Carol McDoniel retired after a career in higher education and, as she puts it, accidentally became a full-time volunteer. For the past few years she has served as historian at First Congregational Church of Riverside. She took over the role from longtime members who had devoted years to the work of the church.
The church's history is intertwined with the city's, and Carol knows that story well. She can explain the church's connection to Frank Miller, original owner of the Mission Inn, and Miller's role in the church's Spanish architecture, which ties it to the Inn. She can also describe the church's years as a public auditorium for the city. Booker T. Washington, a guest of Miller's, spoke there twice. In the glory days of the citrus industry, church members were among Riverside's elite, and the early membership rolls include names local historians recognize. Carol gives wonderful tours of the church and is a deep source on Riverside's history.
What draws Carol most, though, is the church's ecumenical beginning and its focus on social justice and inclusion. The church has a fairly extensive archive that is not easily accessible right now, and she hopes to improve that.
Most of Carol's volunteer work centers on historic preservation. She has volunteered with the Old Riverside Foundation for a few decades and has served on its board of directors for more than ten years. She has also spent the past six years on the city's Cultural Heritage Board. Her term is almost up, and with several seats open on the board, she encourages anyone with an interest in community preservation to apply.
What does Riverside mean to you? Riverside has the best of everything, mainly community. We have history and places worth saving and sharing. Preserving and maintaining the neighborhoods, community places, and local businesses we love gives us a sense of place and community. Places hold memory and help us feel connected to each other, which in turn makes us care for and support each other. It's that focus on people that makes historic preservation important. Residents deserve a voice in how their city looks and feels, and I hear overwhelmingly that it is our history and built environment that make people feel at home. It's important to make sure that sense of place continues to exist for everyone.
What is the most beautiful building in Riverside? The Harada House. Not for its appearance but for the story it tells.
What is your favorite Riverside non-profit organization? That's an easy one: the Old Riverside Foundation.
The Festival of Lights: Every year on opening night or maybe on a Tuesday? Definitely on a Tuesday, and only if my out-of-town friends come with me.
What is your go-to sandwich in town? The Backstreet. My order has been the same for forty years: turkey on sourdough with butter and mayo, just like Mac used to make. And be sure to save room for banana cream pie.
What is one place in Riverside you would bring back if you could? Papi's Tacos Al Carbon on Van Buren.
If you could put one message on a billboard on the 91, what would it be? "Riverside... A Nice Surprise" (if you know, you know).
Finally, tell us what you're working on right now and how our readers can support your efforts, whether it's a project, passion, or cause close to your heart! The Old Riverside Foundation is always working to educate people about the value of older buildings. In addition to maintaining history, continuing to use existing buildings is environmentally and economically sound. Two phrases explain this quickly: "The greenest building is one that's already built," and "You can't build new and rent cheap." We as a society need to use our resources wisely and stop acting like everything is disposable.
In addition to my obsession with historic preservation, I volunteer at the Riverside County Animal Services Jurupa Valley shelter on Van Buren, where I get to take care of cats and kittens. The amazing staff works so hard to care for hundreds of animals in need of homes. If you want a dog or cat, there's no better place, and it's affordable. Adopt, don't shop!
Neighbor of the Week is our way of celebrating the hidden heroes of Riverside, those who go above and beyond to make our community stronger, kinder, and more vibrant. We believe every remarkable Riversider deserves their story told. Know someone who's making a difference? Nominate a Neighbor of the Week
