Ontario Museum of
History & Art, Associates
Museum Happenings
Jasper introduced as
Museum's new mascot
​
Jasper, the iconic ant that has run around Ontario for 67 years, has finally gotten some formal recognition.
The personable
insect was adopted
as the mascot for
the Ontario Museum
of History & Art.
At a Museum
Trustees meeting
on Sept. 26,
Jasper was formally
welcomed as the museum’s symbol.
He’s no newcomer, having been created as
the official emblem for the All-States
Picnic in Ontario in 1956. He originally
appeared as “Mr. Ant” at the annual picnic,
having been designed by Tom Hicks, Chaffey High grad and Chaffey College art student.
The name Jasper was created by Mrs. John O.
Hill, who submitted it and was named winner in
a naming contest that drew 350 entrants.
“Jasper” is from J-July 4th, A-All, S-States,
P-Picnic, E-Euclid Avenue, R-Regular event.
Through the years, as attendance at the picnic declined, Jasper’s role also declined.
But he returned in 2016 when local artist (and Museum trustee) Chris Kueng created a more whimsical look for Jasper. He has since been a regular in city events in a new mascot costume
that debuted for the 2018 July 4th parade.
The original Jasper drawing is on display in the
Gem of the Foothills exhibit at the Museum.
​Members of the Ontario Elks Lodge generously presented a check for $5,000 to the Associates of the Museum recently to help further the institution's educational programs.
​
Museum Associates
volunteer board
The Associates of the Ontario Museum of History & Art are volunteers who help raise money and support education programs of the Museum. The Associates hold meetings on the first Wednesday of each month.
Officers:
President Cherry Dobbs
Vice President, Leslie Sherwood James
Treasurer, Andrea Galvan
Secretary, Joe Blackstock
Members:
Paul Gomez
Erina Higa
Christian Kueng
Janet Manildi
Jonas Nakas
Loretha Nwosu
Jerry Weeks
Alan Wissing