September-October 2024

 Administrator’s Notes

by Ralph Gibson, Museums Administrator

 As I write, the leaves have yet to turn, but I can feel fall around the corner. Kids are back in school; Halloween candy and decorations are in almost every store; and the scent of pumpkin spice is in the air. Summer heat be damned, my favorite season is on the way!

For us, fall means programs and we begin with the Old Auburn Cemetery Tour on Sunday, October 6th from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. This tour is absolutely free and you need not call ahead, just show up before 1:00 pm to have a chance to see as many character’s from Placer County’s past as possible. 

We will also host the 3rd annual Fall Festival at the Fruitvale Schoolhouse Museum on Saturday, October 12th from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. There will be crafts for kids; a students only Scarecrow contest where kids will bring homemade scarecrows to be judged; fun activities; and refreshments! This event is free! Also, our seasonal exhibit, A Grave Affair, opens in the Treasury of the Historic Courthouse around the middle of September with new additions you can lay your eyes on. 

For more information on either of these programs and to see the rules for the scarecrow contest, please visit our website (www.placer.ca.gov/museums). I hope all of you have a wonderful fall season and we hope to see you in one of our museums or at one of our programs!

Cemetery Tour and Placer County Museums volunteer Bill Gray will reprise his role as Deputy Sheriff “Big Dip” Dependener.

New Donation Highlight

by Kasia Woroniecka , Curator of Collections

This glass perfume bottle with silver overlay dates to about 1885-1920. This decorating technique was first limited to cane and parasol handles, but it became popular on bottles used for perfumes, toilet waters and colognes. 

19th century marked a turning point in perfume production. Innovations in chemistry led to the development of synthetic molecules, which not only made perfumes more accessible but also allowed for the creation of new and unique scents that had never been possible before. 

It is through donations like these that we can continue to bring history to life for our visitors. If you have items with Placer County history that you are interested in donating, please contact the Curator of Collections, Kasia Woroniecka (kworonie@placer.ca.gov) or the Curator of Archives, Kelsey Monahan (kmonahan@placer.ca.gov) to find out how. 

Game on: It’s Time for the Sacramento Archives Crawl!

by Kelsey Monahan, Curator of Archives

October is National Archives Month, which means it’s time to get geared up for the 2024 Sacramento Archives Crawl happening on Saturday, October 5, from 10am-4pm! 

Our theme this year is Pastimes Preserved: Sports and Leisure in the Archives, and the Placer County Archive and Research Center will be highlighting to the 1960 Winter Olympics held near Lake Tahoe. 

               Olympic Village hockey player statue. 1960 Winter Olympics. PCM Collection.

This annual event gives you the chance to explore four Sacramento archives: the Central Library, State Library, State Archives, and the Center for Sacramento History. Dozens of other local repositories will also be in attendance to show off the hidden treasures of their archives and special collections. With a free shuttle bus to take you between locations, it can’t be beat! For more details visit: https://sacarchivescrawl.blogspot.com/. 

               Skating rink at the 1960 Winter Olympics, February 1960. PCM Collection.  

IBM Olympic Data Processing Center. For the first time in Olympic history, IBM pioneered the use of electronic computers to tally results, replacing the manual method. Televising of events was also introduced a the 1960 Winter Olympics. PCM Collection

Restoring Dutch Flat’s Historic Chinese Cemetery

by Sarah Fugate

In 2019, the Golden Drift Historical Society set out to resurrect the Chinese history of Dutch Flat. That year and every year since, Chinese Americans have joined with us in this endeavor. Part of this involves restoration of the Dutch Flat Chinese Cemetery. In 2022, we began soliciting donations for the Chinese Ancestry Restoration Project, CARP. In early 2023, working with Placer County Parks and Grounds Department, the Dutch Flat Chinese Cemetery was cleared of large, downed trees and debris, enabling access to start our restoration project.

                                  Chinese procession in Dutch Flat. PCM Collection 

Our project began with identification of gravesites within the Cemetery. We contracted with Sierra Nevada GSI from Grass Valley to do this work. First, metal detectors were used, finding isolated square nails (used to affix identifying information to a wooden marker at burial.) These nails provided the first indication of grave locations. Then, ground penetrating radar (GPR) was used to confirm grave locations. Finally, global positioning (GPS), provided by Daria Snyder of Alta,  was used to create a digitized map of the grave locations. Approximately 300 gravesites were identified.

Once the location of gravesites was known a garden designer, Kate Bowers of Grass Valley, was chosen to develop a design for the public area of the Cemetery. Kate’s design includes a stone staircase to enter, gravel walkways, benches, and a brick funerary burner with flagstone surround. Placer County Parks and Grounds Department continued to work with us, grading and surfacing the entrance road, the public area to facilitate gathering, and installing temporary stairs. A native plant plan was produced by landscape designer, Lora Piscatelli of Dreamscapes in Alta.

                        Funerary burner in Dutch Flat Chinese Cemetery, July 2024

Funerary burners in Chinese Cemeteries serve as a fire-safe place for the ritualized burning of spiritual tributes. Paper and cardboard facsimiles of money, clothing, and other possessions are burned to supply the deceased in the afterlife.

Construction of the funerary burner began in early June, 2024 and its brickwork was completed before July 4th. Design and engineering of the roof structure for the burner has been done by Tom Fugate of Dutch Flat and manufacturing will be completed by Quality Metal Fabrication of Auburn in four to six weeks. Following installation of the roof structure, glazed roof tiles, donated by Gladding-McBean of Lincoln, will be installed by Richard Bushong Roofing of Auburn.

Docent Spotlight

Katy Bartosh, Curator of Education

I spoke with Laurie Meyerpeter, who volunteers at the Fruitvale Schoolhouse Museum and helps me with Living History. Why are you a docent? 

My favorite part are the people and their stories. I've met a world class ultra-marathoner who just ran the Western States Run (she had two young children and very sore feet).  I've learned how to pan for gold. I've eaten biscuits made by third graders. I've met people living in their cars and people who helped the people who were living in their cars. I've learned about geocaching from a couple of kids. I've met a champion button spinner (she's a third grader at an undisclosed Lincoln school). 

