1969 - California's Gov. Ronald Reagan (former President of the United States) came to Lancaster as the featured speaker for the Chamber of Commerce Installation banquet.
1970 - Population of Lancaster was 40,609.
1972 - Warren Dorn announced the dedication of Apollo Park, east of Fox Airport on 56 acres, which is the result of the AV Water Reclamation project of 1959. This is the first of its kind in the nation. The 8.7 mile section of the Antelope Valley Freeway between Avenue P-8 and Avenue I was opened. Jim Jackson was named honorary mayor.
1973 - The YMCA built a major facility at Avenue J-8 and 25th Street West.
1974 - The Antelope Valley College ''Marauder Football Team'' wins the state championship.
1976 - The Antelope Valley Poppy Park, which was first conceived in 1948 by the Lancaster organization of The Native Daughters of the Golden West, finally became a reality and was dedicated. The Lancaster Woman's Club spearheaded the drive. Lancaster's oldest landmark, the Southern Pacific Railroad Depot, was destroyed by fire.
1977 - Lancaster, after an overwhelming majority at the polls, officially became a city. The first city councilmen elected were: Tim Hayes, Ron Jackson, Stan Kleiner, Forrest Hull and Fred Hann. Stan Kleiner was named the first mayor.
The nation's first space shuttle orbiter, built at Air Force Plant 42, moved through Lancaster on its way to Edwards Air Force Base.
Last updated: 6/10/2008 2:50:26 PM