How We started
Ajit Dudheker, Tony Mendoza, Larry Nelson, Sally Flowers, Johnny Martins, John Lyon, Veronica Little Bloomfield, Lucas Young, Diane Padelford Young, Barbara Frampton Applebury, Maria Dadian visiting future House Museum before its big move.
In 1993, June Lawson founded the Artesia Historical Society after her career in real estate revealed how quickly valuable artifacts were being discarded. With the support of others, including Veronica Little Bloomfield, Diane Padelford Young, and Wayne Dantema, the founding members began meeting in one another’s homes to discuss how to grow the Society. Gradually, they started gathering artifacts and photographs from the community.
In the early 2000s, Wayne and his wife Maria sold their 1929 Spanish-style home on Pioneer Boulevard, originally built by Art and Helen Frampton, to real estate developer Ajit Dudheker. The house was set to be demolished to make way for a commercial building. Upon learning of the planned demolition, Veronica and Barbara Frampton Applebury approached Mr. Dudheker and asked if he would consider donating the historic home to the Artesia Historical Society. He graciously agreed, leaving the Society to secure a new location for the home.
With strong support from the City of Artesia, particularly the city council, the home was relocated to Alburtis Avenue and 187th Street. One memorable night in June 2002, over one hundred people gathered to witness the moving of the 1929 home from its original location to its new one. Leading the way was a horse-drawn carriage driven by Larry Nelson, with city council members and the city manager walking ahead, holding lanterns. Community members lined the streets, walking beside the house. Bakers from the Artesia Bakery saw the procession making its way down Pioneer Boulevard and brought out warm donuts for everyone. Onlookers excitedly looked on as the house was carefully set on steel beams, ready for crews to complete the foundation work. At last, the Artesia Historical Society had its home—the Frampton/Dantema House Museum.
The dedication and vision of our founding members have led to the establishment of two wonderful museums, with steadfast support from the City of Artesia and the community. We owe much of who we are today to the partnership between the Society, the City of Artesia, and the residents who make up our community.