Upper Mojave Desert 230 W. Ridgecrest Blvd. P. O. Box 2001, Ridgecrest, CA 93556 760-375-8456 To see our schedule of events, visit us at www.hsumd.org or on Facebook at hsumd View of Ryan in 1925. Herb Summers Collection, Maturango Museum Garden City Talk Set for April 15 Our speaker, Liz Babcock. Photo by Gary Babcock Jim Kenney looks over the remains of Garden City today. Photo by Liz Babcock One of the speakers at last month s Trona History Symposium was our own Liz Babcock, who talked about Garden City: A Desert Surprise. Liz had so much fun preparing and presenting her 20-minute talk in Trona that she has agreed to expand the presentation a bit and give it again at this month s HSUMD meeting, Tuesday, April 15, 7 p.m. at the Historic USO Building. Liz volunteers as our newsletter editor, as well as working as the News Review s copy editor and the Maturango Museum s history curator. During her curatorial duties, she accessioned a tiny, beautiful perfume bottle found in the Garden City dump and became intrigued by the place. There s not much to be found at Garden City today, but it has a fascinating history. Come and learn more! HSUMD Field Trip to Ryan May 7 We re going to Ryan! Ryan is the last site Pacific Coast Borax mined in Death Valley, before moving to Boron. When mining ended, Ryan was upgraded into the Valley View Hotel and became the overflow accommodations for Furnace Creek Inn in 1929. The town of Ryan includes many early 20th-century buildings including at least one from Rhyolite. It also has the Baby Gauge Railroad. After being mothballed for many years with an onsite caretaker, Ryan has now been transferred to the Death Valley Conservancy and is being restored. Visitors are limited to 15 at a time and must sign up with me. You also must sign a visitor s paper explaining the rules, which I will supply. Weather should be warm, so dress accordingly; bring walking shoes, hat, lunch, WATER and especially a camera. Tour will run from 11 a.m. to approximately 2:30 p.m., including a lunch break. We ll meet at 7 a.m. and leave promptly at 7:15. Remember, you MUST sign up beforehand. 760-371-2458 or j.kenney@verizon.net. Questions? Call Jim Kenney 760-371- 2458. Jim Kenney
President s Message Alan, We Will Miss You Normally I would remind you of upcoming events that you should attend, starting with the Ridgecrest Desert Wildflower Festival that will include displays in our Historic USO Building on April 11, 12 and 13. But I pause, because we ll be missing someone who would have been central to our activities. With profound sadness, I realize that we have lost the involvement of one of our most active volunteers and a valued friend: Mr. Alan Alpers. Alan has been a core part of our activities for nearly four years. He s helped create exhibits, researched and written various essays on historical Tex Hoppus aspects of Ridgecrest, discovered and collected artifacts, helped Chris Cane Prosser develop our Gift Shop and more recently ran it and made it what it is today. He has always been found working to make our Historical Society better for all of us. Alan has been a vital part of our Society, a great colleague, a superb citizen of our community, a good man. So: Please remember to come to the Festival at the Historic USO Building on April 11, 12 and 13. And please remember to keep Alan s family and all of his friends in your prayers. And, Alan: We will miss you. Peaceful journeys, dear friend. Tex Hoppus When Alan Alpers died on March 26, he was not quite 54 years old. His loss is a devastating one for his friends in HSUMD, for his family, and for the entire community. His funeral will be on Saturday, April 5, at 10 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, with a reception after the service at the Historic USO Building, surrounded by evidence of his many contributions colorful, innovative exhibits and more innovations in our excellent gift shop. Alan was born on April 8, 1960, and spent his early childhood in the Corona area, where his father, Frederick Christian Alpers was a noted missile innovator. The Alpers family moved to our valley in 1972, when Fred was transferred to China Lake, where he continued his essential contributions to national defense. Alan attended James Monroe Junior High School and graduated from Burroughs High School in 1978. After graduating from California Lutheran College in Thousand Oaks, Alan was hired by the Protocol Office at China Lake. He rapidly made his mark there, becoming