Docent Training April 5, 2014

The next Docent training class is Saturday, April 5, 2014 from 10 am to 3 pm.

The training class includes living history activities, preparation for the Old Time Jubilee event in May, and some light walking around the park.  Please bring your own lunch. 

What:    Docent training

When:   Saturday, April 5, 2014

Where:  Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park

Time:    10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Persons under 18 years of age may volunteer with written permission from a parent or guardian.

To register for the training class or receive information about other volunteering opportunities at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, contact Steve Ptomey at (661) 849-3433 or Steven.Ptomey@parks.ca.gov

Please register by March 31, 2014.

Old Time Jubilee

"Dressing for the Carnival"  An Oil painting by Winslow Homer, housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

When the calendar turned to May, mothers, fathers and especially the children of Allensworth eagerly awaited the arrival of the carnival.  The sights and sounds of the carnival filled the air; the aroma of sweet cotton candy and charred roasted corn, the clang of the bell as young men lift the large mallet overhead then slam it down on the metal plate, people trying to win stuffed animals at the shooting gallery or by knocking milk-bottles off their stand, or popping balloons with darts.  The carnival is a welcome respite from the daily routine of life. 

We invite you to join the Friends of Allensworth as we celebrate the arrival of the carnival with our annual Old Time Jubilee.  Like the carnivals of old we will have an open air market with food, artwork, jewelry and clothing for sale.  The stage program will include live performances and a puppet show featuring Colonel Allensworth.  Our friendly docents will also be on hand to provide tours of the historic homes and businesses. 

When: Saturday, May 19, 2012

Time: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Where: Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park

Cost:  $6.00 per car

Sites are still available at the campground.  Each site will accommodate a RV or tent, and includes a picnic table and a camp stove.  Make your online reservations at ReserveAmerica. 

For more information or to request a vendor application contact Friends of Allensworth President Thomas Stratton at 855-645-1255 or tomten@pacbell.net.

Hope to see you in Allensworth,

Stephen Hill, Sr.

Old Time Jubilee

On Saturday, May 21st the Friends of Allensworth Interpretive Association, in cooperation with the California State Department of Parks and Recreation will host their Old Time Jubilee event at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. Old Time Jubilee commemorates the carnival’s yearly May visit to Allensworth during the community’s heyday.

One of the special children’s activities scheduled for the day is a puppet show featuring “Colonel Allensworth”.

In addition to enjoying the entertainment on the main stage, you can take a self-paced tour of the historic homes and business. When you are at the Colonel’s house be sure to ask the docent to tell you about Mrs. Allensworth and the oil lamp.

For more information about this event or the Friends of Allensworth contact Friends of Allensworth President Thomas Stratton at (530) 949-2168 or tomten@pacbell.net

Campsites are still available for this event.



What: Old Time Jubilee

When: Saturday, May 21, 2011

Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Where: Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park


Stephen Hill, Sr.

Old Time Jubilee

Saturday, May 15, 2010 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Join the Friends of Allensworth and the California Department of Parks and Recreation at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park for our annual Old Time Jubilee. Co-authors Joslyn Gaines Vanderpool and Anita Royston will use song, dance, and music to tell stories from their book”Our Black Fathers” Brave, Bold & Beautiful. The stories in “Our Black Fathers” challenge the stereotype that all black men are absent from and unaccountable to the black family unit.

George Palmer will speak about “The Roads of Allensworth” which are named after African Americans such as Charles Young and Paul Laurence Dunbar; the town’s lake was named after Booker T. Washington. Also performing will be gospel soloist Letrice Morning.

In addition to the activities on the stage, the historic building will be open for tours. There will be arts and crafts vendors, food vendors and activities for the children.


Vehicle Entry Fees:

Cars: $6.00

Small Bus: $50.00 (24 passengers or less)

Buses: $100.00 (25 or more passengers)

Camping: $20.00 per night



For information contact:

CASHP (661) 849-4012

Bakersfield (661) 633-1577

Delano (661) 725-8210

Fremont (510) 651-8323

Oakland (510) 569-4618

Sacramento (530) 949-2168

San Diego (619) 263-9101

Vallejo (707) 635-1635

Old Time Jubilee Train Ride

The Sacramento chapter of the Friends of Allensworth and CTD Dream Builders are sponsoring a train ride to the May 15th Old Time Jubilee. CTD Dream Builders is a youth outreach program dedicated to helping youth set goals and ensuring they reach those goals.


Families will board the train at the Sacramento Amtrak station and enjoy a free breakfast on the ride to Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. The train will make a special stop that lets the families off only feet away from the Hindsman General Store. After enjoying the Old Time Jubilee activities the families will re-board the train for the return trip to Sacramento and a free dinner.

To purchase tickets or receive more information contact Thomas Stratton at 530-949-2168 or CTD Dream Builders at 916-308-3441. In Stockton call Brenda Kemp @ 916-847-3306.

Stephen Hill, Sr.