BUENA PARK : Memorial Tree to Honor History Buff

Herbert (Hub) Chamberlain was a history buff, and Buena Park’s past was his preoccupation.

He was one of the founding members of the Buena Park Historical Society and served as its first president.

He also wrote a column in the local newspaper about the city’s past, and he compiled the articles and put them in a book.

“He was a charming man. He really loved this town,” said Nickie Jeannerette, historical society president.

Because of his love and dedication to the city, the late historian will get a tree planted in his honor.

A memorial plaque will be unveiled and a white alder tree will be planted at the ninth annual Memorial Grove ceremony today at 1 p.m. at Boisseranc Park.

The public is invited to attend the ceremony. The park is located at 7520 Dale St.

Tucked in the southwest corner of the park, the memorial grove serves as a reminder of citizens who performed extraordinary service to the city and who have been dead for at least three years, said Gary Olivas, superintendent of recreation.

Last year’s honoree was Grady Travis, the city’s first mayor in 1953.

Others have included Mable Pendleton, a schoolteacher, and Elva Liesch Hughes, who promoted the cultural arts in the community.

Chamberlain, who was dubbed the city’s official historian, worked for the city in the Building and Safety Department. He retired in 1967.

“He was a dedicated worker and a great storyteller,” Jeannerette said. “He had a lot of fascinating things to tell and he seemed to know a great deal about Buena Park.”