230 W. Ridgecrest Blvd. ● P.O. Box 2001, Ridgecrest, CA 93556 ● 760-375-8456 Vol. 35, No. Special August 2020 To see our schedule of events, visit us at hsumd.org or on Facebook at HSUMD
What has the Historical Society done while we’ve been closed due to the Coronavirus quarantine? Well, the buildings and the Book Store have been closed, but that doesn’t mean that we haven’t been using the opportunity to do certain things toward our long-term missions. Obviously, with our Store closed and with our signature events (like Classic Movie Nights and Open Mic Nights and free Veterans Breakfast) put off for such a long time, we had to throw away See’s Candies and various food items that would be used or sold during normal times. When we are able to resume “normal” operations and reopen to our life-blood guests – that’s you! – we will restock as we are able to. We have been able to use the remaining funds from a very generous donation last year from the Mark and Skye Hoppus Foundation, to repair the eaves and soffits and other elements of the Historic USO Building, and have painted most of those items after the repairs were completed. That whole effort was one that we have wanted to accomplish for many years, and we are so happy to finish the work. Our venerable building is looking much better, and the repairs will last much longer. We all owe a great deal of appreciation to the Hoppus Foundation, to Cordell Construction, to Southern Sierra Framing, and to Cuco Solis for what they did for us! Joe DePina, and John Abbott have devoted (and donated) some of their valuable time and talents during our downtime to accomplish some important maintenance and repair tasks in our Historic USO Building, getting ready for a possible reopening of our operations in the future. Thank you, gentlemen! (And John…) Dr. Craig Porter and his wife Carol, along with some help, have started planning and working on an effort to restore our historic Engine Houses. Read more about that on page 4. Mark Pahuta was also able to use some of the quarantine time to produce DVD copies of his full 15 episode set of the wonderful documentaries “Pictures of Us”, available now to members. See page 6 for details! – Tex Hoppus
In our June 2020 HSUMD Newsletter, we included an article about selecting the HSUMD Board of Directors. At the July Board Meeting (held via Zoom), the Board selected the Officer positions on the board for this term. Continuing in their current roles: Tex Hoppus as President, Doug Lueck as Vice-President, and Richard Hendricks as Secretary-Treasurer. -Editor
Vol. 35, No. Special August 2020 -
This HSUMD Newsletter is being prepared during a time of dangerous pandemic risks, and our Historic USO Building is closed to the public in a State of California and Kern County effort to mitigate the risks to our guests and volunteers. The status of our being able to reopen changes, depending on the infection rates and trends averaged over a span of time, but let me outline the condition of HSUMD at this moment. HSUMD is categorized as a “museum” and follows the public health directives for such an organization. (Keep in mind, HSUMD also has a venue that (a) has always been used by HSUMD to host a wide variety of events, and (b) has been available for rental by private parties for various events, meetings, or celebrations.) Museums were ordered closed back in April, after the spread of the COVID-19 disease was categorized as a pandemic. In early June, it looked like California’s – and Kern County’s – spread of the infectious disease was well enough controlled that the closure order for Museums was modified: A museum could open its doors to the public if certain measures were taken by the museum (have a detailed COVID-19 Prevention Plan intended to “support a safe, clean environment for workers,” have materials and cleaners and masks and gloves needed to protect people working at and coming into the museum, train workers on all of the new safety protocols, etc.) HSUMD Board of Directors decided to use the month of July to prepare its plan and train its volunteers and get the necessary materials for opening on August 4. Note: Even if that happens, HSUMD cannot rent its facilities or host events in its building! On Monday, July 13, the State rescinded its earlier guidance that had allowed museums to “partially” reopen. The rates of infections and deaths in the state had started to be out of control, and reopening (or remaining opened) was just too dangerous. So, HSUMD is back on hold and cannot reopen until Kern County and its rates of COVID-19 infection and death again fall within “acceptable” bounds. When we are again allowed to reopen, we will. And we will be ready for you, keeping both you and our volunteers safe, with new and special safety protocols in place. You will be invited to enter our Historic USO Building, peruse most of its historical displays, and shop in its Book Store – all safely! – Tex Hoppus
Nature provided a historical celestial marvel this summer. Comet C/2020 F3 (NEOWISE) was visible in the IWV for much of the month of July. The comet was discovered on March 27, 2020, by astronomers during the NEOWISE mission of the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISPR) space telescope. The image at left is from the WISPR telescope. Viewing was good from most of the valley, but especially up in the Rademachers where the skyglow from Ridgecrest was less. Many drove up above Cerro Coso College to get a peek at this infrequent visitor. Hope that you got to see it as its next visit isn’t for about 6800 years!
