East Valley Historical Society Gathering Momentum
A group of desert residents determined to preserve the history of the eastern Coachella Valley have banded together as the East Valley Historical Society.
The purpose of the organization is “…to collect, preserve, catalogue and maintain historical artifacts, memorabilia and cultural resources,” according to the fledgling society’s bylaws.
“We are in the process of involving the communities in the eastern valley, and also the Torres Martinez Tribe in attempting to heighten awareness of our history and the necessity of preserving it,” said Jennie Kelly, Chairwoman of the North Shore Community Council and founder of the Historical Society.
“Right now, we’re working on finishing a draft of the bylaws. Tax deductible donations of more than $1,000 have already been received, which will enable us to cover the fees associated with incorporation. I feel like we’re really launched.” She noted that outreach presentations are being made to the community councils of Mecca, Thermal, Oasis, North Shore and Vista Santa Rosa, and also to the Torres Martinez Tribal Council.
A couple of early preservation targets that the new group is looking at are the old Dos Palmas Ranch in North Shore and Hilton’s Art and Gem Shop on Harrison Street at Avenue 66. Already, the group has been instrumental in at least postponing the demolition of those two structures. And, according to organizers, the east valley is rich with historic resources.
“Preservation of cultural resources has been severely lacking in the unincorporated areas of the East Valley,” Kelly said. “With imminent growth threatening those resources even further, immediate action is imperative.
“Due in large part to very generous donations from two grandsons of Gertrude “Trudi” Tenderich, we are now financially able to proceed with the 501c3 non profit application process. We owe a huge thank-you to the Bob Kretschmar and Earl McNeil families for jump-starting our donation drive.
“We are now able to accept tax-deductible donations through a temporary account set up by the Desert Alliance for Community Empowerment. If you would like to make a donation, it should be made out to DACE, with a notation on the check that it is for Dos Palmas/EV Historical Society--this notation is very important. We will supply a receipt, which will be proof of your charitable contribution for tax purposes.”
Send donations to EV Historical Society, PO Box 99, Thermal, CA 92274.
The society is actively looking for volunteers. If you’d like to be involved, contact them by e-mail at evhistoricalsociety@earthlink.net, or call Jennie Kelly at (760) 393-1312.
###