Source: http://randdesertmuseum.com/site/?p=10947
Timestamp: 2019-04-20 20:24:22+00:00

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May 16, 1928: “GRAVES OF EARLY DESERT MEN TO BE REHABILITATED—Stage drivers, heroes of untold thrilling escapades, 20-mule borax drivers known the width and breadth of the Mojave desert for their prowess; the brother of a Wisconsin capitalist, “desert rats,” and a Japanese who came to the desert on some unfulfilled mission, all lie together in the little graveyard of Cantil on the Mojave Desert.
Their graves are sunken in, uncared for, but the men who fill the graves have not been forgotten by their neighbors on the desert.
J. B Bishop, well-known Cantil resident, has appealed to the Kern County Chamber of Commerce or ad in “fixing up” the little burial ground. His appeal also is directed to the Native Daughters, who, he has heard, aid in caring for the graves of pioneers.
On May 30, he asks that everyone who will help, gather at the graveyard.
“We have an old graveyard over here. It has no fence and the graves are sinking in, but in it are some old stage drivers and some 20-mule borax drivers. One man I know has a rich brother in Wisconsin.
“It will be interesting and I believe the Californian will give this space, as many read that paper. We are only a small community and will appreciated help by all coming. We will try and get some music and singing. We are away out here but are public spirited and you and I know that somebody’s father is lying there in a dilapidated grave.
April 28, 1932: “SHEEP AND WOOL MEN PLAN CANTIL SESSION—Kern wool growers using the public domain of the Mojave desert and adjacent to the Inyo and Sequoia National Forests will meet Thursday, May 5, at Cantil, according to announcements today.
February 25, 1938: “FUNERAL HELD FOR GEORGE BATTERS –Funeral services were conducted today at 2 p. m. at Doughty-Calhoun-O’Meara Chapel for George Batters, 88, resident of Cantil for 20 years, who passed away at his home this week. Rev. John Opis officiated and interment was in Bakersfield Memorial Park.
February 6, 1940: “RITES THURSDAY FOR RESIDENT OF CANTIL—John Russell, 93, a well-known resident of Cantil, died late Sunday in a local hospital. A native of Queenstown, Ireland, he had lived 16 years in Cantil, 25 years in Californian and 84 years in the United States.
His is survived by his wife, Mrs. Teresa Russell, Cantil; his son, Thomas Russell, Sawtelle; his daughters, Mrs. Mary McIver, Cantil, Mrs. Anabel Hayes, Los Angeles, and Mrs. Rose Parks, Long Beach.
May 2, 1940: “NEW LIBRARY BRANCH ESTABLISHED, CANTIL—Establishment of a new library at Cantil today followed a meeting of Kern County Library Staff Association members in Mojave. Attending the regional meeting were staff members from Mojave, Rosamond, Tehachapi, Willow Springs, Boron, and Keene.
June 8, 1940: “PROGRESS ON NEW CLUBHUSE ANNUNCED BY CANTIL GROUP—Mojave, June 8.—Progress toward the construction of a clubhouse was disclosed yesterday at the regular meeting of the Cantil Ladies Club with this announcement that surveying of the site had been completed and arrangements are under way toward securing a loan for the projected structure. The building, fire-proofed and with a floor suitable for dancing, will be erected near U. S. Highway No. 6, south of Red Rock Canyon, and will serve both as meeting place for the club and as a community recreation center.
Provision was made for the removal of concrete blocks already purchased for construction purposes, to property adjoining the building site. After discussion of means of finance the building, plans were made for a series of dances to be given monthly. Treasurer Margaret Tisch, reported a balance of $400 in the clubhouse fund.
Other business conducted at the meeting included appointment of Dr. Clara M. Rhinehart, as trustee to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Mrs. M. Robison, who plans to move to Iowa. Mrs. Martha Bangley of Cantil, was nominated for membership and approved. Get well cards were sent to Mesdammes Josie Bishop and Lydia Atkinson.
The next meeting ordered postponed to the third Thursday in July, will be held at the home of Mrs. Laura Conway, president. Twelve card tables were donated to the club by Dr. Rhinehart at the recent birthday dinner held at the Red Rock Tavern.
Yesterday’s meeting at the Pine Tree Canyon home of Mrs. Jessie Harpham was held in conjunction with a luncheon and layette shower for Mrs. Harpham. A crib, donated by Mrs. Mary Melver for use by club members who became mothers, was filled with gifts for Mrs. Harpham. Mesdammes Mary Melver, Lillian Sitwell, Waltie Staley, and Miss Mary Jane Melver served as the luncheon committee.
