September 2007 - Morongo Basin Historical Society

Newsletter Application
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MORONGO BASIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY
MEMBERSHIP
APPLICATION
Preserving Our Past For Our Future
P.O. Box 2046 • Yucca Valley, CA 92286
760-365-1877
*Membership year is from July 1 to June 30.
After January, membership rate is 1/2 dues amount.
Email: [email protected]
www.mbhs.net
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MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES
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Individual .....................................$20.00 per year*
MISSION STATEMENT
The specific purpose of this (non-profit) corporation is to collect, conserve and exhibit artifacts; to
collect, display, interpret and publish memorabilia relating to the history of the Morongo Basin; to
locate, identify and preserve historic sites; to promote the research and study of local history, and to
share the rich heritage of the Morongo Basin with all the communities within and surrounding it.
VOLUME 9
SEPTEMBER 2007
NUMBER 3
P.O. Box 2046 • Yucca Valley, CA 92286 • 760-365-1877 • www.mbhs.net • Email: [email protected]
Family (1 address) ........................$35.00 per year*
Business/Organization ..................$35.00 per year*
Life (1 Ind/Bus/Org) ......................$300.00 per person
I (We) would like to contribute an additional $
as a tax-deductible donation to the MORONGO BASIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Your Gift is Sincerely Appreciated
IN THIS
NEWSLETTER
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FEATURES
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(Revised 7/07)
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TO KNOW WHERE YOU ARE GOING
YOU NEED TO KNOW WHERE YOU’VE BEEN
Page 7
Beloved Desert
Father’s Point of View
Board of Directors
2007 MBHS Meeting
President’s Corner
Beloved Desert (Continued)
Member News
Upcoming Events
History & Vision Planning
Life Members
Overview of Vernette’s Life
What’s New at the MBHS
Gift Shop
Sponsors
INSERT
Writing Your Memoirs
Movie Nite
CHOLLA
OPUTIA GENUS
THERE ARE OVER
20 SPECIES OF CHOLLA IN
NORTH AMERICA
(OUCH!)
B D
ELOVED
By Vernette Landers
ESERT
Written for the May 1986 Grubstake Days newspaper insert:
I first came to the Landers area of the Hi-Desert succession came a coyote, a kit fox, a tortoise, a
in the early forties with my husband-to-be, Major chipmonk [sic], a raccoon, and finally my precious
Paul A. Lum, M.D. He helped me select a rec- bobcat Impy who is now 20 years old.
reational tract site on the southeast corner of [now]
In the fifties, I was impressed with the unique
Lum Lane and Old Woman Springs Road.
breed of characters the environment created and
After serving in the South Pacific during their resourcefulness. There were no roads, so
World War II for which he
they made their own, a
received a combat ribbon,
number of them grubbed in
he died of cancer in 1955.
by hand. There was no
In the early forties,
water, so residents drilled
the Landers area was
wells or ordered water
called “Yucca Flats.”
delivered by truck.Now
Nevertheless, I was enthere are three water
chanted by the wide-open
districts in the Landers Area.
spaces in that location
There were no sewers, so
and the beautiful mounthey had privies. There was
tains that rose in the
no electricity, so they
distance in all directions.
formed the Desert Electric
In the spring, I loved to
Co-op which Southern
watch fields of wild
California Edison later
flowers turn their heads
purchased. There were no
to follow the sun and then
telephones, so they formed
close up at night as
the Desert Ears (desert
if exhausted from so
emergency and radio
much twisting.
service). Desert Ears not
My first thrill in
only provided communLanders was to receive
ication by CB radio but
a proposal of marriage
also first aid.
in 1959 from Landers’
Eventually residents
founder, Newlin Landers.
formed their own fire
We were working on an old Chevrolet engine department and ambulance service. They formed
that helped pump water out of Landers Well No. 1. the Landers Association for community betterment
We were married that year and moved to and protection. They are now working on a
Landers to become permanent residents and lead community park.
a real pioneer life. Other families permanently
As I rode in the water truck with my husband
settled there at that time were the Reches, Van to deliver domestic water, residents would proudly
Tassels, Belfields, and Taylors.
invite us to look at the improvement projects in
I enjoyed many pets that I could not have had their homes and yards.
in a city environment. My favorite bird was a raven
Everything was do-it-yourself, pay-as-you-go,
that stayed with me for eight years. He used to and all of it was remarkable. Entrepreneurs began
ride on the hood of my car on local short trips. In
Continued on Page 4
Membership Dues
are due July 1
Please renew your dues to
enjoy our historic programs
www.mbhs.net
P.O. Box 2046 • Yucca Valley, CA 92286
MORONGO BASIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Preserving Our Past For Our Future
R DETAILS
SEE INSERT FO net
www.mbhs.
OF
2nd FRIDAY T
EACH MON H
MOVIE NITE
MBHS
2007-2008
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT
HISTORY BROUGHT TO YOU BY
Bob Connors
760-365-6163
[email protected]
VICE PRESIDENT
Lloyd Noel
760-364-3544
[email protected]
TREASURER
Tom Granger
760-365-7559
[email protected]
RECORDING
SECRETARY
Carol Post
760-369-9073
[email protected]
POINT OF VIEW
In July 1965, H. Peter Trosper of Detroit wrote a letter to Fred & LaVerne Trosper, Vernette’s father and mother,
who at that time lived in Escondido. Peter was “kin” to Fred (a brother?) and had mentioned he intended to visit
the “warm, dry climate” and asked if Vernette could find a rental for him so they could visit. Here is Fred’s reply,
offering a different perspective of the high desert than that of his daughter Vernette.
WHAT’S NEW IN THE
MBHS GIFT SHOP
Located in Old Town Mercantile Antique Mall
55727 Twenty-Nine Palms Hwy. • Yucca Valley
CORRESPONDING Sallie Brown
SECRETARY
REGISTRARS
OPEN: 7 Days a Week • 10:00am- 5:00pm daily
By Wayne & Linda Darnell, Sales Chairs
Les & Ruth Long
760-365-3573
[email protected]
Sandy Williams
[email protected]
HISTORIAN
Harvey Legrone
760-365-3425
[email protected]
HISTORICAL
SITES
Dale Noel
760-364-3544
[email protected]
HOSPITALITY
LynAnne Felts
LOCAL HISTORY/ ORAL
INTERVIEWS
Ruth Long
760-365-3573
[email protected]
MAPS
Gerald Tyner
760-369-1724
[email protected]
MEMBERSHIP
Bernice Falltrick
760-365-9201
[email protected]
WEBMASTER
Tom Granger
760-365-7559
[email protected]
CREATIVE CONSULTANT / GRAPHICS
COORDINATOR
Barbara Harris/Adset
760-365-3266
[email protected]
NEWSLETTER
EDITOR
Sallie Brown
760-364-4446
[email protected]
ASSISTANT
EDITIOR
Ken Jones
760-364-2886
[email protected]
PROGRAM
COMMITTEE
Laurie Geeson
760-363-6681
[email protected]
FUND RAISER
Carole Kester
760-365-4096
[email protected]
PUBLICITY
Jimmy Biggerstaff
[email protected]
SALES
365-1877
760-364-4446
[email protected]
WARREN’S WELL
PRESERVATION
Linda & Wayne Darnell
760-369-1970
[email protected]
Our newsletter is supported through advertising sponsorship. It is published and
mailed to members four times a year, and distributed throughout the Basin during
many of the local events. It’s a great way for you to advertise your business. To learn
how you can advertise in this newsletter contact Bob Connors at: 760-365-6163
I feel I would be doing you a favor to correct
certain impressions you have of the desert.
