Roundup: March 12, 2014

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

Speaker: Fellow LA Westerner, Jerry Selmer 
Subject:  A Great American General – War Chief Joseph of Nez Perce

The public policy of Manifest Destiny dictated the expansion of the United States from the original thirteen colonies to the Pacific Coast.  Most of this activity took place in the nineteenth century.  Although settlement of this new empire was relatively slow at first, the upheaval and dislocations caused by the Civil War (1861-1865) impelled many to seek a new life in a raw and untamed land.  The problem was, of course, there were already people living there – the Native American Indians.  The various tribes abounded throughout the region. To the new white settlers, they were a menace to be removed.  Thus, the Indian Wars that came about during this settlement period.  Since it was Federal policy to encourage settlement, it fell to the U. S. Army to remove them.

This talk will describe one such situation, the Nez Perce War.  This tribe occupied a highly desirable piece of real estate in the Pacific Northwest.  Therefore, they must be removed or exterminated.  There arose from their midst a great heroic figure who possessed remarkable qualities of leadership seldom seen among any people.  Chief Joseph took on the responsibility of command and led his people during the difficult and dangerous days of escape and battle.  This heart-rending story is as suspenseful as a work of fiction.  But, it all really happened.

Plan to join us for a thoughtful look at an important moment in time in the history of the Old West.

Jerry Selmer is a thirty-nine year member of the Corral who was our Sheriff in 1985. He has served numerous historical organizations in Board and executive capacities including the Southwest Museum as Executive Director. A third generation native born Californian, Jerry received his B.A. in Public Administration from UCLA before serving in the U.S. Army for two years of  active duty and six years of Reserve duty. He attained the rank of Captain. He served 31 years in administrative and executive capacities with the City of Los Angeles, holding the position of Assistant City Administrative Officer for 12 years.  He has written articles and book reviews for the Branding Iron as well as previously delivering his excellent presentations to us.

Larry L. Boerio           
Sheriff

Corral  News & Other Subjects

About Dinner Reservations:

Dinner reservations are $35 and the deadline is March 6, 2014. Late reservations can be accepted, but reservations made on time will assure you the entrée of your choice. Walk-ins are $40.00 for potluck.  Checks are payable to “Westerners, Los Angeles Corral”. Please mail to Registrar of Marks & Brands Pete Fries, 28160 Newbird Drive, Santa Clarita, CA 91350-1836. You may call Pete at (661) 296-7713 with questions or for late reservations.

Membership Wrangler Needed:

If you are interested in serving the Corral in this very important capacity, please contact Sheriff, Larry Boerio at 714-264-7575 or larrybemail@yahoo.com. This is an extremely exciting position heading a team currently made up of three others (more may be added) whose objective is to strengthen & revitalize membership based activities to achieve an increased number of a) overall members, b) members who are professional & serious historians, and c) Active members from within the membership pool. You need not be a long-term member of the Corral to fill this position. New ideas and creative approaches are welcome!

Interesting upcoming local events:

Saturday, March 8, 2014, 2:00 PM – 4:00PM. Chasing Ghosts: Chronicling Los Angeles’ Hidden Italian History – Speaker: Marianna Gatto, Executive Director of the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles.  This is the first in a series of lectures entitled: “What Happened to the Ethnic Communities of Historic Los Angeles?” The series is co-sponsored by Los Angeles City Historical Society and the History Department of the Richard J. Riordan Central Library. Lectures are held in the Mark Taper Auditorium, on the first floor of the Central Library (640 W. 5th Street, Los Angeles). Admittance is free and open to the public.

Thursday, March 27 – Saturday March, 29, 2014. Symposium on the Southern Emigrant Trail in Temecula at the city Conference Center. This event is free to the public. Los Angeles Corral member, Phil Brigandi will be speaking on “Emigrants on the Southern Trail”.  Additionally, our February speaker, Will Bagley will present “Salt Lake to Southern California; Route and Travelers”.  Speakers are Thursday 8-4 and Friday 8-12. On Saturday, there will be a tour of historic sites in Temecula. The conference is sponsored by the Southern Trails Chapter of the Oregon California Trails Association and the City of Temecula Conference Center.  For questions and itinerary, please contact Jud Mygatt at jvm@onemain.com  or call 559-816-9404.

Through April 19, 2014 at the Pasadena Museum of History. The Colorado Street Bridge Centennial Exhibition.  The mystique of the Colorado Street Bridge is undeniable. For nearly a century, the grand landmark has stood as a beacon to all who come to Pasadena. The exhibit pays homage to the people who built and preserved a beloved local landmark: the architects, the engineers, the builders, the civic leaders, and the community organizers who worked tirelessly to make it possible and to preserve it.  Admission is $7, $6 for Seniors.  Wednesdays through Sundays, 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. at 470 West Walnut Street, Pasadena.