What's Happening?
Carol McDoniel, a retired higher education professional, has been recognized as 'Neighbor of the Week' for her extensive volunteer work in historic preservation in Riverside. McDoniel serves as the historian at the First Congregational Church of Riverside,
where she provides tours and shares the church's deep connection to the city's history, including its ties to Frank Miller, the original owner of the Mission Inn. She highlights the church's past as a public auditorium, where figures like Booker T. Washington spoke. McDoniel's volunteer efforts also extend to the Old Riverside Foundation, where she has served on the board of directors for over ten years, and the city's Cultural Heritage Board for the past six years. Her term on the Cultural Heritage Board is nearing its end, and she encourages community members interested in preservation to apply for open seats.
Why It's Important?
McDoniel's dedication to historic preservation is crucial for maintaining Riverside's unique identity and cultural heritage. Her work at the First Congregational Church ensures that significant historical narratives, such as the church's architectural links to the Mission Inn and its role in hosting prominent speakers, are not lost. By volunteering with organizations like the Old Riverside Foundation and the Cultural Heritage Board, she actively contributes to safeguarding the city's built environment. This commitment helps foster a sense of community and connection among residents by preserving places that hold collective memories. Her advocacy for the continued use of existing buildings also promotes environmental and economic sustainability, emphasizing that 'the greenest building is one that's already built' and that preserving older structures is a responsible use of resources.
What's Next?
With Carol McDoniel's term on the Cultural Heritage Board concluding, there will be opportunities for new community members to step forward and contribute to Riverside's historic preservation efforts. McDoniel actively encourages individuals with an interest in community preservation to apply for these open seats, ensuring the continuity of this vital work. Her ongoing involvement with the Old Riverside Foundation will likely continue to focus on educating the public about the value of older buildings and advocating for their preservation. Additionally, her efforts to improve accessibility to the First Congregational Church's extensive archives suggest future initiatives aimed at making Riverside's history more readily available to the public.
Beyond the Headlines
The recognition of Carol McDoniel as 'Neighbor of the Week' underscores a broader societal value placed on local history and community engagement. Her story highlights the significant impact that dedicated volunteers can have on preserving cultural landmarks and narratives, often without seeking personal recognition. This emphasis on historic preservation extends beyond mere aesthetics; it touches upon themes of environmental responsibility, economic prudence, and the psychological need for a 'sense of place' within a rapidly changing world. McDoniel's work implicitly challenges the disposable nature of modern society by advocating for the reuse and appreciation of existing structures, promoting a more sustainable and rooted community ethos. Her passion for social justice and inclusion, reflected in the church's ecumenical beginnings, also suggests that historic preservation can be intertwined with broader social values.