Vernette lives in the area known as the high desert
– 3200 ft. altitude on up. I am enclosing a picture
of a snow scene taken at their cabin last winter.
LaVerne fell on the ice and came near to being a
serious fall. They have a one room cabin having
a concrete slab floor and concrete tile walls.
However they do not need much house on
account of their way of life. Her work is at Twenty
Nine Palms High School, about 39 miles from her
home. Tomorrow she starts in for the year. She
generally leaves before daylight and returns about
sun down or after dark. Her husband’s day is
longer than hers and he seems to tire easier. He
gets home about 7:30 PM and is sound asleep in
bed by 8 PM and gone again by 4:30 AM.
Vernette spends her weekend (Sunday)
mending, washing her clothes and attending a
local meeting of which she is secretary. Newlin,
her husband, simply works all the time.They of
course eat out. Last winter nearly all those cabins
the natives tried to plumb with water pipes
froze up and busted. He had a little room that we
could sleep in back of and attached to his shop
plumbed with toilet requiring water pipes but it
froze up so bad it did not only bust the water
pipes but it busted the walls which makes it
unpleasant to use. The closest places renting
anything livable is Yucca Valley fourteen miles
away. Last winter we were there for a few days
and for three of those days the air was full of
dust and debris. You could not see 150 feet ahead
of you. Then the flash floods take over. That you
have to encounter to appreciate. Our only kid
lives there so we have to go there occasionally.
That is that.
Scattered across the desert is many scattered
cabins for government proving up purposes – now
apparently abandoned with windows busted
and doors knocked ajar with the privy knocked
over on its back side. As you get down to lower
altitude like Palm Springs and its environs you get
warmer weather but you have to take the (people)
with it and pay the plus prices caused by an
occasional vist by Jack Benny – Jack Kennedy Ike Eisenhower - and in the old days Al Capone or
Jimmy Walker, mayor of New York.
If you drive your own car out you have
to stay on pavement or get stuck in sand, keep
freeze fluid in radiator to zero and in out of
the way areas you are a way from public
transportation. With Vernette and Newlin gone
all the time. Why, I don’t know. It is simply as I
said – their way of life. To them I do not praise
it or criticize it. Next time I might take a drink
of Bourbon and write a more sunny side.
Love, Fred
Editor’s Note: This letter was found by the MBHS in Vernette’s home files.
One wonders whether Peter dropped the whole idea of visiting Vernette after reading Fred’s letter.
Page 2
Our new feature at the MBHS gift shop is
an introduction to Dr. Vernette Landers and the
charming children’s books she authored. Her
books are intended primarily for children, but
enjoyed by all ages. These books feature some
very interesting pets that she had and the
fascinating experiences she had with them, such
as the raven “Talkie,” who waited daily for her
at the post office and then “He quickly hopped
on the hood of the car, And rode home . . . . .” It
is a six-volume set for $20.
Plus consider an additional hardback volume
titled Impy, who was a very unusual wild bobcat
given to her as a present. She shares his impish
childhood and his becoming a loving husband
and devoted father of six Impys-to-be. This is a
hardback book that sells for $10. All of these
books are out of print and in very limited supply.
Don’t hesitate to get your copies! Also at the
gift shop are other items that may interest you:
• Metal art
• Western décor
• Native American Kachina dolls
• Yucca Valley Souvenirs
• Books and DVDs on local history
• Fascinating gifts for all occasions
When you purchase from the MBHS Gift Shop,
you are supporting your historical society!
got junk?
ON TIME AND READY!
All Terrain Trailer & Dump
Rubbish and Discard Removal
Clean-up and Haul-Away
$
20.00
and up
We load for you...anything Everthing, any size, any problem
364-9092
License #CA296970
Page 7
LIFE MEMBERS
Helen Dotts*
Les Long*
Ruth Long*
Evelyn Conklin
Dorthy Granger*
Norm Granger*
George Falltrick*†
Bernice Falltrick*
Sallie Brown
LynAnne Felts*
Kenneth Eschmann
John Ristaino
Marcia Pealstrom*
Billy Holcomb
Chapter of ECV
Robert Leone*
Peter Wild
Robert Green
Leota Bell*
Laurie Geeson*
Vernette Landers*†
Pauline Hanson*
Harvey Legrone*
Monika Legrone*
James P. Brock*
Donna Davies*
Bruce Miller*
Marion Arnett
Fred Kramer
Lois S. Johnson*
Dale Noel*
Taylor Jordon*
† Deceased
* Charter Member
Mona Lowe*
Bob Connors*
Twilla Couzens*
Betty Diederich†
William Reifel
Chalyne Connors*
Betty Bilyeu*
Lee Roy Arnett
Mildred Arnett
Cindy Melland
Cheryl Nankervis*
Shirlene Doten*
Merry L’Esperance
Chris Long
Tim Long
David Williams*
Sandra Williams*
Carole Kester*
Lloyd Noel*
Mary Gaffney
Swella Chiropractic
Jeannette Webster
Todd Swain
R. Lee Johnson
Bob Stadum
Wanda Stadum
Roxanne Guez
2007 ANNUAL MEETING
OVERVIEW
The Life of
Dr. Vernette
Trosper Landers
Sometimes an overview of someone’s life helps us to develop a fuller understanding of that
person. Below are selected aspects of Vernette Landers’ life to add to what we may
already know about her as a respected community leader and educator:
•
Born: 1912 – Lawton, Oklahoma • Deceased: 2005 – Landers, CA
•
During World War I and at five-years-old, Vernette traveled and performed with
her mother through the Mid-West tap dancing for a patriotic vaudeville act.
•
She moved with her family to Colorado and later to Hollywood, CA, where
Vernette graduated from high school as valedictorian and received the
faculty scholarship award.
•
In 1933 she received her BA degree with honors in Spanish and French, an
MA degree in 1935, and her doctorate (EdD) in 1953 all from UCLA, and four
California state credentials in education, two of them lifetime.
•
Dr. Landers served 37 years in CA schools as teacher, counselor, and administrator,
including Dean of Girls at 29 Palms High School.
•
Dr. Landers supplied both the land and building to obtain the Landers Post
Office and acted as volunteer Clerk-in-Charge for 22 years, supplying also the
equipment and clerks. When she retired in 1985, she donated both the building
and property to the Postal Service. When the new Landers Post Office was built
at the same location, the original small Post Office building was returned to her
with permission to relocate it to her property at 632 N. Landers Lane. She personally
paid for the dismantling, the move and reconstruction of this small and original
Post Office, allowing the MBHS to file and obtain designation with the State
of California as a California Historical Resource.
•
Vernette served with the Landers Volunteer Fire Department, Ambulance Service,
Desert Emergency & Radio Service (EARS), and she flew search & rescue missions
with her husband, Newlin, in his plane.