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CLASSIC MOVIE NIGHTS
Hello, good neighbors: In an edition of this newsletter a couple of months back, I asked my loyal audience members to submit a review of one of their favorite films to re-visit during this lengthy "intermission" that we are continuing to experience. Take a look at one of HSUMD member, Dan Burnett's faves:
"The movie I have seen the most times is "Mister Roberts" which, I think, is one of the best comedy dramas ever. It was released in 1955 but I saw it first in about 1954 I guess. My family lived in Huntington Park where there was a classic MGM theater. It was a venue for testing movies. Mom loved to go see any of these “previews” - they were billed as major picture previews shown one night only."
"The movie followed the stage play in which Henry Fonda starred. The cast in Mister Roberts is packed with some of the biggest names in film - ever- Mr. Roberts was played by Henry Fonda. Jack Lemmon starred as Ensign Pulver (a role that started him on his outstanding career). The captain of the ship was done by James Cagney. The ship’s doctor was William Powell and the list goes on and on. Production of the movie was started under the direction of John Ford who was replaced after he belted Henry Fonda on the jaw during an argument. I think the movie took in all kinds of Oscars®. I have seen it a dozen times probably - I should see if I can get it on DVD."
Thanks, Dan! This classic is one of my favorites, too. Some added notes of interest about the film: Jack Lemmon received the first of his two Oscars® for his role as Ensign Pulver. The film was nominated for three Academy Awards®, including Best Picture of the Year. It was the final film for the iconic star, William Powell. (He and Myrna Loy starred in the popular "Thin Man" series for MGM in the 1930's and 40's.) The original director, the famed John Ford, had a nasty, hair-trigger temper and subjected his actors and crews to his tirades quite freely. In addition to conflicts with Henry Fonda, the grumpy director clashed mightily with James Cagney, starring in his final role for Warner Bros. The famous Mervyn LeRoy replaced the beleaguered Ford as director, and Joshua Logan also had a hand in the directorial duties, but was not credited. The film was followed by a sequel, "Ensign Pulver" (1964), with Robert Walker, Jr. starring as Pulver. It also starred Burl Ives as the ship's captain and Walter Matthau as the doctor. A short-lived television series appeared in 1965, lasting only one season, starring Roger Smith in the title role.
Thanks Dan, for getting into the spirit! If any of our other good neighbors would like to chat about one of their film favorites, just send a shot blurb to us at [email protected]. We hope to be seeing you (in person) soon!
Stay Safe and be Well! –Nick Rogers
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HSUMD became the owner and proud steward of Ridgecrest’s civic origins almost 15 years ago, after we were able to lead a community-wide fundraising effort to restore the Historic USO Building and then successfully accomplished that restoration. In fact, the name “Historic USO Building” was officially given by the State of California in recognition of the restoration of a building that had opened in 1945 as a USO Club. When the USO Club closed in 1947 and Kern County took over the building and surrounding property, the county started to build other civic buildings on the property. Ridgecrest’s first jail, Ridgecrest’s first Firehouse, and Ridgecrest’s first Engine Houses for the trucks that would be used by county and volunteer firemen. (The county also built Ridgecrest’s first county library, which became a county health clinic in 1978 and is now closed; it sits just west of the Historic USO Building.) When HSUMD became the owner and steward of all of these historic buildings, it took on the mission to restore those buildings and save those legacies for our community. In 2010, HSUMD took on the restoration of a building that was built as a one-room schoolhouse in Old Isabella in 1905, moved to Ridgecrest in 1955, and then moved to our property in 2010. HSUMD restored that 100-plus- year-old building to its original look and made it our region’s Veterans Memorial Building. The VMB is being prepared for exterior painting. We have, to date, restored the Historic USO Building, the Jail, the Veterans Memorial Building, and the Firehouse. We now are ready to embark on the restoration of the two Engine Houses, which are the two Quonset huts that face Station Street behind the Historic USO Building. When restored, the plans are for the Engine Houses to provide clean, environmentally controlled, storage for HSUMD artifacts and materials. There is a lot of work to be done to get them in shape. New doors, structure repair, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and painting are required. Although volunteers will be doing some of the work, materials need to be purchased, and a fair amount will require hiring licensed contractors. Carol Porter is preparing a letter asking for help in finding funds to finish this work. The Engine Houses are the last “original” civic buildings under our stewardship that needs such attention, and represents a major accomplishment in our protection of such historic legacies. If you can find it in your hearts (and wallets) to help us cross the finish line on preserving our community’s origins, please send a check made out to “HSUMD” and write a note that you wish it to apply toward the Engine House Restoration. Your donation toward this effort will be a lasting legacy to Ridgecrest’s history. – Tex Hoppus
