Here is the story of how we acquired this wonderful property and the personal journey of being the fourth generation on the Bjorklund ranch. Explore the profound impact my ancestors have had on the community.
Robert Wilson Hyde: The Illuminator of Santa Barbara
In 1902, Robert Wilson Hyde arrived in Santa Barbara with a special interest in reviving the medieval art of book illumination. Crafting one-of-a-kind volumes with leather covers, parchment pages, Gothic calligraphy, and luminescent illustrations, Hyde gained national recognition. His works were showcased at prestigious events like the 1909 Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition and the 1915 Panama-California Exposition in San Diego.
Hyde's reputation grew further when Paul Elder, a prominent arts and crafts publisher in California, featured his creations in both the San Francisco store and the Santa Barbara satellite shop. Hyde's influence extended beyond his artistic endeavors; he played a key role in founding the Community Arts Association in the early 1920s, supported the Santa Barbara School of the Arts, and contributed to the discussions leading to the opening of the Lobero Theatre in 1924.
A pivotal figure in the city's cultural life, Hyde passed away in 1951, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the architects of Santa Barbara's vibrant arts and crafts colony.
Bobby Hyde: Founder of Mountain Drive Community
Bobby Hyde, born in Chicago in 1900, spent part of his childhood in Santa Barbara after his family's move west. After exploring Europe, Hyde settled in New York and embarked on a writing career. In 1932, he returned to Santa Barbara, reuniting with and marrying Florence Tuckerman.
In 1940, Hyde began acquiring property in the Mountain Drive area, selling one-acre parcels to like-minded individuals. The community, characterized by a bohemian spirit, thrived with around 40 families by the early 1960s. Celebrations and festivals, including the famous Wine Stomp, Twelfth Night, Halloween, the 4th of July picnic, Bastille Day, and Robert Burns's birthday, defined the close-knit camaraderie.
Hollywood even graced Mountain Drive in 1965 during the filming of "Seconds." Bobby Hyde's vision endured, creating one of the most unique communities on the South Coast. He passed away in 1969.
Angy Hyde: Continuing the Legacy
Bobby's daughter, Angy, embraced her father's vision. Settling in Santa Barbara, she played a significant role in Mountain Drive's Bohemian lifestyle. Angy immersed herself in working with raw wool, creating her famous ANGIE wool hats. She taught these arts at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and incorporated music, drumming, concertinas, and singing old songs into her life.
Angy's White Tipi living room reflected her passion for weaving, spinning, and dyeing wool. A dedicated teacher, she took her students to the creek for overnight Mountain Spinning Workshops. Angy's celebration of life in 2015 marked the end of an era.
Robert Bjorklund: Continuing the Tradition
Robert Bjorklund, inheriting the property, established a local woodworking business focused on recycling urban wood. Today, the business thrives, raising two daughters, Harmony and Savanna. In 2018, Harmony opened the campground to guests, providing magical glamping experiences on the property.