•
Vernette and Newlin further helped develop the community of Landers by
assisting with development of additional water sources in Landers, with bringing
electricity to the area, with providing land for the Women’s Club and fire
department, and with obtaining paved roads, mapping, and street signs.
•
Vernette enjoyed writing. In 1927, she won her first writing award at the age
of fifteen for an essay in Spanish, winning a $100 prize. Later, after moving to
Landers, she authored 8 books of poetry for children about her desert wild pets
and one about her family.
•
Dr. Landers was generous over the years with both her financial contributions
and support of many organizations and individuals, including Copper Mountain
College, the Girl Scouts, and the MBHS, especially bequeathing her home and
property to the MBHS.
Old Town
Mercantile Antique
Mall
William R. Hilburn †
Leona Eriksen
Anna Hilburn
*********
As a history lover, you know the infinite
ways that history enriches our lives. As
a member of the MBHS, we want to let
you know that there is another way for
you to preserve history far into the
future. Most people know how
important it is to have a will. Once you
have provided for the people you love,
we hope you will consider making a
bequest to the MBHS. Bequests of any
size will ensure that we can continue our
work to preserve Morongo Basin history.
•
Dr. Landers received many recognitions, including a community spirit award, education
plaques and certificates and was recognized during Founders days as one of the
Morongo Basin’s early pioneers and founders. In 1999 she was Grand Marshall
for the Yucca Valley Grubstakes Parade.
Page 6
Introducing MBHS Landers Events & Resource Center
What a lively gathering of over 60
members and guests at our 2007 Annual
Meeting to view our new “home” on a
warm Sunday afternoon. People wandered
through the interior and exterior, being
careful not to touch the cacti. Those who
had viewed the house and yard before the
clean-up were dumbstruck about how great
it all looks.
We cannot go on without thanking the
many volunteers who gave of their time
(and backs) with over 1,200 volunteer
hours. After several days of our volunteers
struggling with the unending yard clean-up
and multiple trips to the dump, we finally
hired a professional company to remove
debris from the yard too heavy for us to lift
or take to the dump. The “On Time & Ready”
fellows worked so hard non-stop for many
hours in the hottest of hottest possible
weather that we can’t thank them enough!
(Wow – we still have so much to do – please
let us know if you can help.)
2007-08 MBHS Officers
Strong Attendance
for Annual Meeting
After oohing, we enjoyed a tasty lunch
served by Papa’s Smokehouse and then
gave our attention to our annual meeting,
ending it with Owen Gillick inducting the
new officers:
President - Bob Connors
Vice President - Lloyd Noel
Treasurer - Tom Granger
Recording Secretary - Carol Post
Corresponding Secretary - Sallie Brown
We were honored to have Owen Gillick
and Paul Smith with us as both were major
supporters in making our dream come
true. Paul made the first contribution when
we were forming MBHS and has been
there for us these many years in many
ways. Owen knew Vernette Landers when
she was well and said that she would be
proud to see her home back to normal, as
it was when she was in good health.
Wherever she is in heaven, we know that
she is proud!
Dale Noel, Terah
and Dick Biszantz
Paul Geason...
A man secure
in his
masculinity
YUMMY BBQ!
YEAH!
Greeting Table with.
Charlene and Laurie
PRESIDENT’S
CORNER
When Dr. Vernette
Landers bequeathed the
MBHS her Landers house
and property, she provided
us an important part of our
blueprint for stability and
community visibility for
expansion. We now have
our first permanent home
for the MBHS, which will be
enjoyed by our members
and all Morongo Basin communities.
Since we took possession of the Landers Estate in
April, the air has been filled with excitement and
enthusiasm plus an incredible work effort by many
members and non-members, just to ready the property
for our June 2007 Annual Meeting. Many of our
members are still carrying that same enthusiasm and
have been working long hours, sorting and archiving
history documents, doing yard cleanup, and preparing
the house for our many planned events. Over 20
members have given freely of their time and effort to
provide a historical site you will want and be proud to
visit, show and own. Items that have been donated
include a new kitchen stove, sofa and matching love
seat, comfortable chairs, dining table and chairs,
apartment-size refrigerator, vacuum cleaner, map
drawers, ceiling fans, outdoor mister system, computer,
table-top copier, scanner/printer, bottled water, cleaning
supplies, tea room items, fans, and of course the
dedication and expertise of many . . . The list goes on
as will the work for the many improvement projects
still pending. Please let me know if you would like to
help with the continued work or event support and I
will gladly refer you to a member project coordinator.
Lloyd Noel, Ernie Kester and Paul Geeson built the
outside support frame and installed the new swamp
cooler so we now have a cool home. Harvey Legrone
and Ruth Long continue weekly to work with volunteers
to sort through “mountains” of Vernette’s pictures,
letters, records and newspaper items. Dale Noel and
Rachel Crawford have worked tirelessly almost daily to
create a museum atmosphere as well as a homey
ambience that reflects an era from the past. It is a
must-see to appreciate. Our thanks and gratitude to
the many members who have given us their “all.”
Our work in preserving all the MB’s history
continues on as usual, and our financial situation is
holding. But now that we are landowners, it is more
important than ever that we receive all the support our
members can give to keep our society stable.
Support comes in many forms. Here is how you
can help: Share your expertise with us. We need you.
Keep your membership current. Increase our
membership by encouraging friends, family and
acquaintances to join. Give a gift of membership and
support our events. You all are essential to our growth!
“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just
have the heart.” — Elizabeth Andrew
Kim Pederson &
Rachel Crawford
Page 3
Bob Connors
President 2002-2007
Beloved Desert continued from Page 1
to develop all kinds of businesses on their own
five acres.
As dean of girls at Twenty-nine Palms High
School from 1960-65 when that was the only high
school in the Morongo Basin, I was amazed at some
of the hardships these girls survived. When I attend
class reunions, I am proud of the girls who remained
here to make homes and contribute to the work
force in the desert.
Later as a school district counselor (1965-72)
who tried to cover seven schools in five days from
Twentynine Palms to Morongo Valley, I appreciated
the melting pot the Basin had of all different cultures
and all strata of society. I felt blessed to be accepted
by all from the highest to the lowest.
I preferred my own area of Landers because
the minimum restriction of 2-1/2 acres has helped
to keep its spaciousness.
My second thrill in Landers was getting the
Landers Community Post Office in 1962. Newlin
was the first mail carrier. He took the mail from the
Landers Post Office down to Yucca Valley and
brought the Landers mail back. Mary Chesney was
the first postal clerk. Virginia DeShon served the
longest – 20 years. I acted as volunteer clerk-incharge for 22 years.
The third thrill was bringing in Landers Well
No. 2 beside the post office in 1963.
The last thrill was getting the Landers Post
Office classified with its own zip code 92285.
In spite of being a low income community,
Landers residents are generous. They give to their
community individually and through organizations.
They help neighbors in need and they donate
honors. The birthday dinner the Landers community gave for me meant more than national and
international honors I have received.
I started coming to this part of the desert
because the high, dry climate was supposed to be
good for an incurable disease I have called “lupus,”
and I have survived. I have reserved a plot in the
Mountain Valley Memorial Park, and I hope to be
buried in my beloved desert.