head of the Protocol Office in 1986, then moving into the Public Affairs Office. It was while he was in Public Affairs that Alan played a central part in establishing and running a new exhibit center in the former China Lake Officers Club. In a story typical of Alan s go-getter attitude, the Rocketeer of May 2, See p. 4 2 Genealogical Committee Many of our genealogical group recently participated in the Ridgecrest Family History Fair that was hosted in the Cultural Hall and associated classrooms of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on South Norma Street. It was a wonderful chance to learn about a variety of genealogical issues, and it was well organized and well conducted. Many thanks to two of our own Committee s members who organized the fair: Rev. Robert Moran and his lovely wife Florence. Well done! And thanks for including us. Our April Genealogical Committee meeting will start at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8. Our presentation will be Finding Your Pre-1850 American Ancestors, by J. H. Fonkert, CG. We ll see you all there! Tex Hoppus Alan Did Much for HSUMD and History In this nice photo by Jay Chun, Alan represents HSUMD at the 50th Anniversary of the China Lake Golf Course. Shared by Andrew Sound
Fundraising Idea: Get Healthy Food and Help HSUMD Would you be interested in participating in a healthy fundraiser for the Historical Society? Abundant Harvest Organics is offering a weekly delivery of economical organic produce here at the gift shop on Tuesdays from 2 to 5:30 p.m. This healthy fundraiser will provide ongoing funding for the Historical Society s activities. This is a flexible subscription service of in-season, organic produce and other organic food products, managed with an online, password-protected member account. Subscription boxes are mixed seasonal fruits and vegetables. The cost of a small box (family of two for a week) is $26.80. Cost of a large box (family of four for a week) is $43.30 Meats, dairy products, eggs, etc., can be added to your order on a week-by-week basis. You can set any schedule of delivery throughout the year to suit your needs. You are not obligated until you sign up online. You can cancel at any time or change to another delivery location. We want to know how many HSUMD members might participate if we had a delivery here. Please call our gift shop at 760-375-8456 to let us know or stop in and visit. We have a flier with more information available. You can visit the website at www.abundantharvestorganics.com. Matthew Zubia HSUMD Volunteers Teach History in Sand Canyon HSUMD is once again busy with the Sand Canyon Environmental Education Program (SEEP). By the time you get this newsletter, HSUMD will have supported five of the eight fourth grade student field trips to Sand Canyon. The schools that are participating include Immanuel, Trona, Kernville, Inyokern, St. Ann, Gateway, Las Flores, Pierce, Faller and Charter elementary schools. This year s HSUMD volunteers have been Lloyd Smith, Melody Hollinger and Tex Hoppus. If you are interested in helping fourth graders and in local history, contact Craig Porter and become a HSUMD SEEP volunteer. Only three opportunities are left this spring April 25, May 2 and May 9. Craig Porter At the History Station in Sand Canyon are HSUMD volunteers (from left) Craig Porter, Melody Hollinger, and Tex Hoppus. Note the nice History Station sign made by Skip Gorman. At right HSUMD SEEP volunteers talk with fourth-grade participants at the History Station. Both photos by Lloyd Smith 3
Alan Alpers From p. 2 1991, Capt. Doug Cook told Alan he d like to see a Tomahawk missile displayed in the new Exhibit Center. Alan found an Air Force version of the Tomahawk in a pile of discarded materials behind the Mich Lab Machine Shop. With the help of Eric Bengston and other history buffs who were helping set up the exhibits, Alan took the missile to Public Works where it was painted and refitted, then moved into the Exhibit Center displays where you can see it today. Alan later became the Public Affairs Officer at China Lake. Then, after Point Mugu became part of the Weapons Division, he became the Public Affairs Officer there and it s not very surprising to learn that while he was at Point Mugu, he successfully worked at developing a missile museum similar to China Lake s. He remained active in Mugu s Missile Technology Historical Association even after he left the Navy s employ. According to Andrew Sound, a close friend since