2010 PRESERVATION AWARDS from the Los Angeles Conservancy
Japanese Pioneer Memorial Restoration & Rededication
111 E. Lancaster Blvd., Lancaster Cemetery District, Lancaster
Lancaster is one of the first cities in the nation to have a memorial to the Japanese. In the Pioneer Section of Lancaster Cemetery, at 111 East Lancaster Blvd., stands the 10-foot memorial to the early Japanese settlers.
Originally dedicated in 1938, the sierra white granite obelisk fell victim to the anti-Japanese sentiment of World War II.
In mid-1942, most of the Japanese families from the Antelope Valley were taken to an internment camp in Arizona. Soon thereafter, vandals toppled over the monument and broke the obelisk into pieces. Despite attempts by descendants to have the memorial repaired, it remained broken and neglected for sixty-five years.
In July 2007, the new director of historical research at Lancaster Cemetery came across a file labeled “ Japanese Monument.” She was so moved by the story that she sought out surviving family members, and they all agreed it was time to finally have the monument restored. The nonprofit Friends of the Lancaster Cemetery joined the project, and the group took on the challenge of funding, recreating, and rededicating the memorial.
A contractor and concrete specialist donated his time and expertise, and other community members pitched in throughout the project. The technical challenges were considerable, such as when the team learned that the obelisk had to be reconstructed—in India. Racing against the clock, the team obtained the new obelisk within days of the memorial’s rededication.
Local seventh-grade students also got involved, producing a book on the history of the Japanese American families and enlisted the entire school in making a thousand origami cranes to present to the families as a symbol of peace.
The memorial was rededicated on May 17, 2008 in a ceremony that reunited original families and garnered worldwide press coverage. After nearly seventy years, the people of Lancaster righted a wrong that had been done to their fellow citizens. The sheer dedication of the project team, and the broad involvement of the community, resulted in the reinstatement of an important tribute to unsung heroes of the Antelope Valley.
Involved in the project were:
Project Leads: Lancaster Cemetery District; Friends of the Lancaster Cemetery, Inc. – Bob Alvis, President
Contractor: Weese Concrete
Historic Preservation Consultant: Dayle DeBry, Director of Marketing & Historical Research, Lancaster Cemetery
Japanese American Family Liaison: Tom Shiokari
Monument Coordination & Installation: Permeco Monuments & Memorials
Community Sponsor: Lancaster West Rotary Club
Community Participants: Del Sur Middle School
Lancaster Cemetery District Manager: Barbara Little (retired)
Lancaster Cemetery Board of Trustees: Norman L. Hickling, Chairman; Dave Owens; Bruce Macpherson (newly appointed); Richard Cook (newly appointed)
The cemetery also has five Civil War veterans; almost 700 veterans of all wars; a memorial to the first person killed from the AV in World War II, and a replica of the WWII monument. In the future there will be a monument to the female pilots such as Pancho Barnes.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Bulldozing Historic Downtown Lancaster,CA
On February 10, 2010, the city of Lancaster demolished the wonderful mural of State Senator Pete Knight, one of our premier flight test pilots.
Why don't we bulldoze Historic Downtown Lancaster and be done with it? Why stop with one mural? After all none of it fits the Barcelona, Spain image the city is proposing.
Why am I so angry? The shortsightedness of the planning. State Senator Pete Knight's mural can not be replaced by a "portrait." He owns the title of "fastest man."
According to Antelope Valley Press editor, Vern Lawson, we are Aerospace Valley. No where in the world has so much been accomplished in space and flight. Pete Knight was a leader in space. As a community we deserve to have another mural painted of him on a prominent building.
Why don't we bulldoze Historic Downtown Lancaster and be done with it? Why stop with one mural? After all none of it fits the Barcelona, Spain image the city is proposing.
Why am I so angry? The shortsightedness of the planning. State Senator Pete Knight's mural can not be replaced by a "portrait." He owns the title of "fastest man."
