Today, August 17th, California State Parks Director Ruth Coleman announced the latest round of public meetings to gather input on the department’s Central Valley Vision. This vision is a long-range program to help guide the future development and acquisition program in California’s Central Valley. There are seven (7) meeting scheduled for the month of September.
Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park is one of the 32 units that the California State Parks manages in the Central Valley. This an opportunity to let the California State Parks know about the improvements needed at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park.
The times and locations of the upcoming meetings and a list of comments from the spring meetings is available from the California State Parks department.
August 17, 2005
July 16, 2005
Junior Ranger Program available at State Park
Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park is one of over sixty California state parks where the Junior Ranger Program is available. Seven to twelve year olds can participate in games, hike trails, create their own animal, discover tracks, and observe wildlife. They earn rewards as they go through the 12 different program activities.
The program can take place over several days, or they can start at one park, and then at another time go to a different park. Each activity takes about an hour. The Junior Ranger Program is free to visitors who have already paid the park entrance or camping fees.
The department of parks and recreation also offers the Junior Ranger Adventure Guide. You can print it out before you go to the park and then have fun doing the activities with your whole family. When you’ve finished all of the activities in the guide take your Adventure Guide to the entrance station, park office, camp host or visitor center to get your California State Parks Junior Ranger award.
You can learn more about the Junior Rangers by phoning (916) 653-8959.
The program can take place over several days, or they can start at one park, and then at another time go to a different park. Each activity takes about an hour. The Junior Ranger Program is free to visitors who have already paid the park entrance or camping fees.
The department of parks and recreation also offers the Junior Ranger Adventure Guide. You can print it out before you go to the park and then have fun doing the activities with your whole family. When you’ve finished all of the activities in the guide take your Adventure Guide to the entrance station, park office, camp host or visitor center to get your California State Parks Junior Ranger award.
You can learn more about the Junior Rangers by phoning (916) 653-8959.
June 30, 2005
Masters Thesis on the Allensworth Hotel
Hello,
My name is Beatrice (Bea) Cox. I am doing my Masters thesis on the archaeology of the Allensworth Hotel. I heard about Allensworth only five years ago. Since then I have attended the Rededication event for three consecutive years. Needless to say I fell in love with Allensworth and all of its history and lore. I have met quite a few descendants, listening to their wonderful, uplifting, and encouraging stories. I plan to finish my thesis by next May. In this writing process I have a few historical details to iron out and for the rest of the summer I will be at the collection center doing a long awaited analysis on the archaeological materials from the hotel excavation. I plan in the future a compilation of all the archaeological reports from the town. I am working with Betty Rivers, Glen Farris, and the Park Service on this project.
I wanted to touch base with your organization to let you know of my work and to also ask of you, your assistance in my research. There are a number of questions that come up periodically as I grow familiar with the documents and artifacts stored at the Archaeological Collection Unit in Sacramento. I, of course, would be ever so respectful to any of your members who will or will not assist me with information. I understand these are personal and heartfelt memories to be valued and revered. I have drafted the following preliminary questions from my first look at the records of Allensworth.
Did the hotel play host to an integrated clientele? Why, who, and where else did the hotel clientele do business in town?
Were there any social events (marriage, receptions, etc) documented with photos, letters, diaries or legal papers by families or others?
Can anyone offer me a glimpse at family photos from the era that were taken in or around the hotel?
Were poultry and beef or any other food stuffs supplied to the hotel by members of the community?
Does anyone remember the lake bed flooding and the precautions that were taken when it happen? Can you describe it for me? Did it involve the hotel and in what way?
I can be contacted at: coxb@sonoma.edu
Thank you,
Beatrice Cox
Grad Student-Sonoma State University
My name is Beatrice (Bea) Cox. I am doing my Masters thesis on the archaeology of the Allensworth Hotel. I heard about Allensworth only five years ago. Since then I have attended the Rededication event for three consecutive years. Needless to say I fell in love with Allensworth and all of its history and lore. I have met quite a few descendants, listening to their wonderful, uplifting, and encouraging stories. I plan to finish my thesis by next May. In this writing process I have a few historical details to iron out and for the rest of the summer I will be at the collection center doing a long awaited analysis on the archaeological materials from the hotel excavation. I plan in the future a compilation of all the archaeological reports from the town. I am working with Betty Rivers, Glen Farris, and the Park Service on this project.
