- Morongo Basin Historical Society

Newsletter Application
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
Preserving Our Past For Our Future
P.O. Box 2046 • Yucca Valley, CA 92286
MEMBERSHIP (Please check one)
New
Renewal
MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES (Please check one)
760-365-1877
Individual.................................$20.00 per year
Family (1 address) ....................$35.00 per year
Organization............................$40.00 per year
Businesses................................$45.00 per year
Life (1 Ind/Bus/Org) ..................$300.00 per person
Email: [email protected]
www.mbhs.net
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 11
Please make checks payable to:
MORONGO BASIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY
P.O. Box 2046 • Yucca Valley, CA 92286 • 760-365-1877 • www.mbhs.net • Email: [email protected]
MEMBER INTERESTS:
I would be interested in volunteering for:
Programs
Membership
Auditing
Budgeting
Fundraising
LAST
Hostess/Server
FIRST
M.I.
Additional Name (Family Membership only):
Mailing Address:
STATE
CITY
Telephone: (
ZIP
By Carol Sanders, Co-Editor
)
E-mail:
FOR MBHS USE ONLY
NOTES:
(Revised 3/09)
Cash: $
Check: #
Date Newsletter sent:
PLEASE RENEW YOUR DUES TO
ENJOY OUR HISTORIC PROGRAMS!
Email: [email protected]
www.mbhs.net
P.O. Box 2046 • Yucca Valley, CA 92286
MORONGO BASIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Preserving Our Past For Our Future
Date received by Treasurer:
ENIGIMA
P.O. BOX or STREET
Other
Telephone committee or liasion representative for my community.
Research land records; member inquires; requests from public.
I can file/transcribe/or assist in archive work.
I could do video/oral interviews with people within the communities.
I could help with events and programs / marketing / sales / advertising / newsletter.
Date received:
THE WILLIE BOY
Name:
Docent tours of MBHS Museum & Research Center.
Help maintain the grounds or house at MBHS Museum & Research Center.
I would be interested in serving as an officer (specify)
I would be interested in serving on a committee: (circle)
MARCH 2009
NUMBER 1
This year it is one-hundred years old, arguably the biggest story of the Morongo
Basin: The Hunt for Willie Boy.
It’s been the subject of two books, Willie Boy: A Desert Manhunt by Harry
Lawton, and The Hunt for Willie Boy: Indian Hating & Popular Culture by James
A. Sandos and Larry E. Burgess. The story has been told in portions of other books,
for example, A Peculiar Piece of Desert: The Story of California’s Morongo
Basin by Lulu Rasmussen O’Neal, and been featured in countless newspaper and
magazine articles. In 1969 Willie Boy inspired a movie: Tell Them Willie Boy is
Here, starring Robert Redford and Robert Blake. Googling “Willie Boy Manhunt”
brings up 13,600 possible sources of information. And here in the high desert
where, for some, the story ended, local author James Patterson’s play The Last
Posse will be presented by the MBHS on March 22, 2009. So the Willie Boy story
is alive and thriving, on its way to becoming legend.
Like legend, there’s no one story; there are versions, depending on the teller.
And the tellers cannot agree on the genre of Willie Boy’s story. Is it a tragic love
story, or a story of white hatred for Indians? Is it a “true” crime story, sort of a CSI Landers, or the story of a man
following Indian cultural practices unknown to most whites? Is it a story of a victim of a frenzy to sell newspapers? Is it a political story told to
advance careers? Is it all of these or none? Or something altogether different?
Some things are given: Willie Boy was a Paiute-Chemehuevi Indian who worked on ranches in the Victorville and Morongo Basin area. In
1906 he was arrested in Victorville and served time in the San Bernardino jail. At one point he lived at the Oasis at Twentynine Palms and there
became attracted to his cousin, Isoleta, the teenage daughter of William Mike. Willie Boy and the Mike family ended up at the Gilman Ranch
near Banning in September, 1909. Willie Boy shot and killed William Mike at the ranch the night of September, 26, 1909, and fled on foot,
taking Isoleta with him. The next day a posse was formed to find Willie Boy and Isoleta. They followed Willie Boy into the high desert area, but
Willie Boy eluded capture. On September 30, in the Pipes Canyon area, Isoleta died from a gunshot wound to the back. On October 7 the posse
got into a gunfight with Willie Boy on Ruby Mountain in what is now Landers. Charlie Reche was wounded in the gunfight. The posse left the
scene to take Reche for treatment and to regroup. Willie Boy died. This is the basic story. Here are the unresolved issues.
• The charges that led to Willie Boy serving anywhere from 20 to 90 days in the
San Bernardino jail in 1906. The records are lost.
AT
ISSUE:
• The sobriety of Willie Boy at the time of the death of William Mike.
