LOS MEGANOS. East Contra Costa Historical Society

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Historical Society April 6 th, 2019 Free Fun for the Entire Family ACTIVITIES: Tour the Byer-Nail farmhouse, Homer s Shed, Caboose

Eden Plains one-room schoolhouse Enjoy pictures of our area from yester-year Music on the lawn by the Brentwood Band Family Quilts

Homemade ice cream Hot dog lunch available --$5 Will be cancelled for Rain Spring General Member s Meeting Sunday, March 17, 2019 1:30

1 l LOS MEGANOS EAST CONTRA COSTA HISTORICAL SOCIETY Volume 20 Issue 1 March 2019 Ginny Karlberg- Editor East Contra Costa Historical Society April 6 th, 2019 Free Fun for the Entire Family ACTIVITIES: Tour the Byer-Nail farmhouse, Homer s Shed, Caboose Visit the Resource Center See vintage farm equipment, fire truck, Byron Hot Springs Wagonette, Attend an 1888 lesson in the restored Eden Plains one-room schoolhouse Enjoy pictures of our area from yester-year Music on the lawn by the Brentwood Band Family Quilts &Community Heritage Quilt Show Play games from the 1880 s Crank ice cream Milk the cow Sound the fire siren FOOD Cookies & Lemonade Homemade ice cream Hot dog lunch available --$5 Will be cancelled for Rain Spring General Member s Meeting Sunday, March 17, :30 p.m... Social Hour 2:30 p.m. Dinner Corn Beef and Cabbage 3:00 p.m. Location: San Joaquin Yacht Club 550 Riverview Place Bethel Island $ Please make a reservation by Monday, March 11 th For information, please call Shirley McCall at

HISTORY LESSON The following article was written in the Brentwood News, October 1932. The wording is very different from today s writing style.

Wednesday afternoon as history and anecdotes of early California were recounted to the men and women who gathered there at the end of the historical pilgrimage of the Contra Costa County Federation

2 HISTORY LESSON The following article was written in the Brentwood News, October The wording is very different from today s writing style. The story includes a list of local people and a final sentence that is very interesting. Wednesday afternoon as history and anecdotes of early California were recounted to the men and women who gathered there at the end of the historical pilgrimage of the Contra Costa County Federation of Women s clubs. Starting at Martinez in the morning, the party of more than 100 journeyed through the county under the guidance of Sheriff R. R. Veale, arriving at the Stone House at noon. Through the courtesy of W.H. George of the Cowel Portland Cement company, by whom the property is now owned, the house was thrown open for inspection and coffee was furnished by for those who brought their lunches. Sheriff Introduces Pioneers After lunch, with Sheriff Veal in charge, a short program was given., The Sheriff, who spent his boyhood in what is now known as Diablo Valley, introduced a number of pioneers and told a number of interesting and amusing stories about the men who had lived in the district a generation or more ago. The pictures are located upstairs in child/marsh room. Below is Miss Sarah Catherine Marsh, Among those June 1932 Club Pilgrimage Brings Throng to Old Stone House County Federation Members Hear Story of Dr. Marsh Told at the Landmark Although Dr. John Marsh in his lifetime never occupied the Stone House which is a monument to his memory, his phantom paced the broad veranda introduced by the Sheriff were Miss Sarah Marah, a granddaughter of Dr. Marsh; Mrs. Irene Soberanes, great granddaughter, Mrs. Volney Taylor of Byron, whose husband had been one of the large wheat growers; Mrs. E.J. Dunlap Antioch, president of the county federation in Pittsburg, who made arrangements for the pilgrimage. Marsh History Retold The story of Dr. Marsh s adventurous life, from the time he left New England to go among the Indians in the middle west, his marriage there, the birth of his son Charles Marsh, and his coming to California and his establishment on the Los Meganoes ranch were (there 2

was a problem with the writing of this piece and some lines were not printed ) The program was the singing of old and early songs by Mrs. J.F. Hall, Pittsburg, and Mrs. Wallace M.

During the morning, the pilgrimage stopped at the adobe house of Don Salvio Pacheco at Concord, erected on what was originally the famous 1800-acre Rancho Monte de Diablo, a Spanish land grant to

(another missing line or paragraph, I guess the newspaper Editor s proofreading messed up again lol)) recounted by R. N. Wolfe, a Pittsburg. attorney.

BREAKERS: These men are at the museum Monday and Wednesday mornings and manage to keep very busy.

