Back To Belmont
by
John Presco
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Back To Belmont begins in the future. The Lincoln Memorial lie in a gilded heap. The Vengeful One has flown over it in a giant helicopter – and sprayed it gold! Then, The Golden Caesar – dropped a bomb on it!
SCENE: Workmen have entered the underground vault and found a mountain of bundled papers. Before them is placed one book. One worker picks it up, and reads the title…..
“Bound In This Clay’ by…..Royal Rosamond
To be continued
At 11:00 AM on May 29, 2026, I saw a video of Donald when he was young. He is talking how he enjoys…….REVENGE! Earlier I heard he wants to spray statues of horses with gold paint.
Two hours earlier I hit PAY DIRT. I found notes from a Belmont City Council meeting where it is agreed the City of Belmont would lend $1069 to seed……
ANOTHER HISTORY BOOK ABOUT BELMONT! WTF?
The date is MAY 14, 1988…. a day that will go down in infamy, because photographs of my grandfather and his brother, are found within…..
HERITAGE OF THE WOODED HILLS
Cynthia McCarthy knew this when she accused me of violating her Copyright. In her history book about Belmont, she says this under all the photographs..
“Courtesy Belmont Historical Society”
Cynthia knew the BHS owned these photographs – thankst to a City Loan!
This is a……….SLAM DUNK! The attorney I pick to represent me, is going to make me a big cake after we win! RREVENG IS SWEET!
“Maybe your friend the editor can explain copyright to you.“
Here is the Vita of that “friend”
“Dolores Callagy moved: The book HERITAGE OF THE WOODED HILLS be sold at a price of $6, which price to include the California Sales Tax. Eve Sterry seconded the motion. There was discussion about the BHS’s role and how the City would be repaid as well as the payment of the sales tax after the loan is paid off. Tom Seivert reviewed the contents of the original motion approved by the Belmont City Council; $1069 was authorized as seed money as a loan with no interest.
My name is Cynthia McCarthy and you can blame me and me alone, not the Belmont Historical Society. You can email me at cgkmccarthy@gmail.com.
Donald Trump will reportedly spend millions for gold makeover
“According to NOTUS, Trump wants the four bronze horses surrounding the Lincoln Memorial painted in gold. These statues, referred to as “Arts of War” and “Arts of Peace,” were built in 1951, and repairs took place in the 1970s. Since their installation, a common problem these structures have faced is corrosion and cracks in the stone. With America’s birthday approaching on July 4, Trump intends to resolve these problems, including covering them in a fresh coat of gold paint, as he plans to spend massively in taxpayer funds on these statues.”
Museums & Institutions
The Vaults Under the Lincoln Memorial Are Finally Opening to the Public
Tickets for the opening day have sold out.
by Richard WhiddingtonMay 28, 2026 Share This Article
A decade on from the National Park Service (NPS) announcing plans to transform the cavernous space beneath the Lincoln Memorial into a museum, tickets for the newest attraction on the National Mall have gone on sale ahead of its opening on June 25, in time for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Tickets for large tours of the undercroft on opening day are already sold out.
The underground space at the monument dedicated to the 16th president of the United States is called the undercroft, typically a type of cellar or storage space with a vaulted ceiling. The undercroft features a grid of concrete columns that has been converted into a 15,000-square-foot exhibition space. It details how the memorial was built and the role the site has played in shaping American perceptions of Abraham Lincoln.
The best of Artnet News in your inbox.
Sign up for our daily newsletter.
The undercroft of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images.
The $69 million project is the product of a public-private partnership that began in 2016 with an $18.5 million gift from businessman and philanthropist David M. Rubenstein to the National Park Foundation (NPF), the official charitable partner of the NPS. It gathered pace in earnest in 2023, when the remaining funds were locked in. NPS has provided $26 million and NPF has provided $43 million through donations from hedge-fund manager and noted art collector Ken Griffin, the John L. Nau III Foundation, the Rick L. and Vicki L. James Foundation, and the Glenn W. Bailey Foundation.
“The opening of the Lincoln Memorial Undercroft Museum is a testament to the power of partnership,” Jeff Reinbold, NPF’s CEO, said in a statement. “We are providing a new way for all people to connect with the enduring legacy of the Lincoln Memorial.”