• The death of William Mike: unclear as murder or accident, perhaps during a
struggle for the weapon.
• Isoleta going with Willie Boy willingly, or being forced.
• Isoleta’s mother waiting until morning to report the crime(s.)
• Isoleta’s mother telling the girl to go with Willie Boy to save the rest of the
family from harm.
Continued on Page 2
AT
ISSUE:
Continued on Page 2
2008-2009
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT
• Willie Boy as a follower of the rare Indian
practice of “bride capture.”
Lloyd Noel
760-364-3544
[email protected]
• During the chase, the deputies hearing cries
and screams of Isoleta as Willie forced her
to accompany him.
1st VICE PRESIDENT Tom Granger
Properties
760-365-7559
tom6818 msm.com
& Volunteer Hours
SECRETARY
& Newsletter Editor
Rachel Crawford
760-363-1340
[email protected]
• The identity of the killer of Isoleta. Willie
Boy, a member of the posse, or one of the
trackers have all been named.
Sallie Brown
760-364-4446
[email protected]
• The state of the moon the night Willie
Boy supposedly died.
2007-2008 CHAIRS
AMBASSADOR
Bob Connors
760-365-6163
[email protected]
CREATIVE
CONSULTANT
Barbara Harris/Adset
760-365-3266
[email protected]
Newsletter Graphics
CURATOR
Archaeology Program
Jim Brock
760-228-1142
[email protected]
HISTORIAN
Harvey Legrone
760-365-3425
[email protected]
• Some claim no moon, others claim the
posse waited for moon rise for enough
light to rescue Charlie Reche.
• The role of others (family? friends?) in
aiding Willie Boy’s flight by supplying him with
food, water, ammunition, and other needs.
• The route Willie Boy took in his flight.
• Willie Boy’s death, a supposed suicide by gunshot, at Ruby Mountain, and the reason for
his suicide.
• The authenticity of the photograph taken at Ruby Mountain of what is alleged to be the
body of Willie Boy surrounded by deputies, taken by Randolph Madison, reporter for the
Los Angeles Record.
HISTORICAL
SITES
Dale Noel
760-364-3544
[email protected]
• The possibility of Willie Boy’s escape and later death in the Las Vegas areas in the 1920’s.
ORAL
INTERVIEWS
Cheryl Nankervis
760-365-6323
[email protected]
• The cremation of Willie Boy’s body, when publicity of the chase would seem to demand
proof that the object of the manhunt was indeed apprehended.
MAPS
Gerald Tyner
760-369-1724
[email protected]
• The effect of President Taft’s visit to Riverside on the story.
Carole Kester
760-365-4096
• Names: Willie Boy was also called Billie Boy at one point in a newspaper report. Isoleta
was also known as Carlota, Lolita, Ioleta, Neeta, and Mabel in various tellings of the
story. William Mike was also known as Mike Boniface.
MEMBERSHIP
[email protected]
NEWSLETTER
Editor
NEWSLETTER
Co-Editor
& Timeline Keeper
Sallie Brown
760-364-4446
[email protected]
Carol Sanders
760-364-3771
[email protected]
PROGRAM
COMMITTEE
Laurie Geeson
760-363-6681
[email protected]
PUBLICITY
Jimmy Biggerstaff
[email protected]
REGISTRAR
Carole Schreiber
760-369-0259
[email protected]
SALES
Linda & Wayne Darnell
WARREN’S WELL
PRESERVATION
Sandy Williams
[email protected]
WEBSITE
Rob Harris
760-365-3266
[email protected]
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 Wayne Darnell at: 760-369-1970.
• Isoleta scratching a message in the sand
saying she was dying, either early in the
chase, or after she’d been wounded.
2nd VICE PRESIDENT Mike Gatherer
Budget & Audit
909-815-6848
& Fundraising/Grants [email protected]
TREASURER
HISTORY BROUGHT TO YOU BY
ROADRUNNER REALTY
• The accuracy of newspaper reports of the case.
So anyone can join the hunt for the “real” Willie Boy and have plenty to sift through and to think
about, much of it unverifiable. Willie Boy tantalizes and teases our curiosity as we struggle to
grasp the facts that shimmer like the haze of a desert mirage.
BOB CONNORS RESIGNS AS
MBHS PRESIDENT
As of January 1, 2009 I resigned as your President after 6 + years of
service to our society. They have been great years and I felt that with
all your support we have accomplished many things to be proud of.
I look forward to serving our society as your Ambassador for many
more years to come in our quest to preserve our past for our future.
My best to the new officers who will follow and my sincere gratitude
to all of our members who have supported our society since its inception
Bob Connors back in 1999.
