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50th Anniversary Year Wrap-Up: Winning stories, event photos, and more

Posted by admin on Dec 1, 2008

Tree and hut

As 2008 draws to a close, so does the 50th anniversary year of the Golden Gate Council of Hostelling International USA.

Founded in 1958 by a small group of eager volunteers, the Council has grown into a network of ten beautiful hostels spanning Northern California, from San Francisco and Sacramento to five State and National Parks.

You can read about the history of HI-USA Golden Gate Council here, or see a brief timeline of Council milestones here.

"Adventures in Hostelling" Writing Contest

In May 2008, we announced our call for entries for short stories about memorable hostelling experiences. More than 100 people submitted their personal tales of "adventures in hostelling," and our jury set about the tough task of selecting the winners.

You can read the winning stories here.

All winning stories have been published in a special 50th anniversary commemorative publication, which also includes stories by Council staff and volunteers, as well as a history of hostelling in Northern California. To receive a free copy of this 88-page publication, email enews@norcalhostels.org.

Golden Anniversary Event Series

Seven of our hostels hosted special anniversary events — from summer BBQs to art exhibits, a Thanksgiving Dinner to a Haunted Hostel Halloween — bringing hostellers, members, and locals together in a series of free, public celebrations. Check out photos of the festivities on our new Flickr site.

  • Keith Knight Art Exhibit & Reception
    September 20, San Francisco City Center Hostel
    Read more
  • Haunted Hostel Halloween Festival
    October 25, Point Montara Lighthouse Hostel
    See photos :: Read more
  • Labyrinth Building at Wilson Creek Beach
    November 2, Redwood National Park Hostel
    See photos :: Read more
  • Golden Gate Council Staff Art Exhibit & Reception
    November 8, Sacramento Hostel
    See photos :: Read more

50th Anniversary Luncheon

More than 200 guests joined us at the 50th Anniversary Luncheon on October 26, a special event celebrating 50 years of welcoming the world to Northern California.

The festivities began with an optional pre-luncheon hike on Ocean Beach, and continued at the United Irish Cultural Center with a social hour, luncheon, special anniversary program, and a silent auction benefitting our youth educational programs.

You can see photos of the event here, or read more about the event here.

Legislative Honors

On the occasion of this important milestone, the Golden Gate Council was recognized by local, state, and national governments for its contributions to the community over the past five decades.

The U.S. Congress passed an honorary resolution submitted by Representative Lynn Woolsey, and the California legislature passed honorary resolutions submitted by Senator Carole Migden, Assembly Member Mark Leno, and Assembly Member Leland Yee.

In addition, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors declared October 26, 2008, "Hostelling International Day."

Thank you

A big "thank you" to everyone who helped make the 50th anniversary of HI-USA Golden Gate Council a smashing success. Here’s to 50 years of hostelling in Northern California, and to many more to come!

Special thanks to the Official Hosts of the 50th Anniversary Luncheon: Nicholas S. Andrade (Gold Host), Walter & Murni Knoepfel (Gold Host), Swinerton Management & Consulting with NCR (Gold Host), TTI Technology International (Gold Host), 50th Anniversary Luncheon Steering Committee (Gold Host), Kathleen McAdam (Silver Host), Blue Ribbon Supply Company (Bronze Host), Vatche Kalfayan (Bronze Host), Wraith, Scarlett & Randall Insurance Services Inc. (Bronze Host).

Thanks also to the Steering Committee of the 50th Anniversary Luncheon: Nicholas S. Andrade, Olive Bavins, Myra Forsythe, Ursula Gummett, Joyce Johnston, Beryl Kay, Walter Knoepfel, Kathleen McAdam, Ron Montes, Kaysea Ray, Fred Tealdi, Barbara Wein (chairperson).

Finally, thanks to the jury members of the "Adventures in Hostelling" Writing Contest: Lynn Ferrin (freelance travel writer, former Editor-in-Chief of VIA magazine), Janet Fullwood (Travel Editor, Sacramento Bee), Spud Hilton (Deputy Travel Editor, San Francisco Chronicle), Stuart Bousel, Maureen Forney, Myra Forsythe, Ryan Forsythe, Ursula Gummett, Beryl Kay, Sherezada Kent, Tiffany McFarland, Molly Mitoma, Valerie Montes, Samantha Willems.