Historical Society dedicates new building

FALLBROOK – The Fallbrook Historical Society will host a dedication ceremony for its newest building on Sunday, Oct. 9, at 2 p.m. The California-style structure, commonly referred to as “The Barn,” is formally entitled The Don J. Rivers Interpretive Center, named in honor of Don Rivers, who was president of the Society from 1997 to 2003.

On hand for the dedication festivities, to be held at the corner of Rocky Crest Road and Hill Street, will be Supervisor Bill Horn whose support was instrumental in ensuring that this major addition to the Society’s museum complex became a reality.

Also being honored during the dedication will be major donors, major in-kind contributors and members of the Barn Committee.

The public is cordially invited to attend the Barn dedication ceremony and take advantage of this opportunity for a first-hand look at the impressive Barn, modeled after the old Bartlett farm at Ivy and Orange streets. The dedication will also provide attendees with an opportunity to browse leisurely through the extensive agricultural and life-in-early Fallbrook displays inside.

In keeping with its historical roots, the Society will serve homemade ice cream and homemade apple pie.

Construction of the Barn was the result of a broad collaborative effort and stands as a stellar example of the wide-ranging community support that Fallbrook is so noted for. The Historical Society is indebted to Tim O’Brien (grading); Gerald Doehring (plumbing); Steve Layton (electrical work and donation of all overhead lights); Dan Camilli and his son Josh (concrete work, digging and repairing the fittings); Superior Ready Mix (poured foundation); Nick Grossi, Building Contractor (exterior construction); Ron Kelly (backhoe work); Mike Lattimer, his friend Tony, and Mike’s nephew Billy (erected the overhead steel supports); Robin Evert (electrical work); John Russell and his sons (spray painting the ceiling); Jeff Wright (finishing the inside walls); and Peters Brothers (asphalt parking area).

The dedicated members of the Historical Society’s Barn Committee have spent years working on this project, often on a daily basis, and include former Barn Committee Chair Darwin East, Construction Chair Dode Martin, current Barn Committee Chair Bev McDougal, and committee members Sandra Baxter, Bruce Dennett, Ivona George, Bob Gillespie, Don McLean and Thea Moore.