“preserving the past to protect the future” a quarterly ...€¦ · ly ghost association, odd...

“ P R E S E R V I N G T H E P A S T T O P R O T E C T T H E F U T U R E ”

Inside This Issue:

History of the Masonic Temple . 1, 4

President’s Message .................... 2

New Members ................................ 3

Announcements/Events ................. 3

Around Town ................................. 4

Buchanan Field .............................. 5

Donations ................................... 6, 7

2016 Board Nomations ................... 7

Dinner & Auction Highlights ....... 8

Business Members ........................ 9

Membership Application .............. 10

A SHORT HISTORY OF THE MASONIC TEMPLE BUILDING By Lloyd Crenna

Founded in 1914 as the Temple of Mt. Diablo Lodge

No. 448, the Concord Masonic Lodge used the reference to

Mt. Diablo because a Sacramento lodge had taken the name

Concord Lodge No.117 in 1850. Like many fraternal

groups, the Lodge drew most of its membership from the

local business community. As Concord was characterized as

a “workingman’s community” at that time, the Lodge found

it difficult to develop a large membership.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, fraternal organi-

zations were a common feature in small towns. People

bound together for philosophical, religious, literary, social,

benevolent , service, athletic or philanthropic reasons. Con-

cord had several like the Freemasons, Druids, Red Men, Ho-

ly Ghost Association, Odd Fellows (which was named to

describe the fact that it was comprised of people who did not,

for various reasons, want to join the other fraternal organiza-

tions, and so were the odd ones!), Elks, Moose, Woodmen of

America and Eagles. Besides the social purposes, they pro-

vided their members with financial assistance in times of poverty and illness, defrayed burial expenses, and were the fore-

runners of the modern trade unions.

Before construction of Concord’s Masonic Temple, the members would meet in the Odd Fellows Hall, a classic two

story wood frame building then at the corner of Salvio and Colfax Streets which is no longer in existence. Early in 1922,

Mrs. Melvina Strickland donated $700 to the Lodge in memory of her son with the stipulation that the money be used to

purchase real estate for construction of a Masonic Temple. The building still retains a large stained glass window on the

main stair landing that bears her name “Melvina Strickland Durham” and was included in the construction to thank her for

her gift. The property, which was on the west side of Galindo Street between Concord Boulevard and Clayton Road, was

purchased and planning for the building began. The building remained at that location until May 2013 when the Concord

Historical Society had it moved to 1928 Clayton Road and began its restoration.

A Quarterly Publication of the Concord Historical Society

Concord, CA

Volume 44, Issue No. 4 November 2015

Editor: John Carlston © 2015, Concord Historical Society

THE MASONIC TEMPLE IN THE LATE 1920s

Continued on page 4

November 2015 THE CONCORD HISTORIAN

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

As we progress from fall toward winter,

and with the air getting cooler, there's a lot of

buzzing going on at the Society. Your board

couldn't be more thrilled with the results of

our very first Dinner and Auction, which was

held on October 17 at the Concord Senior

Center. You will be able to see pictures and

read more about it in this issue of the Histori-

an. I want to thank so many of you who con-

tributed to our goal which is the completion

and opening of our Museum and Event Cen-

ter. It made my heart proud to see so many

people connecting with their local history as

well as old friends. The committee scurried

around all evening and I heard not a word of

dismay.

Great job by all who worked so hard to bring this successful event to frui-

tion. Thank you.

The annual membership renewal period is ending and our chair, Evelyn Cun-

ningham, has done a wonderful job in keeping up with all the paperwork related to

that.

Larry Prosper and Chuck Gabrysiak have solved our water problems at the

Galindo Home And Gardens. Many of you may have noticed as you drive by on

Clayton Road and see the campus. We are now hooked to our own well and the

sprinkler system is repaired and operational. We're hoping to bring the gardens

back to life as well as expand the gardens to include our plan for the Concord Mu-

seum and Event Center property.

Our History Resource Center, says director Lind Higgins, has been busy as well,

receiving new artifacts and helping people research different subjects about their

family history or Concord’s history.

If you recall from years past, the Galindo Home at Christmas time is beautiful.

