Local presentation to highlight area's gold mining history

A large crowded attended the most recent meeting of the Menifee Valley Historical Association.

Content provided by Menifee Valley Historical Association:

Most residents of Menifee know that the city’s name comes from a gold miner, Luther Menifee Wilson, who used his middle name when he filed his claim at the patent office in San Diego County in 1880. His mining district, and the many other mines and mining districts in our area, will be the subject of the next informative program hosted by the Menifee Valley Historical Association Nov. 18 at 9:30 a.m. at the Antelope-Menifee Rural Center, which is located on Haun Road, just north of Garbani Road.

The free program will feature guest speaker Paul J. Price, a local historian known for his expertise on mining and Native American history in our valley.

The Historical Association is pleased that attendance has been increasing at the Saturday morning programs that are held every other month at the Rural Center. In September, over 60 guests filled the room for a slide presentation depicting the life of the Kittilson-Brown family, who homesteaded land on the north side of Scott road.

MVHA Vice President Bill Zimmerman researched the family and prepared the photo presentation. Historians provided first-hand memories and information during the slide show. In attendance were Menifee Union School Board members Bob O’Donnell and Jerry Bowman, and Menifee Parks and Trails Commissioner Tom Giedroyce.

The upcoming "Gold Mines" presentation by Price promises to be enjoyable.

"Anyone with an interest in Menifee’s earliest times will enjoy Paul’s program. He is always interesting and informative," said Zimmerman.