Museum News

TO THINK ABOUT

It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you're a fool, than to open it and remove all doubt. - Mark Twain

Membership Renewal Reminder

Museum. Of course, you know that without your support, the Museum couldn't exist. Although we do various fundraisers through the year, none is more important than the simple, basic membership of people in our community. It's a statement that tells us you believe in the work the Museum does, and makes you a part of it.It's that time of year again, folks, to renew your membership in the Tehama County

The 23rd Annual Jubilee:

New Attractions and Old Favorites

The Museum's 23rd Annual Jubilee began with opening ceremonies that included Ross Turner's Boy Scout troop as color guard, and Elizabeth Graffell singing the national anthem.

One of the day's highlights was the opening of the new Hi Good exhibit, which kept Darrell Mullins and the exhibit committee working literally up until the last minute - even a bit beyond, since the exhibit didn't open until after 9 a.m. Once the public was admitted, however, there was a steady stream of visitors for most of the day, with most comments being very positive. The Museum deeply appreciates Darrell's hard work, as well as that of Chico State interns Pam Britting and Anita Chavez, and exhibit committee members Ruth Britt and Pat Felthouse.

Of course, visitors came to tour the rest of the Museum as well. Thanks to Gerda Van Rooyen for staying at her post at the counter all day, and to Dick Chamberlain, who has practically made a tradition of acting as upstairs docent for the Jubilee. And, of course, the indefatigable Ruth Britt took charge of the kitchen, although I also found her working outside selling tickets with Linda Middlebrough and Pat Felthouse.

Moving outdoors, Jerry Short did a fine job as our Master of Ceremonies, and Phyllis Fox-Ellis scheduled our entertainment, which included Don Drane and the Red Bluff Community Band, and Lucy Ofinowitz with the Los Molinos Middle School and High School Bands. (I might humbly mention that my daughter, Tory Bacquet, played clarinet with the Middle School Advanced Band on that occasion.) We also enjoyed the performance of Loosely Strung, Red Bluff's all-string band.

The highlight of the afternoon was the opening and dedication of the park's new horseshoe pits to the late Marty Graffell, who lives so vividly in the hearts and memories of those of us at the Museum. Elizabeth was invited to throw the first horseshoe, to the applause of the onlookers.

Another brand-new event at our Jubilee this year was the Antique Car Show, put together by Patti McFarlin, which provoked a lot of interest and positive comments. Sam Kissee was also there, in what has become an annual feature, with his antique appraisals.

A warm thank-you to all who donated raffle prizes, especially Don and Virginia Mossman who came all the way from Washington to donate both to the raffle and the Country Store, and to the Kiwanis Club, who donated two bicycles. I've been told that 8-year-old Cheyenne Marshall won the barbecue. I'm sure she has made her parents very happy.

Judy's Country Store was another success this year, selling homemade crafts and foods.

Last, but certainly not least, our deepest appreciation goes to the Kiwanis Club, which has always been among the Museum's most reliable supporters. Dick Ochs and Jim Bacquet manned the grill, cooking up those delicious burgers all day. They were assisted by a fine group of youngsters from the Kiwanis Key Club, who worked hard serving up breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Winter Closing and Upcoming Events

The Museum will close November 28 for our winter break, but there still are a couple of important events that occur during the off-season. Even though the Museum won't be open to walk-in visitors, the board plans to continue our mission by promoting more scheduled tours with schools and other organizations.

Our general membership meeting and election of board officers will be held on January 2 at 4 p.m. Since this meeting is open to all members of the Museum, it's the perfect time to bring your suggestions and comments to the board.

The Museum will open again to the public on Friday, February 4.

Please mark your calendars for next year's first big public event: The Doll and Gun Show is scheduled for February 24, 25 and 26

President's Message

Well----another year behind us, and what a year it was!

As president I am involved in almost every aspect of the organization---board governance, exhibit design and installation, repair/maintenance, etc. etc. There are several very capable committee chairs that share the burden with me and though we struggle, like many non-profits trying to raise enough funds to keep the door open and the insurance paid, it is a "labor of love." There are times that it seems like an endless task of one fundraiser after another, some more profitable than others.

We utilize all volunteer labor to carry out this awesome task, which is sometimes like herding cats! The volunteer is so critical to our organization! We have no paid staff or receive any financial support from any governmental agency. The task is daunting and often leaves our Volunteers and Board exhausted.

This year we had two interns from CSU Chico who helped put together the current exhibit on Hi Good. The interns were very helpful with researching and documenting the many aspects of this exhibit along with the actual installation. I will be trying to recruit more students from CSU Chico for next year.

We are lucky to have community service groups like the Kiwanis to support us with monetary and manpower donations. Without them I don't see how we could survive. There are only so many donated dollars out there and so many deserving community based non-profits needing it. When you pay your annual dues this year consider adding a little extra to your check to help continue our service to the community.

