October 7 , 2006 

Artesia News

The Artesia Historical Society's Fire House Ball a Big Success


Honoring Artesia's firefighting past was the goal of the Historical Society's “Fire House Ball” on Sept. 30.

Over 100 people enjoyed the ball, dining on food provided by Café Camellia, and entertainment and dancing with the Elm Street Band. The event honored Artesia's “old” Fire Station #30 with several retired and active Los Angeles County Firefighters in attendance. Proceeds from the event help the Historical Society provide funds to operate the Artesia Historical Museum, their educational outreach program and other historical projects.

Artesia Historical Society President, Veronica Bloomfield recognized and honored, with certificates of appreciation, Joe A. Harkema and Hogan Willeford, who had both been assigned to “old” Fire Station #30 during their careers.

“The firefighters shared many of their memories, and some memorabilia from their time in Artesia with those in attendance,” said Delores Eveland, a spokesperson for the Historical Society.

Hogan Willeford was the eldest attendee at the age of 94.

Also present and included in the recognition of retired firefighters was Artesia Historical Society member, Fred Earl. Earl grew up in Artesia and served on the old Artesia Volunteer Fire Department; he later joined the Los Angeles County Fire Department after serving in World War II. Earl also graciously shared his extensive collection of Fire Truck toys for use during the evening and has contributed significantly to the pursuit of local Fire Department history.

Captain Joe Woyjeck, President of the Los Angeles County Fire Museum Association was honored for his support of the Historical Society. Woyjeck provided an antique fire truck for display during the event and shared several photographs of “old” Station #30. Other active Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel present included Battalion Chief Bobby Valdillez and Community Affairs Liaison La Fonda Riggins.

Other dignitaries attending and introduced were Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe with his wife Julie; Artesia Mayor John Lyon with his wife Margie; Artesia Mayor Pro-Tem John Martins, Artesia City Council Member Sally Flowers, Artesia City Attorney Kevin Ennis, and Artesia City Manager Maria Dadian.

Former Artesia Mayor Isidro Menezes, former Cerritos Mayor Robert Witt with his wife Joanne, and former Cerritos Council Member and Judge James Pearce, with his wife Marie, also attended the ball.

The Artesia Historical Society, in conjunction with the City of Artesia, supports the Artesia Historical Museum, located at 187 th and Alburtis in Artesia, which is now open to the public on the second Saturday of each month from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Tours of the museum are conducted for third and fourth graders in the area. The museum is a community treasure that everyone is encouraged to visit.
(Left to right) LA Co FD retiree Joe A. Harkema, Captain Joe Woejeck, retiree Hogan Willeford and retiree Fred Earl attending the Artesia Historical Society's Fire House Ball.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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