By Heather Hartley
Bud Mathewson’s personal philosophy is to try to brush on every part of life - a motto which has led to achievement not only in his own life, but also in the lives of others.
Mathewson, 83, was born during the Depression to a strict Baptist minister for a father and a mother who was busy raising 14 children (himself, his sister, 12 half-brothers and half-sisters). At a very early age, he developed a solid sense of character and a good work ethic. “I was 11 years old when I began working in the mines in Montana during the holidays and summers,” recounts Mathewson. “I was really good and when I turned 14, I began working as a contractor. This meant I was paid by cubit foot of dirt moved. I was making about $27 a day, which was a lot of money in those days.”
When not working in the mines, Mathewson threw all his energy into his studies and football. Once during high school an attorney took the team out for dinner as an award for a season well played. “It was the first time in my life that I realized there was more than a two-course meal of bread and beans,” says Mathewson with sincerity. “I was a good football player, and in 1943 was honored as All-State Utility Man for Montana. I played that position better than anyone else that year.”
Because of his athletic skills, Mathewson was offered scholarships from The University of Notre Dame and Montana State University at Missoula, as well as, a handful of others. Yet, he chose to fight for our country and, although only 17 years old, requested to be enlisted into the service to help protect our country during World War II. After fighting to keep Hitler out of the U.S., Mathewson returned stateside and enrolled in the Van Slyke School of Horology in Oakland, Calif. There he completed a two year watch-making course twice in only four months. “I am a workaholic, so I asked and got permission to come into school early and also take a night course. I wanted to get out and begin making watches.”
In 1956, Mathewson arrived in Banning via a request from a former school instructor who was moving out of the area and, thereby, leaving an assistant position to the main jeweler in town. “The job lasted only a few weeks as it became apparent the jeweler had very different morals than me. So I bought the store across the street and got started in business myself.”
It was not long before Mathewson needed a larger store, and then again an even bigger one, as his business was expanding to other goods besides watches and jewelry. He purchased his current business in the historic downtown on Ramsey Street in the mid-1970s. Originally named The Pass Jewelers, it was changed to Bud’s Jewelry and finally to Mathewson’s Department Store.
But Mathewson’s store is merely one of many contributions he has made to the town of Banning.
One of his well-known philanthropic actions is to recognize the young people who are committed to getting an education. He has designed and awarded several thousand perfect attendance medallions to local students in first through fourth grades, each medallion handcrafted with the students name, school and award year.
Mathewson, remembering the appreciation he felt when the attorney took out his high school football team, also treats each child and their family to dinner at their choice of restaurant. “One year I had six kids I took out to eat.”
“I tell them not to come to school sick and get the other kids sick. Focus on not getting sick in the first place. I have heard stories where the kids wanted to stay home instead of going to the river, so they can have perfect attendance.
If a child maintains perfect attendance all four years, Mathewson awards each a watch, trophy, certificate and makes certain their photo is printed in the local newspaper. While he is encouraging future generations, Mathewson is also preserving the past.
A lifetime member of the History Society, he films all community events as well as preserves photographs and writings from earlier Banning days. In reference to some filming he was doing the day of the interview, he explained, “I go out and capture Ramsey [Street] because I am interested in how this town is changing.”
Always an active civic-minded community member, at one time he held more than 55 club memberships throughout the United States. Mathewson’s political passion has led him in 16 attempts for a seat in Congress. “I love Banning, California. There is a deep love in people here in this town. Just take the time to stop and look for it.” Indeed, this love undoubtedly stems from Mathewson himself as he continues to embody his personal philosophy of taking in as much of life as possible past, present and future.
Published in U S Legacies Magazine November 2005
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