Her doors will be open to the public every Saturday and Sunday through December

from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. The rooms are elegantly decorated with just the tiniest of

detail. The committee starts decorating after Thanksgiving. The guys help us with

hanging the lights and putting the trees up. The committee splits up each responsi-

ble for decorating individual rooms and when they're finished it looks so festive and

gorgeous with each room taking on a different feel. Be sure to come down and see

it sometime. We would love to share some hot cider and cookies with you. We

have another exciting holiday treat. We will open the Galindo Home's Rose Parlor

to have Christmas Family Photos taken with Santa. We'll offer to take your picture,

your children's picture or the family's picture with Santa either on your phone or

with our camera. The appointment times will be at half an hour increments on Sat-

urday, December 5th, and Sunday, December 6th, from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM (The

cost for photos is $20). I'm excited about this first attempt at offering you an idea

for your Christmas cards. With new techie ability, Christmas cards to be printed

up within a few days. See flyer included for specific details.

Have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, and I hope 2016 finds all of us content, peaceful, and happy!

Your President, Carol Longshore

Board of Directors

President:

Carol Longshore

First Vice President:

Vivian Boyd

Second Vice President:

Jim Trolan

Secretary:

Carole Kelsch

Treasurer:

Jan Trolan

At Large Members:

Board Member Emeritus:

Paul Larson

Kay Massone (1937-2014)

Dick Allen

John Carlston

Lloyd Crenna

Barry Cunningham

Evelyn Cunningham

Joanne Fryer

Chuck Gabrysiak

David Gagliardi

Lind Higgins

John Keibel

Terry Kremin

Karen Mangini

Marv McKean

Brad Morimune

Larry Prosper

Martha Riley

Barbara Strehlitz

Tom Wentling

Concord Historical Society’s

Resource Center

1700 Farm Bureau Road

Concord

(925) 827-3380

Open Tuesdays 1:00 to 4:00 PM

Visit us on the web at:

www.concordhistorical.org

www.concordhistory.com


Honorary

Board of Directors

Willard Ballenger

Horse Rancher/Breeder

and World War II Veteran

Dave Brubeck (1920-2012)

Musician/Composer

Richard A. Cuneo

Winery Executive

Joseph L. Campbell

Pres. - Contra Costa Water Dist.

Hart Fairclough (1924-2013)

Educator/Athletic Coach

Judith Morgan

Author/TV Writer/Artist

James Serventi

Colonel, U.S. Air Force (Retired)

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Annual Membership Meeting and Dinner at Oakhurst Country Club, Clayton

Thursday, March 17, 2016

Spring Tea at the Historic Galindo Home

April 2016 (Exact Dates to be Announced)

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Nancy L. Cochico

Bill & Catherine Hensiek

Mr. & Mrs. Dale Long

Richard Andrus

Daniel O’Connell

Joe & Clydene Honenrieder

Pictures With Santa At the Historic Galindo Home

Saturday, December 5 and Sunday, December 6, 2015 From 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM


Continued from page 1

The original projected construction cost of the building was $18,000, but became considerably more, costing $31,550

when the building was completed. The increase was the result of the lodge’s building committee deciding to make it

“beautiful, dramatic and spacious.” Examples of this design are the front exterior including wrought iron drapery rods

from which flowing draperies were to be hung, the entry foyer and the broad stairway to the second floor, fireplace room,

the woodwork and hand painted beams, chandeliers and the size of the two main rooms, each without interior support posts.

This building done in the Spanish Colonial Revival style by notable architects, Slocombe & Tuttle of Oakland, was appro-

priate for the building’s era, function and Concord’s history. It became the inspiration and model for many later Masonic

Temples throughout Northern California. In 1928 it was grand and elegant, and made a statement about the stature of Con-

cord as an emerging community, up until then defined only by its agriculture, farms, orchards and cattle ranching, with only

a small business downtown.

Although built as a Masonic Lodge, the building was the official meeting facility for over ten other local organizations,

and many Boy Scout groups. Over the years it has served as the town’s public hall and was the site of countless wedding

receptions, meetings, dances and dinners.