Thanks for everything you do!

Darrell Mullins

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The problem is never how to get new, innovative thoughts into your mind, but how to get old ones out. Every mind is a building filled with archaic furniture. Clean out a corner of your mind and creativity will instantly fill it. - Dee Hock
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Colusi Historical Society Luncheon

On October 9, the Museum hosted the annual meeting for the Colusi Historical Society, which was a wonderful opportunity to develop a relationship with another organization committed to preserving local history. There were 68 people attending, many of whom took the opportunity to tour our Museum. Proceeds from the luncheon went to the Museum.

Many thanks to Ruth Britt, Bobby and Patti McFarlin, and Jim Stephens, who were on duty that day. A warm thank you to all those who made salads for the event, as well. Many times, Ruth has told me just how difficult it is to find volunteer salad-makers for an event like this. These events are important, not only in terms of community contact and service, but for fundraising, which is how the bills get paid and the doors stay open. If you can help at our next event, even for just a couple of hours, or to make refreshments, please contact Ruth Britt at 385-1057.

Our warmest appreciation for Patti McFarlin who, as a member of both the Museum and the Colusi Society was able to bring us together! Patti is a remarkably hard worker, full of new ideas for supporting the Museum and expanding its activities. Thank you, as well, to the members of the Colusi Historical Society, for being our guests. I hope you can all come back next year!

The Dairyville Orchard Festival and the 36 Lady Prune Cake

The Museum marked the beginning of fall by selling its famous "36 Lady" Prune cake and the annual Dairyville Orchard Festival on October 16. Unlike last year, when it seemed summer was hanging on unusually long, this year's festival took place on a crisp, cool day. Lots of folks lined up for Starbucks coffee, which was nearly as popular as the cakes.

Linda Middleborough and Jim Stephens were there all day; Jim and Pat Felthouse, Bobby McFarlin and Karen Bacquet showed up to help as well. Chris Bauer took on his usual role, selling Museum books at a separate booth. A special thanks to Paul Quinn for taking my docent day at the Museum, so I'd be free to help out. While everybody worked hard, nobody matches Jim Stephens for sheer gutsy promotion - there was not a person who walked by who wasn't offered a free taste of that yummy prune cake. Then, when Jim had them cornered, he'd ask "Are you familiar with our Museum?" and give them a sales pitch for membership and a pocketful of pamphlets. I'm sure at least some of those people will be joining us as members soon - no way could they resist!

Our warmest appreciation and thanks to Starbucks for the coffee, and to Faith Bennett, Ruth Britt, Patti McFarlin, Linda Middlebrough, Eileen Richardson, Jim Stephens, and Lucile Woods, who did the hard work of baking the prune cakes.

Docents Needed!

The Museum is still in desperate need of volunteer docents. Our docents work only three hours a month, on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday afternoons. Please consider donating your time for this vital job.

Sourdough Paul's Ramblings

Tall Tales of Tehama

One of the pleasures of the holiday season is enjoying the gift of giving. Some folks are just cravin' to be taught what it's like to give. I have done my part this year to fill their wish. While on my nightly patrol along the railroad tracks, I saw some feller dunkin' a turkey into a fryer.

Now, there's a fool born every minute, and I just came upon one. Anyone knows fat fryers are for spuds. I couldn't imagine the grief he would cause his family as they sit at the table waitin' for the turkey to be brought in, and this here fool dumps a crisp turkey on the platter before 'em.. Probably tastes like one giant over-done French-fried 'tater.

So, in the interest of the family, I watched and waited until that feller went inside. I went over to the patio and lifted that poor bird out of the oil. Cut off both drumsticks with my handy fish-guttin' knife, and returned the bird to the hot grease. I reckon I rescued those kids just in time, savin' them the disappointment of dried-out drumsticks.

Long as we're talkin' foolish, how about that

English language. You can be famous or infamous. Should be de-famous, shouldn't it? When you fall out of grace, you become the opposite sometimes. Reminds me of that there new exhibit inside the Museum.It's about what some college kids found a-diggin' down in Vina. Turns out to be a cabin site possibly of a notorious Indian-killer. The word infamous comes to mind.

The whole story is there, spelled out on the wall. The man tracked down a couple murderers on the Native American side, and massacred a camp, then a whole village for retribution. Retribution, now there's a mouthful of a word. It really means, an excuse to do a whole lot o' killin', even of folks that done no harm at all. Gives a whole different slant on our history hereabouts, somethin' nobody oughta forget. Let's all hang our heads this holiday time, and think about it.

Oh, and you all enjoy - like I did - eatin' some ol' fool's French-fried drumsticks.

Tehama County Museum Foundation; P.O. Box 275; Tehama, CA 96090
(530) 384-2595