Since its conception, the Galt Area Historical Society has (GAHS) not only preserved the history of this area, it has made history. Since October 1987, the keepers of the stories have created a museum in the Rae House, restored both Liberty and Elliott pioneer cemeteries, published a childrenâs history book of Galt, assembled well over 1,000 pictures of old Galt, restored the McFarland Living History Ranch and now publishes a monthly newsletter, âThe Tower Views.â
According to Rhonda Smith, membership chairperson, members play an important role.
â(Members) protect and preserve our historical records and also interpret the past for the pubic, especially our younger Galtonians,â Smith said. âAs you join or renew your membership, you connect with us in our mission of engaging and empowering each other to make history a meaningful part of our contemporary lives.â
Doris Louise Dowdell, age 102, died on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26, 2020. She was born Aug. 15, 1918 seven miles east of Galt. She was a descendant, on her maternal side, of early day pioneers (1860) and on her paternal side (1906). Her parents were Athos Loll and Stella (Trimmer) Loll.
Louise attended a one-room school, Brown Elementary, one mile down the road. She walked to and from school, rain or shine, and graduated in 1932. The school was closed after that, and the schoolhouse was sold. It is now the Woodbridge Grange Hall, somewhat modified from the original.
Attending Galt High, she met Earl Dowdell and, after graduating together in 1937, proceeded to âelopeâ with him to Reno on July 23, 1937. He âaged considerablyâ on the bus trip and was âold enoughâ, no questions asked, so they could get a license. The marriage lasted until his death in 1995.