Members with birthdays occurring this month who received gifts from secret sisters were Mesdammes Mary Melver, Lilian Sitwell, Waltie Staley, Margaret Tisch, Mary Pajanew, and Josie Bishop. The mystery box, contributed by Waltie Staley, was won by Hostess Jessie Harpham.
Club members attending the meat were Dr. Clara M. Rinehart at Bakersfield; Mesdammes Laura Conway, Lillian Sitwell, Fleta Clare and Waltie Staley of Cantil; Gladys Hornburger of Tehachapi; Selena D. Wells of Johannesburg; Mary McIver and daughter, Mary Jane of Dove Springs; Mary Payanew of Cinco; Jessie Harpham of Pine Tree Canyon.
August 15, 1940: “CALL NAVAL RESERVIST INTO ACTIVE ACTION –Mojave, Aug. 15.—Farrell G .Atkinson, chief quartermaster in the United States Naval Reserve, who was in active service 16 years and who has been on reserve for 8 years, left this week for Fresno, where he will undergo medical examination prior to reporting for service in San Francisco, August 28.
September 9, 1940: “SCOUT HEADS CALLED TO MOJAVE MEETING—Mojave ,Sept. 9.—Scout representatives from Bakersfield, Mojave, Tehachapi, Boron, Cantil and Randsburg will meet in the auditorium at the Mojave School Wednesday, September 11, to discuss Boy Scout policies and programs for the coming year. Plans for a camporee to be held at the Oak Creek Ranch of Rawley Duntley sometime this month will also be made. No date has been set for the comporee, which will be under the direction of Theron DeMetre, physical education instructor at the Mojave pool, and in which Boy Scouts from all eastern Kern will participate.
November 11, 1910: “ ALL LAND ABOUT RED ROCK CANYON STAKED—Bakersfield, Nov. 10.—Rudolph Hagen of Ricardo, Red Rock Canyon, says the country all around the canyon has been located for oil, and three or four rigs are drilling about eight miles south of Ricardo. This would be some 17 miles north of Indian Wells, and extends the oil exploration that much farther.
Mr. Hagen did not know the names of the companies operating. It is reported that the Southern Pacific, a Selma Bank, and a Pasadena Bank are in charge of the work. The drills have dropping for nearly a month.
August 3, 1911: “SAYS GOVERNMENT WILL WITHDRAW MORE LAND IN RED ROCK CANYON –Because of the fact that there is every indication of heavy oil deposits in the vicinity of Red Rock Canyon, near Cantil station, government experts who have been through that portion of Kern County within the past few days have recommended to the government that nine sections of land be withdrawn from entry, according to L. M. Underwood of Cantil, formerly of Bakersfield, who spent this morning with Secretary Tom Burke of the Board of Trade, giving him information on that part of the county.
“There is as much indications of oil in the Red Rock district as there ever was in the Kern River fields,” said Mr. Underwood this morning. “There has been little prospecting done there. Recently the government experts have come through that country and have discovered such certain indications of oil that they have recommended that nine sections of land in the Red Rock and the Jawbone Canyon countries be withdrawn.
“Everything is looking up in the vicinity of Cantil. While there is but a water tank there now, there will be a town, for the homesteaders are coming into the country every week and the prospect is as good as it is anywhere in the state.
“There is an abundance of water down but a few feet. My well produces 45,000 gallons in twenty-four hours by the use of (t)he pump and there is no doubt but that we will have an abundance of water for all irrigation purposes in that district.
“The land is selling cheaply now, some of it going for $5 an acre, which is owned by the Southern Pacific, but there is hardly any doubt that this will be doubled and tripled in value in a few years.
The well is said to be down more than (1000?) feet with an immense showing of underground water values, available for irrigation purposes with development. Should the oil treasures prove to be absent, it is said that the development of water on the desert will prove a source of great prospective value to the land holders. Jo P. Carroll of the Randsburg Chamber of Commerce in a letter stated that action by the Kern County Chamber of Commerce should be taken to see that Los Angeles does not grab off the underground water.
Hartsook, prominent stock ___ier, capitalist, and owner of a string of California photographic studios, in his lease insisted upon a stiff drilling contract. Within four months of the _______tion of test oil well, Red Rock No. 1, active drilling to a depth of 3700 feet is required. With the completion of two commercial wells on the Hartsook land, three strings of t____ are to be put in active operation. Drilling is to continue until a well is drilled on each (five acre) block. This would mean a matter of (1260) oil wells on the Hartsook ranch. One eighth __ royalty is in to _____.