3 was a problem with the writing of this piece and some lines were not printed ) The program was the singing of old and early songs by Mrs. J.F. Hall, Pittsburg, and Mrs. Wallace M. Mercale, Alameda, and Mrs. S. Bright, Oakland, Mrs. Mercale and Mrs. Bright were in the old Spanish costume of early California. During the morning, the pilgrimage stopped at the adobe house of Don Salvio Pacheco at Concord, erected on what was originally the famous 1800-acre Rancho Monte de Diablo, a Spanish land grant to Pacheco. Numbers of Diablo Valley people who were unable to go on the pilgrimage joined the party at the Stone House at noon and remained for the program. (another missing line or paragraph, I guess the newspaper Editor s proofreading messed up again lol)) recounted by R. N. Wolfe, a Pittsburg. attorney. Bob Byer, Dan Wilkerson, Loren Roberson, and Dennis Nunn supported both Trap restoration and the rain drainage system. BREAKERS: These men are at the museum Monday and Wednesday mornings and manage to keep very busy. The Mercantile Store has been freshly painted a lovely yellow color by our newest Breaker, Ken Erickson. The drainage system in front of the Resource Center has been completed. There had been big puddles of water, but now it is being managed by newly dug trenches and drainage pipe installed by. It is working perfectly as evidenced by last week s storm no puddles! New gravel has been spread on areas in the yard. One of the old-fashioned milk carts which had been donated years ago has been restored and will be placed next to the cow. It had been hoped that Dr. George D. Lyman, author of John Marsh, Pioneer, would be at the Stone House, but he was unable to attend. (The end of the story, I would assume that the article was too long for the space available in the Brentwood Press column, so it just abruptly ends.) Air horn signal codes were painted the inside walls of our caboose and replaced signage which once was there. This signage allows the students to see how, with the use of the train whistle, the engineer and conductor could communicate between the engine and caboose. The 3

school children really enjoy the caboose and find it fun to use the telegraph key which is on the conductors desk. A 2-wheeled buggy, commonly called a trap, is being renovated, Bob.

The Memorial Rose Garden has a new display cabinet made by Tim Karlberg at his home wood shop. It will be installed this Spring. A large sign from the Garin. Co. is on the list for preservation.

John Bushman with Tim Karlberg, restored a donated Hit and Miss Engine making it into a working water-pump.

4 school children really enjoy the caboose and find it fun to use the telegraph key which is on the conductors desk. A 2-wheeled buggy, commonly called a trap, is being renovated, Bob. Chuck, Dan, Ken and Dennis have sanded and painted the rails and body white and the wheels red. It looks fresh and ready to travel the dirt roads of East County. The Memorial Rose Garden has a new display cabinet made by Tim Karlberg at his home wood shop. It will be installed this Spring. A large sign from the Garin. Co. is on the list for preservation. In addition a two sided sign with broken non tubes has been acquired from the Brentwood Variety Store, and it awaits restoration and a decision as to where it will be displayed. John Bushman with Tim Karlberg, restored a donated Hit and Miss Engine making it into a working water-pump. On display in the pole barn is an antique hit or miss engine and water pump recently restored by John Bushman and Tim Karlberg. It will be used to show visitors an interesting facet of farm life from 100 years ago, which is very different from the way we live today. Thank you to Hoffmeyer Company of San Leandro for custom making a heavy-duty drive belt for the 1912 John Deer and donating it to the museum. Another unanticipated project is the need for repairs on the museum driveway where a drain collapse has resulted in broken pavement. The Breakers are always looking for new members. If any who read this love to tinker and repair things along with the opportunity to become part of a warm and friendly group of congenial men who also love to take breaks and eat chocolate chip cookies stop by any Monday and Wednesday morning and join in the fun! OUR RESOURCE CENTER Kathy Leighton, Doreen Forlow,and Rose Anne Yanes discuss the files and newspaper and old black and white photos of local families of East County. Each picture leads to the Who, the What and the Where. Kathy Leighton reports that the Monday night crew of museum volunteers and researchers is increasing both in size and enthusiasm. The computers have been repaired and are serving their purpose. We will, however, need to purchase software for a back-up system. Our computer technician is serving us well. Spencer Pernik has found a Past Perfect training class for approximately $75 per person and the Board has voted to allocate $300 for four members to attend the class. A problem has been identified that some people using reference books are not replacing them in their proper places when they leave. Signs have been posted asking users to return books to their appropriate bookshelf. Our Resource Center is abuzz Monday s night and Wednesday afternoons. The working staff includes Doreen Forlow, Que Sala, Rose Anne Yanes, Maggie Northcut, Sharon Ellingson, Steve Verouzeo, Ginny Karlberg and Spencer. Kathy has given each member a job. But if anyone has time and wants to have fun, join us. Our Resource Center is abuzz Monday s nights and Wednesday afternoons. The working staff includes Doreen Forlow, Que Sala, Rose Anne Yanes, Maggie Northcut, Sharon Ellingson, Steve Verouzeo, Ginny Karlberg and Spencer Pirnik. Kathy has given each member a job. But if anyone has time and wants to have fun, join us. 4