Floor plan for the planned museum in the undercroft beneath the Lincoln Memorial. Courtesy of the National Park Service.
Beyond the exhibition space, the project has upgraded the Lincoln Memorial’s elevator systems, build new restrooms and an expanded bookstore.
Built from 1914 to 1922, the Lincoln Memorial is a Neoclassical temple-style structure that honors the U.S. president who led the country through the Civil War and abolished slavery. It was the final project of Henry Bacon, the Beaux-Arts architect who also designed the memorial’s Reflecting Pool, which is currently mired in a controversial renovation. The monument houses a monumental 19-foot-tall marble statue of the president that was sculpted by Daniel Chester French, the American Renaissance sculptor.
“As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, this project highlights the importance of places like the Lincoln Memorial in telling the American story and inspiring future generations,” Doug Burgum, the Secretary of the Interior, said in a statement.
2/28/2021
The Jealous Historical Society
Dear Mr. Mayor;
Someone on the Belmont Historical Society suggested I have violated their copyright, by posting an image of William Janke, who may be in a family photograph this is posted on their facebook page. About twelve of my posts have been removed, which alarms me, because I offer NEW family information – that could be used without my permission! Being related this famous family does not rate with this clic who are described as “we”. To be invited by an origination connected with the City of Belmont, to contribute your family history, then be treated like you are a outsider and parasite – is outrageous! This goes against the tradition of other Historical Societies – who encourage descendant of famous people to contribute – because there is no telling what they have, or, if they are going to put that Society in their will. I demand a full investigation. I would like to see your bi-laws.
Someone on the Belmont Historical Society suggested I have violated their copyright, by posting an image of William Janke, who may be in a family photograph this is posted on their facebook page. About twelve of my posts have been removed, which alarms me, because I offer NEW family information – that could be used without my permission! Being related this famous does not rate with this clic who are described as “we”. To be invited by an origination connected with the City of Belmont, to contribute your family history, then be treated like you are a outsider and parasite – is outrageous! This goes against the tradition of other Historical societies – who encourage descendant of famous people to contribute – because there is not telling what they have, or if they are going to put that Society in their will. I demand a full investigation. I would like to see your bi-laws.
John Presco
President: Royal Rosamond Press
braskewitz@yahoo.com
“The Belmont Historical Society Facebook page features posts and information pertaining to Belmont, San Mateo County, California and its history. Everyone is encouraged to send us messages. We will review the content for its interest to our followers.”
Here is Cynthia guarding her small town from an outsider whose family made most of Belmont’s history. It boggles the mind! Surely progressive investors are grateful for the warning. I live in Sprigfield Oregon that has been called Springtucky. How about Belabama?
“We are related to historic people somewhere.
Belmont Historical Society, Belmont, CA sent Today at 9:39 AM
There’s no competition, for Pete’s sake.
Belmont Historical Society, Belmont, CA sent Today at 9:39 AM
Maybe your friend the editor can explain copyright to you.
Belmont Historical Society, Belmont, CA sent Today at 9:39 AM
Everyone is related to “historic people.”
(2) Belmont Historical Society, Belmont, CA | Facebook
My name is Cynthia McCarthy and you can blame me and me alone, not the Belmont Historical Society. You can email me at cgkmccarthy@gmail.com.
Belmont Historical Society, Belmont, CA sent Today at 11:02 AM
You were advised that any further threats, accusation or name-calling would result in your being blocked from this page. I have not read your newspaper nore do I intend to. Your posts have been subject to the same review as anyone else’s. Again, this is Cynthia Karpa McCarthy, not the president or any other officer of BHS. Please blame me entirely.
Daryl Bulkley
EDUCATION
University of California at Berkeley. Psychology. Ph.D., 1968.
Harvard School of Education. Developmental Psychology. Ed.M., 1963.
Harvard University. English. A.B., 1963.
PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT
1975 to present. University of Oregon, College of Education: Department of Educational Leadership, Technology, and Administration (DELTA). Associate professor, 1975-1980; Professor, 1980-2000. Retired Professor with reduced FTE appointment, 2000 to present.
