By DAVID ALLEN, PGP
There hasn’t been a lot of activity since the last report in November. The NSGW Historical Preservation Foundation headed into the holidays, just like everybody else, but there are still excit- ing opportunities on the horizon.
At the next meeting about a week and a half after the publication deadline the board will hear reports concerning the Miners Bend Park in Sutter Creek, the Vallejo Adobe and a report on the last of the California Historical Registered Landmarks which were done under the direction of California State Parks as part of the 150th anniversary celebration of state parks. The last plaque to put in place under this program will be at Simon Rodia’s Watts Tow- ers in Los Angeles. The dedication will take place at a date to be determined later.
There are several requests to review from Amador County as well as a CHRL plaque replacement in Pilot Hill. The replace- ment plaque is for one which was removed in the night near the Pilot Hill Fire Station. As a sidebar, the fire station houses several horse-drawn fire apparatus, including Auburn Parlor’s circa 1890 ladder wagon, the same wagon which has appeared in the Tournament of Roses Parade twice in the last several years.
The Monterey Custom House is looking for funding to replace some of the old growth redwood posts that hold up the porch of the structure. Redwood Parlor #66 has pledged support for half of that project; the HPF will review and support the other half. At the meeting there should be a preliminary report on the Webber Lake Hotel as there is a road trip to Truckee within the next week.
Even though it is January, it is never too early to start thinking about the HPF presentation at Grand Parlor as that is where from the bulk of the funding comes. Yes, the funding for the HPF comes from the members.
Some of you may ask as to why the HPF hasn’t obtained grants for some of these projects. Believe it or not some of those re- questing organizations have already obtained grants and the HPF contribution is additional funding for them. Some of them are already 501(c)(3)s. Many of you may not realize that the Native Sons of the Golden West’s name is gold to many in the historical world. It is our brand and it adds to the notoriety of the Native Sons. A classic example of this is the dedication of the new Don- ner Museum in Truckee last June. A donation to the Sierra State Parks Association and a lot of groundwork by members of the HPF and the world opened up to state parks. If you don’t believe the gold statement, next time you are at an historical presentation or event, let the organizers know you are with the Native Sons and watch the reaction. It will surprise you. Heck, it could even be an opportunity.
Many of the grants are for small amounts, which make a differ- ence to the organizations. It is not realistic to chase grants when the request is for as little as $500 and the impact can be instanta- neous. The HPF keeps its eyes open at all times, but the niche the HPF has found itself in is with the smaller projects.
Larger opportunities will occur as the HPF continues to evolve and advance its influence as it persists in its quest of preserving California history and spreading the name of the Native Sons of the Golden West far and wide.
Until next time, Happy Trails.
Please note; Brother David writes these reports for the Native Sons Newsletter which is published bi-monthly.
