230 W. Ridgecrest Blvd. ● P.O. Box 2001, Ridgecrest, CA 93556 ● 760-375-8456 Vol. 34, No. 7 September 2019 To see our schedule of events, visit us at hsumd.org or on Facebook at HSUMD

Welcome back to a new year of programs at the Historical Society. We will start off in September with Gail Swain, a neighbor from up north in Bishop, who will do a series of readings in the persona of Mary Hunter Austin. The September meeting will take place on Tuesday, September 17th, at 7:00 PM at the Historic USO Building at 230 W. Ridgecrest Blvd.

Mary Hunter was born in Illinois in 1868 and moved with her family to California in 1888, homesteading in the San Joaquin Valley. In 1891, she married Stafford Wallace Austin, and they moved to Lone Pine, where Mary Austin developed a great appreciation for the desert and the people who lived there, especially the Native Americans. Her love of the desert eventually resulted in The Land of Little Rain, her classic 1903 study of the Owens Valley and its inhabitants. More books dealing with similar themes followed, while the Austins got involved with fighting the Owens Valley Water Wars. After they lost and Los Angeles won, the couple split up and moved, Stafford to build Trona and Mary to the arts colony in Carmel, where she continued and expanded her literary career. A later move to Santa Fe, New Mexico, gave her the opportunity to collaborate with Ansel Adams on their book Taos Pueblo. Her later works included an autobiography written in the third person, where she referred to herself as I-Mary, which gave her the perspective to see herself from the outside.

At our meeting, Gail Swain will be portraying three different Mary’s, the original, I-Mary, and the spirit of Mary. Gail grew up in South Dakota and attended the University of South Dakota, where she completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre. Gail taught high school English and Drama in the Midwest, until she became a corporate trainer in Los Angeles and later Minneapolis. Since moving to Bishop in 2006, she has become a Master Gardener, a member of Altrusa International of Eastern Sierra, the Writer Actors Guild, Bishop Mural Society, Playhouse 395, the Edison Theatre and Sierra Classic Theatre in Mammoth. Gail has acted in four productions of the Mammoth Lakes Repertory Theatre, coordinated costumes for three of Bishop’s Playhouse 395’s productions, as well as acted in two of Mammoth’s Sierra Classic Theatre productions, including the most recent, Tennessee William’s “Summer and Smoke.”

The Society meets on the third Tuesday of most months. Meetings are free and all are welcome to attend. For more information on this or future meetings, call the HSUMD at 760-375-8456.

Vol. 34, No. 7 September 2019

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE-

Did anything out of the ordinary happen since our last newsletter? Oh, yes, WE HAD TWO MAJOR EARTHQUAKES!

The Historical Society and its historic buildings were lucky. We were in the midst of our ever- popular Open Mic Night when the larger earthquake (magnitude 7.1) hit – and while two of our “regular” musicians were playing and singing Jerry Lee Lewis’ “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin” On!” I’m serious! We immediately and safely evacuated the Historic USO Building, secured it, and all went to our homes to take care of possible damage there. An engineer from the Kern County Building Inspection Department came the next day to inspect the Historic USO Building, and no structural damage was found; we were given a Green Notice of safety for the building.

While we are very relieved that our Historic USO Building survived such a natural but large “surprise,” we also want to be prudent as we look forward. So we hope to engage engineering help in making a detailed inspection of our auditorium’s trusses and take measures that may strengthen them and make our building’s future safer. We are now looking for that help and our ability to pay for possible actions, so if any of you can help us, that would be very much appreciated!

Meanwhile, our efforts to organize, protect and exhibit our community’s history go on, as do our community events that entertain, educate, and involve the community. Liz Babcock, who has been our newsletter editor for the past eleven years decided to “retire” from the post this summer. We give a huge THANKS to Liz for her years of dedication to the newsletter and HSUMD. We cannot find adequate ways to let Liz know how much we appreciate her years of such service to our organization and to our community. Liz, we respect you, we honor you, we love you. So, this issue is our first newsletter prepared by our new newsletter editor. Our newsletter is a critical way for us to reach out to our Society members and to the visiting community. You can contact the newsletter team at [email protected] with articles, information, comments, and requests- such as email delivery of the newsletter. Be sure to add the newsletter email to your address list so your computer won’t mark it as spam! - Tex Hoppus

The Shaky History of the Earth in the Upper Mojave Desert The July 2019 Ridgecrest earthquakes were certainly major events to residents- and now are historical events. But it wasn’t the first time the Upper Mojave Desert has been rocked by a major tectonic upheaval.

