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When the location of this year’s spring symposium of the Conference of
California Historical Societies (CCHS) was announced, a common question was
“haven't we been-there-done-that?” We had attended CCHS symposia in Fontana
in 2001 and San Bernardino in 2003. Now the spring symposium was to be held
in the nearby city of Rancho Cucamonga.
We were in for a huge and wonderful
surprise! Four years ago, the eastern portion of Rancho Cucamonga included
the little community of Etiwanda, old Highway 66, vineyards and much vacant
land. Today the area is a roaring complex of beautiful homes, condominiums
and unique state-of-the-art shopping malls. This brand new metropolis is
part of Rancho Cucamonga, 2007! We heard on good authority that Rancho
Cucamonga is the fastest growing city in the United States. With new
construction underway — seemingly everywhere — this was not hard to believe.
Amid these modern surroundings, we were
treated to an exceptional symposium hosted by John Anicic, Jr., CCHS
Regional Vice President of Regions 17 and 19, and his sponsoring
organizations, the Etiwanda Historical Society and the Fontana Heritage
Museum Association. Speakers gave talks on surgical tools used by
18th-century physicians, winemaking, and the life of Wyatt Earp, former
resident of nearby Colton.
Just as varied and outstanding were the
tours of the Sam Maloof compound and the Hofer Ranch. Sam Maloof is a
world-famous woodworker, and his furniture pieces are rated as modern works
of art, selling for thousands of dollars per piece. The compound features
his homes and workshops, all done in a unique artistic style. The Hofer
Ranch, located adjacent to the Ontario International Airport, is the last
operating ranch in what is called the Inland Empire. Its vineyards,
century-old shade trees, elderly barns and other buildings are in deep
contrast to the busy airport next door.
The 2007 spring symposium was a great
success and introduced many of us to a new view of ever-changing Southern
California. Watch for a more detailed symposium report in an upcoming issue
of the California HISTORIAN.
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