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From YubaNet.com CA
The history and significance of this important pioneer community will be highlighted throughout the celebration with top-notch speakers and descendents of those who founded the unique town in 1908. For instance, Josephine Blodgett Smith, 94, the granddaughter of Josephine and Lieutenant Colonel Allen Allensworth, will be there. Mrs. Smith remembers many Thanksgivings in the home of the Colonel and she is anxious to travel back to see the home she visited many times as a young girl growing up. She is a great storyteller and as a former school teacher, enjoys talking about her life experiences and her involvement in Allensworth becoming a California State Park. Present also will be another great storyteller, Alice Royal, an Allensworth descendent and the author of the book, "Allensworth, The Freedom Colony." This exceptional book brings the history of this African American Township to life with hundreds of stories and pictures. In addition, there will be music of all kinds, great food of every description and flavor, children's events and games, living history displays, and tours of the homes and businesses that have been renovated and rebuilt. One of the favorite places for adults is the beautifully restored Allensworth home. One of the favorites for kids is the Blacksmith shop, which will be open and operating, along with demonstrations in butter churning and candle making. The Program THIS LIST WILL BE UPDATED AS MORE CELEBRITIES, ENTERTAINERS AND SPEAKERS SIGN ON TO PARTICIAPTE IN THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION Friday, October 10, 5 - 7 p.m. Tulare County Reception - A Public Conversation on Allensworth History Visalia Branch of Tulare County Library, 200 Oak Street, Visalia, public invited Connie Conway , Chairman, Tulare County Board of Supervisors Assemblyman Curren Price, Secretary, Legislative Black Caucus Ruth Coleman, Director, California State Parks Lonnie G. Bunch, Founding Director Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture Mrs. Alice Royal, Allensworth Descendent Author of Allensworth, The Freedom Colony Susan D. Anderson, Curator, "Allensworth: 100 Years of the California Dream" Saturday, October 11, 2008 - Allensworth State Historic Park Lonnie Bunch - Founding Director, Smithsonian National Museum of African American Culture William Allen Young - Actor Shelton Johnson - Buffalo Soldier Living History Storyteller Phyllis Battle - Jazz Vocalist Susan Anderson - Historian and Curator of Allensworth Exhibit - "100 Years of the California Dream" California Redtails Fly-over (A Chapter of the Black Pilots of America) Mayseo the Magician Sharah Ford Singers Crenshaw High School Elite Choir Members of the Legislative Black Caucus Sunday, October 12, 2008 - Allensworth State Historic Park Reverend Eric P. Lee - President and CEO, Southern California Leadership Conference of Greater Los Angeles Rick Moss - Chief Curator, African American Museum and Library at Oakland, California William Allen Young - Actor Audubon Middle School Bankers Drum line and New Jazz Group Richard Jones - Poetry Reading Rose Jones - Jazz Vocalist Biggest Little Band in Town - Jazz Praise and Worship Service Other Entertainment and Activities - Both Days Corn Husk Doll Making Buffalo Soldiers encampment and living history Butter Churning Blacksmith Demonstrations Candle Making Children's Games and Play Area Allensworth is one of the 50 State Historic Parks within the State park system. Since 1985, California State Parks has spent over $9.4 million for reconstruction, restoration, furnishings and infrastructure at the historic park. Extensive road, utility and other infrastructure improvements have been made. More than 22 different structures have been reconstructed or restored, to include the historic Baptist church, the Hackett house, Hackett barn, Ashby house and barn, Johnson Bakery/residence, the Carter Livery Stable and the historic hotel. Today, a walk through this town and through the historic homes, businesses, the church and the school, is an experience in turning back the clock, because one sees much of this restored community as it appeared in the early 1900s. © Copyright YubaNet.com |