It was a stupendous undertaking for so few and reflected the spirit and ardor of its 151 original members. Their achieve-

ment is being matched by the current Board of the Concord Historical Society and the Society’s members who will not rest

until the former Masonic Temple regains its past glory and beauty and becomes the Concord History Museum and Event

Center. With its move to its current location and its restoration, the 87 year old building will once again be Concord’s com-

munity gathering place and cultural center for weddings, dinners, dances and other social events and cultural activities.

AROUND TOWN

VIEW OF THE RENOVATIONS TO THE FRONT HALL

AND STAIRWAY OF THE MASONIC TEMPLE

STAINED GLASS WINDOW MEMORIALIZING THE

GENOROSITY OF MELVINA STRICKLAND DUNHAM

THE GANG FROM HITCHCOCK’S AUTO

SERVICE LUNCHING AT MIN’S KITCHEN MARTY PISCOVICH, DWAIN ADAMS & RICK

SAXTON - 2015 MT. DIABLO RED DEVIL CLASSIC


BUCHANAN FIELD By Vivian Boyd

I’ve never been a fan of air shows, and I didn’t know why, until this summer when a plane crashed at an air show in

France and it opened a public debate on the rationality of such a display of danger. Deep in the archives of my memory was

buried an event that explained my personal angst.

Buchanan Field began as an airfield in 1942. In the 1930s, barnstorming pilots were still landing in cleared pastures

throughout Contra Costa County. Two small airfields existed by the late 1930s. One was Sherman Field, occupying the

site of the old Payless Drugs (Rite Aide today) near Contra Costa Boulevard, and a tiny field on West Street in Concord,

which had been used briefly in the 1920s for air mail and transcontinental passenger service.

People saw job opportunities tied to the creation of an airport and a special aviation committee, part of the Contra Costa

County Development Association, was formed and worked with the Board of Supervisors in choosing a site for a county

airport. Land for the airport was purchased by the County in the spring of 1942. Originally the site was 407 acres. The

field was still being developed when it was taken over by the U.S. Army Air Corps in June 1942. For the duration of World

War II it was used as an advanced training base for P-39 Airacobra pilots. The Federal Government added 122 acres of

land to the airfield at the existing site. In 1946 the field was returned to county control and dedicated for public use. During

this time it was thought that it would become an airport much like Oakland, an international hub. But, major airlines did not

come to the smaller fields.

The field was named after William J. Buchanan, who

served on the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors for

46 years, and as its Chairman for 30 years. He was first

elected in 1904 over opponent Paul DeMartini by a vote of

252 to 140. When he died in 1950 it was said that he had a

“…public career of unequal[ed] length.” Further it was said

of his death from a heart attack, “A whole era of Contra

Costa County was closed.” Born in New York Landing,

outside of Black Diamond, on September 11, 1867. He

went to school in the then thriving community of Norton-

ville. His father was a grain farmer and William was known

as an expert hay baler. As a supervisor he was called the

“Watchdog of the County’s Treasury,” and he was proud of the title. However, he was also known as a free spender of his

own money.

On Sunday, August 13, 1950, I was excited to go with my family to the 4th anniversary of Buchanan Field. Various pro-

grams had been planned that were both educational and entertaining. Helicopter rides were arranged, as well as crop dust-

ing demonstrations and acrobatics. Warren Bogess, the Buchanan Field Operator, was scheduled to race Ken Furhman’s

“hot rod,” which had been clocked at 105 MPH.

Concord’s Fire Chief, Allen Vargus, had reassured people in the Concord Transcript that trucks would be on hand in

case of an emergency. But we were focused on celebration and popcorn as we strolled among the parked planes resting on

the baking tarmac. The smell of engine oil permeated the air as we sought shade from the relentless sun. Many people set-

tled in the shadow under the sheltering wings of the planes.

Suddenly, a helicopter, hovering 100 feet over the field went out of control. It was a new helicopter, having only 4

hours of flying time, and quickly the pilot, James Watriss, 29, jumped free, leaving his co-pilot, William T. Larkins, 28, of

Concord, to escape as best he could. The helicopter crumbled, smashing into a light plane, dragging the plane and one

shade-seeker 70 feet along the ground. The helicopter barely missed the grandstand by 20 feet when its tail propeller sud-

denly went into reverse. In all, 6 people were injured that day, one critically. Mrs. Antoinette Viscuso suffered a basal

skull fracture. Some people blamed the Fire Service for a lack of ambulances and first aide equipment. Others blamed poor

planning. Some blamed the faulty design of helicopters, others the fact that people were sitting under the wings of light

planes.