According to Antelope Valley Press editor, Vern Lawson, we are Aerospace Valley. No where in the world has so much been accomplished in space and flight. Pete Knight was a leader in space. As a community we deserve to have another mural painted of him on a prominent building.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Wine Stomp at Leona Valley Winery
Wine Stomp at Leona Valley Winery The Leona Valley Winery, 40352 90th St Leona Valley, invites you to experience a unique wine stomp October 25, 2- 7 p.m. David Reynolds says visitors will learn more about this local wine. The event boasts a Renaissance theme with jousting, leather workers, goat cheese maker as well as musicians and other performances. For directions cut and paste this link : http://www.mapquest.com/mq /5-_X7l To learn more go to the winery’s web page at http://www.leonavalleywinery.com/
Friday, October 10, 2008
Judy Garland Museum needed in Lancaster
AV author makes case for a Judy Garland museumThis story appeared in the Antelope Valley PressFriday, October 10, 2008.
By VERN LAWSON Special to the Valley Press
LANCASTER, CA - Bonnie Stone is campaigning for a cause - greatly expanded tourism in the Antelope Valley. The local author presented an illustrated lecture Wednesday night at the West Antelope Valley Historical Society in the Cedar Centre Auditorium.
She screened still photos of the three houses in which Judy Garland (then Frances Gumm) lived during the late 1920s and early 1930s.
Stone has been urging that one home - a vacant house on the southwest corner of Cedar Avenue and Newgrove Street - be acquired for a Judy Garland museum. She also urged that a yellow brick road be painted along Cedar Avenue from Lancaster Boulevard to Avenue J.
Displaying photos obtained from Grand Rapids, Minn., she pointed out how the town in which Judy was born in 1922 has converted her family's home into a museum-gift shop and each year stages a Garland Festival.
About 20,000 tourists visit the Grand Rapids museum each year, despite the fact that it is not on a major thoroughfare, she said.
Stone emphasized that any promotion of a Garland project should be tied in with some existing Lancaster celebration - such as the Poppy Festival or the Aerospace Walk of Fame ceremonies.
About 60 members attended the meeting, and Stone asked for any help the group could provide in preserving the Garland era.
She showed a picture of the old Lancaster Grammar School auditorium, on Cedar Avenue between Milling and Newgrove streets, and noted the Lancaster School District Foundation has begun an effort to renovate the facility and name it the Judy Garland Theater, with permission from the star's family.
In addition to her discussion of the woman who has been acclaimed one of the brightest stars in entertainment history, Stone focused on a number of other celebrities who lived for a time in the Valley.
She showed the UPS headquarters on Avenue L, west of Sierra Highway, the site of the homestead where John Wayne (then Marion Morrison) lived from 1914 to 1916.
Other residences included the homes of Frank Zappa, famed and innovative rock musician, and Barbara Mandrell, country singer.
Stone is the author of an extensive Antelope Valley tour guide, "San Andreas Ain't No Fault of Mine," and is continuing to research local history and lore to be included in each successive edition of the book.
By VERN LAWSON Special to the Valley Press
LANCASTER, CA - Bonnie Stone is campaigning for a cause - greatly expanded tourism in the Antelope Valley. The local author presented an illustrated lecture Wednesday night at the West Antelope Valley Historical Society in the Cedar Centre Auditorium.
She screened still photos of the three houses in which Judy Garland (then Frances Gumm) lived during the late 1920s and early 1930s.
Stone has been urging that one home - a vacant house on the southwest corner of Cedar Avenue and Newgrove Street - be acquired for a Judy Garland museum. She also urged that a yellow brick road be painted along Cedar Avenue from Lancaster Boulevard to Avenue J.
Displaying photos obtained from Grand Rapids, Minn., she pointed out how the town in which Judy was born in 1922 has converted her family's home into a museum-gift shop and each year stages a Garland Festival.