Editor’s Note
Vernette Landers was named one of the
“Biographies of the Year 1986” by
Historic Preservations of America.
MEMBER NEWS
Our membership count as of August 1st is:
77 Individual members
50 Family
12 Business/Organization
62 Lifetime members
New members since the last newsletter are Emily Sweet, John and Frances Aleba,
Margaret Pontious , Robert and Doni Stephenson, and Desert Chiropractic Care, all from
Yucca Valley. Jack and Marty Lewis of Landers, Kenneth (Stan) Waite of Hesperia, Owen
and Audrey Gillick of 29 Palms, Kathleen Lowndes of Joshua Tree, Neal Samson of Riverside,
Dusty (Mary Ellen) Mueller of Lucerne Valley, Carl Ripaldi of Hollywood, Wynelle Waters,
Pioneertown, and James Arneal of Denham Springs, LA.
With the gracious help from members Helen Dotts, Donna Davies, Val Gleason and
me, we wish to thank each and everyone who contributed to the effortless fundraiser: our
annual Bakeless Bake Sale. Thanks especially to members Carol Boyer, Roxanne Guez
and Ken Keller for their $100 each donation. Fifty-seven (57) members contributed a total
of $1,635 – thank you!!
Note: Dues were due July 1st and delinquent August 1st. Notices were sent to those
delinquent. Unfortunately, if you haven’t paid, this will be your last newsletter and
announcements for MBHS activities.
See you next time, Bernice Falltrick, Membership Chair
IN MEMORIAM
George Swanson
Jean Bowman
William “Red” Waite
February 14, 1936 July 12, 2007
Charter Member
January 13, 1921 July 12, 2007
April 12, 1934 June 5, 2007
DUES ARE DUE JULY 1st EXCEPT FOR LIFETIME MEMBERS
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! GET INVOLVED, SHARE YOUR TALENTS!
CALL or EMAIL BOB CONNORS • 760-365-6163 • [email protected]
2007 GOALS
GOAL 1
Make ready the Landers
Estate for our MBHS
Headquarters/Museum
GOAL 3
Apply for grants to further
our efforts in preserving our
Morongo Basin History
GOAL 2
Increase our membership
and voulunteer
team by 20%
GOAL 4
Continue to file CA Historical Site
Resources, provide and place historical
site plaques, and produce Historical DVD’s
Reprinted with the permission of the Hi-Desert Star Publishing
Need help in researching a topic
about the Morongo Basin?
CALL or EMAIL
Need general information
about the MBHS?
CALL or EMAIL
Ruth Long • 760-365-3573
[email protected]
Bob Connors • 760-365-6163
[email protected]
MBHS MISSION STATEMENT
The specific purpose of this nonprofit corporation is to collect,
conserve and exhibit artifacts; to collect, display, interpret and publish
memorabilia relating to the history of the Morongo Basin; to locate
identify and preserve historic sites; to promote the research and study
of local history; and to share the rich heritage of the Morongo Basin
with all the communities within and surrounding it.
Page 4
History,
Responsibility
And Vision Planning
MBHS
By Laurie Geeson, Program Chair and
Carole Kester, Fundraiser Chair
We have exciting plans for the
coming year. We are all so enthusiastic about
having the Landers Events & Resource Center
now to stage our events that we can’t stop thinking
about the possibilities. And you may have
suggestions also.
First, we are going to have Movie Nite the
second Friday of each month. Doors will open
a 6:00 p.m. for old-fashioned snacks and
socializing, with the main feature movie starting
at 7:00 p.m. For $8.00 you will get a yummy hot
dog, a soda to wash it down, and buttered
popcorn to munch as you watch a locally-filmed
movie (with possibly some actors you’ll recognize);
you can root for the good guy in an episode of the
Cisco Kid and laugh at an old-time cartoon. It can
even be a date night since you can bring a guest
for $10.00. We will also have a Snack Bar to sell
ice cream bars, candy, and other items. Second,
we are putting together special tea parties for
local organizations and in the spring we will have
a MBHS Tea Party, open to the public. We are very
excited about our first private tea party for a local
chapter of the Red Hat Society (The Red-Hatted
Road Runners), catered by Bruce Campbell of
Coyote Kitchen with an elegant menu. The
program will be Voices from the Past, with
Vernette Landers starring as the final “voice.” We
hope you belong to an organization that will also
want to “book in” for a private tea party for any
occasion.
THIRD, we are planning a Christmas party in
December for members to get everyone in the
“holiday mood” with caroling led by the MBHS
chairs (We will put out a jar for donations to get
the chairs to stop singing – you’ll know why when
you hear Carole and Laurie sing!).
FOURTH, we are putting together several
programs for the first part of 2008 – see the
tentative list. We are still negotiating with people
and places for times, so watch for more info in
the November newsletter or a special postcard in
your mailbox.
Hook your wagon to our enthusiastic “horse”
and come on along for some fun mixed with
history, all the while supporting your Morongo
Basin Historical Society. Yippee Cay Ya Yea!
FALL 2007
MOVIE NITE
SEPTEMBER 14
RED HAT (private party)
LUNCHEON TEA (SOLD-OUT)
SEPTEMBER 22
MOVIE NITE
OCTOBER 12
WRITING WORKSHOP
OCTOBER 20 or November 3
(a one day workshop)
Writing Your Memoirs/
Your Family History
See inserted flyer for details or
Call Sallie Brown (364-4446)
MOVIE NITE
NOVEMBER 9
HOLIDAY CAROLING PARTY
DECEMBER (TBA)
2008
(Specific Dates TBA)
JANUARY
John Hale - Condor Field
presentations at the
29 Palms Marine Base,
with lunch in the Officer’s Club
MARCH
Carol Hann - Salton Sea
presentation in Landers
MAY
Tour of Cabot Yerxz Pueblo
Desert Hot Springs,
followed by lunch
MBHS TEA PARTY
in Landers
with one-act comedy by Joy Groves
DONATE A CHAIR
The MBHS is in desperate need of 12 sturdy, padded and matching folding chairs. At Sam’s Club we can
purchase a chair for $17.00. Will you help out by donating $17.00 toward the purchase of a
chair! Remember, any donation that you make you can receive a 501-C tax write-off for the IRS.
Page 5
We all know that like any business, an
organization’s greatest asset is its volunteers.
As with business, an organization needs a work
place or home. Because a home is financially
the greatest challenge and historically the
biggest cost and investment for any business,
organization or family, it can and often does
take years to save or raise enough money
to buy or build a home, and the MBHS still
had a long way to go to reach that goal.
As a past Special Administrator for Mrs.
Landers’ Estate, I of course was very aware
of its financial importance to the MBHS.
The Landers Estate would provide us with
a much-needed home and save years of
financial struggle to reach the required building
goal. Equally important, I also knew that
along with the home and property, the
MBHS would inherit a treasure of important
local area history, including the original
Landers Post Office, an official California State
Historical Resource.
