MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – The grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Gibson Museum & Cultural Center in Middletown is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, May 3.
Some think of Middletown as “way over there.” But during its heyday from the 1870s until after World War II, Middletown’s quicksilver mines and resorts were a major part of Lake County's economy. The Geysers operations there continue to pour money into Lake County coffers.
Gibson Museum will focus on that vibrant history and creativity of the south Lake County area.
Beyond Middletown, the area includes Anderson Springs, Whispering Pines, Loch Lomond, Hobergs and other Cobb Mountain communities, as well as Hidden Valley Lake and developments along Butts Canyon Road to Langtry Vineyards.
The museum will be the second under the auspices of the Lake County Historical Society. Its sibling Ely Stage Stop & Country Museum in Kelseyville opened almost three years ago.
Gibson Museum’s executive committee has invited Harry Gibson, great-grand-nephew of Chauncey W. Gibson – original funder of the building as home for Middletown’s first public library in 1930, to cut the ribbon.
Harry Gibson has contributed generously to the renovation of the building. The Hardester family, owners of three supermarkets in south Lake County, have likewise been generous in funding the creation of Gibson Museum.
In 1930, the opening of the library warranted a two-day celebration. Heavy rains forced some events indoors but crowds attended the ceremonies, and a concert and a grand ball in Middletown’s pavilion.
This year, merchants and organizations in Middletown are participating in a Revisit the 1930s jubilee to celebrate the opening of the museum.
Residents and visitors are asked to don 1930s style garb for the weekend. The music and radio shows of the era will be played throughout town, and advertisements and news items of the era posted on shop windows.
A double feature – “It Happened One Night” (Claudette Colbert and Clark Gable) and “Hopalong Cassidy” — with cartoons and newsreel will be offered at 3 p.m. Saturday afternoon in the Community Center.
The volunteer firefighters of the 1930s, and a vintage fire truck, will be honored at the firehouse relinquished in the 1990s when the new building on Highway 175 was completed and the California Forestry Service took over not long after.
Lake County International Charter School, the Girl Scouts and other youth groups will host old-time children’s games in Community Park.
The Friends of Middletown Library will extend their quarterly book sale there to include both Friday and Saturday. A newly formed south county artists’ group will display their works in the park.
The Model A clubs from both Lake County and Sonoma County are planning to attend, so Callayomi Street, alongside Gibson Museum, will be closed to afford them parking space.
David Neft and AJ Franks will be playing the hit songs of the ‘30s at Gibson Museum and broadcasting it into Callayomi street (dancing in the street allowed).
The Brewery, no longer a brewery but a popular pizza place, will become a speakeasy. You’ll have to know the secret password to enter (we’re guessing it will be ‘Gibson sent me’). Those inside around 5:30 will be treated to a high-kicking performance by Junior Rockettes trained by Jazzercise leader Beth Rudiger.
And at 8 p.m. pizza tables will move to the sidelines and the floor will be cleared for dancing to live swing music until 10.
Middletown’s monthly barn dance, renamed Contra Dance for contemporary audiences, is slated for Saturday night, 7 to 9:30 p.m. at Armstrong Hall. All comers welcomed. Dance master Patricia Jekel says it’s easy for young and old, even people who’ve never tried such a thing before.
A street music group will perform on various corners. And, we’ve heard Betty Boop may appear at Star Gardens nursery.
All weekend, shoppers at Hardester’s Market and other local shops will find employees garbed ‘30s style. The Spot Juice Bar will feature drinks that were popular 80+ years ago — Hawaiian Punch, for example, was invented in 1934. There’ll be car hops at the Jolly Kone.
At Middletown High School, some of the participants in the Relay for Life 24-hour Walk-a-thon will sport ‘30s fashions.
To get ready for the event, Two Women Traders and the Bunk House are offering hats suited to the period. Hospice and other thrift shops are setting aside appropriate items of clothing to make it easy for shoppers.
Farther north, in Hidden Valley Lake, the oldest building in Lake County will be celebrating its 160th birthday. Visitors to the Stone House, built over the winter of 1853-54, will be feted with live entertainment, goodies, raffles and fun along with tours of the historic house.
South of town a few miles, visitors can find fascinating historical displays at the Calpine Visitors Center, and an equal distance eastward at Langtry Vineyards.
More events are yet aborning. Stay tuned.
For further information, email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or call Nina at 707-987-2349 or Voris at 707-295-7174.
