TEMECULA – Gail Rawson Barton will give an in-depth presentation about Tommy Rawson and the Rawson Ranch in the greater French Valley area on Monday, Sept. 23 at 6 p.m. The title of Barton’s program is “As the Twig is Bent so is the Tree Inclined.” Along with projected photographs, Gail will explain how her grandfather Tommy was influenced by his parents’ belief that education plus hard work build a spirit that aspires men to greatness.
Barton will explore Tommy’s early education at Rawson School and at Hemet High School, and his involvement as a trustee of both the Rawson School and the Hemet Union High School District. She will explain how as an adult Tommy influenced the lives of several young individuals.
Barton says she learned much of the Rawson history from her late brother Gary Wanczuk. Her brothers Gary and Glen spent their summers on the Rawson Ranch with their remarkable grandfather Tommy. The boys heard the stories, experienced life on the ranch, and benefitted from the mentoring of their grandfather. Barton, as the youngest and a female, was the “Queen Bee” who rode in the cab of the pick-up instead of in the back with the boys. Barton will share information gleaned from her brothers’ stories and from letters, articles, and pictures left in a family treasure trunk that she inherited.
The free program will take place at the Little Temecula History Museum, the red barn next to Kohls in south Temecula.