Jo P. Carroll believes in the development of Kern County water for Kern County farmers and in his letter he urges that Los Angeles should not be allowed to repeat its Owen’s Valley exploit by grabbing the water resources in the Cantil district, which is on the Jawbone line of the Southern Pacific out of Mojave. The district is between Randsburg and Red Rock Canyon.
“At this time we urgently call the attention of your newly organized Kern County Chamber of Commerce or some other of the many boards or clubs in the county seat of Kern to the great underground water reservoir at Koehn Lake, Cantil and the adjacent territory. At the former place artesian water from the gravel at ___feet, shows 31 inches’ flow; in the Red Rock No. 1 well, that is now being sent down, they encountered below the thousand foot depth a lake of water; at least, the general rule of cementing made no showing. The best experts in the cementing line were brought in from Long Beach who it is now believed succeeded in continuing their reputation. Some (56,000?) or more acres have been started up, the (leases to?) sink within one year, the wells to be not less than (3___) feet. If no oil formation is struck the wells will be left in good condition for the unobstructed flow of water. Less than a hundred feet from the No. 1 well plant a good strong water flow is running over the top. We have a letter on our desk that came in the last mail from one of the homesteaders at Cantil, who is one of the men who have leased their holdings to the Long Beach capitalists, wanting to dispose of 40 acres and the improvements thereon, of which, there is a good well and pipe the well itself being worth the half of the amount asked for, besides the oil rights to go with the 40 acres. It is improved, (26) acres of orchard, etc.
August 20, 1924: “HARTSOOK LEASES CANTIL RANCH IN 20-YEAR OIL DEAL—Fred Hartsook has leased to Charles W. Harlow of Los Angeles for twenty years. The property is located the desert and parallels the Southern Pacific right of way of the “jawbone” road. Oil wells are to be drilled on the acreage.
The land is described as being all of section 36, 30.37; the southwest quarter of section 30; east half of section 25; section 21 and all of section 17 except the railroad right of way in township 30, range 38, and the west half of section 6,31.38.
November 1, 1924: “RED ROCK WILDCAT– Interest is being taken in reports from the Harlow wildcat well being drilled in the Red Rock Canyon district near Cantil. The well was cemented at 2600 feet and it will be left standing until the first next week. Oil was encountered at 1600 feet and it is said, but this was passed up in an effort to obtain a deeper test. There have been no reports on the showings in the bottom of the hole.
During the past month a number of additional leases have been obtained in the district by Mr. Harlow, among others being the Fred Hartsook holdings comprising several sections of land.
May 9, 1925: “FREMONT VALLEY DISTRICT NEAR MOJAVE TO BE EXPLOITED –Expecting to profitably develop the Fremont Valley District in the Mojave Desert as an oil field the Fremont Valley Oil Corporation through A. H. Kent, H. V. Wall, and James G. Garth have obtained eight separate leases in lands northeast of Mojave and covering a total area of 1780 acres. Lease instruments have been filed with Charles Schomate, county recorder.
Mrs. Alda G. Van Pelt of Oakland leases to A. H. Kent and James H. Garth the east half of section 16, 38.37, approximately 320 acres, royalty determined at one-eighth.
Kain Berens of Sumner, Washington to sane, the southeast quarter of section 31, 31.37, approximately 160 acres. Drilling of test well to be begun by June 1, 1925. Royalty set at one-eighth.
Agnes M. Comer, and Hazel McAvoy to A. H. Kent, Harry V. Wall and J. G. Garth, the southwest quarter of section 35, 31, 37, approximately 160 acres, drilling to be begun by April 1, 1926, royalty set at one-eighth.
Arthur C. Dixon and Estella Y. Dixon to A. H. Kent, and James G. Garth, the north half of section 10, 11.10, approximately 320 acres. Royalty set at one-eighth and drilling to begin this month.
Charles B. Cole and Nola M. Cole to same, the west half of section 4, 11.12, approximately 320 acres. Drilling is to begin by June 1, 1926, under terms of one-eighth royalty.
Wilfred B. and Lily B. Cole to same, the west half of the east half to section 30, 30.22, approximately 160 acres. Royalty set at one-eighth and drilling is to begin by June 1, 1925. In a second lease filed the east half of the west half of the west half of section 30, 22-16 is named covering 160 acres.
June 20, 1940: “RED ROCK WILDCAT OIL WELL PLANNED—The possibility that the Mojave may yet add to the national oil reserve again arose today with the Red Rock Oil Company of Wheeling, W. Va., making preparations to sink a well in the Cantil area of eastern Kern County near the southern most mouth of Red Rock canyon.