Knowing Mrs. Landers personally many
years before her passing and being married
to Dale, the Historical Sites Chair for MBHS,
you can believe I was made very aware of
the importance and preservation of this
histor y before agreeing to accept the
responsibility of Special Administrator. Vernette
Landers was a true historian and the Landers
Estate was/is a vast repository for not only fifty
plus years of Landers history but that of the
entire Morongo Basin. Now MBHS, as the
recipient, is charged with the responsibility
and honor to be the trusted caretakers of
this history and continue as stewards to
enjoy, preserve and share this vast collection
and its rich historical resources with the
entire Morongo Basin community as
envisioned by one of our lifetime members,
Dr. Vernette Landers.
Lloyd S. Noel – Vice President
Dale D. Noel – Historical Sites Chair
Beloved Desert continued from Page 1
to develop all kinds of businesses on their own
five acres.
As dean of girls at Twenty-nine Palms High
School from 1960-65 when that was the only high
school in the Morongo Basin, I was amazed at some
of the hardships these girls survived. When I attend
class reunions, I am proud of the girls who remained
here to make homes and contribute to the work
force in the desert.
Later as a school district counselor (1965-72)
who tried to cover seven schools in five days from
Twentynine Palms to Morongo Valley, I appreciated
the melting pot the Basin had of all different cultures
and all strata of society. I felt blessed to be accepted
by all from the highest to the lowest.
I preferred my own area of Landers because
the minimum restriction of 2-1/2 acres has helped
to keep its spaciousness.
My second thrill in Landers was getting the
Landers Community Post Office in 1962. Newlin
was the first mail carrier. He took the mail from the
Landers Post Office down to Yucca Valley and
brought the Landers mail back. Mary Chesney was
the first postal clerk. Virginia DeShon served the
longest – 20 years. I acted as volunteer clerk-incharge for 22 years.
The third thrill was bringing in Landers Well
No. 2 beside the post office in 1963.
The last thrill was getting the Landers Post
Office classified with its own zip code 92285.
In spite of being a low income community,
Landers residents are generous. They give to their
community individually and through organizations.
They help neighbors in need and they donate
honors. The birthday dinner the Landers community gave for me meant more than national and
international honors I have received.
I started coming to this part of the desert
because the high, dry climate was supposed to be
good for an incurable disease I have called “lupus,”
and I have survived. I have reserved a plot in the
Mountain Valley Memorial Park, and I hope to be
buried in my beloved desert.
Editor’s Note
Vernette Landers was named one of the
“Biographies of the Year 1986” by
Historic Preservations of America.
MEMBER NEWS
Our membership count as of August 1st is:
77 Individual members
50 Family
12 Business/Organization
62 Lifetime members
New members since the last newsletter are Emily Sweet, John and Frances Aleba,
Margaret Pontious , Robert and Doni Stephenson, and Desert Chiropractic Care, all from
Yucca Valley. Jack and Marty Lewis of Landers, Kenneth (Stan) Waite of Hesperia, Owen
and Audrey Gillick of 29 Palms, Kathleen Lowndes of Joshua Tree, Neal Samson of Riverside,
Dusty (Mary Ellen) Mueller of Lucerne Valley, Carl Ripaldi of Hollywood, Wynelle Waters,
Pioneertown, and James Arneal of Denham Springs, LA.
With the gracious help from members Helen Dotts, Donna Davies, Val Gleason and
me, we wish to thank each and everyone who contributed to the effortless fundraiser: our
annual Bakeless Bake Sale. Thanks especially to members Carol Boyer, Roxanne Guez
and Ken Keller for their $100 each donation. Fifty-seven (57) members contributed a total
of $1,635 – thank you!!
Note: Dues were due July 1st and delinquent August 1st. Notices were sent to those
delinquent. Unfortunately, if you haven’t paid, this will be your last newsletter and
announcements for MBHS activities.
See you next time, Bernice Falltrick, Membership Chair
IN MEMORIAM
George Swanson
Jean Bowman
William “Red” Waite
February 14, 1936 July 12, 2007
Charter Member
January 13, 1921 July 12, 2007
April 12, 1934 June 5, 2007
DUES ARE DUE JULY 1st EXCEPT FOR LIFETIME MEMBERS
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! GET INVOLVED, SHARE YOUR TALENTS!
CALL or EMAIL BOB CONNORS • 760-365-6163 • [email protected]
2007 GOALS
GOAL 1
Make ready the Landers
Estate for our MBHS
Headquarters/Museum
GOAL 3
Apply for grants to further
our efforts in preserving our
Morongo Basin History
GOAL 2
Increase our membership
and voulunteer
team by 20%
GOAL 4
Continue to file CA Historical Site
Resources, provide and place historical
site plaques, and produce Historical DVD’s
Reprinted with the permission of the Hi-Desert Star Publishing
Need help in researching a topic
about the Morongo Basin?
CALL or EMAIL
Need general information
about the MBHS?
CALL or EMAIL
Ruth Long • 760-365-3573
[email protected]
Bob Connors • 760-365-6163
[email protected]
MBHS MISSION STATEMENT
The specific purpose of this nonprofit corporation is to collect,
conserve and exhibit artifacts; to collect, display, interpret and publish
memorabilia relating to the history of the Morongo Basin; to locate
identify and preserve historic sites; to promote the research and study
of local history; and to share the rich heritage of the Morongo Basin
with all the communities within and surrounding it.
Page 4
History,
Responsibility
And Vision Planning
MBHS
By Laurie Geeson, Program Chair and
Carole Kester, Fundraiser Chair
We have exciting plans for the
coming year. We are all so enthusiastic about
having the Landers Events & Resource Center
now to stage our events that we can’t stop thinking
about the possibilities. And you may have
suggestions also.
First, we are going to have Movie Nite the
second Friday of each month. Doors will open
a 6:00 p.m. for old-fashioned snacks and
socializing, with the main feature movie starting
at 7:00 p.m. For $8.00 you will get a yummy hot
dog, a soda to wash it down, and buttered
popcorn to munch as you watch a locally-filmed
movie (with possibly some actors you’ll recognize);
you can root for the good guy in an episode of the
Cisco Kid and laugh at an old-time cartoon. It can
even be a date night since you can bring a guest
for $10.00. We will also have a Snack Bar to sell
ice cream bars, candy, and other items. Second,
we are putting together special tea parties for
local organizations and in the spring we will have
a MBHS Tea Party, open to the public. We are very
excited about our first private tea party for a local
chapter of the Red Hat Society (The Red-Hatted
Road Runners), catered by Bruce Campbell of
Coyote Kitchen with an elegant menu. The
program will be Voices from the Past, with
Vernette Landers starring as the final “voice.” We
hope you belong to an organization that will also
want to “book in” for a private tea party for any
occasion.
THIRD, we are planning a Christmas party in
December for members to get everyone in the
“holiday mood” with caroling led by the MBHS
chairs (We will put out a jar for donations to get
the chairs to stop singing – you’ll know why when
you hear Carole and Laurie sing!).
FOURTH, we are putting together several
programs for the first part of 2008 – see the
tentative list. We are still negotiating with people
and places for times, so watch for more info in
the November newsletter or a special postcard in
your mailbox.
Hook your wagon to our enthusiastic “horse”
and come on along for some fun mixed with
history, all the while supporting your Morongo
Basin Historical Society. Yippee Cay Ya Yea!
