More than 50 La Quinta Historical Society supporters attended the group's “Welcome Back for Fall” fundraiser Oct. 24 at the La Quinta Museum.

The event celebrated all of the past presidents of the La Quinta Historical Society.

Louise Neeley, longtime historical society member, created story boards for each of the group's six past presidents.

The boards will be displayed in the historical society building at the museum.

Alice Bailes Bell, the historical society's first president — serving from 1985 to 1986 — was working as an escrow officer in La Quinta when she was approached by a top city official.

“The City Council wanted a historical society,” Bailes said. “Larry Allen, the third (La Quinta) mayor, came to my office and asked me if I'd like the job” of organizing a historical society, she said. “And I did it.”

Fred Rice, the historical society's second and longest-serving president — from 1987 to 1998 — was honored posthumously.

“He did so much for the historical society and the community,” Neeley said.

She said Rice designed the seals or insignia for the city of La Quinta, the La Quinta Historical Society and St. Francis of Assisi Church in La Quinta.

Neeley, who came up with the idea of honoring the past presidents, said the attendees enjoyed the opportunity to reminisce and rekindle relationships.

“The atmosphere was one of friendship seeing longtime friends,” Neeley said. “Everyone left with a good feeling.”