Artesia Historical Society recognizes Station #30 restoration project volunteers

Barbara Applebury, President of the Artesia Historical Society presented a bronze plaque to John Lyons, Artesia Mayor Pro Tem, in appreciation of his leadership as Old Fire Station #30
Restoration Project Manager. A celebratory brunch was hosted Feb. 19 by the Artesia Historical Society to honor those individuals involved in the restoration of Old Fire Station #30 located at the corner of Corby Ave. and 187th St. in Artesia. The site, within the area designated as the Artesia Historic District, becomes the second local museum managed by the Artesia Historical Society designed to honor the local history of the Greater Historic Artesia area.
John Lyon, Project Manager of the Restoration Project was presented a bronze plaque from the Artesia Historical Society recognizing his leadership and work in restoring the building which once housed the Los Angeles County Fire Department Station #30 in Artesia. The restored building has been retrofitted as a Fire Station Museum by the Artesia Historical Society, in conjunction with the City of Artesia and the County of Los Angeles Fire Museum Association. The already functioning Artesia Historical Museum, which is housed in a 1929 Spanish revival home, is located on adjacent property at the corner of 187th St. and Alburtis Ave.
“Many people volunteered throughout the restoration project,” said Society President Barbara Applebury, “providing over 900 hours of labor and expertise. Those individuals were recognized and included, among many others: Artesia City Council members Michele Diaz, Tony Lima and Sally Flowers-, Artesia City Manager Maria Dadian, and her husband Bob Lopez, Artesia Associate City Planner Okina Dor, Clayton, Diane and Lucas Young made it a family affair with their volunteer labor. All volunteers were presented a Certificate of Appreciation.
Special recognition was also given to Captain Joe Woyjeck, Vice President of the County of Los Angeles Fire Museum Association for his generous support throughout the restoration project and in the on-going retrofit of the museum. Through his efforts many meaningful fire department memorabilia items and photographs have been loaned or given to the Old Station #30 Museum, including the permanent loan of a fully restored 1942 Fire Truck.
The Artesia Historical Society also recognized Steve Earl and Lou Ann Zulawski, children of retired Los Angeles County Fire Fighter and member of the Artesia Historical Society, Fred Earl, who because of health issues was unable to attend. Fred generously donated a major Fire Department related toy collection, which he accumulated over many years and is now on display in the new museum.
The Artesia Historical Society utilizes both Old Station #30 and the Artesia Historical Museum in their educational outreach program, which targets third grade students in local schools. Docent lead tours of the two museums are provided to those students and include period crafts and games that aid teachers in meeting their California State Curriculum requirements to teach about the student’s local community history. Bus scholarships are also provided by the Artesia Historical Society when school transportation funds are unavailable.
Volunteers to aid in the educational outreach program of the Artesia Historical Society are always needed; therefore, anyone interested in participating in such a program are encouraged to contact the Artesia Historical Society President, Barbara Applebury at (562) 865-3107. Donations are also appreciated to augment the Bus Scholarship Funds. Training will be provided to anyone interested in acting as a docent. There is a particular need for men or women who might have some knowledge of fire fighting and could enhance the student’s experience while visiting Old Station #30. Both museums are open to the public on the second Saturday of each month from 1:00 p.m. to 3 p.m.