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ALPINE HISTORICAL SOCIETY Alpine, California |
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Alpine History Day Celebration June 7, 2008
The annual Alpine History Day celebration was held on June 7, 2008. Everyone seemed to have a wonderful time as they explored the new exhibits in the Nichols House, looked at the extensive beekeeping exhibit in the Beaty House and enjoyed a truly wonderful lunch of chili, salad, bread (yummy) and ice cream sundaes (even yummier!). Lemonade, iced tea and water quenched our thirst. The celebration allowed us the opportunity to present awards to the winners of the Third Grade Essay Contest. The children truly seemed to enjoy the Fun Jump and the live bee exhibit presented by Pete Holtzen of Honey Bee Rescue. Third Grade Essay Winners CATEGORY: LIFE IN EARLY ALPINE A WONDERFUL TIME WAS HAD BY ALL !!!!
The Wilson Family in front of their old home On April 20, 2008, attendees of the quarterly potluck meeting of the Alpine Historical Society were treated to a presentation by The Wilson Family. The Wilson's owned the Alpine Store during the 1950's. This was a terrific presentation enjoyed by a full house! Dr. Gail Wilson Guth, her brother Jack Wilson and sister Jeanne Wilson Christianson recounted their memories of growing up in Alpine and helping their folks run The Alpine Store. The photo shown above was taken after the meeting when the present owner of the Wilson's Alpine home invited the siblings and their children and grandchildren to a tour of their childhood home.
The Early Days and The Alpine Sun Vonnie Greathouse Sanchez, who came to Alpine with her parents when she was just eleven months of age, was the guest speaker at the February 10, 2008, meeting of the Alpine Historical Society. Alpine's excellent climate attracted Vonnie's parents to our town in hopes of improving her father's health. It worked--and Vonnie has spent her entire life among Alpine's rolling hills and country roads. She has been an employee of the local newspaper, The Alpine Sun, for fourteen years and is currently the Associate Publisher. In her talk, Vonnie walked down memory lane, recalling her younger days in Alpine with stories that had everyone laughing. This, combined with nostalgia, was a very worthwhile experience for all in attendance.
Holiday Home Tour Both of our pioneer houses were decked out for the holidays on December 2 and were open to all attendees of the Alpine Woman's Club Holiday Home Tour--Christmas in Alpine. This was a wonderful event and an opportunity for the Historical Society to show off these gems to everyone! We're hoping to be included in future Woman's Club tours.
The field trip was cancelled due to the wildfires.
Reenactment of Famous Alpine Murder - October 21, 2007 The Honorable William J. Howatt, Jr., retired judge, presented a reenactment of the famous Alpine Ranch murder trial at the quarterly meeting on Sunday, October 21, 2007. Judge Howatt performs historical reenactments of trials as a hobby and we were extremely fortunate that he agreed to come to Alpine! In addition to this unusual presentation, the Historical Society Board prepared an Italian Dinner for everyone's enjoyment. There were several pasta choices, salad, bread, a drink, dessert and great company. The meeting was very well attended and enjoyed by all!
Alpine History Day Celebration - June 2, 2007 On June 2 from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. there was a celebration of Alpine's history at the museums, 2116 Tavern Road. This year's special exhibit is "The History of Beekeeping in Alpine." There is a wealth of information about early Alpine's lucrative beekeeping industry along with a display of many beekeeping artifacts. The observation hive allowed us to watch the bees in action! We'll also be able to learn about the pioneer beekeeper in the area, John Harbison, and see a replica of the Harbison Hive which was patented in 1859! The beekeeping display will be on exhibit in the Beaty House until June, 2008.
Quarterly Potluck Luncheon and Speaker - April 22, 2007 The quarterly potluck luncheon was held at the Alpine Woman's Club on Sunday, April 22, 2007. The speaker, Gage Skinner, spoke of the beekeeping industry. Mr. Skinner began his beekeeping experience when he was a student in high school, and his tales spanned a 50-year period. This was a very informative presentation and tied in nicely with the preparations being made by Historical Society Volunteers for the exhibit on The History of Beekeeping in Alpine which is currently being developed. Bees are fascinating creatures--did you know that the temperature in the hive is always at 94°. The bees take steps to keep the temperature consistent regardless of the outside temperature. No air conditioning or heating systems, just industrious workers!
February 25, 2007 - FIELD TRIP TO JULIAN The Julian Field Trip was a huge success! Members and guests enjoyed a visit to the historic Stonewall Mine, meeting with Bob Adam of the Julian Historical Society at the Old Schoolhouse, a visit to the Julian Pioneer Museum, lunch at the Julian Grille, a climb to the top of Cemetery Hill, a self-guided tour of historic town sites (using a Chamber of Commerce coded map), a visit to the Santa Ysabel Mission Church and museum narrated by Albert Simonson, local historian. It was a chilly day, but all in attendance enjoyed it immensely!
Alpine Woman's Club Building January 21, 2007 - POTLUCK LUNCHEON The quarterly potluck luncheon was held on Sunday, January 21, 2007, at the Alpine Woman's Club, 2156 Alpine Boulevard. Lunch began at 1:00 p.m. and was followed by an informative speaker. Leland Fetzer, retired San Diego State University professor and author of several books on local history. Mr. Fetzer discussed his book, A Good Camp--Goldmines of Julian and the Cuyamacas. He had a wealth of information to share and was a great prelude to our field trip to Julian on February 25.
Olaf Wieghorst November 12, 2006 - ITALIAN FEAST FOLLOWED BY Once again, Alpine Historical Society Board members gathered in their kitchens to prepare superb pasta dishes for everyone's enjoyment at the annual Italian Feast! Pasta, bread, salad and dessert were provided for $5.00 per person. After enjoying this delicious meal, participants were treated to an entertaining and informative program. The event was held at the Alpine Woman's Club, 2156 Alpine Boulevard. Roy Wieghorst, son of Olaf Wieghorst, was on hand to share stories of his father's life and works. Ronald Reagan said of the elder Mr. Wieghorst, "From the opening of the American West until this present day, artists have sought to capture the rugged beauty, the drama and the romance of this unique part of our national heritage. None have been more successful than Olaf Wieghorst." The Olaf Wieghorst Museum and Western Heritage Center in El Cajon honors the accomplished artist who lived in our community for more than 40 years. Born in Viborg, Denmark, on April 30, 1899, Mr. Wieghorst was a stunt rider for a Danish circus before migrating to the United States at the age of 19. Arriving penniless from Denmark in 1918, he spent his working career on mounted patrol with the U. S. Cavalry and the New York City Police Department Mounted Division, with occasional interludes as a wrangler on ranches in the West. Wherever he went, he sketched and painted the Western culture he loved, often selling his work as calendar and magazine illustrations.
The celebration and retracing of the newly State recognized Historic Highway 80 was held, beginning with a community car ride which included a tour of the original highway. Communities along the route, including Balboa Park, El Cajon Boulevard, La Mesa, El Cajon and Alpine joined the celebration which ended with a classic car show at Viejas Casino. The event was celebrated from Seaport Village to Jacumba. Highway 80's anniversary celebration will be an annual event in the future. Site designed and built by Carol Walker
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