high school days, Alan s first involvement with HSUMD was probably when the two friends entered the Chili Cook-Off in 2008. We took the prize for Most Innovative Chili (his recipe he let me caramelize the onions), said Andrew. Alan moved back to our valley full time in 2010 and got more deeply involved in HSUMD then. He also operated the Bosco Hoofnagel Salsa Company for a while, selling Chayote Salsa and a Sweet Pepper Relish of his own invention that were both very popular when he was making them, said Andrew. Alan was an active board member of the Ridgecrest Chamber of Commerce and was heavily involved in the city s 50th Anniversary Celebration, among many other accomplishments. ed. 4 Report on Collections This Month s Gifts Time and Treasures Areal treasure was donated this past week by Wanda Clark s daughter, Linda Minshew. Wanda was PTA president 1950-1952 for the IWV School District and a fine scrapbook maker. We now have a wonderful book with photo s articles, notes, and much more for a very early time in our local school history. This scrapbook will go nicely with the Memory Book put together by the IWV Schools as a retirement gift for Superintendent Tom Byrd and our other items we have for our history on the local schools. The Trona Centennial had a nice side effect, Vernon Cook shared some special item from his family (Carrs) and stopped by our table to deliver them Friday. Handwritten notes, a photo or two and several articles. Thank you Vernon. I need to mention our two new volunteers, nice young ladies Caitlin Whisnant, niece of former board member Nick; and Jennica Warren, granddaughter of member Darrel Baxter. I will be putting them to work sorting and organizing and maybe even working on our new( to us) display cases. Finally, your dedicated board and volunteers soldiered on in the muchmissed absence of Alan Alpers. At the Trona Centennial we did a lot of business taking in nearly $1,000 on Friday and more than $1,000 on Saturday, plus more on Sunday. Then when I covered the HSUMD table at the Sagebrush Express train meet on Saturday, I did about $180 in business. Not a bad weekend for the Gift Shop. See you at the Wildflower Festival. Carol Porter Report of Nominating Committee The following current members of our board have agreed to run for another two-year term: Matt Zubia Andrew Sound Doug Lueck Chuck Cordell Carol Porter Additionally, nominations will be accepted from the floor provided that the person being nominated is present and agrees to run. Serving the second year of their two-year terms, having been elected last year, are: Nick Rogers Melody Hollinger Tex Hoppus John Abbott Scott McEntee Donna McCrohan Rosenthal, Nominating Committee
This month is the Ridgecrest Desert Wildflower Festival, and we may have flowers, yippy skippy! They are here now, and hopefully they will remain or bloom again. In an effort to really show what blooms in a good or great year, dig in your past years photos (or take some this year!) and bring one, two, or three to me, at the Historic USO, Thursday, April 10, 1 6 p.m. No restriction on when you took the photo, only on the content. While you are there, sign up for an hour or two as a host on Saturday or Sunday. Check out our presentation schedule, stop in and stay for lunch 11-2 p.m. either day. We will give awards to the top three entrants, with the winners selected by the public. So even if you don t enter, please do come, enjoy the photos, and vote for your favorites. Visitors may vote Friday through noon on Sunday. The parameters for the competition are as follows. 1. All photos must be of wildflowers, flora, shrubs or cacti found in the local area. Garden flowers or hybrids that happen to grow wild will not be accepted. 2. Photos must be matted or mounted on card stock and no larger than 8 by 10 inches each. No frames or glass on the photos. We will be using adhesive Velcro on the back of your mounting board. 3. Each photographer will be allowed a maximum of three items. 4. Photos will be accepted on a first-come basis. The size of the display area will determine the number of items we are able to accept. 