A fun fact about you? I’m passionate about plants, with a background in horticulture and fieldwork. As a master gardener and CNPS member, I've been growing plants since I was seven years old.  

                            Thank you for being such an amazing docent, Laurie!

Living History Volunteers Needed

Are you looking for a fun and enriching experience?

Do you want to share local history with the community?

Do you enjoy teaching children?

Help give local third-grade students hands-on experience learning about 19th century life.

Sign up with Placer County Museums and become a Living History Volunteer today!

                                       Volunteer!

Please call: 530-889-6500  

or email: Museums@placer.ca.gov for more information.

 Placer County Historical Society  

Dinner Meeting

When: Thursday, October 3, 2024

Meeting at 6:00, Dinner at 6:15, Speaker Alfred Corral at 6:45 

Topic: An overview of the history of Rocklin

Location: Veterans Memorial Hall

100 East Street, Auburn, CA

Dinner cost: $30.00.

Speaker presentation: Free

Please RSVP to rsvp.pchs@gmail.com 

Please go to www.placercountyhistoricalsociety.org for more information

Placer County Historical Organizations

Colfax Area Historical Society 

Jay McIntyre, President, (530) 346-8599

colfaxhistory.org 

Donner Summit Historical Society

Bill Oudegeest, (209) 606-6859

donnersummithistoricalsociety.org

Foresthill Divide Historical Society

Annie DeMaria-Norris (916) 206-4479

 foresthillhistory.org

Fruitvale School Hall 

Community Association 

Mark Fowler

Golden Drift Historical Society

Sarah Fugate, (530) 389-2121

Historical Advisory Board

Glenn Vineyard, (916) 747-1961

Joss House Museum and 

Chinese History Center

Larry Finney, (530) 305-9380

Lincoln Area Archives Museum

Elizabeth Jansen, (916) 645-3800

laamca.org

Lincoln Highway Association 

Trey Pitsenberger

vice.president@lincolnhighwayassoc.org

Loomis Basin Historical Society

Karen Clifford, (916) 663-3871

www.loomisbasinhistory.org

Maidu Museum & Historic Site

Kaitlin Kincade, (916) 774-5934

roseville.ca.us/indianmuseum 

The Museum of Sierra Ski History and 1960 Winter Olympics 

David C. Antonucci, (775) 722-3502 

tahoemuseum.org

Native Sons of the Golden West 

Parlor #59

Dave Allen, (530) 878-2878 dsallen59@sbcglobal.net

Newcastle Portuguese Hall 

Association

Mario Farinha, (530) 269-2412 

North Lake Tahoe Historical Society

Phil Sexton, (530) 583-1762

northtahoemuseums.org

Placer County Genealogical Society 

Diane Fishburn

http://www.placergenealogy.org  

Placer County Historical Society

April McDonald-Loomis

(530) 823-2128

placercountyhistoricalsociety.org

Placer County Museums Docent Guild

Craig Norris

Placer Sierra Railroad Heritage Society  

Chuck Spinks

Psrhs.org

Rocklin Historical Society

Gloria Beverage (916) 799-7783

rocklinhistory.org

Roseville Historical Society

Denise Fiddyment, (916) 773-3003

rosevillehistorical.org

Calendar

Please confirm all meeting times and locations with each organization

Foresthill Divide Historical Society Meeting: Monday, September 16th at 6:00 p.m.

Golden Drift Historical Society Meeting:           Monday, October 7th at 7:00 p.m.

Historical Advisory Board Meeting:          Wednesday, October 15th at 5:30 p.m.

Loomis Basin Historical Society Meeting: Wednesday, September 18th at 6:00 p.m. 

Placer County Historical Society Meeting: Thursday, September  5tha t 2:00 p.m.

Placer Sierra Railroad Heritage Society: Tuesday, September 24th at 7:00 p.m.

Rocklin Historical Society Meeting:             Tuesday, September  10th at  6:30 p.m.

Roseville Historical Society Meeting: Tuesday, September 10th at 4:00 p.m. 

                                              

  

 

July- August 2024

 Administrator’s Notes

by Ralph Gibson, Museums Administrator

Summer is finally here, and Heritage Trail 2024 is underway! Like most years, some museums have had less attendance and some more. But one thing that started last year that seems to have grown this year are the number of patrons who visit museums on their regular day of operation and not necessarily their Heritage Trail Day to get their cards stamped. The first week of Heritage Trail, we got our first cards turned in and the flow of fully stamped cards has not stopped. At the Griffith Quarry Museum last weekend, I received 12 fully stamped cards!

This weekend on the Heritage Trail (June 29th) we will be in Auburn at the Chinese Joss House; the Western States Trail Museum; the new Auburn Journal Newspaper Museum and the Placer County Museum in the historic Courthouse. If you have time, please come by and check out these great museums! One thing to note is that the Sierra College Natural History Museum, which had been scheduled to have their Heritage Trail Day on July 6th, had to postpone to September 7th.

For a full and updated schedule for this summer’s Heritage Trail, please visit: www.placer.ca.gov/heritagetrail. I hope to see you all somewhere on the Heritage Trail this summer!

A new exhibit at the historic courthouse in Auburn showcases women's capes from the Placer County Museums collection. 

New Donation Highlight

by Kasia Woroniecka , Curator of Collections

This colorful Double Wedding Ring quilt was made by Cora Naramore for her granddaughter Rowena Naramore. Though the pattern was first published in the United States in the early 1920s, the quilt pattern can be found as early as the late 19th Century.  

It is through donations like these that we can continue to bring history to life for our visitors. If you have items with Placer County history that you are interested in donating, please contact the Curator of Collections, Kasia Woroniecka (kworonie@placer.ca.gov) or the Curator of Archives, Kelsey Monahan (kmonahan@placer.ca.gov) to find out how. 

This quilt and other never-before-displayed artifacts are currently on display at the Bernhard Museum in Auburn. Hours: Tuesday - Friday, 1:00 - 4:00, Saturday-Sunday 11:00 - 4:00. Closed holidays. Address: 291 Auburn Folsom Road, Auburn.