FALL 2007
MOVIE NITE
SEPTEMBER 14
RED HAT (private party)
LUNCHEON TEA (SOLD-OUT)
SEPTEMBER 22
MOVIE NITE
OCTOBER 12
WRITING WORKSHOP
OCTOBER 20 or November 3
(a one day workshop)
Writing Your Memoirs/
Your Family History
See inserted flyer for details or
Call Sallie Brown (364-4446)
MOVIE NITE
NOVEMBER 9
HOLIDAY CAROLING PARTY
DECEMBER (TBA)
2008
(Specific Dates TBA)
JANUARY
John Hale - Condor Field
presentations at the
29 Palms Marine Base,
with lunch in the Officer’s Club
MARCH
Carol Hann - Salton Sea
presentation in Landers
MAY
Tour of Cabot Yerxz Pueblo
Desert Hot Springs,
followed by lunch
MBHS TEA PARTY
in Landers
with one-act comedy by Joy Groves
DONATE A CHAIR
The MBHS is in desperate need of 12 sturdy, padded and matching folding chairs. At Sam’s Club we can
purchase a chair for $17.00. Will you help out by donating $17.00 toward the purchase of a
chair! Remember, any donation that you make you can receive a 501-C tax write-off for the IRS.
Page 5
We all know that like any business, an
organization’s greatest asset is its volunteers.
As with business, an organization needs a work
place or home. Because a home is financially
the greatest challenge and historically the
biggest cost and investment for any business,
organization or family, it can and often does
take years to save or raise enough money
to buy or build a home, and the MBHS still
had a long way to go to reach that goal.
As a past Special Administrator for Mrs.
Landers’ Estate, I of course was very aware
of its financial importance to the MBHS.
The Landers Estate would provide us with
a much-needed home and save years of
financial struggle to reach the required building
goal. Equally important, I also knew that
along with the home and property, the
MBHS would inherit a treasure of important
local area history, including the original
Landers Post Office, an official California State
Historical Resource.
Knowing Mrs. Landers personally many
years before her passing and being married
to Dale, the Historical Sites Chair for MBHS,
you can believe I was made very aware of
the importance and preservation of this
histor y before agreeing to accept the
responsibility of Special Administrator. Vernette
Landers was a true historian and the Landers
Estate was/is a vast repository for not only fifty
plus years of Landers history but that of the
entire Morongo Basin. Now MBHS, as the
recipient, is charged with the responsibility
and honor to be the trusted caretakers of
this history and continue as stewards to
enjoy, preserve and share this vast collection
and its rich historical resources with the
entire Morongo Basin community as
envisioned by one of our lifetime members,
Dr. Vernette Landers.
Lloyd S. Noel – Vice President
Dale D. Noel – Historical Sites Chair
LIFE MEMBERS
Helen Dotts*
Les Long*
Ruth Long*
Evelyn Conklin
Dorthy Granger*
Norm Granger*
George Falltrick*†
Bernice Falltrick*
Sallie Brown
LynAnne Felts*
Kenneth Eschmann
John Ristaino
Marcia Pealstrom*
Billy Holcomb
Chapter of ECV
Robert Leone*
Peter Wild
Robert Green
Leota Bell*
Laurie Geeson*
Vernette Landers*†
Pauline Hanson*
Harvey Legrone*
Monika Legrone*
James P. Brock*
Donna Davies*
Bruce Miller*
Marion Arnett
Fred Kramer
Lois S. Johnson*
Dale Noel*
Taylor Jordon*
† Deceased
* Charter Member
Mona Lowe*
Bob Connors*
Twilla Couzens*
Betty Diederich†
William Reifel
Chalyne Connors*
Betty Bilyeu*
Lee Roy Arnett
Mildred Arnett
Cindy Melland
Cheryl Nankervis*
Shirlene Doten*
Merry L’Esperance
Chris Long
Tim Long
David Williams*
Sandra Williams*
Carole Kester*
Lloyd Noel*
Mary Gaffney
Swella Chiropractic
Jeannette Webster
Todd Swain
R. Lee Johnson
Bob Stadum
Wanda Stadum
Roxanne Guez
2007 ANNUAL MEETING
OVERVIEW
The Life of
Dr. Vernette
Trosper Landers
Sometimes an overview of someone’s life helps us to develop a fuller understanding of that
person. Below are selected aspects of Vernette Landers’ life to add to what we may
already know about her as a respected community leader and educator:
•
Born: 1912 – Lawton, Oklahoma • Deceased: 2005 – Landers, CA
•
During World War I and at five-years-old, Vernette traveled and performed with
her mother through the Mid-West tap dancing for a patriotic vaudeville act.
•
She moved with her family to Colorado and later to Hollywood, CA, where
Vernette graduated from high school as valedictorian and received the
faculty scholarship award.
•
In 1933 she received her BA degree with honors in Spanish and French, an
MA degree in 1935, and her doctorate (EdD) in 1953 all from UCLA, and four
California state credentials in education, two of them lifetime.
•
Dr. Landers served 37 years in CA schools as teacher, counselor, and administrator,
including Dean of Girls at 29 Palms High School.
•
Dr. Landers supplied both the land and building to obtain the Landers Post
Office and acted as volunteer Clerk-in-Charge for 22 years, supplying also the
equipment and clerks. When she retired in 1985, she donated both the building
and property to the Postal Service. When the new Landers Post Office was built
at the same location, the original small Post Office building was returned to her
with permission to relocate it to her property at 632 N. Landers Lane. She personally
paid for the dismantling, the move and reconstruction of this small and original
Post Office, allowing the MBHS to file and obtain designation with the State
of California as a California Historical Resource.
•
Vernette served with the Landers Volunteer Fire Department, Ambulance Service,
Desert Emergency & Radio Service (EARS), and she flew search & rescue missions
with her husband, Newlin, in his plane.
•
Vernette and Newlin further helped develop the community of Landers by
assisting with development of additional water sources in Landers, with bringing
electricity to the area, with providing land for the Women’s Club and fire
department, and with obtaining paved roads, mapping, and street signs.
•
Vernette enjoyed writing. In 1927, she won her first writing award at the age
of fifteen for an essay in Spanish, winning a $100 prize. Later, after moving to
Landers, she authored 8 books of poetry for children about her desert wild pets
and one about her family.
•
Dr. Landers was generous over the years with both her financial contributions
and support of many organizations and individuals, including Copper Mountain
College, the Girl Scouts, and the MBHS, especially bequeathing her home and
property to the MBHS.
Old Town
Mercantile Antique
Mall
William R. Hilburn †
Leona Eriksen
Anna Hilburn
*********
As a history lover, you know the infinite
ways that history enriches our lives. As
a member of the MBHS, we want to let
you know that there is another way for
you to preserve history far into the
future. Most people know how
important it is to have a will. Once you
have provided for the people you love,
we hope you will consider making a
bequest to the MBHS. Bequests of any
size will ensure that we can continue our
work to preserve Morongo Basin history.
