Rowell Ranch Rodeo Among Locals To Earn Historical Awards

Betty Moose of the San Lorenzo Heritage Society, the Eden Medical Center and the Rowell Ranch Rodeo will be among those honored for preserving and renewing the character of our community when the Hayward Area Historical Society holds an awards event on Friday, April 26, at Stonebrae Country Club.

Five awards will be presented:

1. The Historic Organization Award will go to Rowell Ranch Rodeo: Rodeos are part of California’s agricultural heritage and rancher Harry Rowell helped cement them as an East Bay sport. Rowell’s first rodeo was held over 90 years ago on his ranch in Dublin Canyon, the site of the present day rodeo. After Harry’s death in 1969, his wife Maggie worked with the community and the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District to create the Rowell Ranch Rodeo Park in his memory.
2. The John Sandoval Award will be awarded to Betty Moose. It is given to individuals who improve historical awareness.  As President of the San Lorenzo Heritage Society, she has helped preserve and document one of the East Bay’s historic communities. Moose has also served on the Hayward Shoreline Planning Agency, working to ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy our unique bayside legacy.
3. The Historic Business Award will be awarded to Eden Medical Center, which began providing health services in the Hayward area in 1954, when its Castro Valley location was populated by more chickens than people. The award comes at a time when Eden Hospital has been rebuilt to serve the Castro Valley/Hayward metropolis.
4. The Historic Preservation Award will be given to Michael and Julie Sundita. Their home on Pinedale Court is a lovingly preserved example of the charming architectural style that early 20th century developers created to attract buyers to new subdivision projects. The Sunditas have been wonderful stewards of their historic gem originally owned by Homer and Adelaide Struble.
5. The Educator of the Year will be Cheryl Gerard, who teaches 3rd and 4th grade at of Lea's Christian School in Hayward. Each year Ms. Gerard makes full use of Hayward Area Historical Society eductional resources: guided visits to McConaghy House, downtown walking tours, and discovery kits and online resources to make history come to life in her classroom.

In addition to the awards ceremony, the event will include live music by Christine Ferrari’s Swing Society Band, a buffet dinner, and a silent auction.  Raffle tickets are available and feature a private tour and tasting at Byington Vineyard for up to 15 guests. 

Proceeds from the event support the Society’s historic preservation and educational endeavors. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Alison Wenz at (510) 581-0223 oralison@haywardareahistory.org. 

What is your favorite icon or anecdote about local history?