Being in the “business” of history, the Moraga Historical Society can claim its place in that category with a milestone 60th anniversary. A fun-filled celebration was held on Oct. 12 which was, coincidentally, the actual date of the organization’s founding in 1965.

    The festivities were held both inside and out at the Casita, on the grounds of Hacienda de las Flores, with fingers-crossed that the weather would comply. It did. 

    Nearly 60 MHS members partook of a delicious, hot appetizer lunch from Town Bakery while sitting at picnic tables decorated in an autumn theme.

    With full stomachs, everyone convened inside for a 30-minute video highlighting MHS history from its inception to present day. “I was pleased to see so many longtime members,” stated President Susan Sperry. “Two of our original founders participated by email. Jean Manuel, a 100-year-old, one-time resident of the Joaquin Moraga Adobe provided information and a photo for the video.  Sonia Levitin, creator of the Society, added information for the newsletter and video which brought out memories for other longtime members.”

    Hoping that the informative video would help prepare attendees to win prizes by answering Moraga history-related questions was a pipe dream. While Sperry admitted that some of the questions were difficult, attendees were reminded that the prizes (gift cards/certificates) ranged in value from $10 - $25. “The whole community participated by providing gift cards for the trivia game,” she said.  Seventeen businesses from both Moraga Shopping Center and Rheem Valley Shopping Center contributed so generously that MHS decided to raffle off those that were $40 or higher at the end of the event. Sperry added, “The raffle was a big hit and a success.”

    Besides a large store-bought cake commemorating the day, MHS member Keith Katzman baked his famous chocolate cake.  At the end of the event, Sperry fielded many compliments from members as they headed home with smiles on their faces.

    “We have a great team of board members,” Sperry said. “Vera Kochan, John Kaiser, Colleen Lund and Bonnie Krames put their ‘all’ into making the event a success. I'd also like to thank my husband, Sam.”