The Fifth in the Antelope Valley Rural Museum’s Speaker Series.

Desert Almond Farmer: The Story of a California Homesteader and His Family

Presented by Mary Kaye Godde Stamets

Stamets also illustrated the book, which is suitable for all ages. In the book Stamets tells the story of her grandfather Frederick Godde (1863-1930), who with his wife Mary Weber Godde (1868-1940) homesteaded 160 acres of desert land in the Antelope Valley. The couple had nine children.

Frederick Godde died before Stamets was born. In her preface she writes, “Writing his story using his voice helped me understand him and increased my awe of farmers.” She relied on government documents, newspaper accounts, family records, and her own experience on the homestead to tell the story.
Local old-timers will recognize the name Godde as that of a pioneering family that settled and grew almonds in the area that is now Quartz Hill and west Palmdale. Almond orchards eventually gave way to housing developments, including Godde Estates.

The author was born in Lancaster and grew up among almond trees on her grandfather’s land. She has been writing since she was a youngster. Her biography states, “She started to write professionally as a contract negotiator, preparing research and development contracts with scientists and engineers at the Air Force Rocket Propulsion Laboratory (at Edwards Air Force Base).”

Stamets lives in the greater Sacramento area with her husband Leigh. Mary Kaye will be available to autograph her books, which will be available to purchase in the museum.

Parking and Admission is free. Donations are Welcome.

Museum is open from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Lecture begins at 7:00 pm

**Limited seating – RSVP**

Contact email: [email protected]  or text 661-478-4841