Administrator’s Notes
Ralph Gibson, Museums Administrator
“…Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.”
~ Mark Twain (attributed by Gay Zenola MacLaren in her 1938 memoir, Morally We Roll Along).
I’m not sure why some people feel the need to belittle others, but it’s a problem as old as humans I suppose. We see it in every profession, schoolyard, bar, and especially on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter (I refuse to call it by its “new” name).
When I was in graduate school, I wrote a paper that heavily criticized Dr. Christy Turner’s book Man Corn, in which Turner postulated that the Anasazi were cannibals who processed humans for food much as they would a deer or rabbit. I performed statistical analysis of the data from the same site Turner used for his book (he did NOT perform the same analysis) and was able to confidently disprove his assertion. But I ventured into the realm of personal attack on Dr. Turner, to which my professor admonished me with “attack the work, not the person”. He made me remove all personal attacks before resubmitting. It was a lesson I never forgot.
It takes effort, understanding and empathy to keep from falling into the easy trap of attacking the person instead of offering an unbiased critique of their work. This has been a major issue since the pandemic and the museum field is not immune to it. Often, people who do this try to sway others to their side by whispering into their ears to give their one-sided version of events. Think about it, has anyone been in your ear lately? If so, why do you think they’re doing it?
Well, as Twain pointed out in the quote above, they are small people, but even small people can grow. All of us can and should do better and be better.
~ Mark Twain (attributed by Gay Zenola MacLaren in her 1938 memoir, Morally We Roll Along).
I’m not sure why some people feel the need to belittle others, but it’s a problem as old as humans I suppose. We see it in every profession, schoolyard, bar, and especially on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter (I refuse to call it by its “new” name).
When I was in graduate school, I wrote a paper that heavily criticized Dr. Christy Turner’s book Man Corn, in which Turner postulated that the Anasazi were cannibals who processed humans for food much as they would a deer or rabbit. I performed statistical analysis of the data from the same site Turner used for his book (he did NOT perform the same analysis) and was able to confidently disprove his assertion. But I ventured into the realm of personal attack on Dr. Turner, to which my professor admonished me with “attack the work, not the person”. He made me remove all personal attacks before resubmitting. It was a lesson I never forgot.
It takes effort, understanding and empathy to keep from falling into the easy trap of attacking the person instead of offering an unbiased critique of their work. This has been a major issue since the pandemic and the museum field is not immune to it. Often, people who do this try to sway others to their side by whispering into their ears to give their one-sided version of events. Think about it, has anyone been in your ear lately? If so, why do you think they’re doing it?
Well, as Twain pointed out in the quote above, they are small people, but even small people can grow. All of us can and should do better and be better.
The Arctic Soda Apparatus Exhibit
Kasia Woroniecka, Curator of Collections
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Tufts Arctic Soda Apparatus at the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. Courtesy of the Free Library of Philadelphia. |
An exciting new exhibit was installed recently in the main gallery at the Placer County Museum. It features Tufts Arctic Soda Apparatus, a marble soda fountain with silver accents, ground glass decorations, and gasaliers. It was purchased by Solon M. Stevens in 1885 and placed in his drugstore on the corner of Main Street and Commercial Street in Auburn. The building was demolished in 1959 and the site is currently occupied by the Valero gas station on the corner of Lincoln Way and Commercial Street. The exhibit also includes the Coles milk shaker and objects from Stevens’ Drug Store.
The temperance movement in the early 1800s is credited with the success and popularity of carbonated beverages in the United States. Carbonated water, often prescribed for indigestion, as well as soft drinks, seen as a wholesome alternative to alcohol, were served in pharmacies. The practical knowledge of chemistry and chemical reactions made pharmacists the ideal operators of soda fountains, which dispensed drinks that combined carbon dioxide, water, syrup concentrate, and even ice cream.
The golden age of soda fountains began in the early 1900s. By the early 1920s almost every drugstore had a soda fountain. During Prohibition, which wasn’t repealed until 1933, pharmacies and ice cream parlors replaced the bar as a social gathering place. Soda business boomed and the corner drugstore continued to be a popular feature in towns through the 1950s.
The first soda fountain patent was granted to U.S. physician Samuel Fahnestock in 1819. Many designs followed until 1883, when James Walker Tufts patented a soda fountain called the Arctic Soda Apparatus. Tufts business flourished through trade catalogs, marketing a line of fountains and related equipment. He eventually formed the American Soda Fountain Company, selling more soda fountains than all his competitors combined.
