Palmdale seeks to honor 'Fifty Grand Men'

The City of Palmdale is seeking the public’s help in finding its original “Fifty Grand Men.” That’s the title given to the founders of the High Desert locale, whom the city seeks to honor at its 50th birthday bash this month.

The men were the original contributors to a project that led to Palmdale’s incorporation in 1962,  according to city officials. There were actually 56 individuals, who each donated $100. But the moniker “Fifty Grand Men” was chosen because the contributors liked the sound of the name, city officials said.

Not many of the city’s founders are believed to be living still, and some may have moved away. But  city officials said they hoped friends and relatives would reach out to those available to attend the Aug. 24 ceremony.

“We want to honor them and the families of those who have passed on with a special presentation,” Trish Jones, Palmdale’s community programs supervisor, said in written remarks.

City officials named the “Fifty Grand Men” as: Hank Anthony, George Blair, Ernie Bowe, Jerry Chase, Larry Chimbole, Arnold Chimes, Clark and Howard, Andy Copeland, Paul Copeland, Eddie Debs, Lowell Felt, Earl Fleming, Robert Garnero, Dr. George, Marlin Gilbreath, George Goldman, Irv Goldman, John Gordon Jr., Will Gorton, Carl Grother, Ralph Henderson, Don Hertel, Don Kahl, George Kartozian, Dick Kimbrough, Al Knearl, A.R. Knobloch, John Krauss, Floyd Lecher, Jerry Lertzman, Dick Linaker, Paul Long, Jack Manschel, Jimmy Marrone, Domenic Massari, Hal McKusick, Len Meyer, Bud Monroe, John Najarian, Harold Niles, Lamont Odett, Al Paulin, Bill Schafer, Sidney Sher, Jim Sloan, Frank Smith, Elmer Spicher, Bob St. Clair, Rodney Stillion, Gary Tillman, Allen Tomlinson, Travis Williams, Mason Whitehead, Bob Wolley, John Wolley, and Howard Wynn.

The city birthday event is also scheduled to present live music with a 1962 theme, a classic car show, and a video highlighting the new history of Palmdale.

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