Although attempts have previously been made, no oil has hitherto been located in this territory, which is rich in mineral reserves.
August 10, 1940: “RED ROCK CREW PUSHES WORK ON WILDCAT –“Oil Fever” already running high among Mojave desert residents over the wildcat well being drilled near Red Rock canyon spread today to the southern borders of Kern County where a second effort to find oil is underway. With drilling continuing on the Red Rock well, Anthone Ebella disclosed that test are being made preparatory to erection of a derrick on property leased from John Duhart. Site of the second current desert oil experiment is in the Fairmont section of Antelope valley, a few miles south of Kern’s southern limits.
Mr. Ebella reported he plans to sink several test holes to 4000-foot depths, unless oil is found at a higher level. Negotiations have been started with numerous Antelope valley owners regarding options for lease of land if a strike is made, he said.
CONTINUE DRILLIN—Meanwhile, interest ran high in the Cantil region as powerful machinery sent drill bits deeper into the ground below the rock-encrusted top soil at the mouth of Red Rock canyon.
Finding blue shale at the 1600-foot level, drillers planned to push their hole to the 2400-foot level before removing another core, expected to show oil and sand.
Discounting opinion expressed by some geologists that Mojave offered slim chances for oil discovery, T. J. Johnson, engineer in charge of drilling for the Red Rock Company of West Virginia, expressed confidence in his firm’s venture and planned to continue operations as outlined after first tests of the region.
COMPANY NOTIFIED—Developments are proceeding as expected according to Mr. Johnson, and the company’s engineers are “n0tified” with results so far.
Because of the intense interest prevailing in the experiment, Mr. Johnson has removed one shift of drillers from the derrick, which has been operating 24 hours a day, in order that he might be present during all stages of the work.
Highways to the rig, located 30 miles north of Mojave at the junction of the Bishop and Randsburg routes are clogged with sightseers and prospectors surveying possibilities of securing leases on adjacent land. The Red Rock company holds a lease on 3000 acres, it was reported.
POPULACE EXCITED—Excited desert inhabitants anxious to know if black gold would come to augment the yellow gold which has ranked the Mojave region as one of the state’s leading mining zones, divided their interests between Red Rock and Antelope.
They saw lumber and machinery being moved into the lease in Antelope and geologists pushed their work of finding the exact spot where the first rig will be constructed.
August 13, 1940: “CREWS OPTIMISTIC ON RED ROCK WELL—Red Rock canyon wildcat drillers, experienced workers from the rich oil lands of southern California, expressed stanch optimism today in the prospects of an oil field being developed in the Cantil area of the Mojave Desert.
While geological experts remain skeptical or merely noncommittal concerning prospects in the Red Rock area, crew members reported conditions at the derrick conforming in developments in areas where drilling has proved productive.
September 10, 1940: SECRECY DESCENDS ON DESERT WILDCAT– Mojave, Sept. 7. –A sudden pall of secrecy fell about the Red Rock Wildcat being drilled in the desert of eastern Kern near Cantil yesterday, with visitors excluded from the site of drilling and a general aura of mystery surrounding what has been one of the curiosity centers of the Mojave desert since oil particles and gas were reported struck in drilling several week ago.
October 8, 1918: “BURGLARS LOOT STORE AT CANTIL –News of a robbery of the general store at Cantil, 25 miles northeast of Mojave, has reached Bakersfield. New stock had recently been received by the Cantil store and two marauders minus a conscience helped themselves to $150 worth one dark night last week. The truck belonging to the robbers refused to carry stolen goods, as the men were forced to unload some of their booty and hide it in the brush.
September 12, 1920: “LEGAL NOTICES –CERTIFICATE OF FICTITIOUS NAME.—THIS IS TO CERTIFY that the undersigned are engaged in and conducting a general merchandise business as copartners under the name and style of “CANTIL STORE,” at the station of Cantil, California, That the principal place of business of the said copartnerhip is the Station of Cantil, in the County of Kern, in the State of California.
That the full names and residence of the partners in the said business are as follows: Alden O. Dean, residing at Cantil, Calif., and John G. Blaycock, residing at Cantil, California, and that no other person is interested in said business as partner or otherwise.
Witness our hands this 17th day of July, 1920, in the presence of Otto Hasse.
State of California, City of Mojave, Kern County, California.
