You know what I love about Santa Ana? The history. July 19th, they're doing something special at the Heritage Museum. Boots, Bustles & Brews. Great name. Whoever came up with that deserves a raise.
The kind of history that brings people together - Heritage Museum of Orange County
The John Maag Farmhouse. Built in 1899. Think about that. 1899. McKinley was president. The Spanish-American War just ended. And this house is still standing. That's something.
They want to restore it. Turn it into a community archive. Smart move. Everyone's going digital these days, but there's something about holding actual documents in your hands. Feel the paper. See the ink. That's history you can touch.
Five sponsorship levels. I like that. Options.
- The $5,000 gets you the works - logo everywhere, VIP treatment for ten people, your name on a brick. Forever. Not bad for fourteen bucks a day over a year.
- For $2,500 ("Victorian Sponsor"), you get most of the same things, but for four people instead of ten.
- For $1,000 ("Silverado Sponsor"), two people, less logo placement, still decent visibility.
- For $750 ("Pardner Sponsor"), you get mentioned in some places and a brick with your name on it.
- For $250 ("Brick Sponsor"), just the brick.
Speaking of bricks... You know what I tell people? Buy the brick. Seriously. Long after we're all gone, that brick will still be there. Your great-grandkids might walk by someday and see your name. "Hey, great-grandpa sponsored this." That's worth two-fifty, easy.
BBQ and craft beer. Two things that bring people together. Add some Victorian costumes and live music? You've got yourself a party. The kind of event people remember.
I've been to a lot of fundraisers. Chicken dinners in hotel ballrooms. Boring speeches. This sounds different. Fun. When's the last time you dressed up like it's 1899? Exactly.
Santa Ana Chamber members should jump on this. Community involvement matters. People notice who shows up, who supports local history. Business isn't just about profit margins. It's about being part of something bigger.
Walt Disney once said something I'll never forget: "It's kind of fun to do the impossible." Restoring a 126-year-old farmhouse? Some might call that impossible. I call it necessary.
The museum's at 3101 W Harvard. Good location. Easy to find. July 19th, 1pm to 6pm. Five hours of entertainment. That's value.
You want my advice? Call Executive Director, Candace. 714-540-0424. Don't wait. The good sponsorship spots go fast. Always do.
Heritage matters. Without it, we're just making the same mistakes over and over. The Maag Farmhouse has stories to tell. Let's make sure it gets the chance.
Contact Information
Candace Chromy, Executive Director
Phone: 714-540-0424
Email: cchromy@heritagemuseumoc.org
So there you have it. Boots, Bustles & Brews. July 19th. Santa Ana. Be there.
Why? Because 126 years from now, someone might look at that farmhouse and wonder who cared enough to save it.
Make sure your name is on that list.
Random Thoughts:
Random thought: If John Maag could see his farmhouse today, what would he think? Probably amazed it's still standing. That's the thing about good construction - it lasts.
Another random thought: Victorian clothing in July heat. Those people were tougher than us. Or crazier. Maybe both.
Final thought: History isn't just about the past. It's about the future. Save the farmhouse, save the story. Save the story, save the community.
Details at HeritageMuseumOC.org/maag-farmhouse
That's all for now. See you at the barbecue.
