As does Washington D.C., so does the Moraga Historical Society. In January we both had a smooth and peaceful change of administration! Ron Louis succeeded Susan Sperry as President who set a wonderful example for all future Presidents. Thank you for your two great years of leadership, Susan-I will do my best to keep up your example.
At the time of this writing, we have already had two general meetings this year. The first featured Clark Wallace as the speaker. Clark and his family were very involved in the "new-early-years" of development in Moraga - from the 1950's through the completion of the Moraga Country Club. Our second speaker in March featured John C. Harper, the Corporate Historian of Chevron Corporation. Along with his chief Archivist Linda Jones, they showed many early photos of automobiles and airplanes, the early oil wells and gave a very interesting graphic presentation of the changes that have taken place in the oil industry through the last 100 years.
Our next general meeting will be held on Thursday, June 25. Traci Parent, the Head Naturalist at the Black Diamond Mines outside of Pittsburg will be speaking to us about the mines of Contra Costa.
This year we will be working very closely with the contra Costa County and Orinda Historical Societies in an effort to see that the Moraga Adobe, the original home of Jose-Joaquin Moraga is preserved. The area surrounding the adobe is to be developed, and the Friends of the Joaquin Moraga Adobe is being formed as a non-profit organization with the purpose of researching, preserving and restoring this community treasure. This promises to be quite a project-stay tuned!
We offer for sale, a hard-cover history book, which details the history of the Moraga Valley from days of the dinosaurs through the 21st century, a very colorful afghan or "throw" which besides keeping you warm, shows off the many historical sites around this area. Note cards and many other smaller items are also available. Drop into the History Center to check them out, or look them up on this website.
The strength of any organization is its membership and participation. If you have any interest in learning about Moraga, we encourage your participation, and we certainly need members to see that the society continues to meets its challenges and goals. Check our calendar for events that might interest you, and support the society in any way you can. Family membership dues are only $25 per year, and single memberships are a great bargain at only $15. Click the tab to print an application. JOIN US TODAY-we need you!
