Questers donate to barn project

The Sleeping Indian Chapter of Questers International recently donated $1,000 to the Fallbrook Historical Society in memory of one of the Society’s past members, Darlene Schaeffer.

In a presentation at the Questers’ November meeting, Betty Gilby delivered the funds to Jack Story, president of the Historical Society, and Judy Gillespie, its treasurer. The funds will be applied to the Don Rivers Memorial Barn project.

Sleeping Indian is a local chapter of the Questers, an international organization founded in 1944 with a stated purpose to educate by research and study of antiques and to donate funds to preservation and restoration of existing memorials, historical buildings and landmarks. Its members share in their appreciation and collection of antiques. The barn project of the Society fits all of these goals.

When the memorial barn is finished, it will house vintage farm equipment and tools and other displays reflecting Fallbrook in the early 1900s. As Jack told the Questers, “The project is proceeding slowly and smoothly.” Volunteers from the building trade are always welcome, as are much-needed donations. Everyone is welcome to become members of the Historical Society for a $15 annual membership fee or $250 for a lifetime membership.

Sleeping Indian has recently completed another project for the Historical Society. The bathroom at the Pittinger House, which is on the same property as the museum and future barn, has been restored and furnished as it would have been in the 1930s, complete with vintage sink, lighting, wainscoting, flooring and period-correct paint and stenciling.

The Pittinger House and museum are open two days a week and are well worth a visit. With the community’s help the barn will be raised and become another Fallbrook landmark. Lois Scott, current president of Sleeping Indian, can be reached at (760) 731-9026.