The Calabasas Historical Society (CHS), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, was formed in 1979 by a grass roots volunteer effort to promote and preserve the historical interest of Calabasas and its surrounding environs. Through the dedication of volunteer members, CHS has successfully created an organization involved in many aspects of historical preservation that includes:
· Maintaining archives and collections containing the historical treasures of the area.
· Offering tours and special programs highlighting the area's culturally-rich history.
· Honoring citizens who have contributed to the history of Calabasas with the Living History award.
· Providing annual scholarships to Pierce College students in the History and Agricultural departments.
· Partnering with other organizations and local government in preservation goals and public programs.
CHS is proud to have a group of dedicated individuals who continue to support, expand and enhance the efforts of CHS. The Board of Directors is elected annually to lead the organization and oversee special committees that allow CHS to accomplish so many of its goals.
CHS Programs & Accomplishments:
Since incorporation on July 3, 1979, CHS continues to preserve and share the area's culturally rich and diverse history. CHS's contributions broaden public interest in history while enriching the community through:
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· The preservation and maintenance of the Kathleen Beachy Memorial Library. This collection features rare and out-of-print books about local history, taped oral histories reflecting the memories of early residents, photographs, artifacts, and other memorabilia.
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· The preservation and maintenance of the Ruth Loring Collection, named after the founder and first president of CHS. This collection contains publications on Southern California History and also includes the historical notebooks of CHS member Flo Klein, reflecting the founding of the City of Calabasas.
· The Living History Award honoring individuals whose dedication and hard work has been instrumental in making and preserving local history.
· Annual scholarship to Pierce College students in the History and Agriculture departments.
| · Local displays, including a display case with artifacts found at Malibu Creek State Park, in the Visitors Center, 1925 Las Virgenes Road; a display at the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District, 4262 Las Virgenes Road; a stuffed squirrel, displayed at the Stunt Ranch, 1201 Stunt Road; an old-time school display with memorabilia from the first schoolhouse in Calabasas, in the lobby at the Las Virgenes Unified School District, 4111 North Las Virgenes Road, and rotating exhibits in a CHS display case at the Calabasas City Library. |
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· Photos in the California State University at Northridge’s Oviatt Library digital library collection.
· The restoration of the 1931 Zig Zag Moderne fountain in Park Moderne, the oldest subdivision in Calabasas (now known as "the bird streets").
· Guided shuttle tours of historic points of interest in Calabasas.
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· Self-guided walking tours and informational brochures for the public: Park Moderne, Old Town Calabasas, and The Heritage of Local Film Making. |
The Calabasas Historical Society continues to carry out its mission statement by being involved in activities connected with historic sites in the area, and in events of historical interest in Calabasas and surrounding environs. It promotes the annual performance of Juan Bautista de Anza’s encampment in Calabasas on February 22, 1776. This is a community effort re-enactment by the Calabasas Anza Heritage Association. The Society has purchased a commemorative brick at Warner Center Park in Woodland Hills and at the Pioneer Memorial Cemetery in Sylmar, California. This site is the location of the second-oldest cemetery in the San Fernando Valley and honors the remains of war veterans dating back to the Civil War.
CHS is also making history with new programs currently in development:
- Calabasas Historic Preservation Committee;
- Completion of a video for presentation to schools and local civic organizations;
- Introduction of a Calabasas Heritage oral history program.
Living History Recipients:
1979
Julian Alvarez
Theresa Thilmony
Rodger Sterling
1980
Fausto Velarde
1981
Edith Hass Hull
1982
George Smith
Mona Neels
1983
Ed Orr
1984
Catherine Mulholland
John Gensely
Lu Bredlow
1985
Ruth Loring
Dolores Belling
1986
Patricia Russell Miller
1987
Ray and Nancy Phillips
1988
Alice C. Stelle
Mac Stelle
1989
Charles Mureau
Rosemary Hulle
1991
Jody White
1994
Beverly and Bill Wilkenson
1995
Dorothea “Dottie” Heitz
1996
Mary Alice Norton
1997
Mary Ann Hart
Frank and Betty Farmer
1998
Don and Marie Wood
1999
Bob and Kathy Hill
2000
Phyllis Power
2001
Kathy Ayers
2003
Dennis Washburn
2004
George and Pat French
2005
Arlene E. Bernholtz
James Bozajian
Marilyn O'Connor
2006
Robin Gensley Mitchell
Earlyn Mosher
(Please note: the award is not given every year.)
Left to Right: Arlene Bernhotlz, Bradley Bobbs, Pat French, George French, Jerry Magel, Taryn Wayne, James Bozajian, and Debra Bruschaber
CHS 2008 - 2009 Board of Directors
Elected Positions:
President................................................Debra Bruschaber
1st Vice President (programs).................George French
2nd Vice President (membership)...........Marilyn O'Connor
3rd Vice President (ways & means)........Taryn Wayne
Recording Secretary................................Pat French
Corresponding Secretary.........................Arlene E. Bernholtz
Treasurer.................................................Pia Coleman
Parliamentarian........................................Jerry Magel
Appointed Positions:
Historian...................................................Bradley Bobbs, Ph.D.
Hospitality................................................Pat French
Sunshine………………………………...Arlene E. Bernholtz
Librarian...................................................Rosemary Hulle
Living History Award Advisor ..................Robin Mitchell
Member Community Outreach…………..Andrea Diamond
Oral History .............................................Karl and Nancy Wedemeyer
Project Development……………………..Karl E. Wedemeyer, Ph.D.
Publicity ………………………………… Judi Uthus
Pierce College Scholarship..........................Judy Jordan
Telephone ………………………….……Nancy Wedemeyer
Member at Large........................................James Bozajian
Committees welcoming member involvement:
Hospitality: Assist with refreshments for meetings and securing hostesses.
Library: Assist with the selection, processing, and maintenance of the CHS library collections.
Project Development: Assist with the member monthly newsletter and dissemination of CHS news to all members; help maintain membership database for mailing purposes.
Telephone: Assist with contacting members when necessary.
CHS also forms special committees throughout the year. individuals may find out more about special programs and projects by contacting CHS.
CHS is a member of the Conference of Historical Societies, California Historical Society and Associated Historical Societies of Los Angeles County. |
