Generations at the Table
Biographies:
Beatrice (Missall) Laughlin
Beatrice (Missall) Laughlin was born in Santa Maria, California in October of 1909[1] to William and Pauline (Albert) Missall[2]. Her brother Albert[2] was born four years earlier in 1905 prior to the family moving from Los Angeles[3]. Her father worked as a veterinarian and had his own practice at 218 W Main St [4] while her mother maintained their home only a few blocks away on W Chapel St[5]. Pauline passed away in 1923, just a few days before Beatrice turned 14[2]. William married again in 1928 to his second wife, Henrietta[6].
The Missalls were a family of German heritage. In 1862, William’s father, Emil, immigrated to the U.S. from Germany at the young age of 11[7]. William’s maternal grandparents had also immigrated from Germany prior to his mother, Catherine, being born in 1853[7]. Similarly, Pauline’s father, Jacob, had immigrated from Germany in 1864 when he was a teenager[8], and her maternal grandparents also immigrated from Germany prior to her mother, Amelia, being born in 1853 in New Jersey[7].
In her youth, Beatrice was social[9] [10] [11] [12] and kept busy with a variety of activities. As young as 9 years old, Beatrice was participating in local theatre productions[13], which she continued to do throughout high school[14] [15]. Prior to her graduation in 1927[16] [17], she participated in Girls League[18], Junior Citizens League[19] and was a staff member on the high school’s yearbook and newspaper. Being on the yearbook and newspaper staff also allowed her to attend several out of area conferences and conventions as a delegate for her school[20] [21]. During her senior year, she participated in a national oratorical contest[22] and beat out several students to get to the finals[23], her public speaking skills no doubt aided by her background in theatre. Outside of school, she was active in the Presbyterian church[24].
Beatrice married Maxton Laughlin in 1937 after working together at the Santa Maria Warehouse Company[25] and knowing each other for several years[26]. This was a second marriage for Max; he was married in 1920 to Edith Drumm when they were just teenagers[27] but divorced a few years later in 1923[28]. Beatrice and Max had a small wedding ceremony that took place in the Missall home on W Chapel St and included only relatives and close friends. They honeymooned in Vancouver before returning to Santa Maria to make their home at the Missall house[25].
Beatrice and Max settled into their new life on Chapel St with her father, William. (Beatrice’s stepmother, Henrietta, had passed away in 1934[29].) William had closed his veterinary practice in 1932 due to ill health, and had since been working, seemingly part-time, as a county livestock inspector[33]. Max continued to work as an accountant for a local grain company, while Beatrice kept their home and raised their growing family[30]. The couple welcomed a baby boy in December of 1939[31] and a baby girl in May of 1945[32].
Unfortunately, despite the birth of her daughter, 1945 brought the start of personal tragedy for Beatrice. Her father passed away in November that year after a lengthy illness and period of decline[33]. The following year, in October of 1946, Max passed away after a short illness[34] leaving Beatrice a single mother. Their son was only 6 years old and their daughter 17 months when they lost their father.
Beatrice appears to show great resilience after being widowed at such a young age and with such young children still very much dependent on her. Never remarrying, she eventually went to work as a bookkeeper[35] and was still able to support her children during their formative years by giving them plenty of opportunity for growth. They participated in various youth activities[36] [37] and sports[38]. She remained active in their education[39] and participated in the PTA for multiple years[40] [41], even holding office[42].
She also somehow had time to pursue her own interests in addition to supporting her children. She was a member of the A to Z Club as early as 1949[43] and maintained her membership for decades until around 1973[44]. (The A to Z Club was a local philanthropic club[45].) She maintained active in her faith and participated in various functions in support of the Presbyterian church[46], including assisting with a “Vacation Church” school for small children[47]. She lent her talents as a hostess and gifted flower arranger[48] to various club functions over the years[49] [50] as well as to the Santa Barbara County Fair as a chairman to the table setting entries[51] [52]. She was also member of the Minerva Club[53], the Santa Maria Historical Society[54], and the Santa Maria Club[55].
After Beatrice’s children married and moved away, she kept herself busy with these various activities until at least 1973. At some point shortly after this date, it appears as though she moved out of Santa Maria for the first time in her life to live closer to her daughter in Fresno.