Pumping water from the ground is so amazing to the children. This is just one of the tasks that all students want to do. Thank you to those who put this pump on the property. Picture is following.

period. 1,500 students plus 300 parents participate in the Local History Days at the ECCHS Museum annually. Many report that it is the best field trip ever!

If you would like to join the team of docents for the 3rd grade classroom visits, contact: Mary Black jdmcblack@comcast.

SCHOOL CHILDREN RETURN Local History Days are Coming! Soon the grounds of our museum will be alive with activity when third grade students begin their annual visits.

5 Pumping water from the ground is so amazing to the children. This is just one of the tasks that all students want to do. Thank you to those who put this pump on the property. Picture is following. In the afternoon that history is brought to life through hands-on activities when the students step back into the late 1800 s to experience a day in school, play games, and do chores of the time period. 1,500 students plus 300 parents participate in the Local History Days at the ECCHS Museum annually. Many report that it is the best field trip ever! 3rd grade classroom visits are scheduled for Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays during April and Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays during May. If you would like to join the team of docents for the 3rd grade classroom visits, contact: Mary Black jdmcblack@comcast.net or All docents attend an initial training session to gain background information about local history and the displays in the museum areas. SCHOOL CHILDREN RETURN Local History Days are Coming! Soon the grounds of our museum will be alive with activity when third grade students begin their annual visits. The East Contra Costa Historical Society works hand-in-hand with the Brentwood, Byron, Knightsen, and Oakley School Districts to enhance study of local history for all third-grade students. Mary Black loves making butter with the children. Children tour the restored Byer-Nail, toolshed, and grounds including the restored fire engine, caboose, and the Eden Plains Schoolhouse to learn about the rich history of their community of East Contra Costa County. 5

The school children love hearing about the trip across the country to California.

The original school had been modified and an addition attached.

From 2002 until 2013 it stood in deplorable condition until the two-year restoration began in 2013.

NEW MEMBERS: ECCHS extends a warm welcome to the following new members: James & Dorothy Clark, East Contra Costa Fire Protection District, Orlando & Megan Martinez, Dennis & Bonnie

6 The school children love hearing about the trip across the country to California. WHO WERE THE PEOPLE WHO HELPED BUILD OUR HISTORICAL SOICITY AND MUSEUM The following pictures show individuals who worked together to make our schoolhouse come alive. The original school had been modified and an addition attached. In order to move it t the museum grounds the addition had to be removed and the one room school brought to its present location on a cold foggy January morning. From 2002 until 2013 it stood in deplorable condition until the two-year restoration began in The last man pictured, Clyde Hawkins, was one of our active members before his passing years ago; he was a very gentle and kind man. NEW MEMBERS: ECCHS extends a warm welcome to the following new members: James & Dorothy Clark, East Contra Costa Fire Protection District, Orlando & Megan Martinez, Dennis & Bonnie McGuire, Spencer Pirnik, Robert Stuart Welcome aboard! We hope you will be active participants in our upcoming events and activities. THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING for MEMORIAL DONATIONS/GIFTS: DONORS: FOR: FROM: Melvin Abreu Kathy Hampton Lorraine Augusta Kathy Hampton Marjorie Crandell Kathy Hampton Joyce Enos Steve & Sherri Ayers Wanda Groseclose Kathy Hampton Beverly Krey Kathy Hampton Jane Ann Laird Kathy Hampton Wanda Long Billie Casey JoDee Martin Kathy Hampton Bill McCall Steve & Sherri Ayers Patrick Ricketts Joanne Byer Anne Wangeman Linda Taylor Gene Stonebarger Joanne Byer, Enrico Cinquini, Linda Taylor 6

SUPER BOWL COOKOFF Patrick reported that the Super Bowl Cookoff was quite a success he is not sure yet how much money will be forthcoming.

HISTORY TRIVIA: MEMORIAL BRICKS: Gene Stonebarger Doreen Forlow IN HONOR OF: Anna Lamothe Joanne Byer Ricci & Bob Silva Joanne Bye Thank you to the following new brick purchasers.