Plan your visit today!

Hope in Weimar: Vietnamese Refugees in Placer County

by Kelsey Monahan, Curator of Archives

 In the wake of the tumultuous events of the 1970s, a small corner of Placer County became a sanctuary for refugees fleeing Southeast Asia. Following the collapse of their governments in April 1975, over 140,000 people from Cambodia and South Vietnam sought refuge under the Indochina Refugee Program. Camp Pendleton in San Diego, along with other temporary camps across the country, provided initial shelter to tens of thousands of displaced individuals.

In May 1975 Food for the Hungry, a non-profit organization, sponsored 500 refugees from Camp Pendleton, aiming to assist their resettlement in the United States. They searched for a suitable facility to house them and set their sights on the Weimar Medical Center in Placer County, an unused former tuberculosis hospital built in 1919. Following lobbying efforts with the Weimar Medical Center’s Central Hospital Committee and the Placer County Board of Supervisors, a short-term lease was approved on May 16, 1975, despite plans for the hospital property's sale later that year.

In early June, the first refugee families arrived from Camp Pendleton to the newly named "Weimar Hope Village." The official opening on June 18, 1975, was attended by guests such as Ruth Graham (wife of the Reverend Billy Graham), actress and activist Tippi Hedren, exiled South Vietnamese actress Kieu Chinh, and former South Vietnam Premier Nguyen Cao Ky. At Weimar Hope Village, Food for the Hungry organized English classes, vocational training, and provided educational opportunities for children who attended local schools and music classes. 

Tippi Hedren and Weimar Hope Village Residents, circa 1975. Weimar Collection, Placer County Museums.

While conditions at Weimar Hope Village were an improvement over the temporary shelters of Camp Pendleton, it was a significant adjustment for refugees who had left behind their homes and lives. Nguyen Thi Thai, a resident, reflected in the Sacramento Bee, "It is sad; it is a great disruption, but there was nothing else we could have done. Our lives in Saigon were over whether we stayed or not. Coming here at least gives us a chance for a new life, but it is a huge change… And we all have to find a place for ourselves in this new homeland of ours."

Many families eventually resettled beyond Placer County, but some chose to remain. Former Vietnamese General Nyugen Van Chuc, for instance, purchased the Penn-Sierra Tire and Service Station in Loomis. Joseph Nguyen Huong, who had served in the Vietnamese Air Force, became "Father Joe" after connecting with the Sacramento Catholic diocese. After his ordination he served at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Churches of Auburn and Lincoln.

Food for the Hungry secured two lease extensions for Weimar Hope Village in September and October of 1975. However, by the end of October, the Hospital Central Committee was eager to finalize the sale of the facilities. On October 31, 1975, Weimar Hope Village closed its doors after aiding over 800 refugees in resettling across California and the United States. 

In December 1975, the Weimar Medical Center Central Hospital Committee sold the former hospital grounds to a developer, with proceeds divided among the 15 counties. The property was sold in 1977 to the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, which remains its owner to this day. 

 Attention Researchers and History Enthusiasts!

Our Digital Collections site, Preservica, will be down starting July 1, 2024, while we switch to a new provider. The change is aimed at improving access and we will be working hard behind the scenes to be back up and running soon. Please contact me, Curator of Archives Kelsey Monahan, at kmonahan@placer.ca.gov if you need any documents during this time. Thank you for your patience and ongoing support!

 

The Tevis Cup

by Christina Richter, Museums Administrative Clerk

Riders will begin the 68th annual Tevis Cup on July 20, at 5:15am, at Robie Equestrian Park in Truckee. Under the light of a full moon, around 150 horseback riders will endeavor to complete the challenge of the 100-miles of the Western States Trail through the rugged Sierra Nevada in under 24 hours. Those who finish the journey on time, and “whose mount is judged fit to continue” will be awarded the coveted Tevis Cup completion award buckle. 

 However, it is a “ride” and not a “race” as this distinction was made clear by the event’s creator, Wendell Robie. Robie began the tradition in 1955 with himself, and four other riders, tackling the 100 miles of the Western States Trail with the aim to finish within 24 hours. The endeavor was thought foolhardy by most, but Robie was not a man to be deterred. Four of the five were successful and thus began the Western States Trail ride tradition, which would be named the “Tevis Cup.”

Hal Hall, 32-time Tevis completion buckle winner, states “While the surrounding mountains through the Sierra Nevada and along the Western States Trail is beautiful, wild and scenic; the Tevis Cup Ride 100-mile event route is relentless in its challenge and unforgiving to the ill-prepared.” 

Best of luck to all those riders on the trail this summer!

Tevis Cup riders, 1981. Kurt Markus, Wendell Robie, Marion Robie Arnold and two unidentified riders.  Placer County Museums.

Docent Spotlight

Katy Bartosh, Curator of Education

Lynne Lyndon has been a docent at Placer County Museums for 13 years! This is what she had to say when I reached out about her docent experience: “While enjoying the luxury of retirement, I wanted to do something community oriented.  Already interested in history, becoming a docent seemed a natural fit for me.  I enjoy meeting out of town visitors and sharing our local history and the importance of the Gold Rush in the opening of California.  It is especially fun to share our history with locals who drive by every day and finally stop to see what is inside our museums.  My love of old things extends to life away from museums.  My husband, Wayne, and I enjoy old cars too, and take country drives with two vintage car clubs.  We live on acreage so much of our free time is spent doing chores and enjoying foothill living.” 

 

                                                                 Lynne Lyndon

Rocklin Historical Society

By Linda Wampler, Quarry Quarterly Editor

The Rocklin Historical Society's newest exhibit, "Her Story: Women Who Impacted Rocklin’s Early History," is now open at the History Museum.

Explore the inspiring stories of women who served in the Armed Forces, owned businesses, and held public office, including Rocklin's first woman mayor and a Justice of the Peace. Learn about the first librarian, a telegraph operator, and women who served as aircraft spotters during WWII. Discover the incredible tales of the women who managed the ranches.