About 20,000 tourists visit the Grand Rapids museum each year, despite the fact that it is not on a major thoroughfare, she said.
Stone emphasized that any promotion of a Garland project should be tied in with some existing Lancaster celebration - such as the Poppy Festival or the Aerospace Walk of Fame ceremonies.
About 60 members attended the meeting, and Stone asked for any help the group could provide in preserving the Garland era.
She showed a picture of the old Lancaster Grammar School auditorium, on Cedar Avenue between Milling and Newgrove streets, and noted the Lancaster School District Foundation has begun an effort to renovate the facility and name it the Judy Garland Theater, with permission from the star's family.
In addition to her discussion of the woman who has been acclaimed one of the brightest stars in entertainment history, Stone focused on a number of other celebrities who lived for a time in the Valley.
She showed the UPS headquarters on Avenue L, west of Sierra Highway, the site of the homestead where John Wayne (then Marion Morrison) lived from 1914 to 1916.
Other residences included the homes of Frank Zappa, famed and innovative rock musician, and Barbara Mandrell, country singer.
Stone is the author of an extensive Antelope Valley tour guide, "San Andreas Ain't No Fault of Mine," and is continuing to research local history and lore to be included in each successive edition of the book.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Judy Garland lives
Judy Garland lives.
Sometimes I feel that the powers that be in Lancaster, CA, do not take me serious about Judy Garland.
I’ve talked to city officials about saving one of the three homes she lived in during her time in Lancaster.
I’d love to see a yellow brick road paved down Cedar Street from Lancaster Blvd. to Avenue J.
I don’t think I got anywhere, BUT things might change. The BBC was in town Tuesday, September 16TH to talk to the old timers about Judy Garland. BBC is making a 6 part radio series on Judy Garland that explores the legacy of one of the greatest entertainers in history. The series' presenter is the well known roadcaster/author/journalist Michael Freedland. And the series will be heard across the world via the BBC's website.
Michael and the series producer Neil Rosser will be coming to Lancaster to interview anyone who met, knew or remembers any of the Gumm family. From storekeepers, confectioners, theatre workers and especially neighbors. They are very anxious to find anyone who went to school with Judy. Even people who have memories of stories told by their parents.
With Vern Lawson guiding them around, they are in good hands. Here’s hoping that the local powers see the need for a Judy Garland museum and a yellow brick road.
Sometimes I feel that the powers that be in Lancaster, CA, do not take me serious about Judy Garland.
I’ve talked to city officials about saving one of the three homes she lived in during her time in Lancaster.
I’d love to see a yellow brick road paved down Cedar Street from Lancaster Blvd. to Avenue J.
I don’t think I got anywhere, BUT things might change. The BBC was in town Tuesday, September 16TH to talk to the old timers about Judy Garland. BBC is making a 6 part radio series on Judy Garland that explores the legacy of one of the greatest entertainers in history. The series' presenter is the well known roadcaster/author/journalist Michael Freedland. And the series will be heard across the world via the BBC's website.
Michael and the series producer Neil Rosser will be coming to Lancaster to interview anyone who met, knew or remembers any of the Gumm family. From storekeepers, confectioners, theatre workers and especially neighbors. They are very anxious to find anyone who went to school with Judy. Even people who have memories of stories told by their parents.
With Vern Lawson guiding them around, they are in good hands. Here’s hoping that the local powers see the need for a Judy Garland museum and a yellow brick road.
Lancaster's singing road
Lancaster's musical road
I’d love to think that Lancaster has the nation's only singing road. Whether or not we do, it was a joy to drive across the highway that Honda’s sound engineers’ scored. As we drove 50 miles an hour along Avenue K just west of 60th street, the tires began to hum the William Tell Overture. That’s what my husband heard. What did I hear? Ode to Joy. Whatever it was, it was an absolute hoot to experience a song along our roads. Why can’t all highways be musical?