GOODWILL
Best Wishes and remember, ”If you want your dreams to come true,
AMBASSADOR you mustn’t oversleep”.
Page 2
MBHS IS LOOKING
FOR VOLUNTEERS
SUPPORT THE
MBHS NEWSLETTER
• To help with pre & post event set-up and clean-up
• To weed, rake, and water the yard
• To file documents and transcribe. Transcribing can
be done at home.
CALL RACHEL • 760-363-1340
WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR BUSINESS TO BE
ADVERTISED IN THE MBHS NEWSLETTER?
CONTACT: Wayne Darnell
EMAIL: [email protected]
CALL: 760-369-1970
Page 7
NEW MBHS PROGRAM CALLED:
On-The-Go
WITH THE MBHS ARCHAEOLOGIST COMMITTEE
The Archaeology committee meets the 3rd Saturday of every month at
9:00 am. Meeting locations and times will vary and may go dark in
summer months.
The next meeting is scheduled for March 21st at 10:00 am (note time) for a
visit to Samuelson’s Rocks in JTNP. We will meet at the Visitor’s Center on Park
Blvd. in Joshua Tree to carpool. Visiting this site entails an approximate
1 mile hike on level ground each way. Bring water, hat, sunscreen, camera
etc. You can find information on Samuelson and his site by Googling
“Samuelson’s Rocks.”
Space is limited and reserved for MEMBERS OF THE MBHS ONLY.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Jim Brock - 760-228-1142 • Email: [email protected]
— APRIL’S TOPIC —
HOMESTEADING
IN THE MORONGO BASIN
A “GROWN-UPS” VERSION OF SHOW AND TELL
The MBHS is asking you to bring your stories, pictures
or items you or your family have acquired during the
HOMESTEADING years of the basin.
As part of the new program of documenting history in
the Morongo Basin, each month the MBHS will focus on
a new topic of historical interest. Small groups will gather
to discuss and share their stories and experiences.
Participants are encouraged to bring photos and other
items of interest. You all have a story to tell and we don’t
want to lose those stories. As part of the MBHS mission it
will be our honor to document them for you. Please join
our first gathering...
DATE: SUNDAY APRIL, 26, 2009
TIME: 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
LOCATION: MBHS Museum & Research Center
MODERATOR: Barbara Harris
TOPIC: HOMESTEADING IN THE MORONGO BASIN
FREE TO MEMBERS - NON-MEMBERS $5.00 DONATION
LIGHT REFRESHMENTS
WANTED
MBHS Newsletter Editor
QUALIFICATIONS
Members of the MBHS Archaeological Committee on their first field trip to view petroglyphs,
led by professional Archaeologist and MBHS Curator, Jim Brock (back row in blue).
EMAIL REMINDER SERVICE
If you are not receiving an events update email and would
like to be on the list to be notified of upcoming events
and special information, phone or email:
Carole Kester, 365-4096 or [email protected]
•
•
•
•
Love of history
Basic computer skills
Email/online service
Basic writing skills
CONTACT:
Sallie Brown • 364-4446
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 everything, any size, any problem
364-9092
License #CA296970
Page 6
MEET YOUR NEW
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
New MBHS President LLOYD NOEL
1st Vice President TOM GRANGER
As your new president, I first wish to thank Tom
Granger and Mike Gatherer for agreeing to join the Board
as 1st and 2nd Vice Presidents. Their active support allows
me to report that our organization is healthy, and will
continue to grow and to play an important role in the
Morongo Basin and beyond.
The major strength of any non-profit organization is
its members and member volunteers. We continue to enjoy
and embrace both as we celebrate our 10th Anniversary
this year. We have had major growth in the services we
provide and I believe with the balance of professional and
business experiences and leadership skills of your new
Board, the dedication of the committees led by expert
Chairs and the support of all members we will continue to
learn and grow.
A historical and major milestone of growth occurred
when we inherited our own home to meet the majority of
our needs. It provides us a repository for our vast collection
of local history, a base of business operations, a place for
meetings, public and private events and important
research. Our Board of Directors has been filled with some
of our community’s strongest business minds with proven
dedication to public service activities.
As we move into our future of services and growth in
our community, I’m asking that we adopt an advanced
business process—that is to become a “Learning
Organization”.
A Learning Organization continually asks itself three
questions.
1. What is going on here?
2. What can we learn from it?
3. What do we want to do about it?
This is the endless looped process that all progress
and learning requires. The best performing organizations
in this country all use this concept. In our world of constant
and rapid change this is the only process that will assure
that we have a future. In contrast, do nothing then nothing
happens. As we move forward, your Board of Directors
will be working this process and reporting our adjustments
and gains as they occur.