Admission is free. The museum, located at the corner of San Francisco Street and Rocklin Road, is open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Group tours may be arranged by contacting the society at rocklinhistorical@gmail.com.

SNOW Museum

By Eddy Ancinas

Good news form the future SNOW Museum: after 15 years of community outreach and planning, the Placer County Board of Supervisors has unanimously endorsed the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the SNOW (Sierra Nevada Olympic Wintersports) Museum in Olympic Valley Park.

Watch Our Award-Winning Video: Learn why a museum of Sierra Snow Sports is essential, why our history is unique, and what's next. Watch here: https://youtu.be/Me31u9Y-1F0 

Visit Our Interim Location: Until the new museum opens, explore artifacts and memorabilia from the 1960 Olympics and learn about Sierra ski pioneers at our current location in the Boatworks Mall, Tahoe City.

Host Your Event: With a large conference table and nearby restaurants, our interim location is perfect for meetings and social gatherings. For more information or to schedule an event, contact info@thesnowmuseum.org.

Placer County Historical Society

Please join us for a book signing event:

Egbert, Sisson, Wallace and Crocker.  Merchants, Lumbermen and Chinese Railroad Labor Contractors by John Knox

Auburn Images Volume Two by April McDonald-Loomis

Saturday, June 29th,  1:00 to 3:00 

Placer County Visitors Bureau & California Welcome Center, 1103 High Street, Auburn 

The next Placer County Historical Society Dinner meeting will take place on October 3rd.

Please stay tuned for more updates as the event nears.

Please visit our website: www.placercountyhistoricalsociety.org.

 Placer County Historical Organizations

 Colfax Area Historical Society 

Jay McIntyre, President, (530) 346-8599

colfaxhistory.org 

Donner Summit Historical Society

Bill Oudegeest, (209) 606-6859

donnersummithistoricalsociety.org

Foresthill Divide Historical Society

Annie DeMaria-Norris (916) 206-4479 foresthillhistory.org

Fruitvale School Hall 

Community Association 

Mark Fowler

Golden Drift Historical Society

Sarah Fugate, (530) 389-2121

Historical Advisory Board

Glenn Vineyard, (916) 747-1961

Joss House Museum and 

Chinese History Center

Larry Finney, (530) 305-9380

Lincoln Area Archives Museum

Elizabeth Jansen, (916) 645-3800

laamca.org

Lincoln Highway Association 

Trey Pitsenberger

vice.president@lincolnhighwayassoc.org

Loomis Basin Historical Society

Karen Clifford, (916) 663-3871

www.loomisbasinhistory.org

Maidu Museum & Historic Site

Kaitlin Kincade, (916) 774-5934

roseville.ca.us/indianmuseum 

The Museum of Sierra Ski History and 1960 Winter Olympics 

David C. Antonucci, (775) 722-3502 

tahoemuseum.org

Native Sons of the Golden West 

Parlor #59

Dave Allen, (530) 878-2878 dsallen59@sbcglobal.net

Newcastle Portuguese Hall 

Association

Mario Farinha, (530) 269-2412 

North Lake Tahoe Historical Society

Phil Sexton, (530) 583-1762

northtahoemuseums.org

Placer County Genealogical Society 

Diane Fishburn

http://www.placergenealogy.org  

Placer County Historical Society

April McDonald-Loomis

(530) 823-2128

placercountyhistoricalsociety.org

Placer County Museums Docent Guild

Craig Norris

Placer Sierra Railroad Heritage Society  

Chuck Spinks

Psrhs.org

Rocklin Historical Society

Gloria Beverage (916) 799-7783

rocklinhistory.org

Roseville Historical Society

Denise Fiddyment, (916) 773-3003

rosevillehistorical.org

 

Calendar: 

Please confirm all meeting times and locations with each organization

Foresthill Divide Historical Society Meeting: Monday, July 15th at 6:00 p.m.

Golden Drift Historical Society Meeting: Monday, August 5th at 7:00 p.m.

Historical Advisory Board Meeting: Wednesday, August 21st at 5:30 p.m.

Loomis Basin Historical Society Meeting: Wednesday, July 17th at 6:00 p.m. 

Placer County Historical Society Meeting:         No meeting until October

Placer Sierra Railroad Heritage Society: Tuesday, July 23rd at 7:00 p.m.

Rocklin Historical Society Meeting: Tuesday, July 9th at  6:30 p.m.

Roseville Historical Society Meeting: Tuesday, July 9th at 4:00 p.m. 

 

May-June 2024

Administrator’s Notes

by Ralph Gibson, Museums Administrator

I can’t believe it’s May already. Summer is just around the corner and that means the Heritage Trail is on the way! Once again, we’ll have at least 26 museums participating from Roseville to Tahoe. We should have the dates set and information posted online soon. Be watching for it!

We just had our annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon, and it was a huge success with 100 people in attendance, including District 1 Supervisor Bonnie Gore and District 3 Supervisor Jim Holmes. Congratulations to everyone who reached a milestone in years and hours served and a special congratulations to our three Outstanding Achievement awardees: Mike Edwards, Lynn Tubbe and Eve Gutierrez.

 
Our exhibit on the Ludwig Twins is fully installed in the Placer County Museum, including film footage of their trick riding on the big screen in the gallery, so please come by and check it out!

The exhibit team is hard at work on an exhibit on the Foresthill Telephone Company that will be installed in the Forest Hill Divide Museum before they open for the season Memorial Day weekend. Aside from that, planning is well underway for the Old Auburn Cemetery Tour and the Old Auburn Ghost Tour, so it’s never a dull moment for the Placer County Museums.

I hope to see you all on the Heritage Trail this summer!

Supervisor Jim Holmes, Tom Innes, Richard Jones and Supervisor Bonnie Gore at the Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon.

New Donation Highlight

by Kasia Woroniecka , Curator of Collections

This little thimble was made around 1900 and came in a wooden holder in the shape of an acorn. It is engraved with a floral design and the name B. Morrison. Though initially tools for sewing, thimbles evolved into fashionable gifts and sought-after collectibles during the 19th century.

