2016 has come fast, hasn’t it? It doesn’t seem like two years since the Centennial Celebration, but it’s time again to plan for the 2016 Former Tronans Picnic. This year the Picnic will be held on October 8th. That’s the second weekend in October. The Searles Lake Gem and Mineral Show will also be at that same time, so be sure to walk through and see some of our local artists and their presentations.
We would appreciate hearing from you whether or not you plan to attend. Let us know how you and your family are doing and be sure to verify your address, phone number and email address (if you have one). Thank you to all who made donations to cover our expenses last time! Please get your response forms in by 30 September at the very latest.
TIME AND PLACE
Our Picnic will be held on Saturday, October 8th beginning at 10:00 AM at the our usual meeting place, the Trona Elementary School (the Round School) on Athol Street.
FOOD
Sack lunches (sandwich, chips, fruit cup, dessert) are available for $8 each. Please include payment with your response as these lunches must be pre-ordered. Beverages will be provided by the club.
The Trona Community Church always sponsors a pancake breakfast on Saturday and Sunday mornings from 6 a.m. until 10 a.m. The cost is $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for children seven and under. It is a great way to start your morning!
The Trona Elks will have a deep-pit BBQ (beef or pork) Saturday evening from 3 p.m. until gone. If you’re interested, call the Trona Elks and let them know. Food is also available at the Trails Drive-in and at Esparza’s Family Restaurant (old Theater) on Main Street.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
The Searles Lake Gem and Mineral Society will be celebrating their 75th annual Gem-O-Rama on October 8th and 9th. Free Plant Tours by bus at 11, 11:40, 12:20, 1 p.m. and 2:30 on Saturday only. For additional information, please refer to the flier included in this letter.
The museums of the Searles Valley Historical Society – Old Guest House, History House, and the Trona Railway, will be open on Saturday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. and on Sunday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. The Fire Museum will be open on Saturday only.
LODGING
| Pinnacle Inn | Clarion Inn | Comfort Inn |
| 84368 Trona Road | 901 N. China Lake Blvd. | 507 S. China Lake Blvd |
| Trona, CA 93562 | Ridgecrest, CA 93555 | Ridgecrest, CA 93555 |
| (760) 372-5795 | (760) 446-7910 | (760) 375-9731 |
| Hampton Inn & Suites | Spring Hill Suites (Marriott) | Heritage Inn & Suites |
| 104 E. Sydnor Ave. | 113 E. Sydnor Ave | 1050 N. Norma |
| Ridgecrest CA 93555 | Ridgecrest CA 93555 | Ridgecrest CA 93555 |
| (760) 446-1968 | (800) 741-5072 | (800) 843-0693 |
| Best Western China Lake Inn |
| 400 S. China Lake Blvd |
| Ridgecrest, CA 93555 |
| 760 371-2300 |
Camping is available at Valley Wells for a nominal fee (only for the weekend).
We’re looking forward to seeing all our friends. Please let us know by returning the enclosed attendance form.
See you at the Picnic!
Nicki (Weidenbenner) Johnson
Enclosures
The Former Tronans Picnic? takes place October 8th, 10AM – 2PM in the Trona Elementary (round) School. All Former Tronans are invited to come and it’s FREE! PDF forms (Info on the Picnic, a RSVP form, and the Gem and Mineral Show, also on the same weekend) can be downloaded here:
2016 Letter Response Form Download
Hi! I was born in Trona, well actually Ridgecrest but we lived in Trona at the time, in August of 1958. My family moved to Los Angeles in November of 1963. We were members of the former tronans club, and went to several picnics. My question is, do they still hold the former tronans picnics? If so I’d like to attend and possibly bring my mom, she will be 102 in November of this year. My parents were P.H. (Pete) and Suzanne Kittredge. They met while working at the plant and were married by Father Peter at St. Madelaine Sophie of Barratt(?) Catholic Church in 1957. My godparents we’re Fritz and Hildegard Weck. I was taken care of by Ignacio and Ernestina Dominguez. If course I knew their two boys Ernesto and Jesse. Other than those I mentioned I don’t remember too many other people, but I’m sure my mom would. My dad, Pete, passed away in 2009. He was an Engineer at the plant and my mom was Mr. Dickinson’s(?) secretary, I think. She was an avid bowler, and was active in the bowling league while in Trona. I think they went to a state championship. I remember a few people from when I stayed with the Dominguez family across the street from the plant. Especially Terry Garcia and Cindy Delgadillo. I know my dad was active in the Elks Club there. And he used to mention Dutch Baker and the airport. He used to like to hike in the Sierras with my uncle Doug. I think he had a group he used to take to his favorite fishing hole up at Wallace Lake on the backside of Mt. Whitney. Anyway, if there will be a former Tronans picnic this year, my mom would love to attend. Miraculously, she is still active and walks around on her own without assistance of a walker or wheelchair, at least so far. She had a bad fall a few years back and since then her memory for current events is quite lacking but she does remember the old days quite well.
My mom is Rebecca (Becky) Chavarria class of 59. Cindi Delgadillo is her cousin. Nacho lived across the street from my mom.
Hi,
Not sure if anyone is still looking at the Tronan Club Roster. My Mom was part of this group. 1928-1932 Lopez, Kathy (Dominguez) off a roster printed in January 1997.
She went home to our Lord 27JAN2022 at a good age of 96. We were very blessed to leave us from the comfort of her home in La Mirada, CA, on her bed, with plenty of family to see her off.
She really talked alot about her memories as a little girl in Trona, and we visited there a few times during rides visiting people that apparently she knew. I motorbike by there When My Harley group does our death valley loop. Maybe we can go to one of the October parties you guys had in the past.
Anyway. Just an update on Mom. thanks,
Jesse Lopez
5625771405 cell
Jess,
I’m so sorry to hear about your mother. I think it is wonderful that she was able to enjoy such a long life.
Do you know how old she was when she left Trona? I didn’t know her but there were other Lopez and Dominguez families in the 1950s when I was growing up. I don’t know if they were related to you. I think I found your mother in the 1930 and 1940 census. If I am right it looks like your grandparents moved away from Trona before 1940.