Events for the Desert Hot Springs Historical Society

Here are some pictures from our Members ONLY BBQ at "Yerxatown" Sunday, 4:00pm June 22, 2008. It was such a great time and a GOOD reason to be a member:

DISHING THE SOUP WITH THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY

You won’t want to miss the upcoming SOUP SUPPER presented by the Desert Hot Springs Historical Society. The location is being provided by Casablanca Studios, and another delicious soup and homemade bread will precede the presentation of our speaker.

Dr. Richard “Dick” Roger, M.D., well-known Coachella Valley cardiologist, now retired, spent his idyllic childhood years riding his horse all over our desert landscape when he visited his grandparents. The home of grandma and grandpa was something very special -- The B-bar-H Ranch in Desert Hot Springs. Attendees at this fourth in the series of Soup Suppers will enjoy hearing of Dick Roger’s adventures, all going on as he was oblivious of celebrities such as Bob Hope, Janet Gaynor, Lionel Barrymore, etc. visiting this famous guest ranch.

The event, entitled “Heydays of the B-bar-H Ranch” will be held at Casablanca Studios, 66321 Pierson Boulevard, Desert Hot Springs, Thursday, May 3, 6:30 P.M. and a $15 donation will be requested. For reservations, phone 329-5061.

For a cool PDF flier of this event click here.

-------------------------------------------

FEBRUARY 22, 2007

Thursday, February 22 is set for next SOUP SUPPER. Legendary film and stage director, Paul Gregory, is the next scheduled speaker for this popular series. He will share his experiences as producer of such films as “The Night of the Hunter,” and “The Naked and the Dead,” as such Broadway productions as “The Caine Mutiny Court Martial,” directed by Charles Laughton and starring Henry Fonda. Don’t miss this exciting evening. February 22, 6:30 PM, La Toscana Hotel & Spa. $15. Reservations, call Lynne Howes, 329-5061.

------------------------------

Here is a wonderful letter from the President of the Cabot's Pueblo Museum praising the great event on November 3, 2006.

A Truly Historic Evening Occurred in Desert Hot Springs
November 3, 2006 6:00PM
at Cabot’s Pueblo Museum

An Open Letter,

For me, Friday night, November 3, 2006, will be a night that will be remembered for my lifetime. This was a beautiful evening of perfection. The first event by the Desert Hot Springs Historical Society and Cabot’s Museum Foundation as a co-host (Second Splendid Soup Supper a 4 Star rating). The weather delightful, the Pueblo in all it’s glory, the delectable FOOD, the warm community members and dignitaries, the atmosphere fabulous and last but not in any way least the featured speaker, DHS historian, John Hunt and his most illuminating, eloquent and soulful program excerpted from his newly revised book The Waters of Comfort. A book that is well composed yet gives entertaining local historic accounts of the life and times of the people and events of the city of Desert Hot Springs.

The highlight of the evening, for me, in addition to all of the above, came at the end of Mr. Hunt’s historical presentation. John presented a time line of Cabot Yerxa’s relationship with Portia Graham. He quoted Cabot’s (love) letters to Portia and important events of their relationship. Then unexpectedly Mr. Hunt publicly presented to me, as representative of the Cabot’s Museum Foundation, these original letters from Cabot to Portia. I felt as if I was transported to another dimension. To say I was surprised was a gross understatement. My heart raced, my hands trembled and I had a “power surge” of emotion. I was caught so very off guard that I could hardly speak. I don’t remember much of the moment except looking down into my hands and seeing the hand addressed letters in envelopes from Cabot to Portia!

I could hardly think of what more to say other than, “thank you on behalf of Cabot’s Museum foundation, I am honored to receive these irreplaceable letters and bring them home to Cabot’s.” My mind was spinning...I felt so honored, so happy , so content with the realization that after so many years these “missing in action letters” were returned to Cabot’s home in such a beautiful, heartfelt and public way. Thank you, Mr. Hunt!

To just say thank you for this evening seems so inadequate, yet I can’t say enough thank you’s also to the Desert Hot Springs Historical Society for the planning and coordination of this momentous event at Cabot’s. I hope that this will only be the first of many joint events to come.

Many, many personal thanks to; Audrey Moe for the coordination of the delicious fare of three distinct types of and gourmet chili. Audrey’s turkey chili ”a low fat picante delight” Richard Luke’s gourmet chili from his new cook book “ terrifico!” and John Bizzell and Michael Moni’s Delicious gourmet chili “muy delicioso”, Jonathan Reich’s home made bread (it doesn’t get any better). Alta Hester for the media coverage and providing the live entertainment of “The Barking Pup Fish”, very enjoyable, Lynne Howes-President of the Historical Society for her photographic talents , Jeff Bowman-Historical Society Vice President and “Emcee par excellence” and Guy Haan- Historical Society Treasurer for being a gracious “Host with the most” beverage-keep.

A special thank you to all the members of the Historical Society and Cabot’s Museum Foundation Board, Docents and Volunteers, as well as many community members for their much appreciated assistance with setup and cleanup efforts. Can’t forget to thank, soon to be installed Council-woman, Dot Reed for her “legendary “ brownies to cap off an evening of true sweetness and delight

What a truly magical evening of great food, music, community and history.

For those of you who have not had the opportunity to take a tour of this unique and alluring Historic Point of Interest, our museum hours are now Saturdays and Sundays 11:00am to 3:00pm or by advance appointment. Telephone: 760-329-7610

Many thanks to you all,
Lisa R. Lawrence, Ph.D.
President- Cabot’s Museum Foundation

NOVEMBER 3 - FRIDAY NIGHT @ 6:00pm

HEY Y'ALL....IT'S SOUP TIME AGAIN!

Desert Hot Springs Historical Society requests the pleasure of your company at a demonstration-talk by William Dailey, proprietor of Hacienda Hot Springs Inn, 12885 Eliseo Road, Desert Hot Springs, Tuesday evening, September 12, 2006, 7:00 – 9:00 P.M.

Mr. Dailey will display and discuss his extensive collection of historic books and postcards depicting Desert Hot Springs and other Valley cities.

Area history buffs are encouraged to join us and help advance the work of preserving the fascinating history of Desert Hot Springs.

Light Refreshments will be served. Casual attire.

Space is limited to the first 30 respondents

RSVP: Please phone (760) 251-4549 to let us know if you can accept this invitation. (A tax-deductible donation of $15 will be collected at the door).