It is through donations like these that we can continue to bring history to life for our visitors. If you have items with Placer County history that you are interested in donating, please contact the Curator of Collections, Kasia Woroniecka (kworonie@placer.ca.gov) or the Curator of Archives, Kelsey Monahan (kmonahan@placer.ca.gov) to find out how.

Echoes of the Esoteric in Applegate 

by Kelsey Monahan, Curator of Archives

Recently a collection was donated to the Archive and Research Center from the Hotchkiss Family, a prominent Placer County family and former proprietors of the Walmond resort in Applegate. Among the items is small journal bearing the inscription: “John Farwell Hotchkiss, Applegate, 1900-1901.”

 
John F. Hotchkiss was just one or two years old when his family, led by his father W.B. Hotchkiss, a prominent newspaper editor, relocated to Applegate between 1893 and 1894. Here, they established and managed the Walmond resort, while W.B. Hotchkiss also served in various civic capacities and cultivated fruit trees in the area.

John was about 8 years old when he wrote the journal, and it reflects his childhood wonder and observation. He describes summer trips to Blue Cañon, how much he liked his teacher Miss Lynch, and the family dog, Brownie, whom John fondly recounts the origin of his name being because he was “so little, so fat, and so brown.”

 

The Hotchkiss Family in Applegate 1901, from left to right: W.B., John, Anna, and Douglas. 

He also writes about a “gray-haired gentleman” named Mr. Butler, who runs a colony in Applegate. John describes him: “He has been in the Rebellion war and on his right hand he has all but his thumb and fore-finger cut off so he can not lift anything; but he can hold a cigar and that’s very important to him because he is all ways smoking the vilest cigars I ever smelt and he smokes about thirteen of them a day and I should think they would make him sick but they don’t and I think it is a mystery that they don’t. He keeps a blacksmith and there is a very old gentleman whose name is Mr. Nichol that works in the shop and Mr. Nichol is one of Grandmothers great friends. There is only about ten people there now and when they do go there they only stay about two days. Mr. Butler will not let Mr. Nichol go to see anybody because he thinks Mr. Nichol will say something about him or the way he does things.” This Mr. Butler of course is Hiram Erastus Butler, leader of the Esoteric Fraternity in Applegate, a secluded religious organization that believed a life of celibacy and solitude would lead to immortality.

 
Mr. Nichol is likely Lorenzo Dow Nichols, one of the original members of the Esoteric Fraternity that took over as President in 1916 at age 92 after H.E. Butler’s death. The secrecy of Mr. Butler can possibly be attributed to an 1899 suit filed by the manager of the Esoteric Publishing Company, T.A. Williston, alleging that H.E. Butler and the colony owed him two years of wages, and accusing Butler of mismanagement and drunkenness. The case was struck out in June 1900, around the time that young John Farwell Hotchkiss would have been writing in his journal.

 
In reading the entries of this young man, we’re reminded that even the youngest among us can provide unique perspectives and add to our understanding of history.

 

Advertisement for the Walmond Resort in Applegate

Saving the Foresthill Odd Fellows Building

by Christina Richter, Museums Administrative Clerk

The structure at 24611 Foresthill Road was built in 1857 as one-story mercantile building. Three years later, the Odd Fellows chapter in the nearby gold mining town of Bath identified the building as a potential place to call their home. Reed’s General Store occupied the existing building, and the Odd Fellows proposed a 2nd story. 

Reed agreed. Rights were purchased to build the second story with the deed documenting that the Odd Fellows would keep up the roof, and store-owner Reed would keep up the foundation. In December of 1860 construction was complete and the Odd Fellows held their first meeting in the upstairs space in January 1861. 

Through the years the building has had repairs and reinforcement, but a significant deterioration began about 20 years ago. The winter storm of 2008 irreparably damaged the front balcony, overhang, and roof. The Odd Fellows replaced the roof and removed what remained of the front balcony and overhang. Unfortunately, this exposure caused further deterioration. 

Today the cherished historic building is in danger of permanent disrepair. The Odd Fellows are working diligently alongside local citizens to understand what’s needed to save the structure. This important and beloved part of Foresthill’s heritage is at stake. Anyone interested in joining the effort to save this historic structure is encouraged to contact the Foresthill Odd Fellows at their email address: IOOF73FH@gmail.com. 

New Exhibit at the Placer County Museum

by Jason Adair, Exhibit Technician

The 1918 Pandemic at the Courthouse is over! In commemoration, we cleared out the exhibit in record time, while wearing masks and gloves! In the space now is a new exhibit on the Ludwig Twins who were trick riders from the area and – just come down and see the exhibit for yourself, it’s really great, and there’s even a video of them trick riding!

Docent Spotlight

Kaitlin Grebe, Curator

Paul Clement has been volunteering for Placer County Museums for six years. He decided to join because he was retired and felt “the need to be doing stuff”. Before this, he gave tours at the Kearny Mansion and did archiving in Fresno. He enjoys reading and viewing old documents and images, so volunteering with the archives on Fridays is right up his alley!

In addition to the archives, he volunteers on Saturdays at the Placer County Museum in the Courthouse, but has also done Griffith Quarry and the Foresthill Museum.

His advice to anyone interested in volunteering is to try the different venues until you find the one you enjoy. His favorite part of the work is harassing Katy Bartosh, our Curator of Education. You can visit Paul and comfort Katy on Saturday mornings in the Courthouse.

Placer County Genealogical Society

 

A major mission of the Placer County Genealogical Society is to promote the preservation of public and private records of genealogical and historical value. A major effort in that regard over the last 30 years has been to provide indexes to local records. These indexes are maintained on the website www.placergenealogy.org. The record indexes include:

INDEXES TO OLD AUBURN CEMETERY BOOKS from the Auburn Public Cemetery District
WORLD WAR I SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN OF PLACER COUNTY, CALIFORNIA from the History of Placer and Nevada Counties, California, by Lardner & Brock

INDEX TO BILLS OF SALE from the Placer County Clerk/Recorder's Office

INDEX OF MILITARY DISCHARGE RECORDS from the Placer County Archives and several others including marriage and other vital records.

