Since 2014, the Twentynine Palms Historical Society has honored long-time residents who have enriched the city by bestowing the title “Old Timer of the Year.” The 2020 recipient has been announced. Reporter Heather Clisby has details….
The Twentynine Palms Historical Society has selected their 2020 Old Timer of the Year Honoree – Jerri Hagman. The award was created to honor “everyday heroes” who contribute to the City’s betterment, largely behind the scenes.
Hagman arrived in Twentynine Palms in 1959 with her sisters and parents, Leslie and Corma Harness, from Oregon for her mother’s health issues. As a teen, Hagman worked for Charley and Helen Matherly at Dean’s. Hagman graduated from Twentynine Palms High School in 1963 and two years later married local Marine Paul Hagman shortly before he was sent to Vietnam. Though the couple lived on bases all over the world, when Paul Hagman retired, they made their home in Apple Valley and Twentynine Palms.
In 1978, Charley Matherly passed away and left his homestead and business properties, including those in the Historic Place and the Original 29 Palms Garage, to Hagman. After restoring the Matherly homestead and re-opening it in 1991 as the Homestead Inn Bed and Breakfast, Hagman hosted numerous community events, private dinners, celebrations and fundraisers. In 2005, Hagman converted it to an extended-stay format that is still in operation.
Hagman was a driving force in bringing the first Certified Farmers Market to Twentynine Palms. Hagman also played an active role in creating the Sky’s the Limit Observatory and Nature Center and served on their board for many years. Moreover, Hagman was an early member of the 29 Palms Historical Society and served on its board of directors.
Hagman recently donated a large Gilmore Oil Red Lion Gasoline tank to the Historical Society and the tank was used to provide fuel to the kiln at the block making plant in the Historic Plaza.
