Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Knott's, Phil Brigandi, Anaheim & the O.C. Archives

Today's images are both undated photos from the Wagon Camp at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park. The black and white image comes from Mike Tucker and shows some his family enjoying the show (possibly The Wagonmasters). The second image was shamelessly swiped from M-M's fun LottaLivin' website. By the time I started seeing shows in the Wagon Camp (in the 1970s) it was being used for stunt shows rather than "singin' 'round the campfire."
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Phil Brigandi will reprise his talk on the early history of Knott's at the next meeting of the Anaheim Historical Society, Tues., March 18, 7 pm at the Anaheim Ebell Club at Cypress and Helena St. Unlike some earlier versions of the talk, he'll be adding period images and film footage to the mix. It should be interesting and fun.
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There's still no word on who will replace Phil as Orange County Archivist. If only I had a nickel for everyone who's asked me, incredulously, "They're not just going to give you the job?!?" I greatly appreciate the sentiment, but government hiring doesn't work that way. The job was posted, a group of finalists will be interviewed, and so forth. And it's probably good that it works that way. I just hope the "deciders" note that I've been involved in every aspect of Archives operations for almost 5 years; that I've run the place single-handedly since Phil left; that our patrons are happy; that I've brought important collections to the Archives; that I've done a ton of public outreach work, and that I know local history.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

....and if you are not hired this happy patron will simply take my business to someone's else's archives! OK, that may be problematic.....hang in there, Tom Daly is a smart man, while I do not know who has applied, I cannot imagine anyone else more qualified for the job, he has to know that! No level of education or previous experience can equal your knowledge of OC history, and where the bodies, and their donatible (is that a word?) collections, are buried around here.

ItsNotAPlace said...

I guess I owe you a nickel Chris, I think I asked you that question too. ;-)

We all hope you get the position, or at least... if they do choose someone else, that it will be someone that you will sync with and enjoy working with as much as you enjoyed working along side of Phil.

Chris Merritt said...

Go Chris! Hire this man - right now please...

Anonymous said...

If you aren't hired you should quit! Wait, did that make sense? I mean after all, if you're not hired, how can you quit?

Well, there's always the archives at First American.

Anonymous said...

By the way, is that little Mikey Tucker in that photo?

Kai Weisser said...

Chris, keep up the good work and good luck with the interview process. The Surfing Heritage Foundation (SHF) has several committees including the one on Oral History which I am a member of. They have a fantastic Field Guide on how to ensure a succesful oral history interview. Anyone can purchase the guide from the SHF website. Also - can you include the SHF link to your blog of quite lengthy and impresive like minded links?

Chris Jepsen said...

Many, many thanks for the words of encouragement, folks.

Colony Rabble: Yes, I think that's Mike, but perhaps he'll stop past to confirm.

Kai: I added a link to the Surfing Heritage Foundation. I just heard about it recently for the first time. Thanks for sharing a little more information.

ItsNotAPlace said...

Just a reminder... tonight (Tuesday March 18) is the night for Phil Brigandi's talk on the early history of Knott's at the the Anaheim Historical Society meeting. Starts at 7 pm - Anaheim Ebell Club.

I was also invited by the AHS to set up an info table up about the Dreger Clock from Knott's at the meeting. Stop by the table and say hi!.