On the 25th day of July, in the year of one thousand nine hundred and twenty, before me, Otto Hasse, a Notary Public in and for the City of Mojave, County of Kern, State of California, residing therein, duly commissioned and sworn, personally appeared Alden G. Dean and John B. Blaylock, known to me to be persons whose names are subscribed in the within Instrument, and they acknowledged to me that they executed the same.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my seal at my office in the City of Mojave, County of Kern, the day and year in this certificate first above written.
Notary Public in and for the City of Mojave, County of Kern, state of California.
November 19, 1915: “NEW SCHOOL AT CANTIL –The Valley Improvement Club met at home of C. H. Kenniston Saturday evening November 13th. About twenty five residents of the valley were present and transacted business. President Will Munsey; vice president, Lloyd White; secretary, Mrs. Levi Giddings, and treasurer, C. C. Todhunter.
The following committees were appointed: Committee to select a school teacher and collect subscriptions: W. S. Burdick, Mrs. Rhonda A. Munsey, and Frank Allee. Committee for seating and furnishing school house; J. N. Elliott, C. C. Todhunter and Frank Jarvis.
September 23, 1916: “RED ROCK SCHOOL CONTRACT FOR BOOKS –The Red Rock School at Cantil on of the rural districts to make application to the county free library for the service as provided by the recent state law, making it possible for schools to contract with the library for the use of books.
March 1, 1919: ‘SCHOOL OFFICIALS RETURN FROM VISIT TO DESERT DISTRICTS –After a round of visits which included ten schools, L. E. Chenoweth, county superintendent of schools, and Harry Blake, deputy, have returned to Bakersfield. The schools visited included mountain and desert. They were Tehachapi, Keene, Inyokern, Johannesburg, Randsburg, Red Rock, Los Flores, Orchard and Brown.
The Red Rock School at Cantil was found to be in a most satisfactory condition with Miss Lyda Grisewold as teacher, it was necessary to close the school for one week only during the epidemic (influenza), which hardly touched the community. The children have made good progress with their work.
Other schools were closed from three days to two weeks and steady progress was noted in the studies.
January 12, 1936: “RED ROCK CLUB IN FIRST 1936 EVENT. –Mojave, Jan. 12.—Members of the Red Rock Side Winders Club of the Red Rock Elementary School at Cantil met recently for the first meeting of the new year.
The session was called to order by Raymond Ganit, master of arms; Jean Browne, president, presided. Reports were given by the secretary and treasurer.
December 24, 1937: “CANTIL HOLDS YULE FETE—Cantil, Dec. 24.—One of the most enjoyable parties of the Yuletide season was given Monday evening by Cantil Ladies’ Club in the rumpus room at Rancho Rico, the desert ranch home of Mr. and Mrs. Ross Rogers and Mr. and Mrs. Roy Root. Guests of honor were students of Red Rock Elementary School, of which Mrs. Rogers s instructress.
April 12, 1938: “EASTER PARTY IS GIVEN FOR STUDENTS AT CANTIL RANCH. –Cantil, April 15.—Marking the approaching Easter holiday approximately 75 guests from Southern California and the desert area gathered at Rancho Rico, the desert ranch home of Mr. and Mrs. Ross Rogers and Mr. and Mrs. Roy Root, Sunday. Honored guests were members of the Side-Winder’s Club of Red Rock Elementary School of which Mrs. Rogers is Instructress.
Easter symbols were used in table appointments. During the luncheon hour in the Rumpus room and interesting program opened with and accordion number, “Anchors Aweigh,” by the accordion band, composed of Delmer and Raymond Pascoe and Phyllis Overton of Glendale and Roger Todd of Los Angeles.
October 11. 1939: “ONE OF THE MOST ACTIVE ORGANIZTIONS within the Cantil district is the Sidewinders’ Club, organized for the benefit of the students of the Red Rock Elementary School of which Mrs. Rogers is instructress. Raymond Holderness, president of the group, reported that C. W. Harty of Bakersfield, supervisor of the second district, that safety zone signs will be erected near the schoolhouse in the near future.
RAYMOND CALLOWAY—Raymond Calloway, prominent member of the club, reported on the activities starting with the present fall semester. Organized three years ago, the group elects officers every quarter and publishes a monthly school paper, “The Sidewinder,” which is devoted to the interests of the Red Rock School and Cantil vicinity. Funds realized from the paper sales are used for expenses in educational trips. Last year the group motored to the Indian museum east of Lancaster.
October 12, 1939: “CANTIL STUDENTS SEND OUT PAPER—Physical Educational Heads Providing Athletic and Social Entertainment. –Cantil, Oct. 12. –Devoted to the interests of the Red Rock Elementary School and the Cantil vicinity, students of the school have published the first fall issue of the “Sidewinder,” a monthly publication with Raymond Holderness as editor. An attempt is being made by the group to gather information regarding the discovery and mining of gold in nearby Red Rock canyon, Fremont Springs, tales of Indian life in the local vicinity and other legends concerning the valley.
