Purpose

Although a Redlands Area Historical Society was organized in 1900, today’s Society was established in 1972 and incorporated in 1974. The Redlands Area Historical Society’s purpose is to support and to advance the many facets of the area’s historic resources.

Historic resources, sites, and memorabilia provide tangible links to, and visible reminders of, the past, bringing continuity and perspective to our lives. By perpetuating our past through the preservation of historic resources, we maintain a rich diversity in our community life. By respecting and restoring architectural integrity of structures and by conserving neighborhood environments, we preserve the unique character and document the historical evolution of the place in which we live.

The Redlands Area Historical Society, Inc., emphasizes the conservation of the past in terms of buildings, neighborhoods, written and oral history, and memorabilia as well as programs to educate citizens, young and old, on the significance of the values of Redlands’ heritage.

Frank and Sarah Hinckley settled on Cottonwood Row in the Mission District in 1883. Since that time seven generations of the family have lived in Redlands.  Christine Beguelin Gallacher is a fifth generation member of the family. Christine’s great grandfather was George S. Hinckley (1879-1958). George served as the city engineer in Redlands for over 40 years. He is credited with putting the first striped line on a street outside of City Hall. George’s wife was Edith Parker Hinckley (1880-1981). Edith came to Redlands from Pasadena after meeting George at Pomona College. Edith wrote numerous books on the history of the City such as “On the Banks of the Zanja” and “Redlands 1950-1960″.

George and Edith’s son, Horace was the head of the Bear Valley Mutual Water Co. for nearly 40 years. Their daughter, Irene Hinckley Kupfer also wrote a book entitled “Growing Up in Redlands.” Christine will be presenting many family photos and memorabilia of this long time Redlands family. The meeting will start at 7 p.m. in the assembly room of the A. K. Smiley Public Library at 125 W. Vine Street.

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The March program will feature Michele Nielsen, Curator of History/Archives of the San Bernardino County Museum. Michele will review the life of an early Redlands photographer, Elias Everitt who opened a photography studio in Redlands in 1897 at the age of 60 years. Everitt was unique in photography in that he has earlier lost his left eye and was a dedicated Socialist. His immense talent helped him create some of the most notable early images of Redlands. He has gained fame earlier in his career by photographing the aftermath of the famous James brothers double bank robbery in Northfield, Minnesota in 1876. The Everitt photo collection at the county museum offers a wonderful look back in time giving us insights into the lives of early Redlanders. The program will start at 7 p.m. in the assembly room of the A.K. Smiley Public Library, at 125 W. Vine Street.

View of Orange Street decorated for the visit of Theodore Roosevelt - 1902

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Tom Atchley will continue his walking tour of West Fern Avenue on Saturday, March 9th.  The tour will start at 9 a.m. at the corner of Alvarado Street and West Fern Avenue. Cost of the tour is $10/person.

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