Upper Mojave Desert 230 W. Ridgecrest Blvd. • P. O. Box 2001, Ridgecrest, CA 93556 • 760-375-8456
Vol. 31, No. 9 November 2016 To see our schedule of events, visit us at hsumd.org or on Facebook at hsumd Creators of New Book To Speak at Nov. Meeting book so new that it isn’t even com- pletely written yet will be the topic A of our November meeting, 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 15, at the Historic USO Build- ing, 230 W. Ridgecrest Blvd. Liz Babcock, the book’s editor and designer as well as the author of a portion of the book, will give the presentation, with added remarks by Richard Nuckles, the cartoonist who drew numerous cartoons for the project. The book, Tales from the Owl Saloon, is based on a manuscript donated to our archive many years ago by Dr. Rob Jones, who was good friends with Lodge Cunningham, the author. “The tales are boisterous, often profane, but invariably fascinating,” said Liz. “I realized that the only way to do justice to the character of these yarns would be to have them illustrat- See p. 4
Above left is the cover of HSUMD’s newest book, which is scheduled to come out in December — just in time for holiday giving. The book contains fascinating tales of Red Mountain and the surrounding area, as told by Lodge Cunningham (far left). The editor of the tales and author of a more factual part of the book is Liz Babcock (just to the right of Cunningham), while Richard Nu- ckles (immediate left) is the cartoon- ist illustrating the tales. Vol. 31, No. 9 November 2016 President’s Message — Our Gift Shop We Appreciate Our Veterans — the Source ovember in the United States has many special days for Sweet (my wife’s birthday, my daughter’s birthday, etc.), Holiday Treats but of note are Thanksgiving Day and Veterans Day. Thanksgiving Day, of course, is a day set aside for us to thank God for all of the blessings that we enjoy. Veterans he holidays are com- NDay is a day set aside for us to honor military veterans who ing! Please remember to have served or are serving our country. shop with us for local gifts and TSee’s candy. I’d like to recognize those two objectives together by collectively giving thanks to all veterans and their If you want to buy a large families. I’d like also to note the ways that HSUMD quantity of See’s for your family shows our appreciation and support to veterans: or business needs, please call the (1) We created a Veterans Memorial Building that Tex Hoppus gift shop with your order at least is a unique and dedicated display of the past and present service and sacrifices two weeks before you need it so by our local veterans. Instead of being a general military museum, the VMB is we can be sure to accommodate focused on displaying the photos and stories of service that are shared by our you. veterans or their families. Come by and visit. (2) HSUMD hosts a monthly free breakfast for veterans and their spouses. And while you’re thinking about suit- Veterans are invited to join others on the third Thursday of each month, from 8 able holiday gifts, how about order- ing a brick for that special Historic a.m. to 10 a.m., at the Historic USO Building, located at 230 W. Ridgecrest Blvd. USO Building supporter? Lots of HSUMD hosts the monthly free breakfast for our venerated veterans, but spots remain where new bricks the society has lots of help from others who also honor our veterans. Chuck and would look Ronda Griffin and their family donate time and talent and love to preparing, good! You can call cooking and leading volunteers in serving the breakfast. American Legion Post or email No. 684 and its Legion Riders and Honor Flight Kern County with Gary and Andrew Karen Zuber always help. Mather Brothers, Inc., and its dairy operation donate Sound, drinks, ice, and other items. Rod Stiefvater and Mojave Pistachios pitch in and for more donate. We give thanks for all of our great volunteers. info. (3) HSUMD hosts a regular gathering of a Combat Stress Support Group. Every other Wednesday evening, starting at 6 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Building, 230 W. Ridgecrest Blvd., the Combat Stress Support Group meets under the leadership of Dr. Jiselle Esparza. If you or a loved one think that they could benefit from coming to a meeting of this Support Group, please call John Abbott at 619-808-2223. (4) HSUMD hosts a wide variety of activities and events that veterans and HSUMD’S Open Mic Night is their families can enjoy. The Society’s Historic USO Building opened in Oc- the place to be for great music tober 1945 as a USO Club and immediately became the center of activity for and ambiance every non-flex Ridgecrest, the nearby Navy base, and the surrounding area. HSUMD has not Friday. Admission is a mere $2 only restored the venerable building to its former glory, but it has restored the per adult. Children younger than building’s stature as a center of community activity! 12 are free. Beers and wines are available along with the usual Please join us in giving thanks for all of our blessings – especially for our candies, sodas, popcorn, and veterans. Jumbo Crumville hot dogs. The entertainment starts a 7 sharp. — Tex Hoppus 2 Vol. 31, No. 9 November 2016
All photos by Michelle Ladies’ Tea and Crazy Hats Andreoli
Our Ladies’ Tea was a great success. All involved seemed to be enjoying the activities, music and luncheon. The “Caliches” once again did a fine job of designing songs for the event. They sing those familiar songs with words to fit the occasion. We had lots of compliments on the food and the hand- some servers. A huge thanks to our cooks and preparation ladies and See p. 7
Judges Craig Porter and Brook Andreoli selected four winning hats (clockwise from left): Vicki Siegel (Patriotic Hat), Bonnie Irvine (Big- gest Hat), Rachal Ryan (Scary Hat), and Rachel Longstaff (Original Hat). Congratulations, ladies!
