George W. Decker, Jr. (AKA Bud) Oral History

Bud was born on April 7, 1925 in Ohio and moved to Santa Barbara in 1954. As an original Presidio volunteer, he was the first Los Soldado de Cuera - a group of volunteers who interpret the Presidio soldiers - and was a part of one of the first archaeologist teams to document and argue for the prospect of the Presidio's bell-tower. His early experiences give insight into the progression of SBTHP, especially as a trusted archaeologist with the respect and support of the Trust's founder, Pearl Chase. 

Above Photo: Bud and interviewer Mary Louise Days in the Presidio Research Center (March 2012).

Clip 1: Bud remembers Pearl Chase with a story about his daughter, Ellen.

Clip 2: Amongst the controversy of the bell-tower's existence, Bud always believed, documenting what he could to prove it.

Clip 3: When asked what the Presidio project has meant to him, Bud reflects on the importance of understanding heritage.

*To hear the entire oral history interview or additional clips, please make an appointment with the Presidio Research Center at (805) 966-5073.