Hopefully you kept the envelope that this issue arrived in for indeed it is a piece of history. The special cancellation was the result of our local Postmaster, Nancy Lund. The design work was done by Ron Williamson, artist and sign painter in Winchester. The cancellation was placed on envelopes and on December 2nd, in honor of our new improved Winchester- Domenigoni Park, they took a ride in hot air balloons over Winchester.
The park dedication was a special event that the community had been waiting for with anticipation. A free BBQ and the normal speeches highlighted the day. Thanks to the combined efforts of the community, Valley-Wide Parks and Recreation, and Eastern Municipal Water District we are blessed with one of the finest facilities in the area.
If you visit the park you might note that the foundations and post attachments for 2 picnic shelters are in place but no structures. Well folks it is a case of no funds available at this time to build them. Each one will cost about $4500. Anyone with ideas on raising funds or wanting to donate a shelter should contact the Winchester HomeOwners Association or Valley- Wide. One of the shelters is already slated to be dedicated to Marie Domenigoni for her many years of service to the community.
Julia Young Wins Christmas Raffle
At the December meeting of the historical society the drawing of the winning ticket took place for the Christmas basket that was donated to us by Helen Richardson. The lucky winner was Julia Young who was quite surprised when she received the phone call. Congratulations Julia and thanks to all who bought tickets. We collected $70 in ticket sales.
Cub Scouts Visit Museum
The Patterson House Museum had some special visitors in November when a group of 9 Cub Scouts and assorted parents and leaders from our local pack visited the museum. They were given the grand tour and asked many questions about Winchester history and the history of the house.
Local History Goes Back to School
December 22nd saw the return to Winchester School of local history as some 100+ fourth graders and their teachers gathered in the cafeteria to view a power point presentation. Using old photos that have been donated to the society we were able, with the able help and co- operation of Principle Albert Martin, put together a journey for the students into Winchester, Domenigoni Valley and French Valley's past. At the end of the program we answered questions from the students and also showed them artifacts from our past. One of the highlights they enjoyed most was viewing an old slide through a stereoscope that once belong to Tilla Patterson. Mr Martin has indicated he wants to have other classes view this presentation. Also he has said that any group who wishes to have a historic program presented that he will gladly bring out the equipment to their site. So if you wish a historical presentation that takes about an hour for your group please contact the society at (909) 926-4039.
Antique Table Donated to Museum
A gorgeous dining room table with a captains chair and 5 regular chairs, made of walnut now grace the Patterson House Museum. Annabelle McCluskey donated this set made by the Rockford National Furniture Company of Rockford, Illinois. It appears it was made sometime after 1925 and purchased by a family in Oakland, California. In about 1975 she bought the set and eventually brought it south to her home in Southern California. We did a web search about the company and then some phone calls. From what we learned it was manufactured in what was the second largest furniture manufacturing area in the United States. The company was in business from about 1907 until 1970. They manufactured top quality furniture. The area was famous for their Swedish cabinet makers who built quality furniture. We would like to thank Annabelle for her gift to the museum.
On a sadder note we also must offer our condolences to Annabelle. As we were going to press we found out her son had passed away suddenly during this past two weeks.
"Station 34 Pump Panel"
(This area will be reserved for news from "your" local fire station. It is hoped that it will become a regular feature.........ed)
The Winchester Fire Department #34 has been a busy place since they opened in late April of 2000 and just not in responses. To date they have had 452 calls for service, ninety in the last 2 months. They have also issued 176 burn permits and had 169 burn jobs called in. However this is not all that the department has done. As mentioned last issue they have participated in the "STAR" program to help children at Winchester School learn to read. Star stands for students, teachers, and readers. They have also participated in community events. Their latest effort was at Christmas as 2 engines along with Smokey the Bear and Santa Claus aided the local V.F.W. in delivering food baskets and presents to local needy families. This effort was featured in the Press-Enterprise article on the 24th of December.
Another effort that the station has completed is the inspection of 25 local business concerns
With fire season over the summer help is being laid off but a new firefighter I has been added to the staff. It is planned that by 2002 Winchester will have 2 full time firefighters and an operator around the clock.
On the volunteer scene Station 34 will host a volunteer firefighter academy on Feb. 10th. Two local gentleman will be participating. Winchester residents, Justin Robbins and Albert Castillo have joined the local volunteer unit. The County of Riverside is planning a push to get more volunteers in January.
On the fire scene you may have noted last month a mobile home on Highway 79 in the Green Acres area burn. It was caused by an electrical problem. If you own an older mobile it may be a good idea to check out your electrical wiring.
Future plans by the station in the next 2 months is a cooperative effort between the department and the county Building and Safety Code Enforcement to rid the area of abandon cars and sub standard structures.
The sation also received a mascot. Sitting in the firefighters livingroom area is a stuffed plush dalmatian. He will be used in the stations effort to communicate fire safety to children. As of this date no name has been given to the puppy. Plans are underway to hold a contest in March to name the dog. So put on your thinking caps and get a name fitting to the community and the station.
January 13th......Work Day
9:00 A.M. will see the gathering of any and all who want to help do some work at the museum. We will be going through the left over rummage, washing windows, maybe some painting, and moving some furniture around. If you want to participate just show up in the grubbies and bring a trash bag.
