August 1, 1971

J. Shelton Gordon
38144 6th St. E.
Palmdale, CA

   The writer now has been working on this collection since the early part of 1970.

   These letters really tell "Incredible Tales" of happenings even before 1900. Much more could and should be added. Perhaps this will be a starter. Thus, inspiring others to put their stories down on paper and preserving for future generations the history of the remarkable development of Antelope Valley. Will you also pick up the "torch" and help tell the "story"? Make it your personal duty to dig up information of the "Days gone by". If we do not, the information will soon be lost.

   Our personal appreciation knows no bounds for the friendliness and kindness of our many friends and acquaintances in this lovely Antelope Valley. Health and happiness have been ours for which we are most grateful.

   Requests for letters, reminiscences or stories have been asked for from many of the people that have lived in Antelope Valley for many years. There are many more that this partial list does not include, such as those that are not known to the writer. It is suggested that this list be increased and enlarged by the persons receiving a copy of this brief collection with the hope that a complete accumulation of information will be compiled. Thus it becomes an individual effort of each and everyone that receives a copy of this collection. These letters are bound with the clip opening at the back so that additional letters can be inserted.

    Copies of this collection are being given to those whose letters are herein reproduced. Also copies are being sent to the City of Palmdale, The Chamber of Commerce, the History Dept. of the Palmdale High School and the Palmdale Branch of the L.A. County Library on 9th St. E. here in Palmdale.

   This is not a complete history by any means but has been an effort by the writer to get together reports and reminiscences from the people themselves that had these many and varied experiences. Thus it is first hand by those "Pioneers" to whom we owe so much.

    If you the recipient of one of these collections wish to add to this collection of letters, please do so. Perhaps, you know of others that can and should add to this effort.

    Be sure the report is written down (not Verbal) on paper so it can be retyped and reproduced. Let the writer have it and in due time, We will get out a "Second Edition".

Very sincerely yours,

J. Shelton Gordon
Viola F. Gordon