5. No names or business cards will be displayed. A list of contact information will be kept for inquiries. Information on the winning photos will be posted at 1 p.m. Sunday afternoon. Remember that s Thursday, April 10, between 1 and 6 p.m. tobring your photos for display to the Historic USO Building. You will be asked to sign an agreement for displaying your items. Items will be displayed Friday, April 11, through Sunday, April 13. Pick up your photos between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. that Sunday or the following Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call Carol Porter, 760-446-3400, with any questions. Carol Porter Our Business Members Allen County Public Library, Genealogy Department Anna Marie Bergens, Realtor Best Western China Lake Inn Cal-Sun Pools Carriage Inn Comfort Inn Cordell Construction DeathValley.com Earth Landscaping Econo-Lodge Explore Historic California The Flower Shoppe Heritage Inn Phyllis M. Hix, Attorney Hockett s Building Supply IWV Insurance JRP Historical Consulting, LLC Dick Lewis Domestic Water Systems The Library Press Jack & Dana Lyons, Realtors Maturango Museum 5 Sand verbena and desert dandelions near the Ridgecrest landfill proof that we do have wildflowers this year! Photo by Liz please patronize them! Netzer-Russell Consulting, LLC Nevins Tech. Consultants The News Review (Farris) Pleistocene Foundation Red Rock Books Ridgecrest Moving & Storage S&M Coins & Collectibles Sierra Wave Tank Sales Southern Sierra Medical Clinic Gary P. Staab & Assoc., Inc. The Swap Sheet Warren s Automative
HOLLYWOOD: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly! The HSUMD Classic Movie Night continues its behind-the-scenes look at the film industry with two distinctly different films screening at the Historic USO during the month of April. On Wednesday, April 9, you will laugh out loud at movies growing pains, as the industry lumbers from silent productions to talkies with one of the most beloved film musicals ever produced. This is the one where Gene Kelly gets drenched while toe-tapping in a downpour. Donald O Connor and Debbie Reynolds join him on dry land in this marvelous love letter to the movies directed by Kelly and Stanley Donen. And watch for the hilarious, Academy Award-nominated performance by Jean Hagen as a frustrated movie queen who is not quite ready for sound movies! She practically steals this delightful movie classic. Then, on Wednesday, April 23, we switch gears and witness the tragic side of the business as Gloria Swanson delivers a once-in-a-lifetime performance as aging film queen Norma Desmond, forgotten by the industry she helped create, and longing for love from a down-and-out opportunistic writer played by William Holden. This shattering drama, brilliantly directed by the famed Billy Wilder, features Oscarnominated performances by Erich Von Stroheim and Nancy Olson, as well as by Holden and the incomparable Swanson. So get ready for your close-up view of the movies as we round out this searing and entertaining film series. As always, the events are donation only, and the Historic USO doors will open for these Flex Wednesday screenings at 6:30 p.m. to give you lots of time to grab a thrifty treat from our Famous Snack Bar or browse our Gift Shop for that must-have Easter gift. The films roll out promptly at 7 p.m. Nick Rogers 6 PARTY HARDY Mexican style! Mark Your Calendars! HSUMD is pleased to announce a gala Cinco de Mayo Fiesta to be held at the Historic USO Building on Saturday, May 3, from 7 p.m. to the wee hours of the night... 1 a.m.! Everyone is invited to dance and dine in true fiesta style with a swinging band (from 9 p.m.) and delicious tacos with all the fixings. Funds raised from this premiere event will benefit the ongoing activities of our own Historical Society. The dinner menu includes: tacos of your choice carne asada, chicken, or adobada (marinated pork meat) with a side of rice and beans. Iced tea and lemonade are included with the tasty dinner. Beer and wine will be served, for a charge, at the Snack Bar. Tickets for this lively event will be on sale starting April 3 at the Historic USO Gift Shop and at Red Rock Books. Ticket prices are $15 per person and $25 per couple. Enjoy! Nick Rogers What better place to shop for unique Easter or springtime treats than our Famous Gift Shop? In addition to the huge and varied collection of books and DVDs, our store carries a wide array of funky T-shirts and caps, lovely handmade jewelry, pottery, gift cards, children s toys and books, fun novelty items, and of course, the must-have confections for any holiday season, the incomparable See s Candy Collection sold exclusively at the HSUMD Gift Store. So...hop on in and browse awhile. You are sure to fill your Easter basket with a wonderful assortment of gifts for every member of your family.