Beatrice passed away in March of 1980 at the age of 70[1].
Then vs. Now
Santa Maria, California
The residence on W Chapel St that the Missalls and Laughlins made their home appears to currently be a multi-unit property built in 1949. Next to these units is a larger apartment building that may have been part of their original property as well. Various sources (city directories, voter registrations, etc.) have Beatrice listed at different sequential street numbers on W Chapel St at various times over the years, which seems to point to the possibility of the property being divided or developed at some point. (Realtor.com)
Santa Maria, California
This central downtown location was the address of William Missall's veterinary practice. It is now a retail space, and the storefront is now a bridal shop. (Google)
Citations
[1] Beatrice E. Laughlin Obituary. Santa Maria Times, 28 March 1980, pg 6
[2] Pauline Missall Obituary, Los Angeles Times, 23 October 1923, pg 20
[3] Dr. Albert S. Missall Obituary, Santa Maria Times, 21 August 1970, pg 2
[4] 1914 City Directory, Santa Maria, Santa Barbara County, California, Los Angeles Directory Company, pg 17, digital image, Ancestry.com, http://www.ancestry.com (accessed 5 September 2024).
[5] 1900-1918 Voter Registration, Santa Maria Precinct, Santa Barbara County, California, California State Library microfilm publication, roll 001, pg 1542, Ancestry.com, http://www.ancestry.com (accessed 8 September 2024).
[6] File Intentions, Santa Maria Daily Times, 18 July 1928, pg 5
[7] 1900 U.S. Census, population schedule, Los Angeles Assembly 44th Precinct, Los Angeles, California, Enumeration District [ED] 56, sheet 3, dwelling 47, family 49, Emil Missall household; National Archives & Records Administration publication T623, digital image, Ancestry.com, http://www.ancestry.com (accessed 8 September 2024).
[8] 1900 U.S. Census, population schedule, Los Angeles Assembly 44th Precinct, Los Angeles, California, Enumeration District [ED] 56, sheet 8, dwelling 70, family 73, Jacob Albert household; National Archives & Records Administration publication T623, digital image, Ancestry.com, http://www.ancestry.com(accessed 8 September 2024).
[9] “Miss Beatrice Missall Guest of Honor at Birthday Party.” Santa Maria Daily Times, 29 October 1921, pg 2
[10] “Dinner Dance Enjoyed at Santa Maria Club.” Santa Maria Daily Times, 17 December 1925, pg 5
[11] “Miss Missall Honored on Birthday.” Santa Maria Daily Times, 30 October 1933, pg 2
[12] “William Porter is Host to Friends at Party.” Santa Maria Daily Times, 21 February 1927, pg 5
[13] “Big Show at Gaiety Ready for Tonight.” Santa Maria Daily Times, 9 September 1918, pg 3
[14]“Annual High School Vodvil Program Staged Tonight.” Santa Maria Daily Times, 29 April 1927, pg 5
[15] “Three Plays to Feature Senior Class Program.” Santa Maria Daily Times, 23 May 1927, pg 5
[16] “High School, Junior College Seniors to Receive Diplomas.” Santa Maria Daily Times, 8 June 1927, pg 1
[17] “Commencement Week at High School Opens with Baccalaureate.” Santa Maria Daily Times, 6 June 1927, pg 1
[18] Local News, Santa Maria Daily Times, 11 May 1925, pg 5
[19]“Junior Citizens League Give Program at High.” Santa Maria Daily Times, 23 February 1924, pg 5
[20] “Students Chosen as Delegates to Press Meetings.” Santa Maria Daily Times, 24 October 1925, pg 1
[21] “Students Attend Scholastic Press Sessions.” Santa Maria Daily Times, 17 November 1925, pg 5
[22] “Orators Prepare for Contest at High School.” Santa Maria Daily Times, 9 March 1927, pg 5
[23] “Finals in Local Oratorical Contest Set for March 31st.” Santa Maria Times, 23 March 1927, pg 5
[24] “Endeavor Society Members Enjoy Social Meeting.” Santa Maria Daily Times, 2 May 1924, pg 5
[25] “Miss Missall to Wed Max Laughlin.” Santa Maria Daily Times, 8 May 1937, pg 2
[26] City Briefs, Santa Maria Daily Times, 1 April 1929, pg 1
[27] “Max Laughlin Weds Miss Edith Drumm.” Santa Maria Daily Times, 17 January 1920, pg 6
[28] Court Notes. Santa Barbara Morning Press, 25 December 1923, pg 8
[29] Mrs. Henrietta Missall Obituary. Santa Maria Daily Times, 15 August 1934, pg 4
[30] 1940 U.S. Census, population schedule, Santa Maria, Santa Barbara County, California, Enumeration District [ED] 42-60, sheet 1b, dwelling 304, family 27, Maxton Laughton household; National Archives & Records Administration publication T627, digital image, Ancestry.com, http://www.ancestry.com (accessed 15 September 2024).
