Hemet's 73rd Heritage Picnic honors old and young

10:00 PM PDT on Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Historians including Gregg Cowdery, Bob Vieten, Joan Walters and Mary Whitney were surrounded by members of some of the families who made that history as more than 200 people gathered for the Hemet Area Museum Association's 73rd annual Heritage Picnic on Monday.

Started in 1935 by some of the San Jacinto Valley's early residents, the picnic has continued as a Memorial Day tradition to preserve and celebrate the area's history. It is now held at the Valley-Wide Recreation Sports Center.

Formerly known as the Pioneer Picnic, the event was held at Weston Park for years, but in 1990 the venue was changed when the weather looked a little threatening, just as it did Monday.

Diane A. Rhodes / Special to The Press-Enterprise
Family members spanning four generations gathered at the 73rd annual Heritage Picnic in San Jacinto on Monday, including, from left, Tessa Dotinga, Irene and Cliff Peterson, Sally and Brad Scott, and in front, Jill and Janna Scott.

All the families were connected by the fact that their families chose to live, work and raise children here.

At about noon, the smell of fried chicken and the sound of soda cans opening filled the room as chairman Rob Lindquist presented some awards.

Ribbons were given to the oldest and youngest picnickers and the Heritage Award was presented to Betty Jo Dunham for her "lifetime of service to the valley ... caring for those precious things that connect us with our past."

The oldest native-born attendees were Laura Howard, 90, and Ralph Huntoon, 91, whose family arrived in 1878. Ralph and Marjorie Huntoon served as honorary co-chairpersons for the event.

Honored as the oldest non-native born were Claire Gillette, 91 and Nellie Mae Franke, 92. The youngest was 3-month-old Allyson Overturf.

"I think I've missed only four picnics in the last 60 years," said Kay Replogle Davidson. "Thirty-three years ago my son was the youngest at 3 weeks old and my uncle was in his 90s and he was the oldest."

Another tradition of the day is the serving of hot, strong coffee by a group of volunteers. Jim Moyer was part of the Coffee Crew. His family first arrived in the area in 1906.

"I just want to do my part," said crew member Watson "Mike" Gilmore, 87.

Besides being a deputy sheriff, Gilmore spent more than 50 years in various roles for the Ramona Outdoor Play. He seemed to gain the most distinction for his 20-plus years as Juan Canito.

"There will never be another Juan like Watson," said Rosemary Sears, Moyer's sister.

"It's good to see so many come out for this," said Mary Beth Davidson, who was one of about 20 members of the Currie and Davidson clan. "We've got to protect its history or it will be lost."

Lindquist said the purpose of the picnic is to maintain awareness of the area's heritage.

"It's a wonderful reunion," he said. "But we want to encourage newer families to come and help fill this place. One of these days they will be pioneers themselves."

Information: 951-929-4409 or www.hemetmuseum.org

Reach Diane A. Rhodes at 951-763-3461 or dianealease@hotmail.com