•
Dr. Landers received many recognitions, including a community spirit award, education
plaques and certificates and was recognized during Founders days as one of the
Morongo Basin’s early pioneers and founders. In 1999 she was Grand Marshall
for the Yucca Valley Grubstakes Parade.
Page 6
Introducing MBHS Landers Events & Resource Center
What a lively gathering of over 60
members and guests at our 2007 Annual
Meeting to view our new “home” on a
warm Sunday afternoon. People wandered
through the interior and exterior, being
careful not to touch the cacti. Those who
had viewed the house and yard before the
clean-up were dumbstruck about how great
it all looks.
We cannot go on without thanking the
many volunteers who gave of their time
(and backs) with over 1,200 volunteer
hours. After several days of our volunteers
struggling with the unending yard clean-up
and multiple trips to the dump, we finally
hired a professional company to remove
debris from the yard too heavy for us to lift
or take to the dump. The “On Time & Ready”
fellows worked so hard non-stop for many
hours in the hottest of hottest possible
weather that we can’t thank them enough!
(Wow – we still have so much to do – please
let us know if you can help.)
2007-08 MBHS Officers
Strong Attendance
for Annual Meeting
After oohing, we enjoyed a tasty lunch
served by Papa’s Smokehouse and then
gave our attention to our annual meeting,
ending it with Owen Gillick inducting the
new officers:
President - Bob Connors
Vice President - Lloyd Noel
Treasurer - Tom Granger
Recording Secretary - Carol Post
Corresponding Secretary - Sallie Brown
We were honored to have Owen Gillick
and Paul Smith with us as both were major
supporters in making our dream come
true. Paul made the first contribution when
we were forming MBHS and has been
there for us these many years in many
ways. Owen knew Vernette Landers when
she was well and said that she would be
proud to see her home back to normal, as
it was when she was in good health.
Wherever she is in heaven, we know that
she is proud!
Dale Noel, Terah
and Dick Biszantz
Paul Geason...
A man secure
in his
masculinity
YUMMY BBQ!
YEAH!
Greeting Table with.
Charlene and Laurie
PRESIDENT’S
CORNER
When Dr. Vernette
Landers bequeathed the
MBHS her Landers house
and property, she provided
us an important part of our
blueprint for stability and
community visibility for
expansion. We now have
our first permanent home
for the MBHS, which will be
enjoyed by our members
and all Morongo Basin communities.
Since we took possession of the Landers Estate in
April, the air has been filled with excitement and
enthusiasm plus an incredible work effort by many
members and non-members, just to ready the property
for our June 2007 Annual Meeting. Many of our
members are still carrying that same enthusiasm and
have been working long hours, sorting and archiving
history documents, doing yard cleanup, and preparing
the house for our many planned events. Over 20
members have given freely of their time and effort to
provide a historical site you will want and be proud to
visit, show and own. Items that have been donated
include a new kitchen stove, sofa and matching love
seat, comfortable chairs, dining table and chairs,
apartment-size refrigerator, vacuum cleaner, map
drawers, ceiling fans, outdoor mister system, computer,
table-top copier, scanner/printer, bottled water, cleaning
supplies, tea room items, fans, and of course the
dedication and expertise of many . . . The list goes on
as will the work for the many improvement projects
still pending. Please let me know if you would like to
help with the continued work or event support and I
will gladly refer you to a member project coordinator.
Lloyd Noel, Ernie Kester and Paul Geeson built the
outside support frame and installed the new swamp
cooler so we now have a cool home. Harvey Legrone
and Ruth Long continue weekly to work with volunteers
to sort through “mountains” of Vernette’s pictures,
letters, records and newspaper items. Dale Noel and
Rachel Crawford have worked tirelessly almost daily to
create a museum atmosphere as well as a homey
ambience that reflects an era from the past. It is a
must-see to appreciate. Our thanks and gratitude to
the many members who have given us their “all.”
Our work in preserving all the MB’s history
continues on as usual, and our financial situation is
holding. But now that we are landowners, it is more
important than ever that we receive all the support our
members can give to keep our society stable.
Support comes in many forms. Here is how you
can help: Share your expertise with us. We need you.
Keep your membership current. Increase our
membership by encouraging friends, family and
acquaintances to join. Give a gift of membership and
support our events. You all are essential to our growth!
“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just
have the heart.” — Elizabeth Andrew
Kim Pederson &
Rachel Crawford
Page 3
Bob Connors
President 2002-2007
2007-2008
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT
HISTORY BROUGHT TO YOU BY
Bob Connors
760-365-6163
[email protected]
VICE PRESIDENT
Lloyd Noel
760-364-3544
[email protected]
TREASURER
Tom Granger
760-365-7559
[email protected]
RECORDING
SECRETARY
Carol Post
760-369-9073
[email protected]
POINT OF VIEW
In July 1965, H. Peter Trosper of Detroit wrote a letter to Fred & LaVerne Trosper, Vernette’s father and mother,
who at that time lived in Escondido. Peter was “kin” to Fred (a brother?) and had mentioned he intended to visit
the “warm, dry climate” and asked if Vernette could find a rental for him so they could visit. Here is Fred’s reply,
offering a different perspective of the high desert than that of his daughter Vernette.
WHAT’S NEW IN THE
MBHS GIFT SHOP
Located in Old Town Mercantile Antique Mall
55727 Twenty-Nine Palms Hwy. • Yucca Valley
CORRESPONDING Sallie Brown
SECRETARY
REGISTRARS
OPEN: 7 Days a Week • 10:00am- 5:00pm daily
By Wayne & Linda Darnell, Sales Chairs
Les & Ruth Long
760-365-3573
[email protected]
Sandy Williams
[email protected]
HISTORIAN
Harvey Legrone
760-365-3425
[email protected]
HISTORICAL
SITES
Dale Noel
760-364-3544
[email protected]
HOSPITALITY
LynAnne Felts
LOCAL HISTORY/ ORAL
INTERVIEWS
Ruth Long
760-365-3573
[email protected]
MAPS
Gerald Tyner
760-369-1724
[email protected]
MEMBERSHIP
Bernice Falltrick
760-365-9201
[email protected]
WEBMASTER
Tom Granger
760-365-7559
[email protected]
CREATIVE CONSULTANT / GRAPHICS
COORDINATOR
Barbara Harris/Adset
760-365-3266
[email protected]
NEWSLETTER
EDITOR
Sallie Brown
760-364-4446
[email protected]
ASSISTANT
EDITIOR
Ken Jones
760-364-2886
[email protected]
PROGRAM
COMMITTEE
Laurie Geeson
760-363-6681
[email protected]
FUND RAISER
Carole Kester
760-365-4096
[email protected]
PUBLICITY
Jimmy Biggerstaff
[email protected]
SALES
365-1877
760-364-4446
[email protected]
WARREN’S WELL
PRESERVATION
Linda & Wayne Darnell
760-369-1970
[email protected]
Our newsletter is supported through advertising sponsorship. It is published and
mailed to members four times a year, and distributed throughout the Basin during
many of the local events. It’s a great way for you to advertise your business. To learn
how you can advertise in this newsletter contact Bob Connors at: 760-365-6163
I feel I would be doing you a favor to correct
certain impressions you have of the desert.