Other members of the editorial staff include Rudolph Pappas, assistant editor: Norma Branson, valley correspondent; Mary Pappas, school news; Raymond Holderness, advertising manager; Rudolph Pappas, Boy Scout troop news; Raymond Calloway, sports, and Danny Branson, humor.
Heads of the physical education department have worked out a schedule that will provide athletic games for the school on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday of each week, while Tuesday and Thursday are devoted to social games in the period for this activity. On October 26 the Red Rock softball team will meet with the Randsburg Elementary School for a return game.
November 12, 1915: “CANTIL NOTES –The Valley Improvement Society was organized October 30 at a business and social gathering of the residents of the valley. The purpose of the organization is to secure for the community social and educational advancement as well as post office facilities and good roads. At the first meeting W. S. Burdick and L. H. Giddings were appointed a committee to call on the authorities at Bakersfield to arrange for the establishment of a school and road improvement. The committee went to Bakersfield last Thursday and arranged for a school district that will include nine townships with the greater part of the population in the center. A centrally located building in C. R. Keniston’s place will probably be used the first term commencing about the first of the New Year. The district will have to be self supporting until the first appropriation is made next summer by the county.
The matter of road improvement was taken up with Supervisor Bennett, who agreed to furnish lumber to build a bridge over the wash on the road running south from Cantil.
A report was given by the school and roads committee, W. S. Burdick and L. H. Giddings. These gentlemen have been to Bakersfield to see the county supervisors and county superintendent of schools. Their report was encouraging and as nearly satisfactory as was possible. The petition for the bridge is being circulated and school will probably open at the Kenniston school house about December first.
A report was heard from the committee on the club name and constitution and by-laws were accepted. The members committee was C. H. Kenniston, Levi Giddings, Vernol Munsey, Viola Elliott, and Hallie Allee.
December 3, 1915: “VALLEY IMPROVEMENT CLUB MEETING –The Valley Improvement Club of Fremont Valley held its regular meeting at the home at of Mr. Mrs. Levi Giddings Saturday evening, November 27, 1915. About thirty members were present.
The good roads committee reported that the county surveyor had written that the county supervisors would allow three 5-ft culverts for the wash in the south end of the valley instead of lumber for a bridge.
The committee for selecting a school teacher reported that they had received two applications and the committee’s decision will be announced at a special club meeting at the home of Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Burdick next Saturday evening, December 4.
A report from the chairman of the committee on seating and furnishings was heard and accepted, and the committee was continued.
At the next regular meeting there will be a debate on the subject “Resolved that a cooperative association would be of great benefit to the residents of the valley.” The affirmative of the question will be upheld by M. H. Magie and Mrs. Rhonda Munsey. The opponents will be Arthur Fields, and Mrs. Levi Giddings.
An interesting feature of the meeting was the practicing of the club yell by the younger members.
Hot coffee and cakes were served before the meeting dispersed.
January 28, 1916: “RED ROCK CLUB (To Late For Last Week) The Valley Improvement Club et at the Munsey home January 11. The business of the evening was conducted in the usual way, the school, the post office and the roads were discussed.
C. C. Todhunter was selected for stationary.
The club constitution was read in view of reconstruction at next meeting.
The most important business of the evening was the changing of the club mane from “Valley Improvement Club,” to “Red Rock District Improvement Club.” The latter name being more appropriate and more definite.
It was decided that the club should hold a hard times party the following Saturday evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Burdick.
Mrs. Munsey served her guests with refreshments of hot coffee, cream cake, and marble cake.
Quartette “Beautiful Isle of Somewhere” Mrs. C. H. Kenniston, Miss Olive Magie, Messrs. Field and Magie.
Readings, (a) The Photograph (b) The Coquet Conquered, by Paul Lawrence Dumbar, Mrs. Levi Giddings.
Refreshments consisted of chicken sandwiches and coffee.
Mrs. P. J. Shannon invited the Club to meet at his place next Saturday evening, April 15, 1915, and invitation was received with applause.
April 28, 1916: “RED ROCK CLUB NOTES—Mr. and Mrs. Levi Giddings were the host and hostess to the Red Rock District Improvement Club last Saturday evening. April 22. More than 30 people were present. Several members from the Cantil were absent—a few on account of illness and others out of the valley. There was a good attendance from the Neuralia section.