[31] "California Birth Index, 1905-1995," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org), Albert Rill Laughlin, 09 Dec 1939; citing Santa Barbara, California, United States, Department of Health Services, Vital Statistics Department, Sacramento (accessed 15 September 2024)
[32] “Legal Recordings.” Santa Maria Times, 24 May 1945, pg 4
[33] Dr. William Missall Obituary. Santa Maria Times, 5 November 1945, pg 8
[34] Max Laughlin Obituary. Santa Maria Times, 25 October 1946, pg 1
[35] “Schools Lose and Acquire Personnel.” Santa Maria Times, 17 June 1964, pg 2
[36] “Cub Pack Gains Five New Members at October Meet.” Santa Maria Times, 31 October 1949, pg 6
[37] “Mothers Circle to Aid DeMolays.” Santa Maria Times, 14 January 1955, pg 4
[38] “Saint Swimmers Seek Whittier Relays Title.” Santa Maria Times, 20 February 1954, pg 2
[39] “Teachers Seek Parents’ Aid to Help Primary Grade Youngsters to Learn Good Reading Ways.” Santa Maria Times, 13 December 1951, pg 13
[40] “Rock Kirkham Gives Set of Everyday Rules.” Santa Maria Times, 5 April 1951, pg 4
[41] “Dr. Case Speaks on Nutrition for Fairlawn PTA.” Santa Maria Times, 16 April 1953, pg 4
[42] “Mrs. Cunningham is PTA Head.” Santa Maria Times, 6 March 1954, pg 4
[43] “Fashion Show Will be Held by A to Z Club.” Santa Maria Times, 11 August 1949, pg 5
[44] "A to Z Opens 53rd Year of Unsung Aid to Needy.” Santa Maria Times, 8 October 1973, pg 5
[45] “Oldest Local Service Club Celebrates 51st Birthday.” Santa Maria Times, 20 March 1970, pg 7
[46] “Greeting Cards, Plants to be Sold at Fiesta.” Santa Maria Times, 23 October 1951, pg 4
[47] “Vacation School Dates Scheduled.” Santa Maria Times, 27 May 1952, pg 4
[48] “Honors Award on Flowers in Window.” Santa Maria Times, 5 April 1941, pg 2
[49] “Witches and Cats Decor for A-Z Dinner.” Santa Maria Times, 22 October 1952, pg 4
[50] “Teamwork to be Stressed by PTA.” Santa Maria Times, 26 August 1955, pg 3
[51] “Table Setting Exhibits Draw Attention at Fair.” Santa Maria Times, 24 July 1952, pg 4
[52] “Fair Names Mrs. Word Dept. Head.” Santa Maria Times, 27 June 1953, pg 4
[53] “Models Are Chosen for Fashion Show.” Santa Maria Times, 25 February 1953, pg 4
[54] “Historical Dinner Deadline Friday.” Santa Maria Times, 10 August 1955, pg 1
[55] “S.M. Club to Have Dinner Dance.” Santa Maria Times, 16 October 1956, pg 4
Notes
Illustrations on this site are not actual representations of the individuals written about, their homes, or anything else factual.
Exact addresses are not included for any place that appears to be, or could potentially be, in current use as a personal residence.
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