Celebrate Black History in Oceanside

At the time of incorporation in 1888, the town of Oceanside had a population of around 500 residents. Three years later, the number had dwindled to just 342. Life was hard in a small town and perhaps because of the lack of opportunity there were few people of color. In fact, at the most, Oceanside had just one to two Black residents at a time for nearly three decades. These men held what would be considered “menial” positions, shining shoes, or as a porter. Men such as Alfred Frye or “Johnny the porter” (last name unknown).

Charles William Fletcher Tapsico arrived in Oceanside as early as 1914. Born in 1878 in Ohio, he served his country in the Spanish American war in the Ohio infantry.

What brought Tapsico to Oceanside is unknown, but he quickly made a name for himself when he helped to put out a substantial fire which nearly claimed the lives of two people.

The local newspaper reported that “several of the firemen worked without flinching and especial praise should be given to the colored man, Charles Tapsico.” It would be the last time the newspaper referred to him by his color.

Perhaps because of his quick thinking and selfless act he endeared himself to Oceanside residents. But Tapsico also offered a valuable vocation, that of an auto mechanic. Autos became mass produced in 1913 (just one year prior) and with their popularity and demand, so the need for mechanics or technicians with the appropriate skills to maintain them. Tapsico was employed at the Mission Garage, a prominent service and repair station in downtown Oceanside.

When Charles married his wife Anna Farrell, a native of the West Indies, in October of 1915, their marriage was announced in the newspaper just as any “white” marriage would be so noted. Anna was likely just the second black woman to live in Oceanside.

The Tapsicos lived on Second Street (present day Mission Avenue). Their three children were the first black children to be born in Oceanside. They apparently attended the Episcopal Church on Hill Street/Coast Highway, as at least one of their children were baptized there, and no black churches existed in Oceanside until two decades later.

Tapsico would be credited with assisting in two other fires in the downtown area, one of which the Blade said: “Special mention should be made of Charles Tapsico who worked like a Trojan. The heat was intense…” (He also assisted in helping two women from drowning in 1915.)

Just as the day-to-day events of residents were shared in the local newspaper in a column called “Personals” Tapsico was also included among them. He was an avid bowler, and the newspaper often noted his score, sharing that his was the highest score in July 1917.

The Tapsicos lived their lives seemingly accepted in this small town. It is worth noting that Charles Tapisco was also called to testify at a trial; had his name published, along with others, as having donated to the Red Cross in support of World War I and he owned stock in the local bank!

A simple notation in the paper in 1921 announced that the Tapsicos were leaving for Los Angeles. It is unknown why they left but they made history with the birth of their children and are forever part of Oceanside history.