In closing I would like to thank our past President,
Bob Connors, for his years of leadership and hard work
for our organization and look forward to his continued
service as our first assigned MBHS Ambassador.
Tom Granger is our new 1st Vice President, in charge of Properties. Tom is
not new to the MBHS, having joined in 2000 and previously serving as MBHS
Vice President and Treasurer for several years. Tom also tackled creating our first
website and became the Webmaster.
Tom came to Yucca Valley with his family in 1957 and graduated from 29
Palms High School a few years later. After a stint in college and the U.S. Army,
Tom and his wife, Mary Ann, moved back to Yucca Valley in 1999 after he retired
from the California Highway Patrol in Indio after 31 years of service.
2nd Vice President MIKE GATHERER
We believe that Mike Gatherer brings a strong background in business
management, accounting, budget, financial, and other skills that are essential for
our organization’s growth and future potential of the MBHS.
Retired now after selling his business, Mike lives in Big Bear City where he
hopes to pursue his love of horse and rider training with his wife Diana Lyn. They
are both working as volunteers at the Big Bear Discovery Center.
During Mike’s career he also served as Chairman of the Board for the Southern
California Ready Mixed Concrete Assoc., a past President of the Irwindale Rotary
Club, and has chaired many committees including fundraising.
Locally, Mike is serving his 2nd. Term as President of the Pioneertown Posse as
well as Posse webmaster and can be seen on most Saturdays, April through October,
with his horse Rio performing with the Pioneertown Posse.
Checkout
Our Website
www.mbhs.net
The Morongo Basin Historical Society has a new “New Look”
to their website. Tom Granger first designed the site in 2003 and
maintained it until Rob Harris took it over last year. Rob and Barbara have
worked on revising the site over the past year. “It’s a work in progress,”
Rob said. “We still have areas of the site that need to be refined, but the
important stuff is there.” You can check out the events, download
newsletters, watch photo slide-shows, and visit the store. As a growing
historical society, we’re committed to preserving our history while utilizing
the technology of the 21st Century.
Let us know what’s on your mind - Our New Email Address:
[email protected]
Page 3
By Laurie Geeson, Program Director
By Wayne & Linda Darnell, Sales Chairs
Located in Old Town
Mercantile Antique Mall
55727 Twenty-Nine Palms Hwy.
Yucca Valley
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Individual - 105 • Family - 57 • Business - 5 • Organizations - 5 • Lifetime 57
The original play The Last Posse: An Inquest written by
local playwright James Patterson and directed by Ben Costello, will
be performed as a Creative Readers Theater format with period
costuming for one performance only at the Elks Lodge at 1:30 p.m..
This controversial 1909 Willie Boy and posse chase event is still
creating interest and raising questions 100 years later, questions
that will come up with the lively panel discussion following the
performance.
As an audience member, you will have the rare opportunity to
hear an expert panel of highly respected historians as well as the
playwright, a retired criminal attorney, District Attorney and
municipal judge. One of the four expert panelists will be Dr. Larry
Burgess, co-author of The Hunt for Willie Boy. Dr. Burgess and
his co-author presented their research for the book in Yucca Valley
soon after the book was published. Our own Paul Smith, an attorney
and prolific, respected history writer from 29 Palms, will be the
panel moderator and contributor for the Q/A discussions. You won’t
want to miss this discussion!!
SPACE LIMITED • TICKETS PRE-SOLD • NO TICKETS SOLD @ DOOR
FOR INFORMATON GO TO: www.mbhs.net
Our current membership is 229 MEMBERS, an increase of 27 members
since our last newsletter. More good news: three of our newest members
have voiced interest in volunteering for MBHS!! Our Volunteer Corps is
essential in planning programs for members.
We still need everyone’s help to grow our membership to our 2009 goal
of 300 members. The MBHS bottom line depends on it!
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Frederick Alexander, Steve Bardwell & Sarah Kennington,
Joseph Delgado, Sandra L. Fleck , Mike & Diana Gatherer,
Dorothy De Gennaro, Paul Golde, Muffin Hill, Julianne Koza,
Robin & Douglass McManigill, Jane A. Mootz, Tina Shurley, Susan & David
Simmons, Thomas Tomcko, Scott Walker & Philip Maberry,
Bill Wilson, and Craig Zimmerman-Rupe
369-1970
OPEN: 7 Days a Week
10:00a.m. • 5:00p.m. daily
The MORONGO BASIN HISTORICAL
SOCIETY GIFT SHIP is featuring Willie
Boy, whose story has intrigued all ages
for the last 100 years. On exhibit will be
promotional items used by the movie
industry to promote Robert Redford’s
movie titled Tell Them Willie Boy Is Here.
