Above is the Fillmore Historical Museum’s dynamic trio (l-r), Sue Zeider, Sue Hopkins, and Sue Cuttriss, dedicated volunteers who keep our local museum going. Photo by Carina Montoya.

Written by Carina Montoya

It is said that “good things come in threes.” Local longtime Fillmore residents Sue Cuttriss, Sue Hopkins and Sue Zeider are the town’s dynamic trio. It is a coincidence that all three share the same first name and coincidentally live in the same neighborhood, belong to the same women’s organization, and are dedicated volunteers at the Fillmore Historical Museum. Together they serve and enrich the community with their dedication in promoting art, culture, and the preservation of the town’s history. It is interesting that the name “Sue” (short for Susan, Susanna, and Suzanne, but all three Sues here are Susans) has deep historical roots that dates to ancient times. It is a name that holds the significant symbolic meaning of a Lily that symbolized great cultural importance. It is no wonder that Sue, Sue, and Sue dedicate their time in collecting, preserving, interpreting, and displaying objects of artistic, cultural, and scientific significance for the study and education of the public.

Sue Cuttriss is a retired teacher and volunteers at the museum as a docent, educator, and assists with museum coverage. Sue Hopkins is also a retired teacher and volunteers at the museum as a docent, educator, and assists with museum coverage. Sue Zeider is retired from a career in insurance and volunteers her time at the museum as archivist, docent, educator, article-writer, develops in-person and zoom presentations, and provides museum coverage. Sue, Sue, and Sue are truly a dynamic trio at the museum, as are the museum’s dynamic duo, Martha and Martha, but that’s another story.

The Fillmore Historical Museum was founded in 1974 by local teacher and author Edith Jarrett. Edith purchased the train depot building for $1.05 (one dollar five cents) and had it moved across the street to its current location on the museum grounds next to the railroad tracks. Since its founding, the museum has operated on dedicated volunteers and interns who share an interest in history and the preservation of information and artifacts of local people, places, and things. The main museum is in the old Rancho Sespe Bunkhouse #2 and houses the major portion of the museum’s collection. It has a gift shop, library, exhibit rooms, and a “work room” where photographs and some artifacts are examined and stored. The bunkhouse was donated to the Museum by James P. Finch who purchased the Rancho Sespe headquarters parcel. The bunkhouse was moved to its current location in 1995. There is an office door name plate in the bunkhouse that reads “Sue’s Office,” so next time you visit the museum, you’re likely to meet “Sue.”