June 29, 1937: “CANTIL CLUB PLANS MEETING THURSDAY –Mojave, June 28. –Third regular meeting of the Cantil Woman’s Club, organized several months ago by women of the Cantil district, will be held Thursday, June 1, at the Dove Springs home of Mrs. Murdo McIver.
July 6, 1937: “CANTIL CLUB HAS MEET AT SPRINGS—Mrs. V. L. Hayes (Haynes) Presides at Meeting of Ladies at McIver Residence.—Mojave, July 6—Monthly meeting of Cantil Ladies’ Club was held at the Dove Springs home of Mrs. Murdo McIver with the president, Mrs. V. L. Haynes presiding. Preceding the business meeting at 2 o’clock, a potluck luncheon was served. Mrs. Roy E. Root was elected as publicity chairman succeeding Mrs. George Donley. Appointed on the entertainment committee for the summer session were Mesdammes Ross Rogers, David Yarbrough and L. Holderness, Sr.
Wood carving was studied followed by two recitations, “Lachery Sets a Hen,” and “The New Baby,” by Mrs. James Robinson and Mrs. David Yarbrough. The next regular meeting will be held August 5 at the Rancho Rico home of Mrs. Ross Rogers and Mrs. Roy E Root.
October 11, 1937: “CANTIL LADIES’ CLUB TO PLAN DINNER FOR COMMUNITY AT RANCHO RICO SOON.—Mojave, Oct. 11.—With the next regular meeting to be held at the Last Chance canyon home of Mrs. Howard Ling, plans are being formulated for a community Thanksgiving dinner to be given soon at Rancho Rico, Cantil, by members of the Cantil Ladies’ Club, according to an announcement made today by Mrs. V. L. Haynes, president. Rancho Rico is the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ross Rogers and Mr. and Mrs. Roy Root.
Dinner arrangements will be in charge of Mrs. Jack Thomas, Mrs. George Donley, Mrs. Louis Conway and Mrs. David Staley, with Mrs. Rogers and Root, acting as hostesses. Dr. Clara Mae Rhinehardt will be in charge of decorations which will be carried out in the Thanksgiving motif.
December 14, 1937: “DEC. 20 DATE SET FOR CANTIL FETE—Mojave, Dec. 14.—Mrs. Arnold Tisch presided as hostess at the regular meeting of Cantil Ladies’ Club held at her home in the Cantil district. Dr. Clara Mae Rhinehar (d) t acted as president during the business session in the absence of the regular officer, Mrs. V. L. Haynes. Plans were discussed and arrangements made for a Christmas party to be held December 20 at Ranch Rico, the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ross Rogers and Mr. and Mrs. Roy E. Root. Singing of carols and distribution of gifts will provide entertainment for club members and their families.
Entertainment for the many guests was in charge of Mrs. V. L. Haynes, club president, Mrs. William Holderness and Mrs. Roy Root. Gift arrangements for the children were made by Dr. Clara Mae Rhinehardt and Mrs. Arnold Tisch. Following a program and an evening of games, caroling and dancing, refreshments were served by Mesdammes H. Ling, William Whitehall and David Staley. A Large lighted tree decorated the room.
Opening the evening’s program Miss Jean Lee Copeland rendered a violin solo, “Silent Night, Holy Night.” Her sister, Miss Beulah Copeland, another accomplished violinist, selected as her rendition, “Minuet in G.” The misses Joyce Haynes and Phyllis Holderness favored the group with several tap dances selections. “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear,” was chosen by William Holderness and his son Raymond, who gave a banjo-clarinet duel. Miss Ethel Cornelius sang, “Come, Oh Come Ye Immanuel.” A recitation “The Tale of Peter Pig,” was given by Junior Donley, Violet Kington, Mary Pappas, Billie Gantt, Vleenta Galvan, Helen and Dorothy Iverson, Pete Pappas, Lois Dahlstrom, Ronnie Windfield, Nadine Bishop, Donald Calloway, Eddie Galvan, Evelyn Dahlstrom and Dickie Kington, who are students of the local elementary school. Santa Clause portrayed by Roy Root, entered the room to “Jingle Bells,” sung by the assembled guests.
January 11, 1938: “CANTIL CLUB TO HONOR BIRTHDAY – First Anniversary Dinner to Be Held at Clubhouse January 22, Report. Cantil, Jan. 11.—Mrs. Roy E. Root, publicity chairman for Cantil Ladies’ Club, announced today that final arrangements are under way for the club’s first annual birthday dinner to be sponsored at the Cudahy plant club house in Last Chance Canyon on January 22. The public is cordially invited to attend and proceeds will be donated for roofing of the new Randsburg Community Church of which the Reverend John Ovall is pastor.
