A special Certificate of Recognition, introduction of some charter members, music and lots of reminiscing were the order of the day on Saturday, Oct. 19 as a large crowd filled the Escalon Historical Society Museum on Main Street in observance of its 35th anniversary.
The afternoon program also included a brief update on the status of the Historical Society by current President Dave Russell, kudos for the many volunteers that keep the museum up and running, and a number of prize drawings, along with refreshments. The Certificate of Recognition came from Robert Rickman, Fifth District Supervisor, who represents Escalon on the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors.
Several members of the Miss Escalon court were in attendance along with many members of the Historical Society board of directors, and visitors from near and far.
Serving as emcee was Wendy Fenton, welcoming the crowd and highlighting some of the museum milestones.
Charter members of the Historical Society, Dianne McCollum, Vickie Mello and Linda Gentry, were all recognized and presented with special 35-year anniversary engraved commemorative pens.
“My great grandfather and great grandmother moved here in the 1890s,” McCollum said, adding that her grandfather was then among the first born in Escalon, in 1896. “I’ve got family on both sides that were all Escalon people.”
Born and raised in Escalon herself, McCollum now lives in Placerville but said she wouldn’t have missed the 35th anniversary.
“I strongly support the museum,” she said, noting that she stays in touch with friends here and often meets them somewhere between Escalon and Placerville for lunch.
“I’m absolutely amazed at all the people I’ve seen today,” she said of reconnecting with longtime Escalon residents.
Traveling the farthest to attend the celebration was Elvera Rollins from Palm Springs, attending with her daughter Renee Rollins.
Musical entertainment was provided both by the Escalon Senior Fun Bunch Singers and local accordion player Gene Bartolomei.
Society President Dave Russell praised the outreach by Fenton in promoting the event, seeing that as key to the huge turnout.
“We sent out Facebook posts, she bought cards and we sent cards to members, emails to members; I think that’s the main reason, the outreach,” Russell said of welcoming dozens of people to the event.
Russell added he is proud to have been a part of the growth of the museum and thanked all those involved in putting on the celebration, from those organizing the refreshments to staffing the gift shop to being on hand to answer any questions. He also said they are looking for members of the “younger generation” to step up and get involved in the Historical Society so the city’s history and heritage can be preserved and shared for generations to come.