The temperance movement in the early 1800s is credited with the success and popularity of carbonated beverages in the United States. Carbonated water, often prescribed for indigestion, as well as soft drinks, seen as a wholesome alternative to alcohol, were served in pharmacies. The practical knowledge of chemistry and chemical reactions made pharmacists the ideal operators of soda fountains, which dispensed drinks that combined carbon dioxide, water, syrup concentrate, and even ice cream.
The golden age of soda fountains began in the early 1900s. By the early 1920s almost every drugstore had a soda fountain. During Prohibition, which wasn’t repealed until 1933, pharmacies and ice cream parlors replaced the bar as a social gathering place. Soda business boomed and the corner drugstore continued to be a popular feature in towns through the 1950s.
The first soda fountain patent was granted to U.S. physician Samuel Fahnestock in 1819. Many designs followed until 1883, when James Walker Tufts patented a soda fountain called the Arctic Soda Apparatus. Tufts business flourished through trade catalogs, marketing a line of fountains and related equipment. He eventually formed the American Soda Fountain Company, selling more soda fountains than all his competitors combined.
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Glass Medicine Bottles c. 1900. |
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Prescription filled at S.M. Stevens Drug Store, 1896. |
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The Coles Milk Shaker 1880-1900. |
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Gazing Globe c. 1885 |
The Western States Trail
Christina Richter, Administrative Clerk, Archives & Collections
Our Western States Trail in the Sierra Nevada evolved from what was once known as the Placer County Emigrant Road. Originally its pathways were navigated by Native Americans as seasonal migratory trails. Then, in the earliest days of California history, settlers from Spain and Mexico utilized this route for exploration.
In the 19th century American pioneers, very frequently gold miners, took advantage of the relatively well-worn trail. They also created new routes for exploring and potential economic gain.
During the Gold Rush era countless mining camps and dozens of small towns sprang up throughout the canyons and along the waterways. These places had names such as Deadwood, Michigan Bluff, Last Chance, and Wisconsin Hill. The section between Michigan Bluff and Last Chance was built in the early 1850s and grew to become a well-maintained toll road. This 14-mile stretch is now designated as historic and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
For decades the mines came and went. Some towns flourished for a while, but then eventually most dwindled. One hundred years after the Gold Rush, the people and places of the Placer County Emigrant Road looked very different from its earlier days.
In 1955 Auburn businessman and Placer County history champion, Wendell Robie, changed the fate of the old roadway by naming it “The Western States Trail.” In so doing Robie proved to be instrumental in bringing the road into modern day use.
It was that summer that he, and four other horseback riders, set out to conquer the 100-mile trail in 24 hours or less. The challenge of riding 100 miles on horseback through the Sierra Nevada within 24 hours, was thought foolhardy by most. But Robie was not a man to be deterred. He loved the mountains, was an expert rider, and he was especially enamored with the beauty and historical significance of the trail.
In the 19th century American pioneers, very frequently gold miners, took advantage of the relatively well-worn trail. They also created new routes for exploring and potential economic gain.
During the Gold Rush era countless mining camps and dozens of small towns sprang up throughout the canyons and along the waterways. These places had names such as Deadwood, Michigan Bluff, Last Chance, and Wisconsin Hill. The section between Michigan Bluff and Last Chance was built in the early 1850s and grew to become a well-maintained toll road. This 14-mile stretch is now designated as historic and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
For decades the mines came and went. Some towns flourished for a while, but then eventually most dwindled. One hundred years after the Gold Rush, the people and places of the Placer County Emigrant Road looked very different from its earlier days.
In 1955 Auburn businessman and Placer County history champion, Wendell Robie, changed the fate of the old roadway by naming it “The Western States Trail.” In so doing Robie proved to be instrumental in bringing the road into modern day use.
It was that summer that he, and four other horseback riders, set out to conquer the 100-mile trail in 24 hours or less. The challenge of riding 100 miles on horseback through the Sierra Nevada within 24 hours, was thought foolhardy by most. But Robie was not a man to be deterred. He loved the mountains, was an expert rider, and he was especially enamored with the beauty and historical significance of the trail.
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The first five riders to attempt the Western States Trail Ride in Tahoe City, 1955. |
In 1972 a group of 20 U.S. Army infantrymen set out on foot to tackle the 100-mile hike, nonstop. They began one day ahead of the Tevis Cup ride and were guided by local horseman, Jim Larimer. Only seven of the soldiers finished in under 48 hours. These military men were recognized in the August 3, 1972 Auburn Journal as having completed the first “Auburn Endurance March.” This was to be the inspiration for (civilian) runner Gordy Ainsleigh, to complete the hike in under 24 hours in 1974.
As a result, in 1977, 14 men from four states kicked off the 1st official Western States Endurance Run (ref: wser.org). The 100-mile one-day annual event grows in popularity every year.