I wanted to touch base with your organization to let you know of my work and to also ask of you, your assistance in my research. There are a number of questions that come up periodically as I grow familiar with the documents and artifacts stored at the Archaeological Collection Unit in Sacramento. I, of course, would be ever so respectful to any of your members who will or will not assist me with information. I understand these are personal and heartfelt memories to be valued and revered. I have drafted the following preliminary questions from my first look at the records of Allensworth.
Did the hotel play host to an integrated clientele? Why, who, and where else did the hotel clientele do business in town?
Were there any social events (marriage, receptions, etc) documented with photos, letters, diaries or legal papers by families or others?
Can anyone offer me a glimpse at family photos from the era that were taken in or around the hotel?
Were poultry and beef or any other food stuffs supplied to the hotel by members of the community?
Does anyone remember the lake bed flooding and the precautions that were taken when it happen? Can you describe it for me? Did it involve the hotel and in what way?
I can be contacted at: coxb@sonoma.edu
Thank you,
Beatrice Cox
Grad Student-Sonoma State University
June 24, 2005
Dotson Barn Lift Station and Sewer Line Connection
The California Department of Parks and Recreation has submitted a Notice of Exemption to the Office of Planning and Research. The exemption is for the Dotson Barn Lift Station and Sewer Line Connection project. The project is for the installation of a lift station and sewer line connection at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. The lift station controls will be in the Dotson Barn.
Click here to read the Notice of Exemption.
Click here to read the Notice of Exemption.
June 14, 2005
Was Chaplain Allensworth assassinated?
In 1914 Allensworth was crossing the street after getting off a streetcar to preach at a small church in Monrovia when he was fatally struck by a motorcycle. Do you think Chaplain Allensworth was assassinated? Please let us know what you think. Click on the comments link below to leave your vote. You can just enter Yes or No. Or you can write as much as you want about Chaplain Allensworth’s death.
YES The circumstances of Chaplain Allensworth's death are mysterious and he could have been the victim of foul play. There were a lot of people who didn't want Allensworth to succeed.
Cornelius "Ed" Pope
Initiated the drive to restore Allensworth
NO It's easy to imagine anyone absentmindedly stepping off of a streetcar in L.A., directly into the path of the 1914 traffic.
Vera Botelho
Historical Researcher for CASHP
May 15, 2005
Juneteenth Celebration
Join the Friends of Allensworth at Colonel Allensworth State Historic park on June 25th 2005 as we celebrate Juneteenth. There will be live entertainment, speakers, and free tours of the historic buildings. There will also be an open air arts and crafts market along with a variety of ethnic food for your enjoyment.
Juneteenth is a remembrance of the ending of slavery in the United States. It dates back to June 19, 1865, two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. It was on this day that the Union soldiers arrived at Galveston, Texas with the news that the war had ended and that the slaves had been freed.
To learn more about the history of Juneteenth visit Juneteenth.com.
Juneteenth is a remembrance of the ending of slavery in the United States. It dates back to June 19, 1865, two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. It was on this day that the Union soldiers arrived at Galveston, Texas with the news that the war had ended and that the slaves had been freed.
To learn more about the history of Juneteenth visit Juneteenth.com.
May 01, 2005
OLD TIME JUBILEE
Saturday, May 14, 2005 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
The Friends of Allensworth and the California State Parks System invite you to Old Time Jubilee at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park on Saturday, May 14, 2005 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The event provides a great family festival atmosphere with entertainment featuring… gospel, jazz and drama. In addition to the free self paced tours of the historic buildings, you can talk to the heirs of some of the original pioneers, shop at the open air arts and crafts market or eat some of the best ethnic food for miles around.
For more information call (619) 263-9101.
The Friends of Allensworth and the California State Parks System invite you to Old Time Jubilee at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park on Saturday, May 14, 2005 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The event provides a great family festival atmosphere with entertainment featuring… gospel, jazz and drama. In addition to the free self paced tours of the historic buildings, you can talk to the heirs of some of the original pioneers, shop at the open air arts and crafts market or eat some of the best ethnic food for miles around.
For more information call (619) 263-9101.
