Raven Jake Dawes

The Old Spanish Trail Association Convention June 2-5 & Harry Wade

Well, Jane's at it again - this time she and Ann Gray are presenting at the Old Spanish Trail Associaton convention next week. They will, of course, be talking about Michael White and the adobe. I'll be picking up tips on how to load a pack mule and dressing like a vaquero. And then there's the barbecue.

Jane's actually done a lot of studying up on the Spanish Trail, and it's got some fascinating history. We caught up with some of it out in Tecopa at what's known as the Harry Wade Exit. (Off the 127)

Ol' Harry and his family got caught up in that Death Valley 1849 debacle (it wasn't actually called "Death Valley" prior to all those folks dyin' in it) and they decided to split. Went south, hooked up with the Spanish Trail at the southern end, and everybody lived. His descendants were so happy about that, they put up a marker. For off-roaders and desert campers, the Harry Wade Road is a nice place to get away from it all in the cooler months.

Here's what the marker says:

Harry Wade Exit Route

Some 100 Wagons found themselves in Salt Lake City too late to cross the Sierra Nevada. They banded together under the name of Sand Walking Co. and started for the gold fields in California over the Old Spanish Trail. After being in Death Valley with the ill-fated 1849 caravan, Harry Wade found this exit route for his ox-drawn wagon, thereby saving his life and those of his wife and children. At this point, the Wade Party came upon the known Spanish Trail to Cajon Pass.

Historical Landmark No. 622

 

Raven Jake at the Renaissance Pleasure Faire

On Saturday, we took a little trip on over to the Renaissance Pleasure Faire which,  unfortunately, ended today. I'll make it a point to get over there earlier next season, which generally translates to April - May.

Over to the right, I'm in the stocks. Someone else got "naughty" as their crime description - I got the second best, Pig Thief. Know what? I didn't see your name on it, friend.

I haven't actually been to the Faire in years, and I'm pleased to see that it's grown a bunch. And ladies, there's nothing wrong with being a healthy mammal, so go ahead and flaunt it. I will be offering my quiet support.

Over here on the left, we have the Poxy Boggards, one of my favorite "specialty bands" - actually, they self-describe as a "drinking band with a singing problem," and that sums it up pretty neatly. Just in case you're not hearing all the innuendo and off- color references, there is a sign language interpreter to the left of the stage to illustrate all the lyrics in vivid detail. Yes, they have a PG-rated act as well, but we were short of time and ended up in the NC-17 area. Just in case you were under the impression that life was boring in the 1500s - it wasn't. Read Chaucer.

Also on my exciting firsts list - jousting.

That stunt crew surely earns it, what ever "it" is. Knights in full armor knock each other off their mounts, then have at it with a variety of medieval weapons. The fact that no one has been brained with a morningstar is rather amazing, all things considered.

Of course, there's the shopping and the beer, the leering and the educational displays and the Queen and the historical reenactors.

So there's something for everybody. The dress code is pretty darned eclectic too. Got your hard-core Renaissance realists, the steampunks, the retro-goths, the pirates, the faeries, the barbarians, and some looks that just defy genre. So come as you are or want to be, and have a good time.

 

MWA to Present at California Preservation Foundation

Jane Pojawa, my lovely wife and Communications Director of the Friends of the Michael White Adobe, will be participating in a panel discussion at the California Preservation Foundation, regarding social media and historic preservation. 

 

iPreservation Using History.com & E-advocacy Monday, 5/16/11, 2:00-3:30 PM

This session examines media beyond the edge of websites and explores trends in preservation marketing, advocacy, engagement, and outreach using new media. Panelists will cover innovative new programs, smartphone apps, and interactive advocacy. The session includes case studies of successful blogs, apps, projects, and programs using social media, the internet, and smartphones with GPS. The interrelation of a communications “brand” and “media synergy” that boosts the performance of all communications tools will be covered throughout the session.

Education Level: All

Moderator:  Stephen Schafer, President, San Buenaventura Conservancy

Speakers: Cindy Olnick, Director of Communications, Los Angeles Conservancy

Jennifer Emmer, Founder, Beautiful Buildings Blog

 Ninan Kurien, Founder, 29GPS/29HD Network

Jane Pojawa , Friends of the Michael White Adobe

 

http://www.californiapreservation.org/about_2011.shtml

More about the Conference "Preservation on the Edge:"

Sunday, May 15 - Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Fairmont Miramar Hotel and Bungalows Santa Monica

Conference Highlights

• More than 30 Sessions, Tours, and Workshops on issues facing California's historic, cultural and natural resources - taught by over 100 expert speakers, plus continuing education units are available for AIA, USGBC, MCLE, and AICP!
• Exclusive Tours that highlight Santa Monica's architecture, landscapes, history, culture and more!
• Special Events at some of Santa Monica's most historic and architecturally significant venues - including CPF's signature event, the Three-Minute Success Stories!
• Annual Silent and Live Auction - buy something cool or donate an auction item while supporting a good cause! Items often include artwork, antiques, memorabilia, gift baskets, or gift certificates for restaurants, hotels, tours, museums, theater and much more.