Views of the TRONA CENTENNIAL At left is a sizeable sample of the more than 1,000 people who turned out for the grand and glorious Trona Centennial celebration, March 28-30. Our intrepid photographer, Andrew, got this shot from the porch of the Old Guest House Museum. The structure with the arches in the background was a temporary Austin Hall constructed just for the occasion. At right Grand Marshal Margaret Lit Brush waves to her enthusiastic fans during the Centennial Parade. In the background is one of the two historic fire engines from the Searles Valley Historical Society s Argus Firehouse Museum. At left some of our wonderful hosts welcome us to the symposium. From left are Bonnie Fairchild, Sharon Hartley, and Cholla Sizemore. Volunteers at the HSUMD booth Friday include (from center left) supervolunteers Tom and Pat Stager and a new member of our volunteer team, Doris Lance. We had a great location, right next to the front door. You can see former Tronite and Burroughs HS English teacher Mike Phillips entering at left. 7 Top two photos by Andrew Sound Bottom three by Liz Babcock Speaking at the History Symposium Friday is Steve Beck, who has the distinction of being the grandson of Francis Marion Borax Smith. You can see Borax Smith in the background.
Tex Hoppus, President & Genealogical Committee 760-446-3370, tex.hoppus@verizon.net Doug Lueck, Vice President 760-375-8202, racvb@filmdeserts.com Melody Hollinger, Recording Secretary mhollinger@epsilonsystems.com Andrew Sound, Secretary/Treasurer & Programs 760-608-7296, afsound@verizon.net John Abbott, Building Mgr., Bldg. Rental 760-375-5709, jga2nja@yahoo.com Chuck Cordell, Building cordell.construction@yahoo.com Scott McEntee, Audiovisuals, Stage Mgr. 760-677-1026, smcentee28@gmail.com Bill Pitman, Membership, Hospitality 760-498-6495, wrpnrc@gmail.com Carol Porter, Accessions & Exhibits 760-446-3400, carporter@gmail.com Nick Rogers, Movie Nite, Publicity Wnr428@hotmail.com or call 760-375-8456 for info DIRECTORS Nick Whisnant, Asst. Building Mgr. 760 382-0014, nwhisnant@hotmail. com Matthew Zubia, Fundraising 760-793-2107, zubia5@verizon.net COMMITTEE LEADERS Liz Babcock, Newsletter Editor 760-375-7900, lizbab2@gmail.com John Di Pol, Historian 760-375-2610, cjdp@ridgenet.net Jim Kenney, Field Trips Coordinator 760-371-2458, j.kenney@verizon.net Craig Porter, SEEP Coordinator 760-446-3400, cporter148@mchsi.com Donna McCrohan Rosenthal, PR Coordinator 760-3375-4308, mccrohan@iwvisp.com Here s an easy way to see this newsletter in color! Just send an e-mail to our newsletter editor, Liz Babcock, lizbab2@gmail. com, and ask her to put you on the list to get a PDF copy e-mailed to you each month. We don t plan to stop sending paper copies, since we know most of you prefer that, but we thought you might also like to see the color version online. Important Reminders Annual dues are $25 (family) and $35 (business). Please remember the Historical Society in your wills, trusts and other gift giving. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Historical Society of the Upper Mojave Desert P. O. Box 2001 Ridgecrest, CA 93556 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 9 RIDGECREST, CA MEETING OF APRIL 2014 Tuesday, April 15, 7 p.m., Historic USO Building