April 30, 2005
Past President of Vallejo Chapter
Alphonso Weaver, Past President of the Vallejo Chapter of the Friends of Allensworth, departed this life on Wednesday, April 21, 2005 at 9:00AM. He was also a member of the VFW Post 550 and the Good Time Rollers RV Club. He is survived by his wife of forty nine years. Services are scheduled for Wednesday, May 4, 2005 at American Legion Post 550. Located at 420 Admiral Callaghan Lane, Vallejo, CA 94591 (707) 644-3097
April 06, 2005
State Parks’ Central Valley Vision
California State Park Director Ruth Coleman announced today (April 6, 2005) that several public outreach meetings will be held to introduce more California residents to parks and recreation opportunities that are available in the Central Valley.
The strategy is known as “State Parks’ Central Valley Vision.” Coleman said she intends through this 20-year roadmap to increase the presence of California State Parks in the Central Valley both to meet the needs of Valley residents, and for protection and interpretation of “incredible natural, cultural, historical and recreational resources found only in the Valley.”
Colonel Allensworth SHP is just one of the Central Valley’s 32 State Park units.
The public is invited to attend one of several outreach meetings this spring (additional public outreach meetings will be held fall 2005):
Wednesday, April 27, 2005: 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Woodland Opera House
340 2nd Street
Woodland, CA
Tuesday, May 31, 2005: 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
C.S.U., Fresno
Student Union
5421 N. Maple Avenue
Fresno, CA
Wednesday, June 1, 2005: 3:30 p.m. -- 5:30 p.m.
Resources Building Auditorium
1416 9th Street, 1st Floor
Sacramento, CA
Wednesday, June 8, 2005: 3:30 p.m. -- 5:30 p.m.
Bidwell Mansion
525 The Esplanade
Chico, CA
Click here to read more.
If you are not able to attend one of the scheduled meetings, you can still let the State Parks’ Central Valley Vision Department know about your suggests for possible developments, expansion, interpretation and/or acquisition by filling out the public comments form.
The strategy is known as “State Parks’ Central Valley Vision.” Coleman said she intends through this 20-year roadmap to increase the presence of California State Parks in the Central Valley both to meet the needs of Valley residents, and for protection and interpretation of “incredible natural, cultural, historical and recreational resources found only in the Valley.”
Colonel Allensworth SHP is just one of the Central Valley’s 32 State Park units.
The public is invited to attend one of several outreach meetings this spring (additional public outreach meetings will be held fall 2005):
Wednesday, April 27, 2005: 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Woodland Opera House
340 2nd Street
Woodland, CA
Tuesday, May 31, 2005: 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
C.S.U., Fresno
Student Union
5421 N. Maple Avenue
Fresno, CA
Wednesday, June 1, 2005: 3:30 p.m. -- 5:30 p.m.
Resources Building Auditorium
1416 9th Street, 1st Floor
Sacramento, CA
Wednesday, June 8, 2005: 3:30 p.m. -- 5:30 p.m.
Bidwell Mansion
525 The Esplanade
Chico, CA
Click here to read more.
If you are not able to attend one of the scheduled meetings, you can still let the State Parks’ Central Valley Vision Department know about your suggests for possible developments, expansion, interpretation and/or acquisition by filling out the public comments form.
March 26, 2005
Gospel Fest at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park
The Allensworth Community Volunteer Association (A.C.V.A.) will host a Gospel Fest at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park on Saturday, April 30, 2005. There will be Gospel groups from San Diego to Oakland and from other parts of the world. Come enjoy the great speaker’s and make sure you stop at the Open Air Market, with Art’s & Crafts, and Food Vendor’s.
The A.C.V.A. is still looking for groups to perform at the gospel fest. If you have a group or know of a group that would like to perform in the gospel fest please contact; Clarence Washington, the Event Chairperson, at (310) 837-3345.
Black L.A. Tours is offering transportation from the Los Angeles area. The cost is $25.00 for adults & seniors, and $18.00 for children (4 yrs and under are FREE). Departure time is 6:30am and the return time 6:30pm. To make reservations or get more information contact Valerie Holton at (323) 750-9267.
The A.C.V.A. is still looking for groups to perform at the gospel fest. If you have a group or know of a group that would like to perform in the gospel fest please contact; Clarence Washington, the Event Chairperson, at (310) 837-3345.
Black L.A. Tours is offering transportation from the Los Angeles area. The cost is $25.00 for adults & seniors, and $18.00 for children (4 yrs and under are FREE). Departure time is 6:30am and the return time 6:30pm. To make reservations or get more information contact Valerie Holton at (323) 750-9267.
