I know I already told you this, but I had an article selected for inclusion in the Riverside Historical Society’s compilation of writings, The People’s Playground: Riverside’s Fairmount Park. The first opportunity for public purchase of the new book was the RHS Book Fair last Sunday in the basement at Riverside Medical Clinic.
This was my first time participating in the book fair and a Riverside-themed compilation. I was excited to attend; honestly, it was a great event. Riversider’s passion for the city is incredible and one of the most endearing attributes of our civic culture.
It was also great to see the Raincross Gazette so well represented. Justin and I both attended. Glenn Wenzel, RHS President and regular Gazette contributor, was, of course, there. Larry Burns, regular contributor, and local guide guru, operated his table, and Michael Elderman, occasional contributor and “The Eyes of Riverside,” was there selling the 2025 version of his “can’t miss” calendar. I even got to shake Dan Bernstein’s hand. His column in the Press Enterprise was a big part of my love for writing. His ability to tackle important topics with humor and lightness was inspirational, and meeting him was a true honor.
Dr. Vince Moses gave the compilation its official launch with a short oral history of Fairmount Park. I am familiar with his work from the Riversider Magazine articles but have never met or seen his lectures. He presents complexity and nuance quickly and humorously. His ability to connect the park’s establishment with the “greater good” social and religious movements of the 19th century gave new light and highlighted the synergy required to create “extraordinary” public spaces.
Add the next RHS Book Fair to your calendars. You will meet cool people, see neat things, and learn something new about the city. I will let you know the date here, but you should also follow the Riverside Historical Society, its events, and its work on Instagram.