How do you like Don Snyder’s monkey hat?
Here’s an overview of the col- orful, well- attended event..
3 Vol. 31, No. 9 November 2016 New Book From p. 1 ed by a cartoonist. Richard then took up the challenge, ultimately provid- ing the 47 cartoons included in the first part of the book. “The yarns may stretch the truth a bit, and that’s why I thought they should be illustrated by cartoons rather than photos,” Liz explained. “But both the tales and the car- toons do a great job of presenting a highly atmospheric picture of what the Rand Mining District must have been like during the years Lodge Cunningham was hanging out at the Owl Cafe,” she added. “I hope readers will fall in love with the tales, just as I did.” Before Cunningham spent the last In one of the illustrations from the book, “Little Billy” Molihan, nephew of Owl 33 years of his life in Red Mountain proprietor Slim Riffle, challenges a gang of toughs to a shooting match with and Johannesburg, he had an influ- Billy’s hero, Doc Drummond (yes, the founder of our hospital and one of the ential career as a Hollywood sound book’s main characters). Cartoon by Richard Nuckles man, working on more than 100 productions, including “Hell’s An- framework for the Cunningham members asking himself, “What is gels,” “From Here to Eternity,” and tales, has lived the Indian Wells Val- this place?” as he rode through Red “A Song To Remember” (for which ley since 1960. After a 24-year career Mountain. he was nominated for an Academy in the technical communication He stayed in China Lake as an Award), as well as numerous episodes field at China Lake, she retired in engineer, retiring in 1995. After of “Green Acres” and “The Beverly 1996. Since then she has worked the retirement from the base, he took Hillbillies.” Ridgecrest Chamber of Commerce, cartooning classes at Cerro Coso It was location shooting for the Maturango Museum (as history Community College because of a “Hell’s Angels” that introduced curator), and the News Review. lifelong interest in cartooning. Lodge to the Rand Mining District, She is the author of The His- Richard said Lodge Cunning- and he visited it many times before toric USO. 70 Years at the Heart of ham’s book offered him a wonderful he and his wife, Alida, moved there. Ridgecrest and Magnificent Mavericks, opportunity to answer the question, So fond were they of the Owl that Vol. 3 of the history of the Navy at “What is Red Mountain?” China Lake; co-author of Indian they purchased it, then welcomed The Society meets on the third Wells Valley Stage and Freight Stops; tourists to their unique café in which Tuesday of most months. Meetings and editor and designer of numerous they served delicious Indonesian are free, and all are welcome to at- other books on local history. food and showed clips from Lodge’s tend. Hollywood home movies, as well as Richard Nuckles came to China For more information on this or travelogs about Indonesia. Lake on a motorcycle in June 1959 future meetings, call 760-375-8456. Liz Babcock, who has built the to visit a friend. He distinctly re-
4 Vol. 31, No. 9 November 2016 Movies Coming Up You Really Can Go Home Again! It’s hard to believe that the holiday season is once again upon us. And, fellow HSUMDers, we are down to the last Classic Movie Night series of the year. I always try to end the year with a family- friendly film festival, and this year is going to be special, indeed! “There’s No Place Like Home” beams on the Historic USO Building’s big screen on Wednesday, Nov. 16, with the true modern- day classic tale of two families blending together, via a second marriage, to form a fantastic family of 18 kids! Lucille Ball and Henry Fonda do their level best to keep peace in a strange and hilarious situation that will have you scratching your head and asking, “Did they really do that?” The gang’s all here for Henry Fonda Then, and on Wednesday,Lucille Ball! Nov. 30, it’s off to Indiana for a nostalgic turn-of-the- century musical comedy based on the “Penrod” series by Booth Tarkington, a Hoosier.The film’s about a precocious