Local Author Releases Expanded Version of the Southern California Historical Publication Whispering Waters: Historic Weesha a

Author Donna L. Friess, with the help of Janet H. Tonkovich, recently released an expanded edition of Whispering Waters: Historic Weesha and the Settling of Southern California, an original Southern California historical account which explores early California through first-account stories of a historic fishing camp in historic Weesha Country Club in the San Bernardino Mountains. Whispering Waters was first released in 1998 offering first-account oral narratives, a perspective seldom found in history books.

Friess and Tonkovich captured the stories in person when they became members of the historic fishing camp Weesha Country Club, Inc., in the early 1970’s. Founded in 1910, the land was previously an apple orchard deeded as a land grant signed by President William McKinley in 1888. Located along the Santa Ana River in the canyon south of Big Bear Lake, its 106 year-old charter makes it one of the longest running recreational mountain communities in California.

Whispering Waters was initially released in 1998, but locals inspired by the publication made new documents and photos available over the years. The second edition features 25 expanded pages including copies of the legal indenture title papers drawn between the pioneer apple grower Forrest Ball, (one of the key founders of the City of Redlands) and C.C. Wagner, the founder of Weesha in 1909.

There are photos and letters of the early days of the camp when the founders used tents. Two letters written by Orange County lumber man W.T. Brown in 1917 describe the trip from Orange County through Redlands and up the dirt Middle Control Road in his “machine” (automobile). It is a fascinating glimpse into life 100 years ago.

Donna Friess is an author, professor emeritus with a doctorate in psychology, life coach, grief counselor and a social activist for children. Upon the reprinting of the book, she reflects, “Whispering Waters is such a unique look at the life of the early settlers of California and prehistoric residents, that I wanted to make it available for both history buffs and future generations to come. When I look back across my college teaching career and civic life, I know that having written this book will be one of my most important legacies.”

Friess says that Whispering Waters is unique in that much is based upon primary sources through oral interviews backed by newspaper stories and public records. The settlers of Weesha provide a profound insight into the story of the Southern California agricultural powerhouse that was yet to come. Weesha founders were the originators of the fruit crops and used scientific methods for crop production which pushed California to the forefront of the nation’s citrus production. They were key players in developing the rail and water infrastructures of Orange County cities and California still leads the nation in this area.

The book also includes biographies of all the subsequent families of Weesha and their stake in growing California. It is available as both a print and electronic version through Amazon.com.

About the Authors:

Donna Friess is the great granddaughter of early Southern California pioneers, Lydia and Charles Lewis who owned walnut groves at Ball Road and Harbor Boulevard and the first chain of pharmacies in Los Angeles. Charles Lewis was a California state senator and Donna is a member of the First Century Families of Los Angeles which celebrates the settlers arriving in Los Angeles between 1781-1881.

Janet Harris Tonkovich is the great granddaughter of Orange County Pioneer John G. Launer, citrus grower and the first mayor of La Habra. Donna and Janet were sorority sisters in Alpha Gamma Delta at USC and Janet currently serves as director of the Half Century Club for USC.

For more information, contact Donna Friess at 949.533.0810, donnalewisfriess@gmail.com or visit www.drdonnafriess.com.

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