ELECT PRESIDENT—Doctor Clara Mae Rhinehardt was selected as club president for the current year succeeding Mrs. V. L. Haynes, at the scheduled luncheon meeting held at the Cantil home of Mrs. William Holderness. Other officers elected include Mrs. Howard Ling, vice-president; Mrs. Louis Conway, secretary; Mrs. William Holderness, treasurer, Mrs. Roy E. Root, parliamentarian; Mrs. Frank Wells and Mrs. Roy E. Root, publicity for the Randsburg and Cantil districts.
Discussion of constructive community work, balloting on new members and committee reports by Mrs. Arnold Tisch and Mrs. John Ovall constituted the business meeting. A committee was appointed to confer with members of the board of trustees of Red Rock Elementary School at Cantil in reference to securing permission for using the elementary school building for a clubroom. Composing the committee are Mrs. William Whitehall and Mrs. Howard Ling.
February 8, 1938: “GIFT SHOWER HELD AT KERN RESIDENCE—SALTDALE, Feb. 8—Mrs. Roy E. Root and Mrs. Lyle Haynes were hostesses at a layette gift shower and party complimenting Mrs. William Whitehill on Thursday afternoon, preceding the scheduled luncheon meeting of Cantil Ladies’ Club, presided over by Doctor Clara Mae Rhinehardt. The affair, a surprise to the honoree who was the recipient of many gifts, was given at the Saltdale home of Mrs. Margaret Topp. The stork and valentine motif prevailed in the gifts and table arrangements. Appropriate readings were rendered by Mesdammes Roy E. Root, Clara Mae Rhinehardt and George Donley. Preparations are not being made for a social meeting to the held at Red Rock Tavern on February 22.
May 25, 1938: “BARBECUE SCHEDULED BY LADIES ON SUNDAY—Cantil, May 25.—A benefit barbecue sponsored by members of the Cantil Ladies’ Club, originally planned for Sunday, May 18, at Ranch Rico, will be held at the Munsey ranch, 3 miles east of the Cantil post office on the same day, committee chairman announced today. The roads to the Munsey ranch will be plainly marked.
September 8, 1938: “CHAMBER SPEAKERS SLATE AT CANTIL—Cantil, Sept. 8. –Representatives of the Kern County Chamber of Commerce will be guests at an afternoon of entertainment being planned by members of the Cantil Ladies’ Club for October 4, it was announced today by club officers. Final arrangements are not yet complete.
April 10, 1939: “RECREATION PLANS MADE AT MEET—Cantil, April 10. –The largest crowd ever in attendance at a public meeting in this district gathered at the Red Rock elementary school here on Friday evening to hear Kenneth Beam, secretary of the Los Angeles Co-coordinating Council, to speak on the procedure of establishing a recreation center. At the present time citizens of this community do not have immediate access to such facilities at Mojave, at distance of 25 miles, is the nearest center.
Ten acres of land, the gift of Ross Rogers, of Cantil, and John Shessler, of Los Angeles, have been donated for the establishment of a center. The present site is located near the Rancho Rico home of Mr. and Mrs. Rogers and Mr. and Mrs. Roy Root, approximately 5 miles southeast of Red Rock canyon.
Originators of the movement were members of the Cantil Ladies’ Club, organized several months ago with Mrs. George Donley as president. The group’s first aim is to construct a community building. Since its organization several benefit affairs have been sponsored and sufficient funds gathered to purchase a number of folding chairs and a piano.
August 7, 1939: “CANTIL CLUB WILL CONTINUE BENEFITS—Cantil, Aug. 7.—Plans for the continuation of benefit affairs to be sponsored in order that adequate funds may be raised to construct a clubhouse for the community were made at a recent meeting of the Cantil Ladies Club held at the Dove Springs home of Mrs. Murdo McIver.
Covering a radius of 40 miles membership is drawn from the Randsburg, Johannesburg, Dove Springs, Pine Tree, Saltdale, and Cantil communities. Mrs. William Whitehall has been appointed president to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Mrs. George Donley. Assisting her are Mrs. Herman Ling, vice-president and Mrs. Lou Conway, secretary.
During the past several months benefit dances have been sponsored at Randsburg and a building fund of approximately $400 has been raised.
John Norton, Cantil businessman, has donated an acre and a half of land for the construction of the building and establishment of a playground in that area. In charge of arrangements with Mr. Norton are Murdo McIver, and James Holden.

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