4/20/2006 Who has lived in Agua Dulce since 1947, celebrates her birthday with friends and Family.
It was a pleasure to celebrate her 90th birthday and nearly her 60th year in Agua Dulce.
The Daniels family moved to Agua Dulce for same reason and at nearly the same time the Brink-Ware family moved to Acton. Their children suffered from asthma and living Los Angeles was killing them.
Virginia Brink and Doreetha Daniels became friends because of the common medical problems of their children which caused them to move.
There were other commonalities that I didn't even know until she was interviewed by the Signal reporter when she stated:
“So we camped out in a tent for one summer and he was so much better that we started looking for property,” Daniels said.
I first met the Daniels with my mother and grandmother when they were already in their partially constructed house, the studs were up and it was wrapped in tarpaper. At the time, we were living in a 16 foot square Army Tent.
The Daniels persevered to create a home for their children and at the same time working to improve the community. They are perfect examples of a family growing up in a rural community and making the best of it while improving community.
I was also very pleased to see the quote in the Signal were She said "there was minimal racism directed toward her and her family during the late ’40s and 1950s" by other residents.
In 1947 Agua Dulce hardly existed and Acton had less than 500 residents. Her eldest son David graduated the Acton school in 1952 and her younger son Raymond in 1955. David was elected senior class president in 1952 which clearly echoes her comment about lack of racism in the community.
The party was coordinated by Tana Lampton and Penney Furstnow. We will be adding a more complete list of their helpers to the story.
Mike Antonovich, George and Sharon Runner and Buck McKeon provided commemorative scrolls.
The food was old-fashioned potluck which unfortunately has gone out of fashion (and to the loss) of the more "sophisticated" communities, which is a shame. It was excellent, varied and well enjoyed by all including myself.
Sons and Granddaughter with Signal reporter in background
And the Potluck with this reporter in the background eating.
All photos by Bernie Schwab