Vernette lives in the area known as the high desert
– 3200 ft. altitude on up. I am enclosing a picture
of a snow scene taken at their cabin last winter.
LaVerne fell on the ice and came near to being a
serious fall. They have a one room cabin having
a concrete slab floor and concrete tile walls.
However they do not need much house on
account of their way of life. Her work is at Twenty
Nine Palms High School, about 39 miles from her
home. Tomorrow she starts in for the year. She
generally leaves before daylight and returns about
sun down or after dark. Her husband’s day is
longer than hers and he seems to tire easier. He
gets home about 7:30 PM and is sound asleep in
bed by 8 PM and gone again by 4:30 AM.
Vernette spends her weekend (Sunday)
mending, washing her clothes and attending a
local meeting of which she is secretary. Newlin,
her husband, simply works all the time.They of
course eat out. Last winter nearly all those cabins
the natives tried to plumb with water pipes
froze up and busted. He had a little room that we
could sleep in back of and attached to his shop
plumbed with toilet requiring water pipes but it
froze up so bad it did not only bust the water
pipes but it busted the walls which makes it
unpleasant to use. The closest places renting
anything livable is Yucca Valley fourteen miles
away. Last winter we were there for a few days
and for three of those days the air was full of
dust and debris. You could not see 150 feet ahead
of you. Then the flash floods take over. That you
have to encounter to appreciate. Our only kid
lives there so we have to go there occasionally.
That is that.
Scattered across the desert is many scattered
cabins for government proving up purposes – now
apparently abandoned with windows busted
and doors knocked ajar with the privy knocked
over on its back side. As you get down to lower
altitude like Palm Springs and its environs you get
warmer weather but you have to take the (people)
with it and pay the plus prices caused by an
occasional vist by Jack Benny – Jack Kennedy Ike Eisenhower - and in the old days Al Capone or
Jimmy Walker, mayor of New York.
If you drive your own car out you have
to stay on pavement or get stuck in sand, keep
freeze fluid in radiator to zero and in out of
the way areas you are a way from public
transportation. With Vernette and Newlin gone
all the time. Why, I don’t know. It is simply as I
said – their way of life. To them I do not praise
it or criticize it. Next time I might take a drink
of Bourbon and write a more sunny side.
Love, Fred
Editor’s Note: This letter was found by the MBHS in Vernette’s home files.
One wonders whether Peter dropped the whole idea of visiting Vernette after reading Fred’s letter.
Page 2
Our new feature at the MBHS gift shop is
an introduction to Dr. Vernette Landers and the
charming children’s books she authored. Her
books are intended primarily for children, but
enjoyed by all ages. These books feature some
very interesting pets that she had and the
fascinating experiences she had with them, such
as the raven “Talkie,” who waited daily for her
at the post office and then “He quickly hopped
on the hood of the car, And rode home . . . . .” It
is a six-volume set for $20.
Plus consider an additional hardback volume
titled Impy, who was a very unusual wild bobcat
given to her as a present. She shares his impish
childhood and his becoming a loving husband
and devoted father of six Impys-to-be. This is a
hardback book that sells for $10. All of these
books are out of print and in very limited supply.
Don’t hesitate to get your copies! Also at the
gift shop are other items that may interest you:
• Metal art
• Western décor
• Native American Kachina dolls
• Yucca Valley Souvenirs
• Books and DVDs on local history
• Fascinating gifts for all occasions
When you purchase from the MBHS Gift Shop,
you are supporting your historical society!
got junk?
ON TIME AND READY!
All Terrain Trailer & Dump
Rubbish and Discard Removal
Clean-up and Haul-Away
$
20.00
and up
We load for you...anything Everthing, any size, any problem
364-9092
License #CA296970
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presents one-day writing workshops
Writing Your Memoirs
YOU R
FA M I LY
H I STORY
Don’t we wish we could pass on written stories about our parents and ancestors? Our children
would also treasure the stories of our lives to help find their roots. “Get started” in a supportive
atmosphere! Overcome Writer’s Block! Learn easy-to-use writing strategies!
Go home with a promising draft!
Facilitator: Sallie Brown, M.A.
AVAILABLE ON TWO DATES - CHOOSE ONE:
Saturday, October 20 OR Saturday, November 3, 2007
9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Registration: 9:15 a.m.)
LIMITED SEATING • REGISTER BY FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6 FOR EITHER WORKSHOP
MBHS Landers Event & Resource Center • 632 Landers Lane • Landers
$30.00 for MBHS members • $40.00 for non-members
INCLUDES: All workshop materials plus Salad Buffet Luncheon, Beverages and Snacks
QUESTIONS
Sallie Brown 760/364-4446
DIRECTIONS
DIRECTIONS: From Yucca Valley, drive 12 miles north on OWS (247) to Reche Road. Turn right, go 3 miles
to Landers Post Office. Turn right, house on right, less than 1/2 mile. LOOK FOR THE RED ROOF.
If you would like to join MBHS to enjoy a savings at this writing workshop and future MBHS events, please complete application
enclosed and send to MBHS P.O. Box 2046, Yucca Valley, CA 92286. Questions? Call 760-365-1877 or email: [email protected]
PLEASE ENCLOSE 2 SEPARATE CHECKS - ONE FOR WORKSHOP REGISTRATION & ONE FOR MBHS MEMBERSHIP
WRITING WORKSHOP RESERVATION FORM
I would like to attend Writing Workshop: (circle one)
SATURDAY OCTOBER 20
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 3
REGISTRATION FOR EITHER WORKSHOP MUST BE FINALIZED BY FRIDAY OCTOBER 6, 2007
Name:
Address:
City:
Phone: (Hm):
(Cell):
Zip:
Email:
Number of people attending:
Member $30.00
Check #:
CHECK TOTAL:
Non-Member $40.00
Make your check payable to MBHS. Mail to MBHS, P.O. Box 2046, Yucca Valley, CA, 92286
ON CHECK MEMO LINE, PLEASE PUT WRITING WORKSHOP AND ON ENVELOPE WRITE: ATTN: WRITING WORKSHOP
MOVIE NIGHT
2nd FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH!
Doors Open 6:00pm • Movie Starts at 7:00pm
632 LANDERS LANE • LANDERS
DIRECTIONS: From Yucca Valley, drive 12 miles north on OWS (247) to Reche Road. Turn right, go 3 miles
to Landers Post Office. Turn right, house on right, less than 1/2 mile. LOOK FOR THE RED ROOF.
The Morongo Basin Historical Society will be showing
LOCALLY FILMED MOVIES
Remember when you went to the movies and saw your favorite cartoon,
serial & movie flick...well we are going to do that right here in the
MBHS LANDERS MEETING ROOM
Starting:
September 14th - Movie .....................LAST CHANCE
October 12th - Movie ..........................THE HOWLING SEVEN –
NEW MOON RISING
November 9th - Movie ........................DESERT DREAMERS
MOVIE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE
ADMISSION
$8.00 - MEMBERS • $10.00 - GUESTS
PRICE INCLUDES
Film, (1) Hot Dog, Soda, Chips or Popcorn
OTHER REFRESHMENTS WILL BE AVAILABLE
FOR ADDITIONAL CHARGE!
Come Enjoy Some Local History!