March 18, 2005
Allensworth Centennial
You are invited to become a part of the planning for the Allensworth Centennial celebration in 2008. Everyone is welcome to assist in making this a state level event commemorating this noteworthy event. Make your voice and the voices of all you represent heard as this plan is developed. Please let us know your ideas by clicking on the “Comments” link below.
The Centennial Celebration is an opportunity to celebrate what has been accomplished and to highlight what remains to be done. We can make a difference.
The Centennial Celebration is an opportunity to celebrate what has been accomplished and to highlight what remains to be done. We can make a difference.
February 24, 2005
Allensworth on State Park Endangered List
On Tuesday, Feb. 22, the California State Parks Foundation released its second annual “State of Our State Parks” report. The report identifies the top six threats to California’s State Park System.
1. Roads cutting through state parks
2. High speed rail running through state parks
3. Development damaging state parks
4. Historical/cultural resources in danger
5. Overuse and short staffing threatens state beaches
6. State parks imperiled by environmentally harmful activities
The report had this to say about the state’s plan to build a high-speed rail system:
Monday, March 14 the California State Parks Foundation will hold its third annual Park Advocacy Day at the State Capitol. Meeting with legislators are scheduled during the day and between 5pm and 6:30pm they will honor Assembly Member John Laird and Senator Denise Ducheny for their efforts and dedication to the state parks. The first of three strategic planning sessions is scheduled for this Sunday, February 27, 20005, 1:00 – 3:00pm at the River Center in Los Angeles.
Read the complete State of Our State Parks report. Get more information about the Third Annual Park Advocacy Day or find out how you can help save our state parks.
1. Roads cutting through state parks
2. High speed rail running through state parks
3. Development damaging state parks
4. Historical/cultural resources in danger
5. Overuse and short staffing threatens state beaches
6. State parks imperiled by environmentally harmful activities
The report had this to say about the state’s plan to build a high-speed rail system:
“Reducing traffic and emissions is a good idea – building a rail system that will run through or by 22 State Parks is not. The effects of a high speed rail system on many of our State Parks are enormous, and would include impacts from noise and construction, habitat fragmentation, infringement on cultural resources and recreational trails, and cumulative effects – including growth inducement,”
Monday, March 14 the California State Parks Foundation will hold its third annual Park Advocacy Day at the State Capitol. Meeting with legislators are scheduled during the day and between 5pm and 6:30pm they will honor Assembly Member John Laird and Senator Denise Ducheny for their efforts and dedication to the state parks. The first of three strategic planning sessions is scheduled for this Sunday, February 27, 20005, 1:00 – 3:00pm at the River Center in Los Angeles.
Read the complete State of Our State Parks report. Get more information about the Third Annual Park Advocacy Day or find out how you can help save our state parks.
February 22, 2005
“The Allensworth Artist” featured in Porterville College art exhibit
In honor of Black History Month the work of Jeanette Brewer "The Allensworth Artist," is featured in an art exhibit at the PC Art Gallery in the Fine Arts Building on Porterville College. The exhibit is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Thursday.
On Thursday there will be a reading from the Martin Luther King Jr. "I Have A Dream" speech and historical account of Allensworth Thursday at noon in the theater.
On Thursday there will be a reading from the Martin Luther King Jr. "I Have A Dream" speech and historical account of Allensworth Thursday at noon in the theater.
February 19, 2005
Allensworth State Historic Park official storyteller to perform in Beverly Hills
Actress Ellaraino, the official storyteller for Allensworth State Historic Park, Barbara Clark, Michael D. McCarty, Leslie Perry, and Spoken Word Artist, Willie Sims will present Tellers and Talkers "Up, Down, and All Around" Saturday, April 9, 2005 at 8:00 p.m. at the Beverly Hills Public Library Auditorium. This performance is part of the Tale Teller: Storytelling Concert Series for Adults. Admission to this two-hour performance is $10.00 per person. For more information on the Storytelling Concert Series visit the Beverly Hills Public Library web site.
February 10, 2005
Army Reverses 1894 Dishonorable Discharge for Chaplain Henry Vinton Plummer
Henry Vinton Plummer was the first African American to be commissioned an army chaplain. A charismatic preacher, Plummer was assigned to the Ninth Cavalry in 1884, which at the time was headquartered at Fort Riley, Kansas. Chaplain Plummer was dishonorably discharged in 1894 for "conduct unbecoming an officer" for drinking with enlisted men and cursing in front of one man's children and wife. This week (February 10, 2005) Chaplain Henry Vinton Plummer was posthumously honorable discharge from the Army.
