Formatting necessary for an accurate reading of this text may be shown by tags (e.g., <DELETED> or <BOLD>) or may be missing from this TXT display. For complete and accurate display of this text, see the PDF.
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E165-E166]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CELEBRATING THE RAMONA TOWN HALL 125TH ANNIVERSARY
______
HON. DUNCAN HUNTER
of california
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
Mr. HUNTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a celebrated
moment for one of San Diego County's true historical landmarks located
in my district. It is very rare to have a piece of living history in
our community, but we are blessed with such a place on Main Street in
Ramona, California, with the Ramona Town Hall. It is both a snapshot of
the pioneering spirit of the Old West, as well as evidence of a
thriving community spirit. The Ramona Town Hall is celebrating its
125th Anniversary this year and I would like to take a moment to
highlight this important achievement.
In 1894, property lots were donated to the community on which to
build a structure that would serve the people of the Santa Maria
Valley. Designed by architect William S. Hebbard, the Ramona Town Hall,
also known as Town Hall of Nuevo and Barnett Hall, would become one of
the largest, and oldest, adobe structures in Southern California and
serve as Ramona's first high school, bank, library, movie theater,
justice court and community dance hall.
Ramona Town Hall was also home to many of the town's religious
groups while their churches were being built, as well as the birthplace
of many other local organizations, including the Ramona Grange, the
Santa Maria Masonic Lodge, the Ramona Pioneer Historical Society, the
Ramona Chamber of Commerce, the Ramona Art Guild, the Town Hall Players
and the Ramona Council of Arts, Unlimited. Events that took place at
Ramona Town Hall included temperance meetings, Turkey Days, voting
polls, 4-H Youth benefits, political meetings, as well as community
theater and silent film festivals. The Ramona Town Hall was listed on
the National Register of Historic Places in 1994.
Despite this proud history, the fate of Ramona Town Hall at times
became seriously in question. Since its inception, Ramona Town Hall has
operated solely on fundraisers, grant monies, private donations and
rent collected for a variety of events. While always seemingly in
demand, there was a very real possibility at one point of the Ramona
Town Hall closing its doors. Thankfully, the people of Ramona have
never allowed this to happen and, due to the faithful service and
dedication of private citizens on the Ramona Town Hall Board of
Trustees, they help maintain and manage the Town Hall to ensure that it
remains viable, available to the community, and a continued source of
local pride. I have had the honor and pleasure myself of speaking with
my constituents on several occasions at the Ramona Town Hall.
I want to congratulate the people of Ramona, particularly the
private citizens who volunteer their time and resources toward ensuring
the Ramona Town Hall continues to serve its intended purpose. Their
commitment toward this cause is a reflection of the Ramona community as
a whole and provides confidence to us all that the Ramona Town Hall
will continue to be a local asset and treasure for years to come.
[[Page E166]]
____________________
