Historian and Journalist Mayo Hayes O’Donnell (1892-1978) wrote the column “Peninsula Diary” in The Herald from 1949 until 1970. The column was devoted to historical accounts of early California and the significance of Monterey in the early days of the state. O’Donnell’s half-century of work to preserve the history of Monterey earned her the title “Mrs. History”. For many years she served as the unpaid executive secretary of the Monterey History and Art Association and was an important leader and lifetime honorary director of the organization.