Caretakers look to continue improvements in 2011
In 2010, the San Benito Historical Society saw several
improvements to the county historical park, in Tres Pinos. The
group, along with park caretakers Don and Deana Pidd, are
continuing to look for ways to improve the park and increase
visitation as a new year starts.
Caretakers look to continue improvements in 2011
In 2010, the San Benito Historical Society saw several improvements to the county historical park, in Tres Pinos. The group, along with park caretakers Don and Deana Pidd, are continuing to look for ways to improve the park and increase visitation as a new year starts.
“Together we can continue to create a Historical Village that will showcase the uniqueness that is San Benito County,” Pidd said, in an e-mail.
Last year, the park saw the addition of some unique pieces such as the original Hollister firehouse, Hose Co. No. 2. A donation from Martin Arias made it possible to relocate the building from downtown Hollister to the park in May. The Hollister Firefighters Association also helped with the move. The park received a windmill for display and county supervisors approved funding to install larger barbecue pits as well as a split rail fence. A California State University, Monterey Bay student helped to organize and improve the blacksmith shop display.
The Historical Park was the beneficiary of an Eagle Scout project by Tristan Russell, who built two decks on the Garcia House. Improvements to the house, which will be used as a visitor center, continued. Some of the volunteers to work on the building were Michael Magliato, Alan Robertson, Morris Stevens, Derrick Whalen, Joseph Whalen, Norman Dike, Arvin Velho, Josie Doty, Deana Pidd, Delbert Doty and Calfire crews. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints also organized work days in which members of the congregation came out to help or clean up the park.
Pidd has a list of projects that are priorities for 2011 including rebuilding and landscaping the dance hall. Plans for Woods Cabin include building a deck, roof repairs, and completing the pharmacy and general store. The Ferrando Barn needs the display deck on the north side of the barn repaired and display windows installed on the south side. Plans for the bunkhouse include a deck repair and a display to be created on the deck. The firehouse, installed last year, will have a brick walkway put in around the building and a display set up. The Garcia House should be completed, with a display set up and landscaping completed. Pidd said there are plans to build a 10-by-10-foot grape arbor in front of the visitor center for guests to use as a picnic area.
Don Pidd said the group welcomes those who are interested in sponsoring, volunteering or being on a committee to find donors to get involved. Those interested can contact Pidd to find out more.
Other plans include planting an heirloom fruit orchard at the south end of the park and putting up signage throughout the park leading to different locations or describing antique agricultural equipment.
The historical society is also looking for volunteers who would like to serve as docents once a month for a “Day in the Village” event where residents or visitors can see what life was like in the past, guided by people in period costumes. Volunteers will also be needed for other one-time events such as Civil War Days, Early Day Gas Engine Show, the Cow Plop Drop and the 19th Century Carnival.
The park was host to several events in 2010, including the annual Civil War Days in September. Teresa and Jim Thompson helped organize the reenactment, which brought re-enactors from around California for the three-day event. Scout Troop 466 helped with parking during the event and built a history trail from the recreation area to the village.
In June, the park hosted the Small Engine and Tractor Show, through the efforts of some San Benito Historical Society members as well as the Branch 3 Early Day Gas Engine and Tractor Group.
An independent movie company used the park as a setting for a Civil War-era western. Pidd said in an e-mail that the society hopes to screen the movie in 2011 as a fundraiser.
The society hosted or benefited from some fundraisers throughout the year. It held a barn sale in November that was well attended despite rainy weather. They hosted the Cow Plop Drop to raise money for improvements on the Garcia House. San Benito Stage Company also donated a percentage of ticket sales from their performances of “Oklahoma,” to the park. The Stage Company held the cast party at the park as well.
“These are just a part of the activities that your generous donations and support have helped to make,” Pidd said. “The San Benito County Historical Park is a valuable asset to residents and visitors to San Benito County. 2011 is expected to be even more exciting with several new planned additions and more activities for the community and membership to enjoy.”
Anyone interested in volunteering as a docent or on any of the projects at the San Benito County Historical Park in 2011, may call Don Pidd at 902-9349 or e-mail do*****@sv*.net.
