When Paso Robles celebrated its first Pioneer Day in 1931, one young woman was chosen to hold a title that would become an enduring part of the community’s annual celebration. Ann Casper, a Templeton resident, was selected by popular vote as the first Belle of Pioneer Day.
By Oct. 1, 1931, excitement surrounding the selection had grown. Nine young women from throughout the Paso Robles District had been nominated, representing local organizations and communities. The Paso Robles Press published vote coupons, with the first worth 500 votes and the final coupon worth 1,000 votes.
When the votes were counted, Miss Casper had received an impressive 359,000 votes, earning her the honor of becoming Paso Robles’ first Pioneer Day Belle.
Casper was sponsored by the Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce and the Templeton American Legion. The other nominees included Dorothea Bridge, Bee Glass, Hazel Ernst, Elizabeth Hibbard, Doris Schlegel, Ernestine Smith, Helen Smith, and Olive Street.
The judging committee included A.N. Young of the Bank of America, J.S. Campbell of the First National Bank, and James I. Cousins of the Pioneer Day general committee.
Casper was working at the Canary Cottage café in the Adams Building when she received word that she had won the popular vote. She and her attendants, referred to at the time as her “lassies,” rode together on a brightly decorated Chamber of Commerce float. The float carried the theme “Bigger and Better Paso Robles.”
The first Belle was the daughter of Edward A. and Mary Casper of Templeton. Both of her parents were born in Austria and became U.S. citizens in 1903. According to family accounts compiled by Templeton historian Al Willhoit, Edward Casper came to America as a 17-year-old immigrant and settled in Pennsylvania. Mary arrived approximately four years later.
The couple eventually had nine children: Edward, John, Mary, Elizabeth (Betty), Ann, William, Alfred, Helen, and Richard.
By 1919, the Casper family had relocated to California, first settling in Torrance, where Edward worked as a master machinist and boilermaker. In 1926, he purchased property at the corner of York Mountain and Santa Rita roads in Templeton. Family accounts note that old county maps identified the location as “Casper Corner.”
The family experienced tragedy soon after arriving in Templeton. Within six weeks, the two oldest sons, Edward and John, died, leaving the family devastated.
Ann continued to build a life and become an active member of the local community. In 1933, she married John Leroy Jordan at her family home in Templeton. The Rev. Charles Thackeray, who is credited with founding Pioneer Day, officiated at the ceremony. Following a small family gathering, a reception was held for approximately 200 friends and family members.
The newlyweds settled at 1716 Vine St. in Paso Robles. Ann later worked at the Hotel Taylor, which stood at the corner of 13th and Spring streets, while John was employed by Standard Oil and later became associated with Johnny’s Cocktail Lounge and Liquor Store.
Ann remained active in Paso Robles social affairs throughout her life. Her legacy as the first Pioneer Day Belle also continued through the decades, as she returned to many celebrations honoring the annual Queen, Belle, and their attendants.
Ann Casper Jordan’s connection to Pioneer Day was more than a title bestowed in 1931. As the first Belle, she became part of a tradition that has continued to celebrate Paso Robles’ history, people, and community for generations.
