Susan Barr - Special to the Sun

Like most seven-year-olds, Jack Demming can’t wait for Saturday morning to roll around. But while other kids his age are taking it easy, watching cartoons or having pancakes with the family, he’s up bright and early, getting ready to head next door to his neighbor’s house. He regularly hitches a ride with the older gentleman to Demming’s favorite place, the Kern Valley Museum.

The two unlikely friends have developed a Saturday morning ritual that repeats itself week in and week out. At eight o’clock, they head out of their Southlake neighborhood and make their way into town. They then have a leisurely breakfast at the boy’s favorite restaurant, Burger King. From there, they go to a local hardware store for a look round and a bag of popcorn. Demming keeps a watchful eye on the time. He doesn’t want to be late getting to Kernville.

Demming signs the museum’s guest book Saturday morning.

Peg Greenberg, the museum docent, has been seeing the young Demming arrive shortly after the doors open every Saturday for as long as she can remember. When asked to explain the youngster’s fascination with the museum and its exhibits, Greenberg said, 'A lot of kids don’t like to learn about history from a book. But being able to see and touch history, makes it come alive.' Because of his obvious attachment to the museum, she has decided to make Demming an Honorary Junior Docent. The honor will be bestowed on the young history buff during the upcoming History Days next month.

The second grader, who attends South Fork Elementary School, has been going the museum regularly for almost two years now. When asked why he enjoys spending so much time there, the young man gave the question some serious thought. He finally responded by saying 'I really like old stuff. It’s a lot better than the new stuff they have today.' Demming doesn’t think it’s unusual for someone as young as he to find a museum so interesting. He’d like to see more kids come out to the museum and stated that 'They’d probably like it as much as I do, if they did.'

Whom would he most like to go back in history and meet? Surprisingly, it wasn’t a notorious outlaw or famous actor from the western movies shot in the area. It was the well known canine, Rin Tin Tin, whose picture adorns one of the museum walls. Looking at that photo is one of Demming’s favorite things to do there. He highly recommends the movies you can watch in the back room and visiting the old miner’s cabin. But best of all, he likes the life sized mannequin, fully dressed in western attire, who permanently resides in the old out-house.

The Kern Valley Museum History Days will be held May 16-18. Among the planned activities, will be several interesting demonstrations for the kids to watch. Panning for gold and butter churning are amongst those sure to be favorites for both the young and the young at heart. While you’re there, keep an eye out for Demming. No doubt, he’d be happy to show you around the place.

The museum is open Thursday through Sunday, 10:00 to 4:00. It is located at 49 Big Blue Bear Road in Kernville. For more information, please call 376-6683.