You can hear Michele Norris, of All Things Considered,talk with the Rev. Jerome Fowler about the posthumous honorable discharge of his great-uncle, Chaplain Henry Vinton Plummer.
You can also read the Army News Service article on Capt Plummer at the U.S. Army web site.
You can hear Michele Norris, of All Things Considered,talk with the Rev. Jerome Fowler about the posthumous honorable discharge of his great-uncle, Chaplain Henry Vinton Plummer.
You can also read the Army News Service article on Capt Plummer at the U.S. Army web site.
January 27, 2005
Career Opportunity
The California Department of Parks and Recreation has an job opening for a PARK MAINTENANCE WORKER I at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park.
PARK MAINTENANCE WORKER I ($2737 - $3268) - CENTRAL VALLEY DISTRICT/ SOUTH VALLEY SECTOR/COLONEL ALLENSWORTH STATE HISTORIC PARK
The reporting location for this position is the Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park Maintenance Shop located in Earlimart. This position will work under the direction of the South Valley Sector Park Maintenance Chief. The incumbent will be responsible for maintaining at least 10 historic structures and associated grounds and/or gardens; a visitor center with exhibits,offices, restroom facilities, campground, shop compound and outlying buildings; two residences, as well as other facilities and related systems. This position may be required to assist with projects at Tule Elk State Reserve and Fort Tejon State Historic Park, as well as other units within the District. This position will have lead responsibility for Maintenance Park Aids, court appointed referrals, California Conservation Corps crews, California Department of Forestry crews, and State Park Volunteers. The schedule will be Thursday through Monday with Tuesdays and Wednesdays off, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. State housing may be available.
For further information regarding this position, please contact Alan Willhite (209) 248-6692 or email at awill@parks.ca.gov.
To apply forward a standard state application Std Form 678 to:
Department of Parks and Recreation
P.O. Box 942896
Sacramento, CA 94296
Attention: Personnel Services Division/Certification Unit
All applications must be postmarked by February 4, 2005
PARK MAINTENANCE WORKER I ($2737 - $3268) - CENTRAL VALLEY DISTRICT/ SOUTH VALLEY SECTOR/COLONEL ALLENSWORTH STATE HISTORIC PARK
The reporting location for this position is the Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park Maintenance Shop located in Earlimart. This position will work under the direction of the South Valley Sector Park Maintenance Chief. The incumbent will be responsible for maintaining at least 10 historic structures and associated grounds and/or gardens; a visitor center with exhibits,offices, restroom facilities, campground, shop compound and outlying buildings; two residences, as well as other facilities and related systems. This position may be required to assist with projects at Tule Elk State Reserve and Fort Tejon State Historic Park, as well as other units within the District. This position will have lead responsibility for Maintenance Park Aids, court appointed referrals, California Conservation Corps crews, California Department of Forestry crews, and State Park Volunteers. The schedule will be Thursday through Monday with Tuesdays and Wednesdays off, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. State housing may be available.
For further information regarding this position, please contact Alan Willhite (209) 248-6692 or email at awill@parks.ca.gov.
To apply forward a standard state application Std Form 678 to:
Department of Parks and Recreation
P.O. Box 942896
Sacramento, CA 94296
Attention: Personnel Services Division/Certification Unit
All applications must be postmarked by February 4, 2005
January 08, 2005
Black History Month at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park
February 12 & 26, 2005
The Friends of Allensworth in cooperation with California State Parks will sponsor the 2005 Black History Month event at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. This year's activities focus primarily on providing an educational and fun experience for school children. Visitors will receive guided tours of the park's historic buildings. Speakers will provide lectures on the history of the park and the families that lived there. If you and your group can't make it on the 12th, the volunteers of the park have set aside the 26th just for you!! Please call the park rangers and let them know you're coming so we can prepare to welcome you and your group.
The Friends of Allensworth in cooperation with California State Parks will sponsor the 2005 Black History Month event at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. This year's activities focus primarily on providing an educational and fun experience for school children. Visitors will receive guided tours of the park's historic buildings. Speakers will provide lectures on the history of the park and the families that lived there. If you and your group can't make it on the 12th, the volunteers of the park have set aside the 26th just for you!! Please call the park rangers and let them know you're coming so we can prepare to welcome you and your group.
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