Also serving the communities of De Luz, Rainbow, Camp Pendleton, Pala and Pauma
When the Fallbrook Historical Society gathered on May 5 at the Grand Tradition it was to pay tribute to the individual selected Pioneer of the Year and those named Citizens of the Year. Earning both titles was Mary Rivers, and rightly so, for Mary, along with her late husband, Don, made contributions to the keeping of historical records for Fallbrook that are second to none.
“Our roots are so deep in Fallbrook that it makes me feel good that so many people are keeping the ball rolling,” said Mary. “It is a very worthwhile endeavor.”
For many years, Don and Mary were the faces and voices on the other end of the phone for the Fallbrook Historical Society and always ready to assist those in need of historical data and continuing to document the rich history of the area.
“I worked so closely with Don for so long that I feel like I am only half here now,” Mary said, reflectively. Don passed away on December 4, 2005.
“I don’t think anyone realizes the amount of time Don and Mary put in in order to preserve the history of Fallbrook and those who have lived here,” said Therese McDonnell.
About eight years ago, Don and Mary Rivers agreed to provide weekly articles to a new newspaper in the community at the time — the Village News. The articles were so popular that members of the Historical Society encouraged them to publish booklets full of the stories that could be made available to the public. A total of eight booklets were published.
“Don and Mary’s articles were always very popular with our readers,” said Village News Publisher Julie Reeder. “They were interesting, fun and intriguing.”
“We honor Mary and Don for the countless hours that they volunteered,” said Cecelia Njust.
Historical Society President Lee Schaffer presented Mary with special keepsakes in recognition of the honor given to her and her husband, but undoubtedly the biggest honor of all was the announcement that the new barn that will be built by the Historical Society will carry the name — the Donald Jack Rivers Interpretive Center.
Groundbreaking for the new barn will take place on June 3 at 2 p.m. at 260 Rocky Crest Road in Fallbrook.
Attending the event at Mary Rivers’ side were son Don Rivers, daughters Nancy Wolfe and Eydie Fenton and grandson Josh Rivers.
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