On Tuesday March 6th 1872, at 2:30 in the morning, Lone Pine was shaken by a major earthquake of magnitude estimated between 7.4-7.9. This is a similar magnitude as the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and places it as one of the largest earthquakes to hit California in the historical record. Twenty-seven people were killed and fifty-six were injured. The common grave of the earthquake's victims is now registered as California Historical Landmark #507. Most buildings in Inyo County were damaged and here in the Indian Wells Valley adobe buildings were cracked and damaged.

The Lone Pine earthquake occurred along the Lone Pine and Owens Valley Faults and created new surface ruptures. Fault scarps, which are vertical displacements in the ground caused by earthquakes, were created from north of Big Pine and south to the Haiwee Reservoir area and show the violent vertical movement of up to 20 feet. There was also lateral movement of up to 40 feet displacement. The Lone Pine earthquake created a small graben, or depression between parallel faults, that filled in with water to create Diaz Lake. So, historically, the July quakes were not the first major earthquakes in this geologically active area, and probably won’t be the last. The key for local residents is to prepare effectively for these future historical events!

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While most of the collections and archives made it through the recent earthquakes unscathed, we did have a collapse of bookcases upstairs holding reference books. One bookcase fell on the upstairs conference table and broke one leg. The table is being repaired and the bookcases will be secured to the walls, but repairs will require a few hundred dollars. Our dedicated volunteers have worked to clean up and get the books safely stored while the bookshelves are being repaired. We were really very lucky- no one was working upstairs at during the quakes and very little (some picture glass and the aforementioned furniture) were damaged. If you have any pictures related to the earthquake you could provide for our archives, that would be appreciated- as this was an historic event! Please include the location and who took the picture, thanks!

Earlier this year I mentioned all the hats we have received this past year and the plan I had to display them. This month seems like a good time to get this going. I would like to start this effort on Tuesday Sept 10th. We need to sort through and make our choices. I will be at the main building by 8:30 and working until about 11:30. Give me a call if you have any questions. I am including the photos of the hatboxes just so you get the idea of why I need more hands!

This is not just a ladies request- those exhibit shelves could use the male touch especially since I have to get on a stool to reach the upper shelves. I am only good for about 15 up and downs before I lose interest.

Call me with your questions (760) 793- 2505.

I will also need volunteers to help reorganize our shelves that hold the prepared exhibits and our many collected items. Examples: past “Vote for Me” buttons, old bottles and medicine cans, old kitchen utensils and so much more. We need these items stored in boxes and labeled rather than on open shelves collecting dust and falling in the next earthquake. Once you get started and know the plan it would be fine for you to work on your own schedule. The building is open Tuesday through Sat. 11a.m. to 3 p.m. and the Gift Shop folks can let you in to the upstairs area.

Come and enjoy the activities and share the history at the HSUMD!

- Carol Porter

3 Vol. 34, No. 7 September 2019 Movies to Cool the Late Summer Brow! The long, hot, and in our case, rockin’ summer is slowly beginning to wind down to an end, and we can look forward, eventually, to some cooler temps and those wonderful end-of-year holiday events at our beloved Historic USO Building. With the end of “Summer of Movie Magic” our film schedule has returned to its regular flex Wednesdays.

Classic Movie Night’s next series, following our very successful 7th Annual “Summer of Movie Magic,” will feature one of the most beloved actors in the Hollywood firmament. “We (Heart) Cary Grant” says it all! Well, who the heck doesn’t? The second of our seven all-star film tributes to this true cinema icon shows on Wednesday, September 4 at 7 p.m. at the Historic USO Building. This 9/4 screening, directed by famed George Cukor, co-stars Grant with two other film legends, Katharine Hepburn and James Stewart, with Jimmy taking home an Academy Award® for Best Actor of 1940 for his comedic/dramatic efforts in this smash hit MGM adaptation of James Barrie’s successful Broadway show. The story, both hilarious and touching, is about a socialite whose wedding plans are complicated by the simultaneous arrival of her ex-husband and a tabloid magazine journalist and photographer. The film was Hepburn's first big hit following several flops, which had led to her being included on a 1938 list that a Manhattan movie theater owner compiled of actors considered to be "box office poison.” Hepburn acquired the film rights to the play, in which she had also starred, in order to control it as a vehicle for her screen comeback. MGM purchased the film rights, but were skeptical about Hepburn's box office appeal, so Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's Louis B. Mayer took an unusual precaution of casting two A-list male stars (Grant and Stewart) to support Hepburn. In addition to Stewart’s Oscar® win, the smash hit film also won for Best Adapted Screenplay.