It was estimated that 8,100 people were there that day. There was a lot of confusion and my father quickly ushered us

away. I was never tempted by air shows or helicopter rides again. When asked, “why,” I couldn’t explain until internation-

al events caused the memory banks to slowly open and I remembered an August day on Buchanan Field.

P-39 AIRACOBRA


THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY

AND CONTINUED SUPPORT

D O N A T I O N S

Donations—Financial Contributions

Museum Building Fund

Bob & Susan Buscaglia

Richard & Cheryl Buscaglia

Catalina Wright

Ron Buscaglia

John & Michelle Carlston

Jon Oldfather/

Diablo Valley Insurance Agency

Catherine O’Dea

Peter & Judy Vasconi

Conco Cement

Les Garaventa

George & Sandra Baldocchi

Brad & Jennifer Morimune

Jim & Jan Trolan

Stan Gaunt

Sunne McPeak

Jean Riggs

John Keibel

Larry & Enid Kessinger

Jim McKinnon Endicott

David Fry

Paul & Vivian Larson

Ann Faut

Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Hieb

Joan Reed

Ruth Sjoberg

Michael Ferre

Belinda Floyd

Alex P. Poulos

Valerie Garner

Willard Ballenger

James & Virginia Villa

Bill & Catherine Hensiek

Tony & Lynnet Keihl

Rena Swedberg

Barry & Lorraine Koven

Bill & Gail Shinn

Bernice Woodhead

Susan & Richard Lyon

Mr. & Mrs. Richard Morimune

Mr. & Mrs. Al Kappedahl

Margaret Floyd

John & Cheri Erman

George & Barb Hegarty

Dan & Mary Lou Helix

Stuart Swedler

Barry Koven

Mr. & Mrs. Bill Rood

Paul Andrews

Susan Barclay Jim & Gayle Serventi

Dr. Allen Lagler

Karen Mangini

Mr. & Mrs. Craig Williams

Ken & Sandy Williams

Iola O’Grady

Vasconi-Belka Realty

Doris Webster

In Honor of Frank Strehlitz

Barbara Strehlitz

In Honor of Arlene Skuba and

Mt. Diablo High Class of 1955

Jim Serventi

In Memory of Mary Garaventa

Robert Massone

James & Gayle Serventi

In Memory of Vic Guerisoli


Jim & Jan Trolan

In Memory of Jeanette Buscaglia


Marlene Carlson

In Memory of Peggy Templeton Smith

David Martin Family

Judy Trette

In Memory of Art Turrin

David Martin Family

Judy Trette


Jim, Jan & Jake Trolan

William & Virginia Rood

In Memory of Barbara Sousa

Judy Trette

Jim, Jan & Jake Trolan

Ernestine Rapoza

Robin Kling

David Martin Family Lon & Gail Carlston

Janet Mundy

Howard & Dorothy Folkeman

Dave & Arlene Skuba

Bill & Adele Houston

Jack & Janet Armstrong

Karen Maltbie/Jim’s Auto Body

George & Sandra Baldocchi

Bob Massone

Ray & JoAnn Arnold

and Leon Sanders Tim & Candace Taylor

Barbara Hayworth

Susan Barclay

Catherine O’Dea

Roland & Shirlene Davies

Anna, Chris & Marlene Stephens

In Memory of Olga Ferrando


In Memory of Jim Chambers

Al Bolden

In Memory of Kay Massone

Dave & Arlene Skuba


Donations—Photos, Artifacts, Library Materials

Rachel Dias - Photos, B&W: Concord Grammar School 1907; Concord Elementary School, Class of 1929; George Soares

just home from WWII & a friend (2 different). Mt. Diablo Union High School Class of 1937 Reunions: Photos, B&W:

1964 (2 different) with identifying names and newspaper article; 1981. Photos, color: Reunion 1988 (2), snapshots of those

attending and the Welcome cake (14 different); Roster, 1981; Yearbook 1937.