Today the famed Western States Trail is an integral part of the renowned endurance activities of our area, especially highlighting the Tevis Cup and Western States Endurance Run. The historic trail traverses some of the last land in the county to be preserved in a relatively unaltered state. We can be proud that our Western States Trail continues to be a central part of our legacy.
The Life of Isabella (Belle) Crandall
April McDonald-Loomis, Placer County Historical Society
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Isabella Wells Crandall |
For those familiar with Auburn history, the names John and Harriet Crandall stand out as early pioneers with significant contributions. Known for their agricultural pursuits, their role in founding the Pioneer Methodist Church, and John's involvement in establishing local water works, the Crandall family is well-documented. However, one family member remains an enigma: Isabella Wells Crandall.
Isabella Wells is first found in the historical record in the 1850 Peoria, Illinois census, residing in the household of Harriet Crandall. At the age of 10 or 11 (sources vary), she appears alongside the Crandalls, yet her connection to them remains unclear as no familial link with the "Wells" surname can be established.
In 1851, Isabella and Harriet embarked on a journey to California to join John Crandall, who had previously led the Peoria Pioneers wagon party to the region in 1849. Opting for the quicker Nicaragua route, the voyage took them 31 days. Listed as mother and daughter, they arrived in Auburn. At a young age—either 15 or 16—Isabella wed Milton P. H. Love, 29, in the Crandall home in 1853.
Isabella's life then follows a unique trajectory. For the ensuing 15 years, her fate intertwines with her husband Milton's successes and failures, until circumstances lead her down an independent path.
Milton Love, alongside Hiram Hawkins, established the Temple Saloon on Court and Commercial streets in 1853, with Milton concurrently serving as Auburn's constable. Over time, he held various elected positions in city and county governance. Their daughters Mary and Kate were born in 1855 and 1858 respectively, coinciding with Milton's increasing involvement in court matters. In 1859, he became the county's Public Administrator. After a lost election in 1860, he transitioned into farming successfully.
However, a turning point occurred after the birth of their third daughter, Cora, in 1861. Milton sold property on Broad Street in 1863 to settle debts, relocating the family to Cisco Grove. He then joined the Central Pacific Railroad in an unknown capacity. By 1868, Milton resided in Alameda County, without his family.
Seemingly abandoned in the Sierra Nevada, Isabella raised her three daughters—aged 9, 12, and 15—alone in or near Truckee. In 1870, Mary married at 15, emulating her mother's youthful marriage. Kate and Cora later married, relocating to San Francisco. Isabella, a dressmaker, lived with Cora by 1900, passing away at her daughter's 393 Haight Street residence in 1912.
A puzzling aspect of Isabella's life involves her estrangement from the Crandall family post-marriage. Despite the Crandalls' prominence and regular appearances in local newspapers' "society sections," Isabella and her children were never featured. Even after being left to fend for herself, she refrained from seeking refuge with her relatives in Auburn.
After abandoning his family, Milton lived in Oakland. In 1875, he purchased land near Livermore from Auburn resident Charles Tuttle. Milton died at age 58 in 1883, leaving questions about his downward trajectory. His obituary noted relative poverty, and he's interred near his Livermore property.
With only public records to go by, so much of the story of a family is lost. What caused Milton’s apparent fall from grace? How did Isabella support herself and the girls in the wilds of the Sierra? We can only wonder.
Original research and story by John Knox, edited for The Placer by April McDonald-Loomis.
Isabella Wells is first found in the historical record in the 1850 Peoria, Illinois census, residing in the household of Harriet Crandall. At the age of 10 or 11 (sources vary), she appears alongside the Crandalls, yet her connection to them remains unclear as no familial link with the "Wells" surname can be established.
In 1851, Isabella and Harriet embarked on a journey to California to join John Crandall, who had previously led the Peoria Pioneers wagon party to the region in 1849. Opting for the quicker Nicaragua route, the voyage took them 31 days. Listed as mother and daughter, they arrived in Auburn. At a young age—either 15 or 16—Isabella wed Milton P. H. Love, 29, in the Crandall home in 1853.
Isabella's life then follows a unique trajectory. For the ensuing 15 years, her fate intertwines with her husband Milton's successes and failures, until circumstances lead her down an independent path.
Milton Love, alongside Hiram Hawkins, established the Temple Saloon on Court and Commercial streets in 1853, with Milton concurrently serving as Auburn's constable. Over time, he held various elected positions in city and county governance. Their daughters Mary and Kate were born in 1855 and 1858 respectively, coinciding with Milton's increasing involvement in court matters. In 1859, he became the county's Public Administrator. After a lost election in 1860, he transitioned into farming successfully.
