ONE VISION
It all began with a simple idea…
"What if Music, Art, and Storytelling were the tools to Preserve and Protect our History and Resources?
WE ALL HAVE STORIES, SOME TOUCHING AND FASCINATING, SOME DEEP AND DIFFICULT, AND ALL BOLD AND RICH…and so,
OUR PRIMARY FOCUS
“Use these crafts as a way to build community buy-in, local pride of heritage and story, and deliver a means for fundamental projects to build up and strength small towns across…”
California and the USA
Can you help us make a difference - for love of history, the environment, the community, and the stories that bind us together?
PRESERVE AND PROTECT
Our Shared History
“The Lockeford Emporium”
Was established in 2023 with the hope to preserve a nationally registered historic building in Lockeford, California.
This was once the home and business of Luther Locke and his family, son of Dr. Dean Jewitt Locke and Mrs. Delia Locke (founders of Lockeford).
The middle floor was the site for “Locke’s Meat Market”. The basement was for storage of goods, while the upstairs was the Locke’s home.
The building was built over a long period, from the beginning of basement excavation in 1860 to the final completion of all bricks laid in 1883. At one point it became a local barber shop, an antique store, and then it fell into disrepair. In 2005, the doors closed, and for more than 20 years the building has sat idle and waiting.
Thanks to the efforts of one couple (Harold & Carol Lepelley of Valley Springs, California), the building was not only saved from ruin, but put back to a state of splendor and beauty.
We are on now finally on the precipice of reopening as a center for the community, where music and art can be highlighted, as a means to show the rich local history to all those that care to stop in for a coffee, sip of wine, or chess game.
Our next goal is to complete the San Joaquin County Building requirements (ADA Bathroom and Ramp, Fire Protection Items, Fresh Air Intakes, and a Prep Kitchen Area) so that we can official open for public enjoyment.
“Now we work to build our non-profit event center, a pace for community enjoyment and engagement, with a focus on the preservation and propagation community spirit”
Our donation goal - $200,000 for construction efforts to open, and $100,000 for the first two (2) years of operations. Long-Term Leases of the property will be used to secure use at the site for 30-years at a time, with an automatic option to re-lease at below market rates for two terms. Funding for this will also be a need in the future.
PRESERVE AND PROTECT
Our Resources
“McIntire Ranch - SJCOG Easement”
Was established in 2024 with the hope to create a conservation easement on a part of what is a historic and ecologically significant site along the Mokelumne River in Clements, California.
This was once the home of the Miwuk Tribe, who cared for the land time immemorial. The Spanish and Russians came to California as early settler pioneers and clergy in the 1700’s. Eventually, this region became a part of Mexico. The State of California became solvent near the time of the infamous 1849 Gold Rush - when many came to find gold at every turn.
This site sits along the historic Mokelumne River, and was once dredged for gold prior to the land being turned to farming for cattle and hay. The dredges eventually stopped, and the farms around here became the main source of income for the local people and economy. In the early 1960’s East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) completed Camanche Dam and Reservoir - changing the course of both history and the river. Towns were covered by the rising lake, and the natural river flows that allowed the great Salmon populations upstream never again returned.
With the help of San Joaquin county, this site is being returned to nature as an Oak Woodlands and Savana. Our next goal is to work with EBMUD to set aside 1 to 5 acres of this land to improved Salmon Habitat, and continue indefinitely to preserve through learning and local community participation.
“Now we work to build our non-profit, and an educational center at the heart of this site, to foster study through observation, art, music, and storytelling along the rivers edge”
Our donation goal - $350,000 for construction efforts of an educational building (Trappers Cabin and Bathrooms), and $450,000 for earthwork requirements to develop 2 to 3 acres of Salmon Habitat and Improve Riparian Areas. Easements and Long-Term Leases will be used to secure these improvements indefinitely.