Several books have been published
about Willie Boy and the following
books that reference his story are
available at the gift shop
IN MEMORIAM
Betty Brown • 2-25-1932 - 12-16-2008
Cyril “Jim” Couzens • 1- 23-1932 – 1-4-2009
Theil Eastabrook • 4-24-1908 - 11-30-2008
Dorothy Granger • 7-2-1921 – 12-9-2008
Jack Simpson • d. 12-14-2008
GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE
With each membership gift certificate order, your recepient will
receive a very warm letter announcing your gift with the current
newsletter, a bookmarker and a magnet for your refrigerator.
MAY
BOARD MEETINGS
by Harry Lawton
MBHS 2008 GOALS
Remember to book a “VOICES OF THE PAST” program for your
next up-coming event. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
The Chemehuevi Indians of
Southern California
GOAL 1
by Ronald & Peggy Miller
GOAL 3
Gateway to the Hi-Desert
Apply for grants to further our efforts in
preserving our Morongo Basin History.
by Cal and Maxine Crotsenburg
Guide to the Beautiful and
Historic Lucerne Valley
GOAL 4
Continue to file CA Historical Site Resources,
provide and place historical site plaques,
and produce Historical DVD’s.
by Bill Mann
San Bernardino County
Sheriff’s Department
by M. David DeSoucy,
Sheriff Gary Penrod
Your purchases support the
Morongo Basin Historical Gift Shop.
We look forward to seeing you there!
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.
NEW DVD AVAILABLE
AN EVENING WITH GEORGE VAN TASSEL
Filmed at the Hi-Desert Nature Museum as
part of the MBHS 1st Wednesday Program,
Lloyd Noel brings Van Tassel to life in his
portrayal of this true Calif. eccentric.
Features include highlights of Van Tassel’s
encounters at Giant Rock and information
of The Integratron.
$20.00+S&H
Purchase Online with PayPal
www.mbhs.net
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Barbara Harris • 760-369-3266
Email: [email protected]
DVD AVAILABLE @ MBHS GIFT SHOP
Located in Old Town Mercantile Antique Mall • Yucca Valley • 369-1970
Page 4
Ann Jones Maier, the daughter of Harlow Jones, will present a
program that will include two short films and a collection of her
father’s postcards. His first photo studio was in the garage of the
Charlton adobe, which still stands as part of the 29 Palms Inn and
was called “Desert Photo Lab.” He was the first and only “one hour”
photo shop in 29 Palms.
DATE: Wednesday, June 3, 2008
TIME: 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Hi-Desert Nature Museum, Yucca Valley
SPEAKER: JANE POJAWA
TOPIC: CABOT’S PUEBLO MUSEUM - THE HIDDEN SECRETS
$5.00 donation to MBHS at the door
Conduct Fundraisers to support our MBHS Museum and Research Center.
GOAL 2
DATE: Wednesday, May 6, 2008
TIME: 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Hi-Desert Nature Museum, Yucca Valley
SPEAKER: ANN JONES MAIER
TOPIC: HARLOW JONES, DESERT PHOTOGRAPHY
Jane joined the Cabot’s Museum Foundation as a director in 2008
and is in charge of the history and archives committee. Her love of
desert history combined with her investigative skills has uncovered
intereting and intriquing facts about Cabot Yerxa, in addition to the
the usual
Cabot and Portia
story.
NO
PROGRAM
INYerxa
DECEMBER
SALLIE BROWN • 364-4446 • Email: [email protected]
Increase our membership and volunteer team by 20%.
Well-known botanist Robin Kobaly will present a special program on
desert wildflowers. Now at the time of the year when our wildflowers
enchant us, she can teach us about the myriad of flowers we so
enjoy. No coincidence is that when Robin was the first Queen of
Morongo Valley Wildflower show when she was five-years-old, her
future career was predicted.
$5.00 donation to MBHS at the door
Future Board Meetings are scheduled for TUESDAY
MARCH 10 • APRIL 14• MAY 12, 2009
1:00 p.m. at the MBHS Museum & Research Center in Landers.
— Members are welcome to attend —
DATE: Wednesday, April 1, 2008
TIME: 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Hi-Desert Nature Museum, Yucca Valley
SPEAKER: ROBIN KOBALY
TOPIC: DESERT WILDFLOWERS
$5.00 donation to MBHS at the door
MARK YOUR CALENDAR • Sunday, May 31, 2009
A special MBHS program at the beautiful new home of Scott
and Cindy Melland. Details to follow in next newsletter
If you are not receiving monthly email reminders, or have
corrections/additions to your address, please email or phone me:
Carole Kester, Membership, Volunteer Director & Email Designee
[email protected] or 760-365-4096.
