Hord Exhibit ~ Public Works ~ Complete works ~ Chronology

The Legend of California, 1939

The Legend of California is a set of seven incised relief panels carved from Indiana limestone for the Library of the Coronado High School. Dedicated in February of 1941, the central panel depicts the mythical Amazonian Queen Calafia, after whom California was named. The side panels depict the various ethnic groups that have made up the population of the state. After Hord made the presentation design, a high ranking Naval officer on the school board, who foresaw the coming war, wanted the Japanese figure eliminated. Hord strongly felt the Japanese belonged so he ignored the request and put the figure in anyway.

• A. land key, scholar, engineer ~ (in progress)
• B. Japanese, Chinese, Italian, Basque
• C. Mexican couple, Negro ~ (in progress)
• D. War, Queen Calafia, Peace ~ (in progress)
• E. Spanish settlers, Padre
• F. swineherd, citrus grower, pioneer couple
• G. the Arts, Music, Water Key ~ (in progress)