Dorothy Cragen Honored at Museum Banquet

Approximately 50 officers and members of the Eastern California Museum Association met at a 
dinner at the Embers in Bishop, Saturday evening, Jan. 21, to honor Dorothy C. Cragen who has 
retired as director of Eastern California Museum.  She had been director since 1953 and a trustee 
of the association since 1952.

Silver, desert-holly trees decorated the tables, and the placecards, made by Irene and Lucy 
Brichaga of Lone Pine were black and shaped as obsidian arrowheads.  The holly trees were also 
made by Irene and Lucy with the exception of one large tree surrounded by other items of the 
desert at Dorothy's plate that was made by Mrs. Marguerite Carr.  This arrangement symbolized 
the land which Dorothy has always loved and made everyone associated with her appreciate.

William E. Caipen was the master of ceremonies.  He introduced the members of the board of 
trustees, out of town guests, and the various speakers.

Mrs. Marguerite Carr was introduced, and she gave a talk called "Dorothy, This Is Your Life."  
She spoke of the many years of service Dorothy has given to Inyo county in various educational 
positions – as teacher, Supervisor of Education, sixteen years as County Superintendent of 
Schools, and as director of the museum.

Since 1958 she has built the membership from 100 to 1600, the members representing all parts of 
California and eight other states.  During her years as director, she has made every effort to  
make the people of Inyo aware of their historical heritage and has helped in every way possible 
to protect that heritage.

At the end of Mrs. Carr's talk, she presented Dorothy with a little red schoolhouse that contained 
a money gift.

Other dinner speakers were Mrs. Clarence Cleman, president of Bishop Museum and Historical 
Society; Frank Parcher, and Henry Miller of Bishop; Dr. George and Hazel Schultz of 
Oceanside; and Mrs. Elodia Drew of Independence.

The committee for the dinner included Mrs. Ethel Olivas, Irene and Lucy Brichaga of Lone Pine, 
Mrs. Edith Nolan of Independence, and Mrs. Marguerite Carr of Bishop.

Mrs. Cragen was very appreciative of her wonderful gift and the many well-wishes that 
accompanied it from her long-time friends and associates.

Mr. and Mrs. John Morris of the Embers, who had served the very fine dinner, were introduced 
and extended their best wishes to Mrs. Cragen, whom they had known for many years.

Inyo Register, Bishop, Inyo County, California
Thursday, January 26, 1967 – Page Six
Transcribed by Denise S. Flynn for Inyo County GenWeb, July 1, 2005