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19 November 2024
The Society of the Upper Mojave Desert’s November meeting will feature long-time member Tex Hoppus speaking about his new book, “A History of Fire Stations in the Indian Wells Valley.” The meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 19 at the Historic USO Building, 230 West Ridgecrest Blvd.
Tex Hoppus was inspired to write the history of fire fighting in the IWV by Fire Captain Ashley Markley of Ridgecrest Station No. 84. Captain Markley was searching for a written history of his fire station that could be shared with his men. He wanted to inspire them with the story of the fire-fighting efforts over the many years that developed into today’s fire protection team. Unfortunately, no such work existed, so Hoppus undertook to research and write one. He was aided by the Society’s own Carol Porter and the Maturango Museum’s history curator, Elaine Wiley, to provide access and assistance in researching their respective organizations’ extensive archives.
Hoppus also interviewed former Ridgecrest Call Fireman Lewis “Lew” Albright to add insight into the history and procedures of the Volunteer Firemen. And finally, noted local historian and author, Liz Babcock, lent her inimitable touch to edit and design the book, and provide pictures. The final result is a superb tale of the history of the fire stations in Ridgecrest, China Lake, and Inyokern, along with some of the notable fires and firemen from the 1940’s to today. At the meeting, Hoppus will tell us all about his book and recount some of the more notable tales mentioned within.
Tex Hoppus is a longtime member and past president of the HSUMD. He has lived in the IWV since 1970, when the Naval Ordnance Lab in Corona closed. He holds a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering and an M.S. in Electrical Engineering. He served the Navy as a civil servant for 35 years, retiring as a division head and as a contracted project manager for 10 years. He is married to Marti, and is father to sons Mark, Stephen, and Brian, and daughter Anne. He is proud of his grandchildren Jack, Cam, Zoe, and Finn. Hoppus has been very active in the community for several years. At various times, he was a member (and on the Boards of Directors) of a wide variety of nonprofit organizations. He also served as a Kern County Commissioner for four years.
The HSUMD meets on the third Tuesday of the month, except for July and August. Each meeting features a presentation on some aspect of local history. Meetings are free, and all are welcome to attend. For more information on this or future meetings, call 760-375-8456.
Photo: November speaker Tex Hoppus addresses audience at inaugural flag-raising ceremony for newly restored Kern County Fire Station, which also marked 70 years of the Ridgecrest Fire Protection District. Listening are Mayor Peggy Breeden and Kern County Supervisor Mick Gleason. (2017 Liz Babcock photo.)
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