CLEARLAKE >> Member Ruby Glebe of Kelseyville inspired everyone attending the Lake County Republican Women, Federated (LCRWF) July 12 luncheon meeting at Howard’s Grotto. The event was an early celebration of her 103rd birthday, which will occur on July 23.
Having arrived in Lake County in 1937, when the population was 5,800, she finds things very changed today. And she has been instrumental in some of those changes.
Always interested in history, one change in which Glebe takes pride in is saving the historic courthouse that was used until 1968 when the new four-story courthouse replaced it. Lake County Museum History records that “the original plans were to raze the 1871 courthouse and construct a museum building on the site. Opposition was voiced regarding the leveling of this historic structure, and on October 28, 1970, it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, the first courthouse in the state to be so designated. There was also opposition to using the old building as a museum, and so the restoration question was placed on the June 6, 1972 ballot and won by a majority of 57 percent of votes cast.”
Glebe was active in raising $478,000 to make the old courthouse a museum which will continue to be enjoyed by visitors from in and out of county for many more years.
The restoration of the old courthouse was Lake County’s number one Bicentennial project, and the Bicentennial Committee received a Bicentennial plaque, one of 26 awarded to the counties of California, in commemoration of this project.
Glebe believes that Lake County is a much friendlier area today than when she fell in love with the area in the 1930’s. She can also trace for us the old roadways prior to the building of our current hard-surfaced highways.
As the sister to three brothers, Glebe found outdoor adventure to her liking and could handle a gun and bring down game. Yes, a deer with one shot.
Having joined LCRWF in 1980, Glebe has contributed greatly to the organization as an active member and holding several offices over the years.
Voris Brumfield, current president of Lake County Historical Society, gave tribute and thanks to Glebe for her years as president of the society, 1975 and 1982, her position as Lake County Historian and her contribution to community, county and society.
There were remarks of “Remarkable Ruby,” singing of Happy Birthday and a few candles for a wish and a blow-out. It was a day of appreciation, fun and laughter. And there is still glee in Ruby Glebe as she stated “I am still running around annoying people.”
LCRWF continues to work for the betterment of Lake County, California and the United States of America. The August 9 meeting will feature Melissa Fulton as guest speaker.