However, a turning point occurred after the birth of their third daughter, Cora, in 1861. Milton sold property on Broad Street in 1863 to settle debts, relocating the family to Cisco Grove. He then joined the Central Pacific Railroad in an unknown capacity. By 1868, Milton resided in Alameda County, without his family.
Seemingly abandoned in the Sierra Nevada, Isabella raised her three daughters—aged 9, 12, and 15—alone in or near Truckee. In 1870, Mary married at 15, emulating her mother's youthful marriage. Kate and Cora later married, relocating to San Francisco. Isabella, a dressmaker, lived with Cora by 1900, passing away at her daughter's 393 Haight Street residence in 1912.
A puzzling aspect of Isabella's life involves her estrangement from the Crandall family post-marriage. Despite the Crandalls' prominence and regular appearances in local newspapers' "society sections," Isabella and her children were never featured. Even after being left to fend for herself, she refrained from seeking refuge with her relatives in Auburn.
After abandoning his family, Milton lived in Oakland. In 1875, he purchased land near Livermore from Auburn resident Charles Tuttle. Milton died at age 58 in 1883, leaving questions about his downward trajectory. His obituary noted relative poverty, and he's interred near his Livermore property.
With only public records to go by, so much of the story of a family is lost. What caused Milton’s apparent fall from grace? How did Isabella support herself and the girls in the wilds of the Sierra? We can only wonder.
Original research and story by John Knox, edited for The Placer by April McDonald-Loomis.
News from the Placer County Historical Society
April McDonald-Loomis, President
Our project to better utilize the Benton Welty schoolroom is well underway under the guidance of board member Carol Cramer. The classroom has been open every weekday from 11 to 2 all through August. School tours will start soon.
Look for the new plaque recently put up at the entrance to Ashford Park recognizing the Bear River Ditch that runs through the property. I can’t tell you how many people have said “I sure didn’t know that!” It’s always fun to bring history to light.
Sally Miller has joined our board and we put her right to work creating a display for the hallway in City Hall. It looks great! Thanks to Carol and Sally!
Our next general dinner meeting is October 5th at the Veteran’s Hall. Troy and Sandy Simester will be speaking about the community of Foresthill.
Hope to see you then,
April McDonald-Loomis
President
The Bernhard Museum's Annual Cleaning
This summer, the Bernhard Museum underwent its annual cleaning as dedicated volunteers and staff came together to refresh the exhibits. Among the unsung heroes who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, a special shout-out goes to Daphne Lake and Jean Gray, the dynamic duo responsible for breathing new life into the museum's drapes. Their care and dedication makes the Bernhard Museum shine, both inside and out. Thank you Daphne and Jean!
Placer County Historical Organizations Calendar
Please confirm all meeting times and locations which each organization
Foresthill Divide Historical Society Meeting: Monday, September 18th at 6:00pm
Golden Drift Historical Society Meeting: Monday, October 2nd at 7:00pm
Historical Advisory Board Meeting: Wednesday, October 18th at 5:30pm
Loomis Basin Historical Society Meeting: Wednesday, September 20th at 6:00pm; Wednesday, October 18th at 6:00pm
Placer County Historical Society Meeting: Thursday, September 7th at 2:00pm; Dinner meeting: Thursday, October 5th at 6:00pm
Placer Sierra Railroad Heritage Society: Tuesday, September 26th at 7:00pm; Tuesday, October 24th at 7:00pm
Placer Genealogical Society Meeting: Monday, September 23rd at 7:00pm; Monday, October 25th at 7:00pm
Rocklin Historical Society Meeting: Monday, September 11th at 6:00pm; Monday, October 9th at 6:00pm
Roseville Historical Society Meeting: Tuesday, September 12th at 4:00pm; Tuesday, October 10th at 4:00pm
Placer County Historical Organizations
Colfax Area Historical Society
Dirk Gifford, (530) 346-8599
colfaxhistory.org
Dirk Gifford, (530) 346-8599
colfaxhistory.org
Donner Summit Historical Society
Bill Oudegeest
(209) 606-6859
donnersummithistoricalsociety.org
Foresthill Divide Historical Society
Fruitvale School Hall Community Association
Mark Fowler
Gold Country Medical History Museum
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
Placer County Genealogical Society
Diane Fishburn
pcgs.pcgenes.com
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
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
Gold Country Medical History Museum
Lynn Carpenter
(530) 885-1252
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
(530) 885-1252
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
(530) 583-1762
northtahoemuseums.org
Old Town Auburn Preservation Society
Lynn Carpenter
(530) 885-1252
Placer County Genealogical Society
Diane Fishburn
pcgs.pcgenes.com
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
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