A Look Back at the Local History Lecture Series May 2009

The Inaugural Local History Lecture Series is, as they say, in the books. It was a great experience and all those who attended came away with a richer knowledge of Kern County and California History. I know I certainly did.

Some have asked me where I came up with this idea. The idea didn't just hit me...well, not right away anyway. The seed was planted when I was asked to contact Mark Arax about having him come to the Beale Memorial Library to speak about his book West of the West. I took down his phone number and called him and the rest is history.

Now that I had booked my first big author, I started brainstorming ideas. Then it came to me. While I was working on my B.A. and M.A. in History at California State University Bakersfield I frequently attended the "History Forum" sponsored by the CSUB History Department. The topics as well as the speakers varied and I always came away satisfied with some new found knowledge. I wanted to recreate this experience for those in our community who are interested in Local History. Instead of having only one speaker per year as CSUB did I thought I would expand it to include four speakers in a month and make it an annual event.

At this point I set out to find people to present. Because I serve as a liaison to the Kern County Historical Society I thought I would look there to fill the venue. I contacted Camille Gavin, Gilbert Gia, and Jeff Nickell who, as you know, agreed.

So, for those who missed any or all of the presentations I offer some brief summaries:

Jeff Nickell, Chronicles of Kern County: Jeff gave a very interesting talk about the Curtis Darling Post Card Collection. His presentation allowed us to see a different image of Bakersfield and Kern County and how the city has changed over the years. He also shared with us a little about the forthcoming book about the Bakersfield Sound.

Gilbert Gia, Steve Strelich Boxing Promoter: Gilbert Gia is currently President of the Kern County Historical Society. As Gilbert noted, Steve Strelich was a very colorful individual. It was his love of wrestling that made Strelich a successful promoter here in Bakersfield. Gilbert's manuscript is based on interviews with Strelich.

Mark Arax, The Last Okie of Lamont: Mark's book, West of the West, is illustrates the story of California. His stories take place all over California "but what holds them together," he notes, "is my own family." The book is about the dream of California, but while the dream is the same, Mark points out, the promise has changed. Mark kept the audience thoroughly engaged with readings from West of the West and In My Father's Name and stories about J.G. Boswell, Stuart Resnick, and California in general. When asked what the single theme was in West of the West he replied "the myth and reality of the California Dream."

Camille Gavin, Dear Cora: Camille's presentation was a great way to end this year's Local History Lecture Series. Before her presentation we had a few minutes to talk. I asked her how long it too her to research and write this book. She revealed that she had began her research in 1989 at the urging of Harland Boyd. Camille shared her memories of her grandmother Cora Bender and the letters her grandfather wrote to Cora beginning in 1888. The book is a must read for anyone looking to expand their knowledge of Bakersfield during the last part of the nineteenth century.

Check out our photostream at http://www.flickr.com/photos/kcliblocalhistory/

What are your memories? Please Share!