Roundup: March 11, 2015

Almansor Court – 700 S. Almansor, Alhambra, CA.
Social Hour: 5:00 PM
Dinner: 6:00 PM

Speaker: Brian Dervin Dillon, Ph.D. 
Subject: Behind Enemy Lines: Alice Chong in China, 1937-1945

Come hear the remarkable true story told by our own Dr. Brian Dillon, as he shares the historical account of a courageous woman during World War II, Alice Chong; who operated behind enemy lines in war torn China.

China had been fighting the Japanese for more than four years when America finally declared war in 1941. Two Americans had already become heroes to the Chinese: Minnie Vautrin and Clare Chennault. Vautrin stood alone, defending over 10,000 helpless women and children at the Ginling Girls School during the horrific Rape of Nanking in 1937-38. Chennault, beginning in 1937, helped China build and train its fledgling air force, and then created the Flying Tigers, perhaps the most famous aviators since the Lafayette Escadrille. What did these two people and institutions, so different from each other, have in common? Alice Chong.

Phi Beta Kappa and Fulbright Fellow, Dr. Brian Dillon, has been an archaeologist for the past 40 years, concentrating his work in California and Central America. He has published over 100 books, monographs and articles on archaeology and history. Alice Chong, who is the subject of his presentation, happens to have been his wife’s aunt. Due to his close relationship to the family, Dillon provides details of this intriguing woman’s life not available elsewhere. This should be a captivating talk.

John Selmer
Deputy Sheriff

 

Sittin’ Around the Campfire

Corral News

Dinner Reservations

Dinners cost $35 each and the reservation deadline is , March 2, 2015, no matter how hung over you are. Late reservations can be accepted, but you won’t be able to choose your entrée and you will pay $40.  Please mail your reservation and your check—payable to “Westerners, Los Angeles Corral”—to Jim Shuttleworth, Registrar of Marks & Brands, 2625 S. Pepperdale Drive, Rowland Heights, CA 91748. You may also call Jim at 909-595-6655 with questions or late reservations.

PAYPAL is now available

Put your money where your mouse is. Instead of mailing in your check, now you can make your dinner reservations online. Just log onto our website www.lawesterners.org and go to the members tab (the password is oldjoe) and click on the pay option. Instructions are there. Call Joe Cavallo 626-372-5126 with any questions. 

Upcoming Roundup Speakers & Programs

April 8, 2015….. Jack Prichett—Old Spanish Trail

May 13, 2015………….Bill Warren -W.W. Robinson

June 20, 2015 ………….FANDANGO! – Turner Estate

Joint Meeting with the Old Spanish Trail Association

Our April 8th meeting will include members of the Old Spanish Trail Association. The Old Spanish Trail was a mule trail used from 1829 to 1848 between Santa Fe and Los Angeles. OSTA members have promised to tie up their more flatulent mules outside the dining room. We have made no such promises in return.

At the Autry Naional Center of the American West

Masters of the American West Fine Art Exhibition and Sale is considered to be the country’s premier contemporary Western art show. More than 75 nationally recognized Western artists exhibit their best work. Exhibition hours are: Tuesday-Friday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, and Saturday and Sunday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. The exhibit closes on March 8, 2015. Hurry!!