Death Closes Painting Career Of
Isaac J. Frazee, Laguna Artist
LAGUNA BEACH— Death yesterday claimed another of Laguna’s
famous artists in the passing of Isaac J. Frazee, 84, of 495 El Bosque street,
frequently mentioned as the dean of the artist colony.
Born in Winchester, Indiana, he first came to Laguna Beach
Aug. 15, 1878, when he camped on Main Beach for several days on what he
described as a pioneer painting expedition. With his wife they returned here in
1921 to make Laguna Beach their permanent home.
Frazee erected a studio home which has been the
rendezvous for many of Laguna’s and visiting artists. Father Frazee, as he was familiarly known, had devoted a lifetime
to his profession as poet and dramatist. Shortly after settling here in 1921 he
wrote, produced and directed a pageant-drama (Great Spirit! -"Kitshi
Manido”) the proceeds were collected for the erection of Laguna's art gallery.
His paintings were widely known for a delicacy of
composition rarely attained by his contemporaries.
Isaac J. Frazee is survived by his wife, Bettie Dickinson
Frazee, whom he married June 27. 1885. Had
he lived they would have celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary on Saturday
Mrs. Frazee is now reported in poor health due to a
constant vigil at his bedside during his two-weeks illness.
Mr. and Mrs. Frazee were members of a family group who recently
attended a birthday celebration for Mrs. Julia Bracken Wendt, the wife of artist
William Wendt who died Monday.
Survivors include Mrs. Christian A. Worsley, Fullerton:
Mrs. William M. Bower, Los Angeles; Mrs. Samuel M. Wheeler, Los Angeles: Mrs.
Paul L. Moses, Ontario, Mrs. Carl Eckart, La
Jolla and William C. Frazee, Twin Oaks, California.
Funeral services are announced for Saturday, June 27, at
11 a. m. at the Laguna Beach Funeral Chapel. Efforts to contact Rev. Raymond I.
Brahams, pastor of the Community Presbyterian church, to conduct the services
had not been completed. Interment will be at Loma Vista Cemetery, Fullerton.
(Photo Caption)
Isaac Frazee, pioneer painter of the Orange County scenery,
whose death took place at Laguna Beach yesterday, is shown standing beside a
huge painting of Laguna Beach as he first saw it on an 1878 camping trip. The
Painting, which later won first prize in a San Diego exhibit, shows travelers
on the crowded Coast Boulevard—winding between eucalyptus trees sheltering a
scattered group of cabins. One of these in the foreground occupies the present
site of the big Laguna Hotel. The wagon driver on the trail is Joseph Thurston,
pioneer Laguna Beach developer hauling a load of melons to market.
Santa Ana Register - June 24, 1942
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