Willie Boy, A Desert Manhunt
1st WEDNESDAY PROGRAM
JUNE
SPRING SHOPPING
AT THE
MBHS GIFT SHOP
MARCH
TOTAL MEMBERSHIP AS OF FEBRUARY 2009: 229
MAY
By Carole Kester, Membership & Volunteer Director • 760-365-4096
APRIL
APRIL
MEMBER NEWS
MBHS SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Page 5
By Laurie Geeson, Program Director
By Wayne & Linda Darnell, Sales Chairs
Located in Old Town
Mercantile Antique Mall
55727 Twenty-Nine Palms Hwy.
Yucca Valley
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Individual - 105 • Family - 57 • Business - 5 • Organizations - 5 • Lifetime 57
The original play The Last Posse: An Inquest written by
local playwright James Patterson and directed by Ben Costello, will
be performed as a Creative Readers Theater format with period
costuming for one performance only at the Elks Lodge at 1:30 p.m..
This controversial 1909 Willie Boy and posse chase event is still
creating interest and raising questions 100 years later, questions
that will come up with the lively panel discussion following the
performance.
As an audience member, you will have the rare opportunity to
hear an expert panel of highly respected historians as well as the
playwright, a retired criminal attorney, District Attorney and
municipal judge. One of the four expert panelists will be Dr. Larry
Burgess, co-author of The Hunt for Willie Boy. Dr. Burgess and
his co-author presented their research for the book in Yucca Valley
soon after the book was published. Our own Paul Smith, an attorney
and prolific, respected history writer from 29 Palms, will be the
panel moderator and contributor for the Q/A discussions. You won’t
want to miss this discussion!!
SPACE LIMITED • TICKETS PRE-SOLD • NO TICKETS SOLD @ DOOR
FOR INFORMATON GO TO: www.mbhs.net
Our current membership is 229 MEMBERS, an increase of 27 members
since our last newsletter. More good news: three of our newest members
have voiced interest in volunteering for MBHS!! Our Volunteer Corps is
essential in planning programs for members.
We still need everyone’s help to grow our membership to our 2009 goal
of 300 members. The MBHS bottom line depends on it!
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Frederick Alexander, Steve Bardwell & Sarah Kennington,
Joseph Delgado, Sandra L. Fleck , Mike & Diana Gatherer,
Dorothy De Gennaro, Paul Golde, Muffin Hill, Julianne Koza,
Robin & Douglass McManigill, Jane A. Mootz, Tina Shurley, Susan & David
Simmons, Thomas Tomcko, Scott Walker & Philip Maberry,
Bill Wilson, and Craig Zimmerman-Rupe
369-1970
OPEN: 7 Days a Week
10:00a.m. • 5:00p.m. daily
The MORONGO BASIN HISTORICAL
SOCIETY GIFT SHIP is featuring Willie
Boy, whose story has intrigued all ages
for the last 100 years. On exhibit will be
promotional items used by the movie
industry to promote Robert Redford’s
movie titled Tell Them Willie Boy Is Here.
Several books have been published
about Willie Boy and the following
books that reference his story are
available at the gift shop
IN MEMORIAM
Betty Brown • 2-25-1932 - 12-16-2008
Cyril “Jim” Couzens • 1- 23-1932 – 1-4-2009
Theil Eastabrook • 4-24-1908 - 11-30-2008
Dorothy Granger • 7-2-1921 – 12-9-2008
Jack Simpson • d. 12-14-2008
GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE
With each membership gift certificate order, your recepient will
receive a very warm letter announcing your gift with the current
newsletter, a bookmarker and a magnet for your refrigerator.
MAY
BOARD MEETINGS
by Harry Lawton
MBHS 2008 GOALS
Remember to book a “VOICES OF THE PAST” program for your
next up-coming event. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
The Chemehuevi Indians of
Southern California
GOAL 1
by Ronald & Peggy Miller
GOAL 3
Gateway to the Hi-Desert
Apply for grants to further our efforts in
preserving our Morongo Basin History.
by Cal and Maxine Crotsenburg
Guide to the Beautiful and
Historic Lucerne Valley
GOAL 4
Continue to file CA Historical Site Resources,
provide and place historical site plaques,
and produce Historical DVD’s.
by Bill Mann
San Bernardino County
Sheriff’s Department
by M. David DeSoucy,
Sheriff Gary Penrod
Your purchases support the
Morongo Basin Historical Gift Shop.
We look forward to seeing you there!
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.
NEW DVD AVAILABLE
AN EVENING WITH GEORGE VAN TASSEL
Filmed at the Hi-Desert Nature Museum as
part of the MBHS 1st Wednesday Program,
Lloyd Noel brings Van Tassel to life in his
portrayal of this true Calif. eccentric.
Features include highlights of Van Tassel’s
encounters at Giant Rock and information
of The Integratron.
