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Of Mice and Music at Warner-Carrillo Ranch House
By Kathryn Fletcher
May/June 2019
 From left, author Nan Rebik and her new illustrator, Leianna Hill, recently introduced their first joint project. Photo by Maria Esther Hill |
Volunteers Don Simon and Nan Rebik are making much appreciated, creative contributions to the Warner-Carrillo Ranch House in Warner Springs. Last November, their Jugless Jug Band provided musical entertainment all day, while SOHO offered rides in our historic Butterfield Overland stagecoach.
Recently, Don volunteered to restore sections of the spinning wheel that's on display in the museum kitchen. Nan provided historical catalogs for reference. With the help of expert woodworking skills of friend Rick Barr, Don handcrafted the missing foot pedal and replaced other parts. The spinning wheel is once again fully functional and looks great. And they said it was a fun project.
Nan, with Carole Hinkelman, is the author of a children's book series called "Herman's Tales," about a mouse and his family. Last year, she created the The Warner Stagecoach saga about two mice and a bat living at the ranch house who ride the stagecoach for an adventure of their own. She enlisted art student Leianna Hill from the Warner Union School to illustrate the book. Copies are available for sale in the museum shop.
Nan also teaches piano and mountain dulcimer, a uniquely American instrument, and lives in the El Centro desert and the Laguna Mountains, depending on the season.
Don can fix and make just about anything. Don comes from a long-time Warner Valley and Ranchita family and attended the Warner Springs School as a boy. Years ago, he worked at Warner's Hot Springs Resort (as did his mother). His knowledge of the area, people, historical insights, and friendship have been invaluable to me, as the head docent here.
Thank you, Don and Nan!
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