Dave Thurman's Real Estate Blog

The Haggin Museum, an art and history museum located in Stockton, has been referred to by Sunset magazine as “one of the undersung gems of California.”

The impressive brick building has stood in the center of Stockton’s lush Victory Park for 79 years, but it’s what’s on the inside that makes it worth visiting.

On display in the museum’s fine art galleries are dozens of paintings by renowned 19th- and early 20th-century American and European artists, including Jean Béraud, Rosa Bonheur, William Bouguereau, Jean-Léon Gérôme, George Inness and Pierre-Auguste Renoir.

Of particular note are breathtaking panoramas of Yosemite Valley (including one once loaned to the White House) by American painter Albert Bierstadt. The Haggin has the largest museum collection of major Bierstadt works.

How did world-renowned paintings come to be located in Stockton? In 1928, the San Joaquin Pioneer and Historical Society was looking to build a history museum but had been unable to raise enough funds. Stockton native Robert T. McKee offered the group $30,000 on behalf of his wife, Eila Haggin McKee, who had only two requirements: name the museum in honor of her late father, Louis Terah Haggin; and add an art wing to fill with paintings from her father’s collection.

The history galleries focus on the San Joaquin Valley’s past and the accomplishments of its residents, such as Charles Weber, Stockton’s founder; Benjamin Holt, inventor of the Caterpillar track-type tractor; Tillie Lewis, the “Tomato Queen” and the Stephens Bros. Boat Builders.

The Haggin Museum also houses the largest museum collection of original art works by “Golden Age” illustrator J.C. Leyendecker.

To house the continually growing collections, the museum has undergone several additions since first opening. The McKee Room was added in 1939; an extensive addition was constructed in 1949; and the Benjamin Holt Wing opened in 1976. Today the museum’s three-story building contains more than 34,000 square feet of exhibition space.

The museum’s permanent art and history exhibits are augmented by a number of temporary exhibitions annually. Special events, such as family programs, lectures, and musical performances, are held throughout the year. The Haggin Museum also maintains a Library-Archive, which is available by appointment. The Museum Store features a wonderful array of merchandise especially selected to complement your museum visit.

Although many Californians are still unaware of this cultural diamond, a trip to Stockton isn’t complete without a visit to The Haggin Museum.

Source: HagginMuseum.org

SAN JOAQUIN

COUNTY

FAIR

Celebrating 150 Years of Good Times

1860 – 2010

June 16 – 20

This weekend April 23rd-25th, 2010 is Stockton’s 25th annual asparagus festival. You can expect approximately 60,000-80,000 celebrating and enjoying the Stockton downtown waterfront from 10 AM to 7 PM all three days. For general information, activities, entertainment & more go to http://www.asparagusfest.com/

Deep Fried Asparagus

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 3/4 cup flour
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper
• 1/2 tsp. white pepper
• 1/2 tsp. celery salt
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 2 egg whites
• 2/3 cup cold flat beer
• 3 pounds (2 cups) raw whole asparagus, cleaned and cut above the white end
• Peanut oil (enough to fill a pan 2 inches)

INSTRUCTIONS

Mix all ingredients except asparagus and oil in a bowl with a wire whisk until well blended. Dip asparagus individually in the batter and deep-fry them in at least 2 inches of peanut oil for 2 minutes or until golden brown. Makes 6 servings.

Celebrate the essence of California’s Central Valley as you wind your way through a culturally rich and diverse list of Stockton things to do. Enjoy a bike ride through miles of scenic parks and trails. Look for a replica of the Statue of Liberty on a Stockton Channel cruise. Take in a Broadway show. Explore local farmer’s markets. Marvel at world-class works of art, or discover unique crafts along the Miracle Mile. Sip a glass of zinfandel at a winery, or in a trendy restaurant. There’s never a dull moment in Stockton. Before your visit, let us guide you through the complete array of Stockton CA things to do.

Community Information!

Whether you’re buying a home, selling your home or relocating to the Stockton, California area the following information, resources and tools will help to guide your decision.

Stockton Real Estate – Realty World Dave Thurman