$20.00+S&H
Purchase Online with PayPal
www.mbhs.net
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Barbara Harris • 760-369-3266
Email: [email protected]
DVD AVAILABLE @ MBHS GIFT SHOP
Located in Old Town Mercantile Antique Mall • Yucca Valley • 369-1970
Page 4
Ann Jones Maier, the daughter of Harlow Jones, will present a
program that will include two short films and a collection of her
father’s postcards. His first photo studio was in the garage of the
Charlton adobe, which still stands as part of the 29 Palms Inn and
was called “Desert Photo Lab.” He was the first and only “one hour”
photo shop in 29 Palms.
DATE: Wednesday, June 3, 2008
TIME: 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Hi-Desert Nature Museum, Yucca Valley
SPEAKER: JANE POJAWA
TOPIC: CABOT’S PUEBLO MUSEUM - THE HIDDEN SECRETS
$5.00 donation to MBHS at the door
Conduct Fundraisers to support our MBHS Museum and Research Center.
GOAL 2
DATE: Wednesday, May 6, 2008
TIME: 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Hi-Desert Nature Museum, Yucca Valley
SPEAKER: ANN JONES MAIER
TOPIC: HARLOW JONES, DESERT PHOTOGRAPHY
Jane joined the Cabot’s Museum Foundation as a director in 2008
and is in charge of the history and archives committee. Her love of
desert history combined with her investigative skills has uncovered
intereting and intriquing facts about Cabot Yerxa, in addition to the
the usual
Cabot and Portia
story.
NO
PROGRAM
INYerxa
DECEMBER
SALLIE BROWN • 364-4446 • Email: [email protected]
Increase our membership and volunteer team by 20%.
Well-known botanist Robin Kobaly will present a special program on
desert wildflowers. Now at the time of the year when our wildflowers
enchant us, she can teach us about the myriad of flowers we so
enjoy. No coincidence is that when Robin was the first Queen of
Morongo Valley Wildflower show when she was five-years-old, her
future career was predicted.
$5.00 donation to MBHS at the door
Future Board Meetings are scheduled for TUESDAY
MARCH 10 • APRIL 14• MAY 12, 2009
1:00 p.m. at the MBHS Museum & Research Center in Landers.
— Members are welcome to attend —
DATE: Wednesday, April 1, 2008
TIME: 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Hi-Desert Nature Museum, Yucca Valley
SPEAKER: ROBIN KOBALY
TOPIC: DESERT WILDFLOWERS
$5.00 donation to MBHS at the door
MARK YOUR CALENDAR • Sunday, May 31, 2009
A special MBHS program at the beautiful new home of Scott
and Cindy Melland. Details to follow in next newsletter
If you are not receiving monthly email reminders, or have
corrections/additions to your address, please email or phone me:
Carole Kester, Membership, Volunteer Director & Email Designee
[email protected] or 760-365-4096.
Willie Boy, A Desert Manhunt
1st WEDNESDAY PROGRAM
JUNE
SPRING SHOPPING
AT THE
MBHS GIFT SHOP
MARCH
TOTAL MEMBERSHIP AS OF FEBRUARY 2009: 229
MAY
By Carole Kester, Membership & Volunteer Director • 760-365-4096
APRIL
APRIL
MEMBER NEWS
MBHS SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Page 5
NEW MBHS PROGRAM CALLED:
On-The-Go
WITH THE MBHS ARCHAEOLOGIST COMMITTEE
The Archaeology committee meets the 3rd Saturday of every month at
9:00 am. Meeting locations and times will vary and may go dark in
summer months.
The next meeting is scheduled for March 21st at 10:00 am (note time) for a
visit to Samuelson’s Rocks in JTNP. We will meet at the Visitor’s Center on Park
Blvd. in Joshua Tree to carpool. Visiting this site entails an approximate
1 mile hike on level ground each way. Bring water, hat, sunscreen, camera
etc. You can find information on Samuelson and his site by Googling
“Samuelson’s Rocks.”
Space is limited and reserved for MEMBERS OF THE MBHS ONLY.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Jim Brock - 760-228-1142 • Email: [email protected]
— APRIL’S TOPIC —
HOMESTEADING
IN THE MORONGO BASIN
A “GROWN-UPS” VERSION OF SHOW AND TELL
The MBHS is asking you to bring your stories, pictures
or items you or your family have acquired during the
HOMESTEADING years of the basin.
As part of the new program of documenting history in
the Morongo Basin, each month the MBHS will focus on
a new topic of historical interest. Small groups will gather
to discuss and share their stories and experiences.
Participants are encouraged to bring photos and other
items of interest. You all have a story to tell and we don’t
want to lose those stories. As part of the MBHS mission it
will be our honor to document them for you. Please join
our first gathering...
