Riverside City History
People Who Have Made A Difference: Gary Brenner

Gary Brenner might deserve the name of Riverside Renaissance man. Brenner is a former Alderman who was instrumental as an amateur archaeologist on the Renner Brenner site. He has written on both prehistoric and historic aspects of Riverside. His work was invaluable in capturing the ancient history of Riverside. His interest in the past began when he was only 10. His father was building an apartment complex on Homestead Road. Gary became fascinated with artifacts turned up by the bulldozer, asking the driver to stop whenever something was uncovered. "I was spotting artifacts left and right. After two or three days, the driver went up to my father and said, 'I love your son, but if you ever want to get this job done, I will have to do it without his help!'"

Gary's collection of Brenner family and Native American artifacts includes approximately 25,000 pieces, although many might be unrecognizable as historical to laymen. "People are surprised at what's under their feet, when you point it out. Right on top of the ground where City Hall is being built, there are hundreds of sandstone abraders that were used to sharpen bone and other tools. Most people walk over them without knowing what they are."

Some of his best work appeared in early editions of the city newsletter. Brenner drew on a wealth of family and community history, and conducted valuable interviews. "I was lucky that many of our early residents and community leaders were still alive. Ferd Filger (Riverside's first mayor) told me about nearly dying as a child while his family was crossing Line Creek in a horse drawn wagon. The wagon tipped over and he was swept away. It was something he always remembered."

Brenner is also an amateur weatherman. During the 1993 flood, his floodstage forecasts proved more accurate than those of many professionals. "I was giving reports to the National Guard and everyone involved in fighting the flood and trying to protect their property. I wasn't a professional, but I helped provide information for the business owners who had $70 million worth of property threatened by that flood."

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