The Twentynine Palms Historical Society celebrates everyday heroes. The “Old Timer of the Year” awards honor long-time residents who contributed significantly to the development or betterment of the Twentynine Palms community. Reporter Rebecca Havely shares more about this year’s honorees…
The Twentynine Palms Historical Society celebrates everyday heroes. David A. Bronwell came to Twentynine Palms in 1953 at 19 and began his teaching career at the Old Town Schoolhouse. He went on to teach 5th grade at Twentynine Palms Elementary School. He built his home here by hand and it still stands today. He left the desert to teach College. Many of his former students wrote to the Historical Society to share their fond memories of their beloved fifth-grade teacher.
Dr. Ted Vick arrived with his family in the early 40’s and lived in a small cabin with no electricity. Years later Vick was hired to teach and serve as vice principle in the same three-room school where he had been a student years before. He taught his entire career and served 20 years on the San Bernardino County Board of education.
Walter and Velma Holland arrived in ’58; both worked in our local schools, Walter as a teacher and Velma as a librarian. Walter became a realtor and donated his culinary skills for many fundraising events. Velma is now a writer and the librarian for the historical society and docent to the museum. All the honorees’ activities have greatly impacted the community, inspiring them to pursue their dreams.