 
The Society also maintains a Library located at the Loomis Library and Community Center which includes books on a large variety of genealogical topics.

Upcoming general meetings will feature member sharing about our military ancestors on May 27th, and a presentation by Christine Cohen on researching your Civil War veteran ancestors on June 24th.

 Meetings begin at 7 pm at the Beecher Room of the Auburn Library, 350 Nevada Street, Auburn.

All meetings are free and open to the public. The meetings can also be accessed by Zoom. Check the website for more information.

Placer County Historical Society Dinner Meeting

When: Thursday, June 6, 2024

 
Meeting at 6:00, Dinner at 6:15       Cost: $20.00.

 Speaker Barbara Leak at 6:45

Speaker presentation: Free

Topic: The Story of Peter Oest, a Placer County Pioneer

Location: Veterans Memorial Hall Dinner

100 East Street, Auburn, CA

Please RSVP to Jane Hamilton hamiltonjane1@me.com or 530-885-7839

Please go to www.placercountyhistoricalsociety.org for more information

Placer County Historical Organizations

Colfax Area Historical Society 

Jay McIntyre, President, (530) 346-8599

colfaxhistory.org 

Donner Summit Historical Society

Bill Oudegeest, (209) 606-6859

donnersummithistoricalsociety.org

Foresthill Divide Historical Society

Annie DeMaria-Norris (916) 206-4479 foresthillhistory.org

Fruitvale School Hall 

Community Association 

Mark Fowler

Golden Drift Historical Society

Sarah Fugate, (530) 389-2121

Historical Advisory Board

Glenn Vineyard, (916) 747-1961

Joss House Museum and 

Chinese History Center

Larry Finney, (530) 305-9380

Lincoln Area Archives Museum

Elizabeth Jansen, (916) 645-3800

laamca.org

Lincoln Highway Association 

Trey Pitsenberger

vice.president@lincolnhighwayassoc.org

Loomis Basin Historical Society

Karen Clifford, (916) 663-3871

www.loomisbasinhistory.org

Maidu Museum & Historic Site

Kaitlin Kincade, (916) 774-5934

roseville.ca.us/indianmuseum 

The Museum of Sierra Ski History and 1960 Winter Olympics 

David C. Antonucci, (775) 722-3502 

tahoemuseum.org

Native Sons of the Golden West 

Parlor #59

Dave Allen, (530) 878-2878 dsallen59@sbcglobal.net

Newcastle Portuguese Hall 

Association

Mario Farinha, (530) 269-2412 

North Lake Tahoe Historical Society

Phil Sexton, (530) 583-1762

northtahoemuseums.org

Placer County Genealogical Society 

Diane Fishburn

http://www.placergenealogy.org  

Placer County Historical Society

April McDonald-Loomis

(530) 823-2128

placercountyhistoricalsociety.org

Placer County Museums Docent Guild

Craig Norris

Placer Sierra Railroad Heritage Society  

Chuck Spinks

Psrhs.org

Rocklin Historical Society

Hank Lohse, (916) 624-3464

rocklinhistory.org

Roseville Historical Society

Denise Fiddyment, (916) 773-3003

rosevillehistorical.org

Calendar 

Please confirm all meeting times and locations with each organization

Foresthill Divide Historical Society Meeting:         Monday, May 20th at 6:00 p.m.
Golden Drift Historical Society Meeting:          Monday, June 3rd at 7:00 p.m.
Historical Advisory Board Meeting:          Wednesday, June 19th at 5:30 p.m.
Loomis Basin Historical Society Meeting:          Wednesday, May 15th at 6:00 p.m.
Placer County Historical Society Meeting:          Thursday, May 2nd at 2:00 p.m.
Placer Sierra Railroad Heritage Society:          Tuesday, May 28th at 7:00 p.m.
Rocklin Historical Society Meeting:             Tuesday, May 14th at 6:30 p.m.
Roseville Historical Society Meeting:          Tuesday, May 14th at 4:00 p.m.

March-April 2024

Administrator’s Notes

by Ralph Gibson, Museums Administrator

Spring Living History begins on February 27th and runs through June 5th. We have a full calendar and will be running Living History at both the Bernhard and Fruitvale Schoolhouse Museums.

 
Staff is also busy working on an exhibit that will replace the 1918 exhibit in the Placer County Museum gallery that focuses on the Ludwig Twins of Auburn who were trick horse riders. The local twins became very popular in the 1950s. We hope to install the exhibit sometime in March. After that, the Exhibit Team will focus on completing exhibits for the Forest Hill Divide Museum, which includes an interactive touch-screen display, in time for their seasonal opening on Memorial Day weekend.

 
Hollywood came to the Gold Rush Museum on February 15th as a large production crew, extras and a couple of stars (Billy Baldwin and Isabella Ferreira) filmed scenes by the railcars for an upcoming film on homelessness titled: “No Address.”

Preparations are underway for Heritage Trail 2024, but more on that in the next issue of The Placer. I wish you all a wonderful spring!

New Donation Highlight

by Kasia Woroniecka , Curator of Collections

This beautiful toilet set was made around 1890 by the George Scott Pottery, a family-owned business in Cincinnati, Ohio. It was established in 1846 and by 1870s was one of the largest producers of ironstone china.
It is through donations like these that we can continue to bring history to life for our visitors. If you have items with Placer County history that you are interested in donating, please contact the Curator of Collections, Kasia Woroniecka (kworonie@placer.ca.gov) or the Curator of Archives, Kelsey Monahan (kmonahan@placer.ca.gov) to find out how.

Uncovering the Postal Legacy of Edith M. Cairns

by Kelsey Monahan, Curator of Archives

If you’ve been around the Archive and Research Center recently, you may have heard me talk about a new book I’ve acquired: History of California Post Offices 1849-1976, by H.E. Salley (thanks to a recommendation by a volunteer!). While delving into the records of Placer County post offices, a particular name caught my attention – Cairns. The entry simply stated: “Estab. 6/19/1906. Disc. 3/30/1907. MT: Lincoln. Named for Edith M. Cairns, the 1st PM. Located 11 miles NE of Lincoln.” Intrigued, I began researching to uncover the story behind Edith M. Cairns and the post office bearing her name.