Just two weeks after writing this, Lancaster City officials paved over our little piece of joy. It was becoming such a draw for people all over Southern California. It even got attention from BBC international.
What a shame that the city doesn't realize that tourists bring in money to the restaurants and hotels.
We really lost out.
I’d love to think that Lancaster has the nation's only singing road. Whether or not we do, it was a joy to drive across the highway that Honda’s sound engineers’ scored. As we drove 50 miles an hour along Avenue K just west of 60th street, the tires began to hum the William Tell Overture. That’s what my husband heard. What did I hear? Ode to Joy. Whatever it was, it was an absolute hoot to experience a song along our roads. Why can’t all highways be musical?
Just two weeks after writing this, Lancaster City officials paved over our little piece of joy. It was becoming such a draw for people all over Southern California. It even got attention from BBC international.
What a shame that the city doesn't realize that tourists bring in money to the restaurants and hotels.
We really lost out.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Silent movie and ice cream social
Imagine a silent movie and an ice cream social – what a chance to build memories of a hot summer night.
The event, hosted by the City of Lancaster and the Western Hotel Museum will be held Friday, July 25, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Western Hotel Museum, 557 W. Lancaster Blvd.
Included will be free admission to the Museum, star gazing on the front lawn, courtesy of the AV Astronomy Club, local weavers Katie Rivas and Kim Covell who will demonstrate weaving techniques on their looms.
The Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social will be held from 6-8 pm in the back garden area. Admission is $3 per person (ages 12 and older) and $2 per child (11 and younger) and will allow each visitor one serving of ice cream with assorted toppings, lemonade and cookies.
At 9 p.m. in the museum parking lot there will be an outdoor screening of the 1924 Russian silent film, Aelita: Queen of Mars. The film will be accompanied by an original score from musician Mary Zimmerman. Aelita: Queen of Mars is hailed as one of the first science fiction movies, created nearly three years before Fritz Lang’s Metropolis. The movie is based on the Alexei Tolstoy novel of the same name and reveals a very blunt portrayal of the social and political life in Moscow after the Civil War.
Admission to the movie is $3 per person ages 12 and older and free to children 11 and younger. Limited seating will be provided so we welcome you to bring your own chairs. Refreshments will be sold during the movie. Should you want to attend both of our events, there is also a combo pack available which includes admission to both the Ice Cream Social and the Silent Movie. The prices are $5 per person for ages 12 and older and $2 for children 11 and younger.
For additional information call (661)723-6250.
The event, hosted by the City of Lancaster and the Western Hotel Museum will be held Friday, July 25, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Western Hotel Museum, 557 W. Lancaster Blvd.
Included will be free admission to the Museum, star gazing on the front lawn, courtesy of the AV Astronomy Club, local weavers Katie Rivas and Kim Covell who will demonstrate weaving techniques on their looms.
The Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social will be held from 6-8 pm in the back garden area. Admission is $3 per person (ages 12 and older) and $2 per child (11 and younger) and will allow each visitor one serving of ice cream with assorted toppings, lemonade and cookies.
At 9 p.m. in the museum parking lot there will be an outdoor screening of the 1924 Russian silent film, Aelita: Queen of Mars. The film will be accompanied by an original score from musician Mary Zimmerman. Aelita: Queen of Mars is hailed as one of the first science fiction movies, created nearly three years before Fritz Lang’s Metropolis. The movie is based on the Alexei Tolstoy novel of the same name and reveals a very blunt portrayal of the social and political life in Moscow after the Civil War.
Admission to the movie is $3 per person ages 12 and older and free to children 11 and younger. Limited seating will be provided so we welcome you to bring your own chairs. Refreshments will be sold during the movie. Should you want to attend both of our events, there is also a combo pack available which includes admission to both the Ice Cream Social and the Silent Movie. The prices are $5 per person for ages 12 and older and $2 for children 11 and younger.
For additional information call (661)723-6250.
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