Despite threat of rain, Lemoore's 'Legends' tell a bit of the history of early Lemoore

This year, the historical event cited interesting facts and fascinating life stories of historical figures like  Merle Henley, Joel Whiteside, Jose and Maria Neves, and Pearl Badasci, along with the return of Legends Dr. Lovern Lee Moore and Rosina Byron.

“This is my second time playing Dr. Loverne Lee Moore.“ said Michael Betcher, who obviously enjoyed taking on the role once again. 

“I feel like I’ve got to know him (Lee Moore) pretty well," said Betcher. "This year, the event has sold out, which was my goal all along. I think we can contribute a lot of that to the fact that Pearl Badasci was involved in our walk this year, and that brings all the Badasci family out, so thank goodness for that. We’ve sold out this year, and this event is back to being a good money-making fundraiser for the (Sarah Mooney) museum.”

A familiar name in Lemoore was Badasci and here a small crowd takes in a little of the history of the well-known family that migrated from Europe.

The unique historical performances were designed to give visitors alluring insights into the trials and accomplishments of six of Lemoore’s inspirational citizens. There were two presentations scheduled for 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Interested citizens learned from Moore and Byron first-hand accounts of the city’s subdivision before “Lemoore” was named after Dr. Moore. They also heard historical excerpts from the memory of the many adventures of Rosina Byron.

During the stroll – despite threatening rain clouds – visitors discovered how a young farmer and deputy sheriff helped chase one of California’s most notorious and dangerous outlaws and how a young nurse was never far from the frontlines treating soldiers in WWII.

Local “experienced persons” portrayed these early notable “Legends of Lemoore.” This year, museum officials welcome Cynthia Maxwell in her new role as the program director.

Maxwell has portrayed several of our past Legends, and she has worked closely with our artists.

This year, visitors were lucky to have two new artists present the life stories of their ancestors: Joe and Kathy Neves, who shared the life stories of their grandparents, Jose and Maria Neves. Jose and Maria established a dairy farm in the Stratford area before the Kings River was slowed by Pine Flat Reservoir.

Judy Badasci's grandparents, Guy and Pearl Badasci, both came from Switzerland and met in Riverdale, California. Through Pearl’s eyes, Judy shared family stories of her loving grandmother and the Badascis' impact on Lemoore.

Michael Betcher takes on the role of Dr. Lavern Lee Moore, one of the founders of Lemoore.

Wayne Tilley took visitors on a step-by-step journey through the harrowing experiences of 21-year-old Joel Whiteside and his fellow deputies attempting to apprehend one of California’s notorious desperados. It all happened in the wet and chilly winter of 1877.

A new face was Sandy Salyer, who shared the exciting life of Merle Henley. Born on a Lemoore fruit ranch, Merle was a talented musician and an incredible nurse. Henley was never far from the frontline of our troops in WWII. Her real-life husband, Jay Salyer, accompanied Sandy as reporter Jamie Bezerra, who interviewed 98-year-old Merle in 1998.