AWARDS AND HONORS
Selected for inclusion in Who’s Who in America, 44th-50th editions (1986 to present). Chicago: Marquis.
Selected for inclusion in Who’s Who in the West, 20th-22nd editions (1986 to present). Chicago: Marquis.
Selected for inclusion in Who’s Who in American Education, 4th edition. Owings Mills, MD: National Reference Institute.
Selected for inclusion in Contemporary Authors, volumes 6 (1982) and 21 (1987).
Selected for inclusion in Who’s Who in Writers, Editors, and Poets, 3rd edition. Highland Park, IL: December Press, 1990.
Elected president of the Oregon Educational Research Association for 1985.
http://belmonthistoricalsociety.com/sites/default/files/BHS_4-9-88.pdf
http://belmonthistoricalsociety.com/sites/default/files/BHS_5-14-88.pdf
SATURDAY, MAY 14, 1988 page 2 MEETINGS: Eve Sterry stated options should be considered for afternoon or evening mee tings; she felt evening meetings were no problem. Tom reminded the group the re would be no meetings during the summer and that this item Gould be an item at a later meeting. NEWSLETTER:Charlaine Seivert said she would have to resign from primary responsibility for the newsletter; she would be available and happy to assist in its production. WINE FESTIVAL: Eve Sterry requested volunteers to help man the Society’s Booth on May 21st and 22nd. Tom Seivert said he would transport the material to and from the Park. Eve Sterry said she expected to have some copies of THE HERITAGE OF THE WOODED HILLS available for sale; she had arranged for a special shipment and that the cost would be negligible. BOOK SALES: Tom Seivert said that the price of the book should be such that some profit could be made. Charlaine ··sei~ert made a motion that the price of the book be set at 50% over the cost of production; Russel Estep seconded the motion. There was general discussion on prices and tax; prices ranged from $5-$6. Eve Sterry explained how the books were paid for and how the BHS would repay the City; she said the City would pay the California Sales Tax. The discussion which ensued covered the 1977 production and its costs. Questions were raised as to whether Freight Costs were included in the estimate given the City Council . Tom Seivert reiterated that the object was to raise money. THIS MOTION WAS WITHDRAWN.
Dolores Callagy moved: The book HERITAGE OF THE WOODED HILLS be sold at a price of $6, which price to include the California Sales Tax. Eve Sterry seconded the motion. There was discussion about the BHS’s role and how the City would be repaid as well as the payment of the sales tax after the loan is paid off. Tom Seivert reviewed the contents of the original motion approved by the Belmont City Council; $1069 was authorized as seed money as a loan with no interest. Eve Sterry said the precedent had been set in the past but the present situation was different. Tom Seivert reminded the group what the objectives/goals of the BHS were. THE MOTION WAS PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. RESPONSIBILITY: Tom Seivert reminded everyone that if speaking for the Society, the individual should clear the subject matter with him; individuals may do their individual thing but not in the name of the Society. He rep~ated the need for a uniformity of approach as well as a show of unanimity on the Societys purpose. SPECIAL REPORT: Anna Scott made a report on the Census of 1860 for Belmont; she copies of the pages of that Census which were headed Belmont Post Office. Further study of these pages is required and a comparison with the 1870 Census, which wasl0-12 pages.