little boy who makes life very amusing for his sister and parents. The original tale’s focus was altered just a bit in this 1951 outing to highlight Doris Day’s emerging stardom, but the little brother is very much the center of the fun. In December I will present a little-seen 1941 holiday film that once again has its characters going back home to Indiana. Barbara Stanwyck is a petty jewel thief nabbed on Christmas Eve and thrown into jail to await ar- raignment after the holidays. Prosecutor Fred MacMurray takes pity on her and offers to take fellow Hoosier Stanwyck to his farm in rural Indiana for the holidays. The high jinx during their journey and the wonderful warmth shown to Stanwyck by MacMurray’s Doris Day family will simply capture your heart at that special time of year. Now we have a small catch on the date for the presentation of this film. The original screening date was to have been Wednesday, Dec. 14. However,some of our good friends at China Lake need that date for a Christmas party. So, the film will screen on either Dec. 7 or on Dec. 21. I am going to let my film guests decide, and by the time you read this newsletter, the date will be chosen. So pick up a corrected film schedule in the lobby or give us a call at 760-375-8456. The finale of this series is a whopper, indeed. Travel down the Yellow Brick Road with Judy Garland and gang and join in the gala Barbara Stanwyck and Fred MacMurray celebration of the historic West Oz House. Our guests will share memories of that wonderful attraction that is closing after 37 years of giving joy to Ridgecrest. Much more about this special presentation in next month’s newsletter. So keep tuned! See you at the movies for a joyous film homecoming! — Nick Rogers
5 Vol. 31, No. 9 November 2016 New in the Veterans Memorial Building
Ron Rossi has donated a wonderful display item to our VMB. He served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955 at the Nevada Atomic Test Site. The display elaborates on the task his unit was charged with as well as living conditions, photos of his unit, and some shots of the actual test he was a part of. This is a very interesting addition to our VMB displasy. Please come and see the many fascinat- ing displays we have from local veterans. Want to help with the exhibit preparations? On Thursday, Nov. 17, following the veterans’ break- fast, we’ll be working in the VMB from 10 a.m. to noon — a perfect time for you to stop in. — Carol Porter
Photo by Carol
Early timers of Randsburg, Red Mountain, Johannesburg, and Atolia gather in Randsburg for a reunion, 1940. People dating their residence from the early 1900s are shown with their children and some grandchildren. The only identity we know for a certainty is Pete Osdick, seated in front row center with children on the ground in front of him. Recognize any others? Please do let us know. Barbara Padgett collection, HSUMD 6 Vol. 31, No. 9 November 2016 Ladies’ Tea Genealogy Book Giveaway Last month I announced the Geneal- From p. 3 ogy Library Book giveaway, and I am all who attended. A few names pleased to let you know that the books to mention are Tex Hoppus, all have new homes. I enjoyed visit- Craig Porter, Brook Andreoli and ing with those who came in to browse Michelle and Brandy Andreoli. through the books and share stories on Leann Moell and Rosemary Bailey their genealogical searches. I noted that are two more who spent many only a couple went home emptyhanded. more hours adding to the success We arranged with Red Rock Books of the tea. to take the leftover books. You may see — Carol Porter some books of interest on the shelves at the shop soon. The Genealogical Committee of the HSUMD is not being abandoned — we And speaking of the Ladies’ Tea, will be holding seminars and classes as thanks are also due to Carol Porter, our “hostess with the mo- well as occasional get togethers as time stest,” shown suitably crowned and energy permits. with a festive chapeau as she Keep in mind that we have several addresses the crowd. hard copies of our previous presenta- tion available at the