Lillian Adelle McPherson Rouse’s first ancestor to come to Santa Cruz was T.W. Hinds who crossed the plains from Iowa to California in 1851. He founded the First Congregational Church. He lost his wife while crossing the sink of the Humboldt (Nevada). Amelia, his four year old daughter survived, grew up and married Duncan McPherson. Their son Frederick Duncan married Matye Patton – their youngest child was Lillian.
Lillian graduated from Santa Cruz High School. She was valedictorian of her class and received the “Gold SC.” She then went to University of California Berkeley for two years then transferred to the University of Washington, from which she graduated. Her father thought Journalism was OK for a major but felt she needed a teaching certificate. She went to State Teachers College at San Jose (the college eventually became San Jose State College and then San Jose State University) to earn her teaching certificate. She did her student teaching in Watsonville, teaching there for two years. There she met Robert Rouse. He interrupted his graduate work at Stanford to propose marriage.
Six weeks later, on June 30, 1933 the wedding took place at the Congregational Church on Center Street. Dr. Steinward gave Matye a whole field of regal lilies, she knew exactly what to do with them. Never had a church been so decorated! A picture of the altar was placed in the cornerstone of the new church.
Robert was a druggist in Watsonville. Together they bought the Corner Drug Store which they operated until 1962 with the sometimes reluctant help of their children Mary Ellen, Bob, Ruth, and Jim. Then starting in 1962 Robert and Lillian set off to see the world. After a few years of travel, Robert went to work for Thrifty Drugs while Lillian worked in her yard and on her stamp collection. They continued their travels.
Mary Ellen is married to Ben Irons and their home is in Santa Cruz. They have three sons: Ben, Ted, and John; all in college.
Bob and Joan Rouse live in Saratoga. They own a pharmacy in San Jose. Their children are Fred, Karen, Dan and Gordon.
Ruth lives in El Cerrito. She is a Child Guidance Counselor.
Jim died in 1978.
Lillian’s husband Robert died in 1980.
With the death of her father, Fred Sr., in 1940, Lillian and her brothers inherited his interest in the Santa Cruz Sentinel. Fred, Jr. became Publisher and President; Mahlon became Secretary; and Lillian became Vice President. This continued until the Sentinel merged with Ottoway Newspapers, Inc. in 1982.
Lillian’s various memberships include AAUW, P.E.O., California Press Association, Stanford Alumni Association, UC Alumni Association, Santa Cruz Historical Society, Pajaro Valley Historical Society, Friends of the Octagon (she was a board member), Santa Cruz Museum Association, Santa Cruz Archeology Society, Watsonville YWCA, Sempervirons, Friends of the Watsonville Library, Watsonville Women’s Club, Eastern Star, and the Nature Conservancy.
She is mentioned in Who’s Who of American Women, Who’s Who of the West, and Who’s Who Women of the World.
She thoroughly enjoyed gardening, travelling, and found that taking classes at Cabrillo College a splendid way to keep in touch. Her appreciation of her community led her to want what’s special about it be preserved for future generations to cherish.
