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Prouty earns nod for 2010 Hall of Fame
evelyn1
Evelyn Prouty

FAST FACTS

• WHAT: Manteca Hall of Fame dinner & induction
• WHERE: Manteca Senior Center, 295 Cherry Lane
• TICKETS: $40
• MORE INFO: Contact the Boys & Girls Club at 239-KIDS

Evelyn Prouty - a fourth generation Manteca resident whose love for her community is so deep that she even has stepped up to dig graves when the East Union Cemetery got into financial trouble - is being inducted into the Manteca Hall of Fame.

The dinner and induction ceremonies for the Hall of Fame take place Saturday, May 1, at the Manteca Senior Center, 295 Cherry Lane. Tickets are $40 apiece and available at the Manteca Boys & Girls Club, 545 Alameda St., or by calling 239-KIDS.

Other members of the Class of 2010 are Richard Durham Sr., education; Sammy Davis, special recognition; Susie Beeler, at large; Kirt Giovannoni, education; Dr. Mel Larson, health care; Gail Perry, business; and Janet Dyk, agriculture.

Prouty is being inducted for community service.

Her most recent venture has been the East Union Cemetery that fell into trouble in the summer of 2008 when the state announced it would suspend the operation of the non-profit that ran it due to irregularities. That is when Pouty – along with Bill Good, Leon Sucht and others – stepped up to become charter members of the Friends of the East Union Cemetery. The organization was formed to allow burials to continue as well as perform maintenance that includes weeding, mowing, and landscaping.

Good,  Prouty, and Sucht do the majority of the work before and after burials with Prouty often manning the shovel.

Prouty also has taken a lead role in calling attention to the cemetery’s plight as well as securing donations and support. She also has led the charge to upgrade the appearance of the cemetery at Union Road and Louise Avenue.

Sucht, who is president of the Manteca Historical Society, noted that Prouty’s untiring and innovative efforts in raising funds have made it financially possible to continue with burials.

Prouty is a charter member of the Manteca Historical Society. She also served on the board from 1999 to 2008 including as president from 2005 to 2008.

Ken Hafer, former president of the society, pointed out that over 800 local historical photos donated by Prouty became the foundation for the museum.

Prouty is the author of the only definitive book on Manteca and the surrounding area. She compiled the books for newspaper articles she authored based on her research, interviews, and documented information in early Manteca Bulletin files. The book was originally published in 1980 by the Manteca Bulletin. It has been reprinted by the Manteca Historical Society which sells copies for $20.

Those nominating Prouty noted that the written history about Manteca would have gone by the wayside if it hadn’t been for her interest early on as well as her initiative and dedication to preserve it.

Prouty is a 1960 graduate of French Camp Grammar School and a 1964 Manteca High graduate. She also attended Delta College.

Since March 2008 she has served as executive director of the Manteca Historical Society. She was publisher of the Fickle Nickel Press from 1992 to 2008, managing editor of the Amador Ledger Dispatch from 1980 to 1992, and serve as the people editor for the Manteca Bulletin from 1974 to 1980.

Prouty has three children and three grandchildren.