Historic USO, and Photo by Michelle Andreoli Ancestry.com is also available on our com- puter. Member Categories New HSUMD has three membership categories — all very important to us. Our regular memberships are $35 per individual or family. Our business memberships Members are $45 each. No new members We also have a special category: life member, which is something the board this month, sorry to say bestows only on members who have supported HSUMD in sustained and special ways. Our life members’ names are displayed on our website. Business Members — please patronize them! Allen County Public Library, Desert Garage Door The News Review (Farris) Genealogy Department Earth Landscaping Pleistocene Foundation Anna Marie Bergens, Realtor Econo-Lodge Professional Tax & Business Services Best Western China Lake Inn Edward Jones Investments Red Rock Books Blues After Hours Brook H. Andreoli Ridgecrest Automotive Bob & Ardyce’s Bicycle Shop The Flower Shoppe Ridgecrest Moving & Storage Cal-Sun Pools Griffin Excavation & Paving Roaming Dog Kitchen Clarion Inn Heritage Inn S&M Coins & Collectibles Comfort Inn Phyllis M. Hix, Attorney Gary P. Staab & Assoc., Inc. Cordell Construction Jack & Dana Lyons, Realtors The Swap Sheet DeathValley.com Maturango Museum Truffles@1105 Desert Empire Fair Motion Tire & Wheel Warren’s Automotive Nevins Tech. Consultants 7 Historical Society of the Upper Mojave Desert NONPROFIT ORG. P. O. Box 2001 U.S. POSTAGE PAID Ridgecrest, CA 93556 PERMIT NO. 9 RIDGECREST, CA ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
MEETING OF NOVEMBER 2016
Tuesday, Nov 15, 7 p.m., Historic USO Building
760-608-3186, [email protected] 760-608-3186,
Matthew Zubia, Fundraising Zubia, Matthew
other gift giving. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. nonprofit 501(c)(3) a are We giving. gift other
760-375-8456 for info info for 760-375-8456
Please remember the Historical Society in your wills, trusts and and trusts wills, your in Society Historical the remember Please
call or [email protected]
Annual dues are $35 (family) and $45 (business). $45 and (family) $35 are dues Annual
Nick Rogers, Movie Nite, Publicity Nite, Movie Rogers, Nick
Important Reminders Important 760-446-3400, [email protected] 760-446-3400,
Carol Porter, Accessions & Exhibits & Accessions Porter, Carol
Chuck Cordell, Building Cordell, Chuck
prefer living color. living prefer
[email protected] 619-808-2233,
online is the way to go if you you if go to way the is online
John Abbott, Building Mgr., Bldg. Rental Bldg. Mgr., Building Abbott, John
760-377-3542, [email protected] 760-377-3542, sending paper copies, but but copies, paper sending
Lloyd Smith, Membership Coordinator Membership Smith, Lloyd We don’t plan to stop stop to plan don’t We
760-375-4308, [email protected] 760-375-4308, [email protected] you each month. month. each you
Donna McCrohan Rosenthal, PR Coordinator PR Rosenthal, McCrohan Donna Tom Stager, Treasurer Stager, Tom get a PDF copy e-mailed to to e-mailed copy PDF a get
760-446-3400, [email protected] 760-446-3400, 760-608-7296, [email protected] 760-608-7296, him to put you on the list to to list the on you put to him
[email protected] Craig Porter, SEEP Coordinator SEEP Porter, Craig , and ask ask and , Andrew Sound, Programs Sound, Andrew
Lloyd Smith at at Smith Lloyd lloyd. tor, tor, 760-371-2458, [email protected] 760-371-2458, [email protected]
- coordina membership our Jim Kenney, Field Trips Coordinator Trips Field Kenney, Jim Richard Hendricks, Recording Secretary Recording Hendricks, Richard
Just send an e-mail to to e-mail an send Just [email protected] 760-382-1852, 760-375-8202, [email protected] 760-375-8202,
Marti Hoppus, Bookkeeper Hoppus, Marti Doug Lueck, Vice President Vice Lueck, Doug
newsletter in color! in newsletter
760-375-7900, [email protected] 760-375-7900, [email protected] 760-382-1852,
this see to way
Liz Babcock, Newsletter Editor Newsletter Babcock, Liz Tex Hoppus, President President Hoppus, Tex
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DIRECTORS COMMITTEE LEADERS COMMITTEE