Pinedorado
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The club’s first project concerned the lack of a full time doctor or ambulance for the area. The club solicited subscriptions to the amount of $600 and purchase an old ambulance from Jone Ambulance service of San Luis Obispo. It was donated to the Cambria Chamber of Commerce and later to the Cambria Hospital District after it was formed, a result of the enthusiasm created by the purchase of the ambulance and obvious need of a doctor. Lion C.H. Wixom was one of the spark plugs in forming the hospital district. The need for a large community recreation building and recreation program came to the attention of the Lions who decided to do something about it. The Fiscalini brothers and Cambria Development company generously donated land. Small work parties cleared out oak, shrub and briars and after incorporation of the club in 1949, they borrowed $6,000 from Corinne Koontz of Cambria for the purchase, moving and reconditioning of a surplus building from Camp San Luis Obispo. To pay off the mortgage an annual fair-like celebration beginning with Labor day 1949 was started. The name Pinedorado was suggested by Mrs. Becker, wife of Dr. Becker of Los Angeles. Because the building roof was not ready by the last of August, the first Pinedorado was delayed until November 11. The celebration was a success with a profit of $1,000. After several more Pinedorados the building was cleared of its mortgage. January 30, 1953, the building was given to the county as a Veteran’s Memorial, the Lions further contributing a fireplace, brick chimney, end wall and paneling to a new lounge room, and an outdoor barbecue pit near the kitchen. In 1950 the compressed air calliope was added to the Pinedorado celebration and has appeared annually ever since. Funds from the Pinedorado have continued to benefit Cambria and the county, for each year the budget includes funds for college scholarship, county recreation program, clinic equipment, and many other enterprises. |
Thirty men signed up for the formation of the local club
with the Atascadero Lions sponsoring the opening ceremonies.
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