Berkeley High School - Olla Podrida Yearbook (Berkeley, CA)

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VX)t JMystery of San JMarco EARS and years ago, when America was little more than a name to most of the European nations, a quaint little vessel, proudly floating the Spanish flag, sailed into the quiet harbor of what is now the oldest city in the United States — St. Augustine. She dropped anchor under the guns of the grim, gray fort guarding the harbor entrance, greeted by a royal salute. Soon a small boat shot out from the walls and sped swiftly to the side of the ship, now so calmly rocking in the swell, while her weather-beaten sails were rapidly being furled. In the boat was the governor of St. Augustine, captain-general of Fort San Marco, supreme in power over the province and responsible only to the Spanish king. He was richly dressed and his face, though resolute and strong, was cruel and relentless. The governor of St. Augustine had come to welcome Don Fernando Menendez, who had been sent by the Spanish sovereign to investigate the manner in which the governor had executed his high trust, and to report the condition of the settle- ment. The people rejoiced at his coming and whispered among themselves that he would redress their wrongs, put an end to injustice and tyranny — that he would dare report the governor ' s treason to the king. The people had murmured — they had even spoken of ' ' treason ' ' ; but they dared do nothing against their powerful leader. He had felt this distrust, had caught an echo of the whispered treason, so he welcomed the royal deputy most graciously, and for several weeks the old fort was the scene of lengthy feasts and nightly revels — the governor spared no effort to favorably impress Don Fernando. He realized that if all his deeds, all the people said against him, were reported to the king, not only would his high position be lost, but his life would be endangered. Treasonable -actions were summarily punished in those days. Yet in spite of the captain-general ' s most courtly care for his guest, and of all the gayety, Don Fernando Menendez found time to go often among the people ; to learn of many dreadful deeds which the gloomy cells and thick walls of San Marco had wit- nessed. He gained many proofs of the governor ' s faithlessness, and could scarcely conceal his distrust and scorn, as he waited impatiently for the date set for his return. But the governor knew well that his king would learn how he had betrayed his trust : all was lost should Don Fernando return. He must never reach Spain. With no conscience, unlimited power, a few trusty servants, and the secret dungeons of San Marco, the governor ' s plans were not difficult to execute. One morning, just before the return of the vessel, St. Augustine was horrified by the news that the gallant Don Fernando Menendez, who had won all hearts by his universal kindness, was most suddenly stricken with the dread yellow fever. The governor had small need to command that no one should go near his apartments, save two servants. The word fever was sufficient to make everyone take all precautions against contagion. Don Fernando was kind and good, but to try and help him would be to risk one ' s life. l 3

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interesting to know that this family, so far away from the one first mentioned, indulges once every two weeks in that same concoction, the Olla Podrida. On the specified day an announcement is made that the Olla Podrida will be given out, and then, of course, the famished multitude make frantic efforts to get their individual allotments. This unseemly haste would, perhaps, be excused, considering the intervening time between servings, but when groups of boys and girls pass down the principal streets of the town eagerly devouring the Olla Podrida, it is evident that it is no longer Old Mexico, and that custom is different. This compound is somewhat drier than its namesake, and in place of the earthen bowl it is served between crimson leaves, one of which is adorned by an artistic sketch; the other is covered with hieroglyphics interesting to decipher. The ingredients are as varied as could be imagined. Some are pithy, but hard to digest ; these the chief cook attends to himself, so he alone is responsible. Some ingredients are at times sharp and cutting ; others are pleasant and mild — Exchanges one might call them. They can always be relied upon and are relished by those who live at a distance. Again, there are parts sweet, delicious and familiar, having a spicy personality which is thoroughly enjoyed by all, and highly necessary to the excellence of the mixture. Then there is one of a Latin name, found in the compound only, in tiny pieces, because of the great and lamented scarcity of the essential elements. Tales of varying lengths and grades are the most substantial of all parts. Other titbits, plain and healthful, add their own peculiar touches of flavor. All these numerous compo- nents are blended and made into a composite mass by the application of a liberal amount of spirits, voluntarily bestowed by the whole school. This school spirit is the essence which contributes so much to the enjoyment of all who are interested in the welfare of this Olla Podrida. katherine Frances storie, ' 00. 12

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The next day he was reported much worse by the solicitous governor. The ship must sail, it was delayed as it was, but Don Fernando ' s report was sent to his sover- eign. It was read to the assembled settlers and contained high praise of the efficient governor of St. Augustine and a glowing account of the prosperous condition of the province. The people dared not protest openly : and the ship sailed, leaving Don Fernando Menendez to the care of the 1 ' efficient ' ' governor. Two days later a coffin was hastily buried, deep under the moat of Fort San Marco — Don Fernando was dead. The governor regretted that a public funeral was impossible, but the danger from contagion was too great ; no one could see him. The settlers mourned for him sincerely — they had loved him and had hoped that his com- ing meant a happier life for them. The}- could not even show their respect and affection by flowers nor monument — the water in the moat hid his grave, and nothing remained of gallant Don Fernando Menendez but the loving memories in the hearts of all the settlers. About thirty years ago St. Augustine, still Spanish in appearance, but thronged with visitors from all parts of the United States, was horrified by a discovery acciden- tally made by workmen digging in old Fort San Marco, now called Fort Marion. A narrow cell was found, below the deepest dungeon known in the fort. In it was an iron cage containing a yellow skeleton. Nothing to indicate identity was found but a golden ring, graven with the Menendez coat of arms, a family well known in centuries past for their distinguished bravery and loyalty to the Spanish crown. The governor ' s treason will never be discovered — the secret was immured in the dun- geon with Don Fernando Menendez. h. h. J., ' 00. 14