Ambrose School, Photos, B&W: Miss Odegard 1st Grade 1938, Miss Sorgenfry 2nd Grade 1939, Miss Rice 3rd Grade 1940,

Miss Gilchrist 4th Grade 1941, Miss Norman 5th Grade 1942, Miss Emery 7th Grade 1944, Miss Lombaradi, 8th Grade 1945.

Program, Ambrose School Graduation 1945 w/2 B&W photos of some of the students; Program, Mt. Diablo Union High

School Commencement 1949 w/B&W photo of 2 girls

Chuck Gabrysiak - Seating capacity sign removed from the Museum & Event Center ; Char red wood (2 pieces) from

the back wall of the Museum & Event Center, evidence of fire in original kitchen

Donald Bruce Hunter on behalf of the Macchi, Haskins, Buscaglia, Lodi, Aiello Families – Memorabilia of William

Vincent Macchi, first ordained Catholic priest born in Concord. Chalice. Nameplate. Books: Order of Christian Funerals,

Liturgy of the Hours, Lenten and Easter Seasons. Photo albums: Ordination 1964 and Silver Jubilee 1989; Meeting with

the Pope in Rome 1993. Painting of Rev. Macchi by Jessie “Baca” 1997. Master of Social Welfare degree from UC Berke-

ley 1968, framed. Photos: B&W, parents Alfred & Winnie Macchi & William as a child, framed; Second Minors 1962 (2);

Alfred Macchi; Winnie Macchi; plus a large framed photo of the two of them. Certificate of Baptism 1938. Invitation to

Rev. Macchi’s appointment as Vicar General of the Diocese of Oakland, 1978. Brochure listing Rev. Macchi’s vitae in

conjunction with his appointment as Vicar General. Programs: Clayton Valley Elementary School Graduation 1911; Ordi-

nation of the Class of 1964; 1978 dinner honoring Rev. Macchi for 25 years as Director of Catholic Charities. Clippings:

stories and artwork submitted to Aunt Elsies 1960s. Robe hanging in its bag. Some items accepted provisionally – to be

reviewed in future.

Pam Martin - Photo, framed, B&W, Lions Club 1939

Martha Whittaker - Photos, B&W: Planning Commission 1982 & 1985; postcard, Concord Lightfest; Library bookmark;

Chamber of Commerce 1971 Business Directory; Newsletter (for City employees), The Communicator, 21 issues Dec 1979

– June 1986

Christine Williams - Photo, Color, Kim Williams giving historical perspective speech in 1982 about the property at the

corner of Grant and Pacheco Streets deeded to the First Presbyterian Church.

D O N A T I O N S

REQUEST FOR “NOMINATONS FROM THE FLOOR” By Lind Higgins

Is the Board of Directors running the organization effectively? Do you have suggestions for changes? Or, most im-

portantly, would you like to become part of the hard-working group responsible for guiding the policies and activities of the

Society, as well as raising funds to accomplish its objectives? This is your chance to toss your hat into the ring and be nom-

inated for one of the Board positions.

Since Society Board Members are elected by members through mailed ballots rather than at the annual meeting, each

November’s newsletter contains a request on behalf of the Nominating Committee for “nominations from the floor.” To

provide continuity, one-third of the 18 Directors at Large are elected each year. The next election will be in March 2016 for

six Board members to serve 3-year terms, 2016-2019. . The Board meets the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM at

the Resource Center and Directors are expected to attend. You can volunteer to appear on next year’s ballot, or you can

nominate a friend.

Please let the Nominating Committee know if you, or another member, are willing to serve on the Board. Nominations

must be received by December 15, 2015 and can be submitted by regular mail to Nominating Committee, Concord Histori-

cal Society, P.O. Box 404, Concord, CA 94522. Nominations may also be submitted by e-mail to

“[email protected].” Please include the name, address and telephone number of the nominee, (as well as your

name and telephone number if you’re nominating someone else) so the Committee can ask for additional information if

necessary.

