Early dwellers
of Los Banos were the Native American Yokuts,
Spaniards, Mexicans, Chileans, Peruvians, Chinese,
Pacific Islanders, French, Basque,
Portuguese, Hawaiian, African American, German,
Irish, Dutch, Italian, European, Asian, and Middle Eastern to name a few. Our
goal is to offer a living history
of Los Banos’ early days that we build upon year after year, comparing
yesteryear with today. This first year we’ll be having demonstrations by
Native American Yokuts, Buffalo Soldiers, Mexican Charros,
Basque Dancers and area historians showing us covered wagons, old farm equipment
and the like. As time and money permit we’ll be adding displays and demonstrations
on the importance of water (then and now) the tools/equipment used by ranchers,
shepherds, farmers, blacksmiths, schools, dry goods vendors, undertakers, lawmen,
railroad workers, and homemakers.
Like
the legendary immigrant known as Henry Miller, many of us came to Los Banos in
pursuit of the American Dream. It’s time to create, actually re-create, our
identity; not only honoring our cow town history, but our cultural diversity as
well. Through our event we will teach our children about the many different cultures
who have been in Los Banos for over a hundred years; we will honor local history
as we celebrate our diversity, and we’ll do it right this time.. Los Banosans
in cultural dress of the 1890s embracing our differences, having fun.