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The large collection of Ladies Hats is now on display in the ladies dressing area of our Historic Building. This collection is a combination of handmade hats designed especially for fashion shows, special occasions and tea parties. Dorene Davis is the creator of these hats and lent them for many local occasions. At her passing these hats were cared for and delicately stored by Eleanor Stanford. After a time, Eleanor felt they should have a home for others to enjoy their splendor. I accepted the many hats into the HSUMD Collections and they are now ready to share with those enjoying activities in our building. The other half of the display are hats that Kathy Armstrong collected over the years and were all worn by local ladies. If you see one you recognize be sure to let me know and we can add your name to our information. Of course, Covid-19 has created a stop in this direction so here are photos of preparing the display and the finished project. I was helped by my granddaughter Tiana Cope. And now, a bit about the Engine House project. We are getting the West Engine House ready and in condition to become the home of many of our archived items. We plan to have electricity reinstalled and ultimately Evaporative Cooling for our hot summer months. Those last two projects will be considered after the main engine house area is sealed up to keep dust out, doors repaired, and usable shelving is attached to walls. The rear section of this hut, was originally used to house the firemen. These living quarters will be repaired, repainted and our own Joe Depina has agreed to come out of retirement to tile our floor. The only change to the East Engine House will be the installation of a fold-up door rather than the large heavy wood doors and a new personnel door. This hut will remain a storage area for our large items and other necessary items we store. – Carol Porter
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There is an acclaimed series of “digital films” developed by Mark Pahuta and Leroy Doig that tells of the Navy’s beginnings here, including organizational, human, technical, and humorous perspectives. The series is entitled Pictures of Us, and is made up of 14 episodes covering various aspects of the Navy’s history here, and 3 special editions that expand on that. (Note: The third Special Edition, “That Was the Way Things Were,” is both moving and hilarious!) This DVD series is now for sale – all episodes and special editions! You are welcome to any or all of these perspectives of our history, and you will certainly treasure them. The DVDs are $10 each, and if you’re are a current member of the Historical Society you are entitled to a 10% discount. To buy any of these DVDs listed below – before we are able to fully open our Book Store during these times – please send an email to [email protected], and give your name and telephone number and which episodes or special editions you would like to purchase. Your message will be followed by a call from us, wherein we can take your card payment over the phone and set up a way to safely get your DVDs to you. This series is an irreplaceable reflection of our local history, so please consider having your own copies of these fascinating DVDs and helping HSUMD at the same time. – Tex Hoppus
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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 Jeffery Burbank memberships are $45 each. We also have a special category: Life Member, Cherie and Mark Decker which is an honor the HSUMD Board bestows only on members who have supported the HSUMD in sustained and special ways. Our Life Members’ names are shown on our website: hsumd.org!
Ale’s Steakhouse and Bar High Desert Genealogical Society L & N Properties Anna Marie Bergens, Realtor Phyllis M. Hix, Attorney Ridgecrest Chamber of Commerce *Baxendale’s Inyokern Chamber of Commerce Ridgecrest Moving and Storage Best Western China Lake Inn IWV Premier Landscaping Ridgecrest Regional Hospital Bob & Ardyce’s Bicycle Shop *Dana Lyons, Best Realty *Ridge Writers *Cathy Kline’s Floral Accents Kern Antelope Historical Society *Ridgecrest Cinemas China Lake Photographic Society *Roaming Dog Kitchen *Center Pharmacy Pleistocene Foundation Rodeway Inn Clarion Inn *Maturango Museum *Romancing the West Comfort Inn MOAH *S&M Coins & Collectibles *Cordell Construction Co. Mohave Historical Society Searles Valley Historical Society *Cosner-Neipp Computing Mojave River Valley Museum Shoshone Museum Association Desert Empire Fair Motion Tire & Wheel Starbucks Diana Said, Vaughn Realty *Museum of Western Film History Gary P. Staab & Associates, Inc. Earth Landscaping Needles Regional Museum Tehachapi Historical League Eastern California Museum The News Review *Tender Cut Meats Econo-Lodge Rand Desert Museum Vaughn Realty The Flower Shoppe *Red Rock Books *Warren’s Automotive Brook H. Andreoli Allen County Public Library, *Kathy Walker’s Window Tinting Genealogy Department Community Light Opera & Theatre *Ridgecrest Area Convention & Wrightwood Historical Society Assoc. Visitors Bureau
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Tex Hoppus, President Newsletter Editor 760-382-1852, [email protected] [email protected] Doug Lueck, Vice-President Joe DePina, Book Store 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 760-446-3400, [email protected] Nick Rogers, Publicity, Movie Night IMPORTANT REMINDERS 760-375-8456, [email protected] Annual Dues are $35 (family) and $45 (business). Dr. Kitty Ferguson @gmail.com Please remember HSUMD in your wills, trusts, and other gift giving. HSUMD is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.