2 0 1 6 B O A R D E L E C T I O N


HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR FIRST DINNER AND AUCTION

October 17, at the Concord Senior Center, the Concord Historical Society experienced its first of what we intend to be-

come an annual dinner and auction event. Much to the delight of the society’s board and auction committee, the event was

quite a success. As you can see from the pictures it was an evening full of fun, laughter and community. Several guests

saw people they had not seen in 30 years, next-door neighbors from the past, friends of their parents, and old schoolmates.

England's catered the buffet and Stan Gaunt and Jim Trolan handled the bar with their bartender, John. To the delight of

several guest, there was a dessert table; the premise was that as each table put money into an envelope located on their table,

the table whose envelope contained the most money got first choice of the delicious desserts.

Sunne McPeak and husband John stopped by to support the society and say hi. Council members Edi Birsan, Laura

Hoffmeister, Ron Leone and Mayor Tim Grayson, were there to support the society and enjoy themselves, along with our

new city treasurer. In support of the Society, Planning Commissioner Carlyn Obringer checked guests in and out. Event

hairman, Brad Morimune was pleased with the results and thankful for the assistance of his planning committee and volun-

teers.

Society president, Carol Longshore, proudly said "it was the largest guest list we've had and we raised more money than

we ever have for the Concord Museum and Event Center. I'm very excited about the future and all that we have in store for

us."

The Concord Historical Society is looking forward to what unfolds during the upcoming year for the Society and it's

GUESTS CHECK IN FOR THE 2015 DINNER & AUCTION GUESTS REVIEW AUCTION ITEMS

DINNER & AUCTION EVENT CHAIR, BRAD MORIMUNE VIVIAN BOYD & LLOYD CRENNA DISPLAY ARTWORK

THAT WAS AUCTIONED


CONCORD HISTORIAN NEWSLETTER AD APPLICATION

One Year – Four Issues $100.00 Business Card reduced to fit (2 ½” x 1 ¼”)

Double size (2 ½” x 3 ½”) $200.00

Date ___________________________

Name _________________________________________________________________________

Company Name _________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________ City State Zip Code

Business Card Enclosed________ Amount Enclosed_____________

Non-Profit Tax ID No. 23-7094512

PLEASE CONSIDER

ADVERTISING WITH US

The Concord Historical Society has a steady regular

circulation to its membership. Also, we hand out cop-

ies of our newsletter at all of our events, as well from

our booth at special community events such as those

held in Todos Santos Plaza. When it comes to adver-

tising for your business, please consider advertising

with us. Thank you.

We would like to thank our business members for their contributions

which help publish the Concord Historian


DONATIONS APPRECIATED

The Concord Historical Society (CHS) welcomes gifts of funds, stock or property, and bequests in Wills and Trusts or in

honor or memory of someone. Because CHS is an all volunteer organization, 100% of your gifts goes to its projects. Un-

specified gifts will be placed in the General Fund. All gifts are tax deductible and will be acknowledged personally and in

the newsletter unless you request otherwise. Checks should be made out and mailed to: Concord Historical Society, P. O.

Box 404, Concord, CA 94522. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

CONCORD HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

NAME (please print):

Mailing Address:

E-mail Address:

Telephone:

Annual Membership Categories:

Supporting (1 or 2 people): $30.00; Supporting Family Household (more than 2 people): $50.00;

Nonprofit: $50.00; Business: $100.00; Benefactor: $200.00; Life Membership: $500.00

Additional Tax deductible donation:

General Fund:

Museum Fund:

Oral History Fund:

Archive Preservation Fund:

Landmark Plaque Fund:

Total Amount Enclosed

If you would like to volunteer, please select your choice:

School Programs Fund Raising Newsletter Administration Docent

Documentation Membership Oral History Walking Tours Research

MISSION STATEMENT

The Mission of the Concord Historical Society is to discover, preserve and dis-

play objects and materials of significant historical interest, importance and value

in relation to Concord and its vicinity, to identify and preserve Concord’s histori-

cal structures and to discover, preserve and disseminate knowledge of Concord’s

history.

“preserving the past to protect the future” a quarterly ...€¦ · ly ghost association, odd...

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