September 28 , 2005 

Artesia News

A Birthday Gift for Artesia


After singing “Happy Birthday, Artesia”, the Historical Society along with patrons untied a bow on the door of the Artesia Historical House, symbolizing the opening of a gift to the city.

The city’s birthday is generally recognized on May 3, 1875, when the Artesia School District was first established. The city is now 130 years old. Almost 300 people attended the dedication, all the chairs were taken and many had to stand up during the hour-long dedication ceremony on September 24 at 12 p.m.

Barbara Applebury and Veronica Bloomfield, members of the Historical Society, recognized all those who were involved with the project. Also recognized were the residents of the house when it was still on Pioneer Blvd., Wayne and Maria Dantema (who first bought the house for $7500); and AJ Dudheker, the man who bought the property and donated it to the Historical Society (who probably paid many tens of thousands). The Westar building is now where the Historical House once stood.

Reverend Tim Mull, led everyone in an invocation. Mull comes from the Artesia Cerritos United Methodist Church, which is the first church established in Artesia in 1876.

After the dedication, everyone was allowed to walk through the museum and check out the different displays. The museum itself is quite thought-provoking; an old stove, pictures, a record player, and old newspapers were just a few of the displays. George Noble’s vintage dairy equipment display, Larry Tinkler’s exhibit of early broadcast radios, and the 1920’s and 1930’s Modular Model Railroad display were all temporary displays meant for the purpose of the dedication.

The Artesia DES Band, from Portuguese Hall, played music including the National Anthem and the “Happy Birthday” melody. Southeast Academy’s color guard performed ‘Colors’. Claire Li, a representative of Linda Sanchez’s office, presented to the Historical Society a flag that once flew over the nation’s capitol.

Don Knabe, district supervisor, was also the master of ceremonies. “Today marks the end of a long journey for all those involved,” said Knabe. “History loves an underdog.”

Mayor Pro Tem, John Lyon, and City Councilmember, John Martins, also had a few words to say, “There’s a need in our community to preserve our history.” Lyon also quoted the oft-quoted, “If you don’t know where you came from, how will you know where you’re going?”

Gary Smutz, superintendent for the ABC Unified School District, was also at hand to say a few words. He was excited that the museum could be used for student field trips. We want third graders to learn about history of the region, said Smutz, he then joked, “Technically, some of us here are history.”

Smutz also mused about growing up in the area, “I remember there were plenty of ‘Artesian wells’, now they’d probably call them standing, stagnant water.”

Also attending were: Artesia City Councilmember, Anthony Mendoza; Miss Artesia and Miss Artesia Teen courts; the Masonic Lodge; and city council members from Downey, Cerritos, and Bellflower.

The Historical House became possible after Supervisor Knabe designated $80,000 to Artesia for restoration and preservation of the project.

The museum’s hours were also announced. Starting January 1, the museum will be open from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Refreshments were given to guests at the “Artesia Depot”.

For more information about the Artesia Historical Society, call Barbara Applebury at (562) 865-3107.

This date marks Artesia's 130th Birthday.
This banner proudly invites the public to share in the celebration.
Railroad spikes were given out to those who donated commemorating the completion of the Union Pacific railroad.
These bricks will be placed on a footpath to commemorate the teamwork between the Artesia Historical Society and the City of Artesia.
This sign stands out, toward the street, so visitors can easily identify Artesia's Historical Museum.
AJ Dudheker (left) and ex-residents of the home Wayne and Maria Dantema.

Veronica Bloomfield, president of the Artesia Historical Society, open up the ceremony with a few heartfelt words.
District Supervisor Don Knabe was the master of ceremonies.
Mayor Pro Tem John P. Lyon reminisced about his days growing up in the area.
Timothy Mull, pastor of Artesia’s first church, the Artesia-Cerritos United Methodist Church, founded in 1876.
Superintendent Gary Smuts talked about growing up in the area.
Southeast Academy cadets perform ‘Colors’ prior to the ceremony.
The Portuguese DES Band played the ‘Star Spangled Banner’ and ‘Happy Birthday’.
City councilmembers from Cerritos came to check out the museum.
Claire Li of Congresswoman Linda Sanchez’s office, presented a flag that flew over the U.S. Capitol.
Everyone -- yes everyone --
helped to cut the cake.
Superintendent Gary Smutz, Supervisor Don Knabe, and Artesia's Mayor Pro Temp John P. Lyon, cut a slice from the cake.
Artesia royalty served beverages and snacks to visitors.
Doves were to let loose immediately at the close of the ceremony.
The doves represented hope for the future with a better grasp of Artesia's past.
After untying the ribbon, Don Knabe takes the first peek inside.
Don Knabe waves goodbye as he pretends to enter his new home.
Visitors enjoyed their first visit to the Historical Museum.
Don Knabe learns a little of Artesia’s history.
Some radio equipment - as the type used by Artesia residents - was also on display inside the house.
George Noble had an interesting display of vintage dairy equipment in the backyard.
This bottle display represents some of the dairies that are part of Artesia's history.
The ribbon on the door of the Artesia Historical House sends a long awaited, warm welcome.
Miss Artesia (front right), Miss Artesia Teen (front left), and their respective courts pose on the steps of the museum.
This plaque, placed at the entrance, is a permanent statement of the date the Artesia Historical House was established.
This is a date to remember in
Artesia's History
This is part of the display outside that represented the types of train structures used in Artesia's history
This is similar to the configuration of tracks used in Artesia's history, by the Union Pacific Railroad.



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