History of Riverside Museum's Butterfly collection

Taffy Geith

The Riverside Branch of AAUW met at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, May 19 at the Riverside Municipal Museum for the regular meeting, yearly installation of officers and lunch.
First, we were privileged to hear James Bryant, resident biologist, and curator of Natural History at the Municipal Museum since 1996, He gave a presentation on the history of the acquired collections of butterflies at the Museum. It was necessary to inventory these specimens so as to provide a data base that could be easily accessed. Many volunteers helped Mr. Bryant take information from each specimen to create this archive. This was often painstaking work since some of the information was scripted and/or hand lettered next to each butterfly, and required meticulous care and analysis. The volunteers used the method of classification begun by Linnaeus four hundred years ago, which serves to give access to each specimen, its characteristics and also its provenance. Mr. Bryant said this latter can be vital for a researcher.

Early butterfly collectors, John and Hurd Comstock, (1910, 1911) were infatuated with butterflies, collected first in the Midwest, moved to California and after collecting widely, six hundred of their specimens eventually came to Riverside. (John's field notes can be read on-line.) Another collector, Charles M. Dammers collected specimens from around Riverside for about 15 years before his death in 1934. (A large map of the N. American Continent with butterflies posted in specific areas gave members a perfect visual aid.) John Sperry, also of Riverside, was an avid collector in the 1950's. Mr. Bryant had many interesting details to tell about these collectors, e.g. how in early days they "mailed" specimens to one another in envelopes and how the love of collecting butterflies could take preference over other interests in their lives.

Mr. Bryant reminded us that where there was once a diversity of butterflies in California, the number has decreased due to the loss of floral diversity. Riverside Municipal Museum has a collection of one thousand butterflies. Our gratitude goes to Mr. Bryant and his vast knowledge and the demonstration of the 21st century technology which he was instrumental in bringing to the Municipal Museum. Of course, we were in awe of the beauty of the butterflies that were focused on the large screen and aware that Riverside is fortunate to have this great resource.

At thus juncture, Muriel Berger once again creatively introduced the incoming officers for the coming year. After the presentation of new officers, returning President, Jo Turner, presided over a short session to inform us of issues covered at the State Convention in San Diego.

a. Jo and Barb Ryon found the speakers stimulating and cognizant of the problems that local Branches are facing. One speaker suggested ways of using non-member, younger women as resource specialists at meetings.
b. The two book baskets were successful --bringing an estimated $80.00 (at least) for EF and LAF.
c. The excellence and charm of the Speech Trek semifinalists were inspiring.
d. There is a continued controversy over open membership. A resolution was passed to postpone voting on this issue until the "one member-one vote" resolution is enacted. Jo will be attending the National Convention in St. Louis when this resolution is brought up and will keep us informed.
Lastly, Jo reminded all of the last meeting at Bessie Ridley's on June 7 for ice cream and an "open forum" to discuss the needs of our Branch. Too, all members are invited and welcome to the last Board/Program Meeting on June 10 at Jo Turner's in order to plan for next year's program.

Hungry and thirsty members enjoyed a gourmet lunch, beautifully served by Marilyn Dunagan and Bessie Ridley. Kudos to them for their culinary skills, their organization and hard work.

Once again, an informative and positive gathering of like-minded AAUW members was a joyous occasion. The Riverside Municipal Museum emphasizes the beauty and fragility of nature and reminds us what a gem this Museum is for the citizens of our city.