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[e-LETTER INDEX (Past Issues)][SCV HISTORICAL SOCIETY][SCV HISTORY IN PICTURES]

S.C.V. Historical Society e-Letter
Vol. 1, No. 4 — Aug. 4, 2001.

Thank you for your continued interest in the SCV Historical Society's e-letter, bringing you news from the Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society.

If you would prefer to read the Web version, click here:
http://www.scvhistory.com/scvhistory/scvhse-0104.htm

Technical note: We're using a new listserver now, and if we've set it right, you won't receive mail from other e-list members. (Your e-mail address is and always has been private.)

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GOLDEN SPIKE CEREMONY PLANNED FOR LANG'S 125th

One of the most momentous events in California history happened right here in the Santa Clarita Valley on Sept. 5, 1876, when Charles Crocker drove a golden spike at Lang Station to link northern and southern California by rail for the first time. This year marks the 125th anniversary, and a host of dignitaries will be on hand next month to reenact the occasion. The train station is long gone, but Metrolink is working with the Historical Society, the state rail museum in Sacramento and hopefully the Chinese American Historical Soceity of Southern California to organize the event at the original location — about a quarter-mile east of Highway 14 at Shadow Pines, off of Soledad Canyon Road. So, mark your calendar for Wednesday, Sept. 5, about 12:30 p.m. We'll keep you posted as details become available. In the meantime, read about the 100th anniversary in 1976 here:
http://www.scvhistory.com/scvhistory/golden-spike-centennial-index.htm

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MENTRYVILLE'S 125th COMING UP, TOO

September was a busy month, 125 years ago. On Sept. 26 it will have been 125 years since Alex Mentry brought in California's first commercially productive oil well. The Friends of Mentryville will honor the occasion three days later this year, on Sept. 29, when the oil town west of Newhall plays host to the annual Fall Harvest Festival. Stay tuned for details here:
http://www.mentryville.org

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TRIVIA QUESTION

100 years is a "centennial." 150 years is a "sesquicentennial." 200 years is a "bicentennial." Do you know what 125 years is called? If so, click here and tell us:
info@scvhistory?subject=trivia%20answer

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CITY PURSUING PIONEER OIL REFINERY RESTORATION

When all the oil started flowing out of Mentryville, it was carted six miles down-canyon to a new refinery at Newhall — the first successful refinery in the American West. In use until 1888, today it's believed to be the oldest existing refinery in the world. It was heavily damaged in the 1994 earthquake, and Chevron donated it to the city of Santa Clarita in 1998. Now the city is pursuing grant funding for a restoration plan, and the Society will be working on training and educational programs once the restoration is complete.

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RUNNER INTRODUCES RIDGE ROUTE LEGISLATION

Assemblyman George Runner introduced legislation last month at the request of the Society, to clear the way for the Ridge Route Preservation Organization and the fraternal group E Clampus Vitus to erect a monument at the junction of Interstate 5 and state Route 126, to commemorate the historic road. The bill, Assembly Concurrent Resolution 98, should come up for its first committee hearing later this month.

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S.C.V. HISTORY BOOKS STILL AVAILABLE

The first volume of "Santa Clarita: A Pictorial History" is still available at the introductory price of $14.99. Produced as a School-to-Career Partnership project, the book is filled with photos covering the first 50 years of local development, from 1876-1926. The order, click here:
http://www.scvhistory.com/scvhistory/sierravistabook1.htm

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NEW SINK FOR THE STATION

Thanks to Jeff Stevenson of Lennar Corp. (Stevenson Ranch), the Society has a big, new utility sink in the kitchen area of the Saugus Train Station, replaing the one that wore out. Jeff donated the funds to purchase and install the sink.

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OTHER IMPORTANT DATES

Sept. 15-16: Hart of the West Powwow at William S. Hart Park in Newhall.
Sept. 22: Old Town Newhall Street Fair on San Fernando Road.
Watch for details here:
http://www.oldtownnewhall.com

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JOIN THE SOCIETY, GET A FREE BOOKLET

Historic preservation. Education programs. Museum construction. The Society depends on your support to pursue these important projects. If you haven't done so already, please JOIN THE SOCIETY TODAY! Mention this offer and we'll throw in a 12-page booklet on SCV history. Regular membership is only $20 a year; seniors $12. Click here:
http://www.scvhs.org/memapp.htm