The bricks can honor family members, organizations, pets or others. A donation of $100 is requested for each brick. Contact Jody Merriam at 925-240-0288 (jody70shasa@gmail.

She reported on an interview she did some years ago with Jim DeFremery who related his history in the Brentwood area including when he & his wife (Eileen) were on their honeymoon at Lake Tahoe & were

7 SUPER BOWL COOKOFF Patrick reported that the Super Bowl Cookoff was quite a success he is not sure yet how much money will be forthcoming. He thanked Tim & Ginny Karlberg, Ken & Mary Lou Klovee, Kathy Leighton., Chantelle L. & her friend Justine, Jody, Maggie N., Shirley, Ron Enos & his son Michael for manning the event. HISTORY TRIVIA: MEMORIAL BRICKS: Gene Stonebarger Doreen Forlow IN HONOR OF: Anna Lamothe Joanne Byer Ricci & Bob Silva Joanne Bye Thank you to the following new brick purchasers. Your families will love seeing their names when they come to the museum. The sidewalk borders of the new Resource Center are being lined with engraved bricks. The bricks can honor family members, organizations, pets or others. A donation of $100 is requested for each brick. Contact Jody Merriam at (jody70shasa@gmail.com) for further information. Kathy informed the Board that the Resource Center volunteers are in the process of interviewing local pioneers for their memories of East County. She reported on an interview she did some years ago with Jim DeFremery who related his history in the Brentwood area including when he & his wife (Eileen) were on their honeymoon at Lake Tahoe & were invited by Hollywood stars Jimmy Stewart, Jeanette McDonald & Nelson Eddy to assist in the making of a movie. He also told her of his life on Lone Tree Way. EASY WAYS TO HELP ECCHS RAISE REVENUE MEMBERSHIP DUES FOR 2019 Your annual membership dues are greatly appreciated since they are what keeps the Museum and its grounds operating. There are many new ideas which we are working on to make ECCHS a more interactive museum. We would greatly appreciate your renewal. As of this last meeting 122 of 217 members have renewed their membership. To renew your Annual dues please submit in person or mail in $25 for individuals, $30 for families, $50 for businesses, $400 for individual lifetime membership & $600 for family lifetime membership. 1. Amazon Smile Participation: If you shop on Amazon.com, the SmileAmazon program will donate 0.5% of your purchases on eligible products to ECCHS. To sign up, log on to smile.amazon.com. You will be prompted to select a charitable organization before you begin to shop. Enter East Contra Costa Historical Society the first time and your selection will be remembered for future visits. If you are already enrolled in SmileAmazon with another charity, it is easy to change the recipient to ECCHS by signing into smile.amazon.com and select Your Account at the top of the page, then select Change your Charity. From your mobile browser, select Change Your Charity from the options at the bottom of the page. 7

Another easy way to raise revenue for Museum maintenance! 2.

8 When you are shopping on smile.amazon.com, you will see eligible products marked Eligible for SmileAmazon donation on the product detail page. You do not need to enroll in Amazon Prime to participate in this program. Each quarter the program will forward the amount earned to ECCHS s bank account. Another easy way to raise revenue for Museum maintenance! 2. If you are a shopper at Brentwood Ace Hardware, tell the clerk at checkout that you would like credit to go to the Historical Society & Museum and they will give us a percentage of your purchase you d be surprised how helpful this income is toward operational expenses Opening Day Saturday April 6 Unless it rains!!!! UPCOMING CALENDAR General Members Meeting Sunday, March 17, 2019 Board of Directors Breaker Projects Clean-up day 1st Wednesday of the month in the Resource Center at 10:00 a.m. All members are welcome to attend. Every Monday & Wednesday from 10:00 to noon (weather permitting) Saturday, March 30th. Museum open Every Saturday 2:00-4:00 p.m. & the 3 rd Sunday of each month from April to October. Resource Center Monday nights 7:00-9:00 pm Wednesdays 1:00-4:00 pm School Tours April 8th 8

TIMELINES A NEWSLETTER OF THE CARLSBAD HISTORICAL SOCIETY FIRST QUARTER, 2005

TIMELINES A NEWSLETTER OF THE CARLSBAD HISTORICAL SOCIETY CHS Board of Directors President: Susan Gutierrez 1st Vice President: Hubert Smith 2nd Vice President: Phyllis Demy Secretary: Lenore Bouras Treasurer: