I wish to thank the many Central Coast residents who, over the past 40 years, helped save the historic Dana Adobe in Nipomo. Now major restoration has started, contractors are being hired, and Aaron Regez, Dana caretaker, and volunteers have started removing old cement and bricks. We need more healthy volunteers to assist in this operation as we demolish the walls and floors of specific rooms in preparation for reconstruction with historically correct materials.
Thank you to all who recently removed the adobe block stage to clear the area for construction activities. These folks also cleaned out one room in preparation for the huge job of restoring the two-story south wall. This wall has been in jeopardy of falling for many years. Once shoring is in place, Dana volunteers will have the responsibility of removing the cement plaster. This is only the beginning of a major project that will encompass restoring most of the building and take approximately two full years to complete.
Volunteers are the life-blood of the Adobe. Yes, we have received some nice grant money recently thanks to the Hind Foundation and the California Cultural and Historical Endowment. We will be eternally grateful for these gifts, but please know the efforts of our volunteers help stretch the value of each donated dollar. I also want to thank those of you who send checks to support the operation of the Dana Adobe. More than 80 percent of the Adobe’s annual income comes from individuals who donate $50 or less. Real people make a real difference, and I thank you.
I also want to thank our volunteer docents, groundskeepers, cleaning people, and researchers. Please know we can find a job and a timeframe to match your interests and schedule. To volunteer, call the Dana Adobe at 929-5679 or write dana@danaadobe.org. Your efforts make a huge difference.
Len Hoskins
Dana Volunteer Chairperson
Grover Beach
This article appears in Dec 11-18, 2008.