DATE: SUNDAY APRIL, 26, 2009
TIME: 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
LOCATION: MBHS Museum & Research Center
MODERATOR: Barbara Harris
TOPIC: HOMESTEADING IN THE MORONGO BASIN
FREE TO MEMBERS - NON-MEMBERS $5.00 DONATION
LIGHT REFRESHMENTS
WANTED
MBHS Newsletter Editor
QUALIFICATIONS
Members of the MBHS Archaeological Committee on their first field trip to view petroglyphs,
led by professional Archaeologist and MBHS Curator, Jim Brock (back row in blue).
EMAIL REMINDER SERVICE
If you are not receiving an events update email and would
like to be on the list to be notified of upcoming events
and special information, phone or email:
Carole Kester, 365-4096 or [email protected]
•
•
•
•
Love of history
Basic computer skills
Email/online service
Basic writing skills
CONTACT:
Sallie Brown • 364-4446
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 everything, any size, any problem
364-9092
License #CA296970
Page 6
MEET YOUR NEW
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
New MBHS President LLOYD NOEL
1st Vice President TOM GRANGER
As your new president, I first wish to thank Tom
Granger and Mike Gatherer for agreeing to join the Board
as 1st and 2nd Vice Presidents. Their active support allows
me to report that our organization is healthy, and will
continue to grow and to play an important role in the
Morongo Basin and beyond.
The major strength of any non-profit organization is
its members and member volunteers. We continue to enjoy
and embrace both as we celebrate our 10th Anniversary
this year. We have had major growth in the services we
provide and I believe with the balance of professional and
business experiences and leadership skills of your new
Board, the dedication of the committees led by expert
Chairs and the support of all members we will continue to
learn and grow.
A historical and major milestone of growth occurred
when we inherited our own home to meet the majority of
our needs. It provides us a repository for our vast collection
of local history, a base of business operations, a place for
meetings, public and private events and important
research. Our Board of Directors has been filled with some
of our community’s strongest business minds with proven
dedication to public service activities.
As we move into our future of services and growth in
our community, I’m asking that we adopt an advanced
business process—that is to become a “Learning
Organization”.
A Learning Organization continually asks itself three
questions.
1. What is going on here?
2. What can we learn from it?
3. What do we want to do about it?
This is the endless looped process that all progress
and learning requires. The best performing organizations
in this country all use this concept. In our world of constant
and rapid change this is the only process that will assure
that we have a future. In contrast, do nothing then nothing
happens. As we move forward, your Board of Directors
will be working this process and reporting our adjustments
and gains as they occur.
In closing I would like to thank our past President,
Bob Connors, for his years of leadership and hard work
for our organization and look forward to his continued
service as our first assigned MBHS Ambassador.
Tom Granger is our new 1st Vice President, in charge of Properties. Tom is
not new to the MBHS, having joined in 2000 and previously serving as MBHS
Vice President and Treasurer for several years. Tom also tackled creating our first
website and became the Webmaster.
Tom came to Yucca Valley with his family in 1957 and graduated from 29
Palms High School a few years later. After a stint in college and the U.S. Army,
Tom and his wife, Mary Ann, moved back to Yucca Valley in 1999 after he retired
from the California Highway Patrol in Indio after 31 years of service.
2nd Vice President MIKE GATHERER
We believe that Mike Gatherer brings a strong background in business
management, accounting, budget, financial, and other skills that are essential for
our organization’s growth and future potential of the MBHS.
Retired now after selling his business, Mike lives in Big Bear City where he
hopes to pursue his love of horse and rider training with his wife Diana Lyn. They
are both working as volunteers at the Big Bear Discovery Center.
During Mike’s career he also served as Chairman of the Board for the Southern
California Ready Mixed Concrete Assoc., a past President of the Irwindale Rotary
Club, and has chaired many committees including fundraising.
Locally, Mike is serving his 2nd. Term as President of the Pioneertown Posse as
well as Posse webmaster and can be seen on most Saturdays, April through October,
with his horse Rio performing with the Pioneertown Posse.
Checkout
Our Website
www.mbhs.net
The Morongo Basin Historical Society has a new “New Look”
to their website. Tom Granger first designed the site in 2003 and
maintained it until Rob Harris took it over last year. Rob and Barbara have
worked on revising the site over the past year. “It’s a work in progress,”
Rob said. “We still have areas of the site that need to be refined, but the
important stuff is there.” You can check out the events, download
newsletters, watch photo slide-shows, and visit the store. As a growing
historical society, we’re committed to preserving our history while utilizing
the technology of the 21st Century.
Let us know what’s on your mind - Our New Email Address:
[email protected]
Page 3