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[e-LETTER INDEX (Past Issues)][SCV HISTORICAL SOCIETY][SCV HISTORY IN PICTURES]
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S.C.V. Historical Society e-Letter
Vol. 3, No. 2 - July 2003

You are receiving this E-letter because you have signed up to receive it or you have expressed interest in keeping in touch with the Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society. Subscription information below.

If you would prefer to read the Web version, click here:
http://www.scvhistory.com/scvhistory/scvhse-0302.htm

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NEEDHAM RANCH AGREEMENT

Needham Ranch, located between Eternal Valley Cemetery and Hart Park in southern Newhall, was a hub of local activity before and during the rise of Newhall as a town. It will be active again, when the 500-acre site is developed as a business park. Few reminders of the early days remain above ground, but below ground it's a different story. The SCV Historical Society and owner-developer Mark Gates have worked for more than a year on a strategy to ensure that all pertinent facts and artifacts are recovered. With the Society's involvement at each step, a new archaeological survey will be conducted to identify known historic sites, a grading plan will be worked out to minimize the risk of disturbing artifacts, and upon discovery, information and material will be preserved. Info: www.scvhs.org/news/news-0703.htm.

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JAZZ CONCERT AIDS MENTRYVILLE JULY 11

The Blue Barrel Blues and Jazz Series has returned to the Valencia Town Center, and on Friday, July 11, from 7 to 9 p.m., bar proceeds benefit the Friends of Mentryville, the folks who are working to preserve California's original oil town in Pico Canyon. Info: www.mentryville.org.

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BLUM RANCH TOUR JULY 12 The Blum Ranch, founded in 1891 by Swiss stonecutter George Blum and still a working ranch operated by his heirs, will open its doors for a public tour on Saturday, July 12, for the first time in 10 years. Cost is $15; proceeds benefit the Natural History Club of Acton-Agua Dulce. Info: (661) 269-4718.

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DINNER AND A MOVIE, AUG. 15

"Friday Night Flickers" will return quarterly to Heritage Junction beginning Aug. 15 when the SCV Historical Society shows "Code of the West," starring Bob Custer. This may be your only chance to see this little-known film, which was shot entirely in downtown Newhall in 1929 and features wonderful views of the old Newhall train station (not to be confused with the Saugus Station in Newhall), as well as the stationmaster's home, the original sheriff's office and Newhall's original dance hall. Ticket price includes catered dinner: Society members, $25, otherwise $30; kids are $15 ($20). Order online at info@scvhistory.com. Personal check, VISA-M/C, PayPal OK. Info: www.scvhs.org/flickers.htm.

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PLACERITA NATURE CENTER IN TROUBLE

California's severe budget crisis is felt at the county level, where the future is sketchy for Placerita Canyon Nature Center and park (site of California's first documented gold discovery in 1842). Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich has taken steps to assure that the park will remain open at least until the state adopts its budget, but after that it's anyone's guess. Info: www.placerita.org.

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HELP SAVE S.C.V. HISTORY

From preserving artifacts to keeping the lights on at Heritage Junction, the SCV Historical Society relies on the support of its membership to fulfill its mission. If you're not yet a member, please join today. If you're already a member, please consider sending a tax-deductible contribution of $100, $50 or $25 (SCVHS, PO Box 221925, Newhall CA 91322). Becoming a member is easier than ever: www.scvhistory.com/scvhistory/scvhs-memapp-1.htm.

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HART FRIENDS WIN PARADE HONORS

For the second consecutive year, the Friends of William S. Hart Park and Museum took home the "best decorated" trophy in the Santa Clarita 4th of July Parade. A Newhall tradition since 1932, the 2003 parade drew an estimated 3,000 participants and 25,000 spectators.

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WHAT'S NEW AT SCVHISTORY.COM

Check out the latest additions to the SCV History Archives at www.scvhistory.com, and check up on some of your old friends by viewing the Guestbook.

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CAREY RANCH NEGOTIATIONS

Early Western actor Harry Carey (Sr.), perhaps best remembered for his non-Western role as president of the Senate in "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" (1939), owned a ranch in Saugus from 1916 to 1945 and left behind a wonderful adobe hacienda and several outbuildings. In 1999, after several years of discussions, the SCV Historical Society reached agreement with the current owners, the Clougherty family (of Farmer John fame), for the Society to own and operate the historic property as a museum. Final negotiations stalled, but County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich put them back on track, and now the Society is trying to finish things up with the county. Stay tuned.

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