Doris Davies Defines Activism
activism, culture, doris davies,
Community activist, tireless worker for youth, career Santa Claus and chief whistleblower - literally - for Victorville, Doris Davies is a community legend. And to think it all began with a sunrise.
Davies and husband Cliff came to the High Desert on an overnight visit in the early 1950s, and slept in the back of their station wagon out near Dead Man’s Point. According to Davies, they woke to a beautiful sunrise and decided to stay.
Early on, Davies’ interest in young people began to pay dividends for the children of Victorville.
“I was watching some boys playing basketball in the dirt next to the school, and asked them why they weren’t on the school grounds at the real court,” she says. “They told me the school courts were locked up. I told them I’d build a court right where they were standing.”
She did that and much more over the years, with a little arm-twisting and the occasional blast from the ever-present whistle around her neck.
And it’s not just kids who have benefited from Davies’ community spirit. Even now in her mid-80s, she spearheads efforts such as raising funds for the LifeTrail Exercise Path, a rubberized walkway with 10 separate exercise stations. The trail is open 24 hours a day and is set up for handicapped access, and already has become a magnet for senior citizens and just about everyone else in the community.
Want more? OK, how about a one-time gig as Santa Claus that has turned into an annual performance, complete with custom red-velvet suit and faux fur-trimmed boots and hat.
Longtime friend Karen Morgan, who played softball with Davies more than three decades ago, talked with her about her contributions to Victorville. Davies says, “I helped by looking around and paying attention to what the kids needed to keep them out of trouble and to give them the discipline provided in sports activities. I have done everything I can to keep them busy and out of trouble and I will continue to do so as long as I can.”
Her friends are more forthcoming.
“Thank heaven for that morning so long ago when Cliff and Doris woke up in the desert they saw a good life ahead for them here. It was a blessing for all of us they chose to live here,” Morgan says.
Story by Joe Morris
Photo by Ian Curcio