Edith Mona Cairns was born in 1876 in Colorado to John Wesley Cairns and Annie (Kennish) Cairns, immigrants from the Isle of Man. John W. Cairns was a miner, and the family moved around the country for many years, living in Colorado, Kansas, and Utah. In 1906, John W. Cairns purchased an interest in the Al Gol Mine (also spelled Algol or Argol) Northeast of Lincoln close to the Bear River.
The announcement that the Al Gol mine was being reopened appeared in the January 18, 1906, Sacramento Daily Union. However, it was not until April 13, 1906, that the Post Office Department received an application from John W. Cairns to establish a post office in “Cairns.” The application stated that about 50 people would be served by the new office, and proposed that his daughter, Edith M. Cairns, serve as the postmaster. The post office was officially established June 19, 1906, but closed less than a year later on March 30, 1907. The closure was likely due to the family’s relocation to Christian Valley, where John W. Cairns assumed the role of Superintendent of the Iron Mine. Because of its short-lived operation, Cairns only appears on one map- a 1906 postal route map of California.

1906 Postal Routes Map showing Cairns. Courtesy of the Library of Congress.

However, that is not where the postal history stops! Edith M. Cairns went on to marry David M. Kennedy in San Francisco on October 27, 1909. They had one son, David Mackie Kennedy, on November 23, 1911. The family resided in Auburn until 1912 when David M. Kennedy purchased the general merchandise business at Weimar, and shortly after was appointed postmaster of the Weimar post office. While the Kennedy family lived in Weimar the town would undergo a significant transformation with the opening of the Weimar Joint Sanitarium in 1919. According to the 1924 History of Placer and Nevada Counties: “It was largely through the efforts of Mrs. Kennedy that the Weimar Joint Sanitarium was located at Weimar. She has taken an active part in working for the improvements to the town and county and is held in high esteem for her many qualities of mind and heart.”

After her husband David M. Kennedy's passing on May 5, 1922, Edith took over as acting postmaster, and was officially appointed in August 1922. She served the Weimar post office for two decades, overseeing its transition from a 4th class to a 3rd class office due to the increased mail volume from the Sanatorium. Her son, David Mackie Kennedy, assisted in the post office before joining the Marine Corps in 1942. Edith retired the same year and passed away on December 18, 1946. Her obituary hailed her as a pillar of the community, describing her dedication and service as postmaster with warmth and respect.

 
In tracing the journey of Edith (Cairns) Kennedy from her brief stint as the postmaster of a small community to her pivotal role as postmaster of a town undergoing a transformative change, we can uncover not just a piece of postal history but also a testament of the enduring impact of individuals on the places they call home.

History Explored

by Natalie Brennan, Museums Volunteer

Inside the New Auburn Cemetery, there is a grave marker bearing the name Vern Knipp. This grave is a local historical landmark because Knipp was aboard the battleship USS Oklahoma, which was sunk during the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. Knipp was one of 422 sailors lost aboard Oklahoma when it capsized after taking multiple torpedoes in the beginning of the attack. Knipp was buried as an unknown soldier for many years until recent DNA testing found that his sister lived in Auburn, and Knipp was identified and reburied in Auburn. Every December 7, the Placer County Council Navy League hosts a Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony at the grave of Vern Knipp. I have spoken at these ceremonies, discussing another individual who survived the attack.

The attack on Pearl Harbor was the event that brought America into World War II. I first started delving into the subject in my junior year of high school with my big writing assignment where I had to analyze and discuss the Day of Infamy speech by President Franklin Roosevelt on December 8, 1941. My late grandfather, a member of the Placer County Council Navy League, told me that there was a man who survived the attack who regularly attended. Since the speaker that day was a sailor who served on the USS Hornet, I was eager to learn more. By luck that Pearl Harbor survivor, Lt. Commander Lou Conter, sat right across from me. Since I was the only kid in the room, Mr. Conter started quizzing me on why I was attending a meeting, which turned into a quiz on World War II. He then smiled and said that he was at Pearl Harbor when it was bombed, aboard the battleship USS Arizona, the vessel that contributed to half of losses that day, losing 1,177 men in mere seconds to a bomb in the forward ammunition magazine.

Mr. Conter, then a twenty-year-old Quartermaster 3rd Class, happened to have an image of the ship’s memorial close at hand, and he pointed out where he was near the third gun turret by the stern as compared to where the bomb hit. He said that had he been five minutes earlier in securing his battle station, he would have been in the bridge with Captain Van Valkenburg and Admiral Kidd, who perished in the attack. Since then, Mr. Conter and I became really great friends. I guess I made such an impression on him that he invited my family and I to several anniversaries held at Pearl Harbor and introduced me to his fellow Arizona survivors now gone to their rest. The first time I went, the 73rd anniversary, I was so moved that I made him a graphic design piece for that year’s Christmas, of the Arizona memorial spanning the width of the vessel. His late wife, Val Conter, later wrote me a letter thanking me for the gesture, saying he was so happy and couldn’t wait to show her. I am truly honored to know and be friends with Lou Conter, I credit our friendship with my drive to learn everything there is to know about World War II and Pearl Harbor and pass on their stories to the future generations. It’s the very least I can do for them and all he and the others have done for us.

Docent Spotlight

by Kaitlin Grebe, Curator
 

The Placer County Museums operate with the help of over 150 active volunteers. These remarkable individuals, including enthusiastic docents like Eve Gutierrez, play a vital role in maintaining eight museums, ensuring that over 160 calendar openings are filled every month.

In a recent interview conducted at the Placer County Museum, Eve Gutierrez shared insights into her volunteer journey. Having started in December 2012, Eve's commitment spans over 11 years. When asked about her initial motivation, Eve credited Fran Hanson, a tai chi companion and museums volunteer, for introducing her to volunteering opportunities. Despite turning 90 on February 16th Eve radiates energy and offers valuable advice for prospective volunteers of all ages. She emphasized the social benefits of volunteering, highlighting the importance of staying connected and engaged with others. As the interview drew to a close and visitors flooded the gallery, Eve graciously welcomed them and began sharing the museum's history with enthusiasm. Her warmth and dedication embody the very essence of volunteerism at Placer County Museums.

