Christmas Boutique and Raffle adds to Museum Coffers
The December fund raisers brought the museum $64.50 to add to our treasury. We would like to thank all those who contributed. The basket full of goodies we raffled off was donated in part by one of our members, Helen Richardson. The winner of the raffle was Andy Domenigoni.
We were informed also this month that a donation of $1000 was given to the society and another $1000 has been promised by another donor. With these funds it is hoped we can proceed with installing permanent shutters to the windows facing the street.
Who We Are
The Ploughshare & Pruning Hook is published bi- monthly by the Winchester Historical Society of Pleasant Valley. The sole purpose is the let the community and others interested in preserving our history a glimpse into our past, present, and future history. We can be reached by mail at P.O. Box 69, Winchester, California 92596-0069 or by phone at (909) 926-4039. Donations to help support this newsletter and other activities are tax deductible as a gift to charity. We also accept gift writings about our local history and will publish them as space permits. Guest speakers and displays are available upon request.
E-mail gregg@koan.com
The historical societies web site is: http://www.homestead.com/ winchesterCAhistory/home. html
Another way to get to the site, which may be quicker for you, is to do the following:
1. Go to http://www.homestead.com/
2. In the Homestead Directory click on Clubs & Organizations
3. Next click on Community Groups and look for "Winchester California History" and by clicking there you will reach our home page.
Scouting Memorabilia to be Displayed
Plans are underway to have a special exhibit of old Cub and Boy Scout memorabilia during the months of February and March. Among the collection are old supply catalogs, merit badge books, pins, and uniforms. Any of you that have had the privilege of participating in these programs will enjoy this trip back in time. Also in the collection is some Order of the Arrow artifacts.
Sometime after March we plan to have a display of "Winchester Days" gone by.
Help Wanted
Finish Carpenter
We are still in need of a good finish carpenter to restore the rest of the windows on the top floor. If you know of a qualifies person or you happen to be one please contact the society at (909) 926-4039.
Writers
If you would like to write an article of your experiences growing up in the area we would love to print them in the newsletter. Just sit down and type your thoughts and forward them to the society.
We Need
The Patterson House Museum is in need of some items to better display our increasing artifacts. If you have any display cases or filing cabinets that you would like to donate please contact the society. Remember all donations to the society are tax deductible.
Tidbits From Our Past
1879 Pleasant Valley (Winchester Settled).
1880 Domenigoni and Garbani Families arrive in Pleasant Valley.
1880 Post Office erected in Domenigoni Valley; Angelo Domenigoni named as first Postmaster. Post Office is called "Rockhouse."
1881 Future Riverside County District Attorney Lafayette Gill arrives.
1882 John Patterson Family arrives.
1882 First mention of a school teacher for the Pleasant Valley School mentioned.
3/23-1883 Juan Diego (Allesandro) Killed.
1884 Rice Family arrives with their six children. Community is sometimes called "Riceville" as children grow and have children.
1884 Haslam's arrive and settle in Double Butte area.
1886 Construction starts on Winchester United Methodist Church
1886 Winchester founded and named after Mrs. Amy Winchester, widow of Horace Winchester.
1/23/1888 Plat map filed by Mrs. Winchester and J. G. Miller in San Diego County.
1888 Winchester Is a temperance town. No selling of alcohol allowed. A person could lose their property back to the original owners if caught selling alcohol.
1888 First Train Arrives.
1888 Church holds social at the Winchester Hotel. Menu includes oysters, cakes, coffee, and a turkey dinner.
1888 Baby Stillman, the first child born in Winchester, receives a lot from Dr. Miller.
1889 General store opens in Winchester.
1889 First marriage in Winchester held as O. G. McEuen marries Mollie Blair.
1889 200,000 Sacks of Grain Shipped from Winchester.
1890 Railroad station built, town Is number one exporter of grain in the valley.
11/4/1890 Tilla Patterson becomes first and only station agent. She served until it closed in 1929. Two trains a day go through Winchester. She would also serve as a Wells Fargo agent and a Western Union Telegrapher.
1890 H.E. Remsburg starts planting eucalyptus groves in the area.
1890 Town has two doctors, two general merchandise stores, a real estate office, hotel, two blacksmiths, lumberyard, creamery, livery stable, brass band, baseball team (hardball), and a lodge hall. Click here to continue