Come on back for more Cary Grant hilarity on Wednesday, September 18 at 7 p.m. This time, his co-stars are the fabulous Myrna Loy and the teen-aged Shirley Temple as a high school girl who falls for a playboy artist, (Grant) with screwball results. Loy is Temple’s big sister and …a judge who has presided over a misconduct hearing involving Grant and several dubious characters at a local nightclub. Part of his sentence is to try to discourage Temple’s infatuation with his playboy image. Non-stop hilarity, thanks to an Academy Award® winning Original Screenplay by the gifted Sydney Sheldon make this smash hit a real winner for lovers of film comedy. Four more Grant classics follow right up to November.

Now, I would like to take this opportunity to give a special shout out to our 18 awesome local retailers and organizations who generously support our beloved film series, throughout the year: Baxendale’s, Cathy Kline’s Floral Accents, Center Pharmacy--a Service of Ridgecrest Regional Hospital, Cordell Construction Co., Cosner-Neipp Computing, Dana Lyons- Best Realty, Kathy Walker's Window Tinting, The Maturango Museum, The Museum of Western Film History-Lone Pine, Red Rock Books, Ridgecrest Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Ridgecrest Cinemas, Ridge Writers, Roaming Dog Kitchen, Romancing the West, Tender Cuts Meats, S & M Coins and Collectibles, and Warren’s Automotive. These community-minded movie lovers keep us "in business," as it were, with their vital contributions to the renewal of our yearly exhibition license. We couldn't do what we do without these folks!

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O.K., let's face it, good neighbors, it's STILL just too darn hot to cook, so come on down early, at 6:30 p.m. to enjoy the incredible culinary treats available at our thrifty "Super Star" Snack Bar. As always, admission is FREE, but those wonderful donations make us feel warm as summer! For film titles, call 760-375-8456 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., or stop by for a current schedule. "See YOU at the Movies...all year long!" - Nick Rogers

HSUMD introduces a new show- “Concerts on Film”. These films capture concerts by artists who are unlikely to make an appearance in Ridgecrest, and some of whom are no longer playing. There will also be music oriented theatrical films in which the main focus is music. We’ve had the first few and they have been a lot of fun. Refreshments will be available, including beer and wine. Doors open at 6:30 pm and the show starts at 7:00 pm. Admission is free- donations are always gratefully accepted.

Friday, 9/6- This British superstar and his band play an outdoor concert in Moscow to an enormous and appreciative crowd- covering Beatles, solo, and Wings songs. This movie also includes some background documentary- including Sir Paul discussing the impact of Beatles music with Vladimir Putin and Mikhail Gorbachev.

Friday, 9/20- A mockumentary of “one of England’s loudest bands.” A classic that “goes to 11!” Bring your earplugs- and sense of humor for this fictional “documentary” that sends up the rock and roll lifestyle. Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer, Tony Hendra, Rob Reiner, and Fran Drescher star.

Many more “Concerts on Film” shows are planned. Come join the fun and enjoy the music history at the Historic USO Building!

The Benefits of Membership When you join the Historical Society of the Upper Mojave Desert you are part of a larger community who share an interest in history, especially local history, and demonstrate your support and commitment to preserving local history and historic buildings. The HSUMD has Field Trips, Historical Presentations, Historical Preservation, presentations for the Sand Canyon Educational Program (SEEP), as well as Open Mic Night and Classic Movies. Plus- members enjoy this monthly newsletter and a 10% discount in the Gift Shop! If you haven’t renewed your membership for 2019 yet, you can do so by calling the HSUMD at 760-375-8456, at the HSUMD Gift Shop, or by mail using the form included in this newsletter. If you are a current member, your membership expiration date is on the mailing label of this newsletter. If you’re new to HSUMD and would like to join, you can also submit your membership application by mail or at the Gift Shop. Family Membership is only $35/year and Business Memberships are $45/year. New memberships paid now continue through all of 2020! Join up and come participate- volunteers are welcomed and needed for historical archives and research, building projects, Gift Shop, and events and programs. Come and enjoy the activities and share the history at the HSUMD!

