We had one of our largest turnouts for the recognition of Don Hansen as our Founders Day honoree of the year. With his daughter, Donna Kalez, general manager of Dana Wharf Sportfishing, introducing him, Don sat in an interview-style presentation and told of his involvement in the opening of the harbor in 1971. He did want to clarify one point: the Festival of Whales parade actually originated in San Clemente, and when he moved to Dana Point, he had Doris Walker start the now 41-year-old-tradition. Don joins a list of 10 other honorees since its inception in 2002. Thank you Don!
This month we are presenting our two $1,000 scholarship winners at our annual BBQ at Doheny State Park. The awards will be made at their respective high schools, Dana Hills and San Clemente. We ensure that all Dana Point student residents have a chance to participate, regardless of their high school affiliation. This scholarship program started out with one $500 scholarship and has been expanded to two $1,000 scholarships due to our members’ support for this event. Information about the BBQ and ticket order form are located in this newsletter.
Barbara Johannes attended the California Preservation Foundation conference for the DPHS as our preservation officer. She has been instrumental in working with the CPF to have their 2013 conference held in Orange County. It has been 30 years since it was held locally. The Historical Society, along with the Orange County Historical Commission will be hosting the event. Many volunteers will be needed for this event next year. Please contact Barbara to volunteer your time and get more information.
While at the CPF conference, representing the Orange County Historical Commission, your president spent an afternoon at Cal Berkley’s Bancroft Library. There, a new document was located that we have not seen before but have heard about . It is a 1924 publication named “Dana Point California and Vicinity.” It has 14 colored photos of Dana Point in 1924 and describes the first attempted development of the area by the San Juan Point Corporation. Most of the photos are in our collection but this document gives us a specific date and some new photos. We hope to have it reproduced to share with all of you.
See you all at the BBQ — and bring a friend!
Carlos N. Olvera