SNOW Sports Museum

By Eddy Ancinas

Greetings from the SNOW (Sierra Nevada Olympic Winter) Sports Museum, dedicated to preserving and celebrating 150 years of Sierra Ski History and the 1960 Winter Olympic Games.
While North Lake Tahoe and the world wait for the future SNOW Sport Museum to be constructed in the Placer County Park at the entrance to Olympic Valley, visitors and locals can visit the Boatworks Shopping Mall in Tahoe City, where artifacts, photos and stories of Sierra skiing from the 1800s to the present, including the 1960 Olympics, ­ are displayed upstairs in an 1800 square foot space.
The SNOW Sports Museum is a cooperative venture with the Batiste Family, the Boatworks owners, and the SNOW Sports Museum Foundation. Rare items from the Stan and Maryanne Batiste 1960 Olympic collection, Auburn Ski Club’s stories, photos and artifacts fill half the space, while memorabilia from local Olympic skiers Daron Rahlves, Julia Mancuso and Travis Ganong and David Antonucci’s collection of artifacts from the Olympic cross-country ski venue on Tahoe’s Westshore fill the other half. The evolution of ski equipment, longboard racing and the development of ski areas from Sugar Bowl to Granlibakken to Alpine Meadows and Palisades Tahoe are also on display. A large conference table makes this location an ideal spot for meetings and social gatherings. Open Daily 10-5PM

Placer County Genealogical Society

The Placer County Genealogical Society invites everyone to tour the new website found at www.placergenealogy.org. On the website, you can find information about upcoming meetings, membership, several Placer County record indexes and much more.

The Society participates in Heritage Trail each summer and the annual Cemetery Tour in October, and also undertakes record preservation projects.
Our genealogical interests extend far beyond Placer County. Recent meeting speakers have addressed Portuguese-Azorean genealogy, Irish roots, Quaker records and much more.
Our March 25th General Meeting will feature a presentation by Glenn York on Ancestry DNA – Tools and Tips, and on April 22nd, Jaqui Stevens will discuss the California Gold Rush. General meetings are held in the Beecher Room of the Auburn Library, and the Day Study Group and DNA meetings are held in the Jessie Helms Room of the Loomis Library. More information is available on the website.
All meetings are free and open to the public.

Placer County Historical Society Dinner Meeting

When: Thursday, April 4, 2024
Meeting at 6:00, Dinner at 6:15, Speaker Hal Hall at 6:45 

Topic: Western States Museum progress

 

Location: Veterans Memorial Hall Dinner cost: $20.00.

100 East Street, Auburn, CA Speaker presentation: Free

 
Please RSVP to Jane Hamilton hamiltonjane1@me.com or 530-885-7839
Please go to www.placercountyhistoricalsociety.org for more information

Placer County Historical Organizations Calendar 

Please confirm all meeting times and locations which each organization 

Foresthill Divide Historical Society Meeting: Monday, March 18th at 6:00 p.m.

Golden Drift Historical Society Meeting: Monday, April 1st at 7:00 p.m.

Historical Advisory Board Meeting: Wednesday, April 17th at 5:30 p.m.

Loomis Basin Historical Society Meeting: Wednesday, March 20th at 6:00 p.m. 

Placer County Historical Society Meeting: Thursday, March 7th at 2:00 p.m.

Placer Sierra Railroad Heritage Society: Tuesday, March 25th at 7:00 p.m.

Rocklin Historical Society Meeting: Monday, March 11th at  6:00 p.m.

Roseville Historical Society Meeting: Tuesday, March  12th at 4:00 p.m. 

Placer County Historical Organizations

Colfax Area Historical Society 
Dirk Gifford, (530) 346-8599 
colfaxhistory.org

Donner Summit Historical Society
Bill Oudegeest
(209) 606-6859
donnersummithistoricalsociety.org

Foresthill Divide Historical Society

Annie DeMaria-Norris 

(916) 206-4479

foresthillhistory.org

Fruitvale School Hall Community Association
Mark Fowler

Golden Drift Historical Society 
Sarah Fugate
(530) 389-2121

Historical Advisory Board
Glenn Vineyard
(916) 747-1961

Joss House Museum and Chinese History Center
Larry Finney
(530) 305-9380 

Lincoln Area Archives Museum
Elizabeth Jansen
(916) 645-3800
laamca.org

Lincoln Highway Association
Trey Pitsenberger

vice.president@lincolnhighwayassoc.org

https://www.lincolnhighwayassoc.org/ca/

Loomis Basin Historical Society
Karen Clifford
(916) 663-3871
ppgn.com/loomishistorical.html

Maidu Museum & Historic Site
Kaitlin Kincade
(916) 774-5934
roseville.ca.us/indianmuseum

Native Sons of the Golden West Parlor #59
Dave Allen
(530) 878-2878
dsallen59@sbcglobal.net

Newcastle Portuguese Hall Association
Mario Farinha
(530) 269-2412

North Lake Tahoe Historical Society

Phil Sexton
(530) 583-1762
northtahoemuseums.org

Old Town Auburn Preservation Society
Lynn Carpenter
(530) 885-1252 

Placer County Genealogical Society
Diane Fishburn
http://www.placergenealogy.org

Placer County Historical Society

April McDonald-Loomis 
(530) 823-2128
placercountyhistoricalsociety.org

Placer County Museums Docent Guild
Craig Norris 

Placer Sierra Railroad Heritage Society
Chuck Spinks
chuck.spinks@outlook.com

Rocklin Historical Society
rocklinhistorical@gmail.com 
rocklinhistory.org

Roseville Historical Society
Denise Fiddyment
(916) 773-3003

S.N.O.W. Sports Museum 

Jill Short Milne, (415) 254-5686

thesnowmuseum.org