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A new book on local aviation history has arrived at the HSUMD Gift Shop and Book Store. “Pioneering Aviation in Kern County (1910-1945)” by Barbara Schultz is now available in the store. Barbara is also the author of a wonderful book about Pancho Barnes (“Pancho: The biography of Florence Lowe Barnes”), and she also wrote a book about how Amelia Earhart financed, in part, her flying exploits by endorsing products such as luggage. Barbara has given engaging lectures at HSUMD General Meetings about her research and books, and her books often sell out quickly. Other books that may be of interest this September are “Finding Fault in California”, as well as the popular HSUMD publications including “The Historic USO” and “Tales of the Upper Mojave Desert and the Eastern Sierras.” Of course, there are delicious See’s candies available that make wonderful gifts and ease the crushing angst of returning to school. New clothes and hats are also in stock for fall. Members get a 10% discount at the Gift Shop & Book Store (except for See’s Candies.) Come by and see what’s new!

Early residents in the 1940s often got together to entertain each other with their musical talents. The Open Mic Night at the Historic USO Building continues that tradition of the community coming together to have fun sharing their music and friendship. The musicians that perform at Open Mic Night are truly wonderful and inspiring, and cover a wide range of styles. Acoustic music and original compositions are a focus of the HSUMD Open Mic Night, as well as plenty of those familiar favorites.

After a long, tough work week, it’s great to head over to the Historic USO Building with friends, grab a chair, a cold drink, and a snack and enjoy the music in the Joe Fox Auditorium. Even better is to share your musical talents with supportive and appreciative audience. Sets of 3 songs per performer are the usual and line up is in the order of signup.

Soda, hot dogs, popcorn, and candy are on the menu, and beer and wine are available - if you’re old enough! Open Mic Nights are on the non-flex Fridays. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7:00 p.m. Play is until 10 p.m., or until we’ve run through the signup list. Admission is only $2.00 and kids under 12 are free. Come enjoy the music!

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Member Categories Welcome New Members! HSUMD has three membership categories- all very important to us. Our regular memberships are $35 per individual or family. Our business Kay Blachly memberships are $45 each. We also have a special category: Life Member, Shirley Fisher which is an honor the HSUMD Board bestows only on members who have supported the HSUMD in sustained and special ways. Our Life Members’ The McCourt Family names are shown on our website: www.hsumd.org!

Ale’s Steakhouse and Bar The Flower Shoppe Rand Desert Museum Allen County Public Library, High Desert Genealogical Society Ridgecrest Area Convention & Genealogy Department Visitors Bureau Anna Marie Bergens, Realtor Rodeway Inn Red Rock Books Best Western China Lake Inn Phyllis M. Hix, Attorney Ridgecrest Automotive, LLC Bob & Ardyce’s Bicycle Shop Inyokern Chamber of Commerce Ridgecrest Chamber of Commerce China Lake Photographic Society IWV Premier Landscaping Ridgecrest Moving and Storage Clarion Inn Jack & Dana Lyons, Realtors Ridgecrest Regional Hospital Comfort Inn Kern Antelope Historical Society Roaming Dog Kitchen Community Light Opera & Theatre Maturango Museum S&M Coins & Collectibles Assoc. Cordell Construction Co. MOAH Searles Valley Historical Society Desert Empire Fair Mohave Historical Society Shoshone Museum Association Diana Said, Vaughn Realty Mojave River Valley Museum Starbucks Earth Landscaping Motion Tire & Wheel Gary P. Staab & Associates, Inc. Eastern California Museum Needles Regional Museum Tehachapi Historical League Econo-Lodge The News Review Vaughn Realty Edward Jones Investments- Pleistocene Foundation Warren’s Automotive Brook H. Andreoli Wrightwood Historical Society 7

Tex Hoppus, President Newsletter Editor 760-382-1852, [email protected] [email protected] Doug Lueck, Vice-President Joe DePina, Gift Shop Manager 760-375-8202, [email protected] [email protected] Richard Hendricks, Secretary-Treasurer Marti Hoppus, Bookkeeper [email protected] 760-382-1852, [email protected] Andrew Sound, Programs Jim Kenney, Historian 760-608-7296, [email protected] 760-371-2458, [email protected] John Abbott, Building Mgr., Bldg. Rental Craig Porter, SEEP Coordinator 619-808-2223, [email protected] 760-446-3400, [email protected] Chuck Cordell, Building Alan Bailey, Field Trips Coordinator [email protected] 760-977-6806, [email protected] Carol Porter, Accessions and Exhibits Donna McCrohan Rosenthal, PR Coordinator 760-446-3400, [email protected] 760-375-4308, [email protected] Nick Rogers, Publicity, Movie Night IMPORTANT REMINDERS 760-375-8456, [email protected] Annual Dues are $35 (family) and $45 (business). Matthew Zubia, Fundraising Please remember HSUMD in your wills, trusts, and other gift giving. 760-793-8152, [email protected]  HSUMD is a 501 (c3)(3) nonprofit organization.