Thursday, May 5, 2016

40 Years and Counting!

I can't believe that the San Lorenzo Valley Historical Society is 40 years old as far as a federally recognized non profit goes.  In fact, the essence of what the original group wanted to create happened several years earlier - back into the 1960's.  There were some starts and stops, efforts that didn't work out as planned, patience, determination, and faith all leading up to where the Historical Society and the San Lorenzo Valley Museum is today - 40 + years later.  Today, those original founders and members would be very proud of the growth and depth that the Society has experienced in every area of the organization.   In 2006 the SLV Museum celebrated the 100th birthday of the historic church building that houses the Museum with a 'Centennial Celebration' at the Johnson Farm up Two Bar Road north of Boulder Creek. 

This year we are borrowing some of the activities and 'flavor' we had at that celebration for a 'Heritage Day' event being held on Sat, May 21st between 12 - 4 pm on the Museum grounds.  We are adding some different demonstrations this time around, like a blacksmith demonstrating how a forge is used to make utensils and tools out of iron.  Also wool spinning, cheese making, wood carving, and lumbering such as shingle, shake, and grapestake.  Not sure the difference?  Stop by and step back 100 years to see how our early settlers lived.

I enjoyed the previous celebration at the Johnson Farm very much, but am looking forward to this celebration even more!  Having it on the Museum grounds is definitely a plus and it will let everyone have the opportunity to visit the Museum and experience the latest exhibit, 'Big Basin Auto Tree: One Tree, Many Stories', our permanent exhibits, and the 1902 panoramic photos of Boulder Creek showing horse-drawn wagons by the railroad yard and horse-drawn buggies in front of businesses on Highway 9.  I'm looking forward to watching parents enjoy playing some of the old fashioned games with their children, taking photos of them in settlers clothes, and kneading dough to make bread (no pre-packaged bread back then). 

Lastly, I'm overwhelmed by the number of volunteers who are eager to show our community, especially the children, what life was like for their grandparents when they were children.  They are working hard to provide an experience that all ages will remember for years to come.  I can't thank our volunteers enough for their dedication and commitment in making this day of celebration a special one.