars, writers, scientists, musicians, and other luminaries. The Santa Barbara Cemetery also represents all six of the important transitions in United States cemetery history: town, graveyard, rural cemetery, town park cemetery, memorial park, and the current model which might be described as the era of consolidation. 

The tour lasts 2 ½ hours. We cover about a mile walking. Bring a hat, a water bottle and camera. Optional: After the tour, you may like to gather at one of the local restaurants, Casa Del Sol or Stella Mare for lunch. (Both are located on Patos Way across from the bird refuge). 

Reservations: Yes, limited to 50. E-mail Muriel Slevin. 

Cost: $16.00 ($15 for tour and $1 for docent gift). Checks (payable to The Graduates) must be received by July 27th. Please send to Muriel Slevin. You may also purchase David Petry's book for $15.00 (usually $50) after the tour. You may view his book at http://www.bestlastsb.com/Pages/Book.html. 

Where: 901 Channel Drive, SB. Meet in front of the chapel at the cemetery. There is plenty of parking along the cemetery driveways. 

Directions: Exit 101 at the Cabrillo Blvd/Coast Village Road off ramp and drive under the railroad tracks onto Cabrillo Blvd. Turn left immediately onto Channel Drive. The cemetery entrance is right there. Drive onto the grounds, park and you will find the chapel right there with the administration building cluster.I