RESPONSIBILITY: Tom Seivert reminded everyone that if speaking for the Society, the individual should clear the subject matter with him; individuals may do their individual thing but not in the name of the Society. He rep~ated the need for a uniformity of approach as well as a show of unanimity on the Societys purpose. SPECIAL REPORT: Anna Scott made a report on the Census of 1860 for Belmont; she copies of the pages of that Census which were headed Belmont Post Office. Further study of these pages is required and a comparison with the 1870 Census, which wasl0-12 pages. PUBLICATIONS: BELMONT AS WE REMEMBERED IT: Half tones of the pictures in the book have been ordered; Anna Scott asked for additional picoures which could illustrate Doris Vannier’s stories. ADJOURNMENT: Tom Seivert adjourned the meeting. The next meeting is June 11, 1988 st 9:30 a.m. at the Senior Citizen Center. Submitted by:~~g Secretary
Honorable Ma yor and Members of the City Council; APRIL 6·, 1988 The Belmont Historical Society is looking for a home. As a Belmont based community organization, it is our hope that the City might assist in finding or providing a room in which the Society could display historical artifacts and provide historical programming for the public benefit. It is our understanding that there may be space in the Manor Building the the San Mateo Count y Arts Council is not leasing from the City. The Manor Building would be an ideal location for the Historical Society for two reasons. Firstly , the building’s location in 1~in pines Park is ideally suited for this use as it is a center for the community’s cultural and recreational activities and the addition of the Belmont Historical Society would be an enhancement. Secondl y , the Manor Building is a historical building and what more appropriate location for the Historical Society than in a building designated by the City of Belmont as a historical structure. Lastly , I would l i ke to take this opportunity to thank the City Council on behalf of the Society f or support you have given us in the past. The Soci ety looks forward to working with you in the f,uture. Sincerely, Tom Sievert President Belmont Histori cal Society
The Trump Administration Is Spending $5 Million to Coat Horse Statues in Gold
The Interior Department quickly gave nearly $100 million in contracts in a rush to beautify D.C.
Four bronze horses surrounding the Lincoln Memorial are getting a glow-up for America’s 250th anniversary on July 4. Kainaz Amaria/NOTUS
By Anna Kramer
May 28, 2026 01:51 PM
Four massive bronze horses positioned along the roads surrounding the Lincoln Memorial still shine in the sun from their first restoration in the 1970s. But their gold-toned coating is faded and patchy, and their heavy stone bases are cracked and dirty.
The Trump administration wants them glittering with a fresh coat of gold in time for America’s 250th anniversary on July 4. So in mid-April, the National Park Service handed a $5 million contract to a gilding studio in Maryland to repair the statues and cover them with a thick layer of 23.75-karat gold leaf.
It awarded the project without a full competition, according to NPS documents reviewed by NOTUS.
As Trump hurries to put his stamp on a city he’s long denigrated as crumbling and ugly, his administration has doled out tens of millions of dollars for contracts with short timelines and little oversight.
Trending
In total, the Interior Department is spending at least $95 million in taxpayer funds for new D.C. beautification projects, according to a NOTUS review of government spending data. All of the projects identified by NOTUS were initiated between December 2025 and April of this year. About $20 million in contracts, including the gilding of the four horses, have not previously been reported.
“It is within the realm of reason to say: It’s the 250th anniversary that’s coming up, and instead of spending a hundred million dollars we normally spend on the District of Columbia, we want to spend $250 million. That’s perfectly normal,” said one former General Services Administration official, making up the dollar amounts to illustrate their point. “What is not normal is the lack of transparency.”
In mid-April, the National Park Service hired The Gilders’ Studio in Maryland to restore the 80,000-pound statue pairs, known as the Arts of War and Arts of Peace. According to agency documentation, the gilding company is covering the statues in an unusually thick layer of nearly pure gold — heavier and purer than even the “extra-thick” gold the same studio used to refinish the exterior of the Wyoming state capital dome seven years ago.
The $5 million contract includes more work than just the gold leafing, although the gold itself is certain to be a significant part of the cost, with the price of gold essentially doubling over the last several years.
The park service did not do extensive market research on whether the $5 million price was a fair one, according to agency documents reviewed by NOTUS. “Due to the urgent nature of this requirement, market research was limited to available historical data and publicizing a special notice to SAM.gov,” the agency wrote in its award notice in April. The special notice was posted online for only six days.
“Historical data available is minimal as these types of projects are rare for NPS; there are no comparable gilding projects of this monumental size, national significance, public visibility, or technical complexity in the Washington, DC area,” the agency wrote in its award document.
The Gilders’ Studio declined to comment. Other experts on gilding told NOTUS the studio is well-known and respected for its work, but not uniquely qualified over other companies.
“There are others that are also qualified that were not contacted, which I’m rather surprised about, because there’s plenty of people that could also do the same quality work,” said Peter Sepp, who runs a major gold-leaf supplier in New York.
Rosamond Press 
Leave a comment