Left to right: Millbrae History Society Living History Award winner Vern Bruce’s wife Phapira, his children William and Theresa, Vern and the society’s President John Muniz.
Left to right: Millbrae History Society Living History Award winner Vern Bruce’s wife Phapira, his children William and Theresa, Vern and the society’s President John Muniz.
With only 10 recipients in its 44-year history, the Millbrae Historical Society’s most recent Living History Award went to Millbrae-born-and-raised Vern Bruce.
One of Vern’s major contributions to Millbrae history was the founding of the Millbrae Train Museum in October 2004 at the site of the 1907 Southern Pacific Depot. Dorothy Semke, assistant curator with the historical society, said there’s no specific time the society gives out these awards, but when there’s someone really deserving, the society acknowledges it. The award was decided upon by consensus of the society’s Board of Trustees, which presented the award at the annual Christmas party Dec. 11, she said.
“It just amounts to Vern is very, very entitled to this award,” Semke said. “He has done so much on the Train Museum. … This is not handed out all the time.”
The society itself was founded in 1970 by residents concerned about the loss of local historical buildings and resources. The residents were spurred into action by the potential demolition of the depot. Before the Train Museum was established, the society created a Millbrae History Museum in 1985 by relocating the 1895 Spring Valley Water Company manager’s house to the Millbrae Civic Center.
The society’s treasurer, Bruce, 58, first joined the society in the mid-’80s. The award came unexpectedly for the alumnus of Meadows Elementary School, Taylor Middle School and Capuchino High School.
“I was really surprised,” he said. “I’m usually on to things like that, but they did a good job of hiding it. … It’s quite an honor.”
Although he moved to Burlingame about 30 years ago, Bruce is still involved in the Millbrae community. He owns Millbrae Lock, a full-service locksmith company on El Camino in Millbrae, and notes that Millbrae remains important to him, as it is his hometown. He joined the society’s board in 1997 and has served as secretary and president of the group.
“I’ve always been interested in history,” he said. “I was interested in Millbrae’s history and wanted to support the one organization we have here that’s dedicated to its history. Everybody really gets along well and helps each other; no infighting of any sort. There’s a lot of activities that we do.”
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The weather, the people and most of the buildings are his favorite parts of Millbrae.
“It’s still a very nice community even though it’s changed,” he said.
The first winner of the award was Mildred Cavanaugh Wilson in 1980, followed by James Van Hoften in 1984. Then in 1993, John Brucato won the award, while James “Jim” Wilson won the honor in 1994. William W. “Bill” Baxter won in 1996. Allan R. “Bud” Mason won in 1997. Alma Massolo won in 2004. Mary Vella Treseler won in 2008 and the most recent winner was Helen Habeeb in 2011.
“He (Bruce) has devoted time, talents and energies to the Millbrae Historical Society’s efforts to educate, preserve and enhance the history of our great community,” said society President John Muniz when he presented Bruce with the award. “I am proud to be your president and be able to bestow the distinguished honor to one of our beloved members. I am proud to be a friend the recipient who has taught his children the value of preserving and enhancing the history of our community.”
Visit millbraehs.org for more information on the historical society.
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