Administrator’s Notes
by Bryanna Ryan, Museums Administrator
With spring on the horizon, we are approaching a monumental milestone for Placer County. This year marks the 175th anniversary from the date Placer County was established on April 25, 1851, and carved out of portions of Sutter and Yuba Counties. Auburn, already an important site for local politics, became the seat of Placer County and the growing nexus for law and public service for the region. In celebration of this important anniversary, here is the earliest known illustration of Auburn from 1851. In the foreground, the canvas tent operated as the courthouse until it was replaced with a more permanent structure on top of the hill overlooking Auburn in 1853. The log jail beside the canvas courthouse burned, along with most of Auburn, in 1855 and was rebuilt beside the new courthouse.
In other Museums news, Living
History has begun, and we expect almost 3,000 3rd-graders to visit in the
coming months. We are accepting applications for the Supervising Curator
position, beginning plans for this year’s Heritage Trail and Cemetery Tour events,
and looking forward to a busy year ahead!
By Kasia Woroniecka , Curator of Collections
This silver napkin ring with a classical medallion of a warrior’s head belonged to Henry Andrew Frost. Born on May 15, 1830, in Massachusetts, Frost later made his way to California, settling in Dutch Flat in Placer County. He worked as a miner during the Gold Rush before eventually turning to farming, where he specialized in cultivating fruit orchards. He remained in Dutch Flat until his death on October 26, 1912.
Napkin rings first appeared in France around 1800 designed to identify and hold individual cloth napkins between weekly washings. Early examples were made from silver, wood, or bone and were often engraved with initials for personalization. Over the course of the 19th century they became popular gifts for christenings, weddings, and as keepsakes or souvenirs.
From Whitmarsh to Strobridge - An Auburn Family History
Chuck Spinks, Placer-Sierra Railroad Heritage Society President
Samuel H. Whitmarsh was born in Northampton, Massachusetts, in 1820. Like many New Englanders drawn west by opportunity, he traveled to California with his brother Thomas during the early years of the Gold Rush. By 1855, Whitmarsh had settled in Auburn, where he became the agent for the California Stage Company. In May 1857, Whitmarsh expanded his business interests by opening the Pioneer Livery Stable in Auburn while continuing his work for the Stage Company. That same year, on December 1, he married Susan J. Wolley. With financial stability and growing local prominence, Whitmarsh entered public service and, in 1858, he was elected a Placer County Supervisor representing Auburn.
Strobridge family at home in Haywards (now Hayward, CA)
Samuel and Susan Whitmarsh had a daughter, Julia Conner Whitmarsh, born on March 7, 1861. Two weeks later, on March 21 of that year, Susan Whitmarsh died. Although the cause of death was not recorded, its proximity to Julia’s birth suggests possible complications related to childbirth. On May 10, 1862, Whitmarsh remarried, taking Hannah Conover as his wife. Their son, Samuel Hooker Whitmarsh, was born on June 9, 1863. Whitmarsh’s livery business was failing, and in June 1863 he was sued by creditors. Personal loss followed financial hardship when Hannah Whitmarsh died on January 11, 1865.
When the Central Pacific Railroad reached Auburn on May 13, 1865, the California Stage Company closed its Auburn office and Samuel became unemployed. On June 7, 1865, overwhelmed by repeated bereavement and financial distress, Samuel H. Whitmarsh died by suicide. His death left Julia, age four, and Samuel, age two, without parents.
The fate of the Whitmarsh children became linked to one of Auburn’s most prominent visitors, James Harvey Strobridge, construction superintendent for the Central Pacific Railroad. From 1859 to the summer of 1863, Strobridge was in Dutch Flat managing the construction of the Placer County Canal. On December 6, 1860, Strobridge took a break from his work on the canal to marry Maria McGowan Keating in Auburn. Strobridge was hired by Charles Crocker to lead the railroad construction crews in the winter of 1864. During the construction of the Central Pacific through the Sierra foothills in 1865, Strobridge established his headquarters in Auburn where he was joined by his wife, Maria. The couple had no biological children. Sometime after Samuel Whitmarsh’s death, James and Maria Strobridge adopted Julia and Samuel Whitmarsh, the first of five adopted children they would raise. The new Strobridge family accompanied James through most of the construction of the railroad and are in photographs taken on May 10, 1869 at the Gold Spike ceremony at Promontory, Utah.
Volunteer Spotlight
By Katy Bartosh, Curator of Education
While organizing files this weekend I came across this photo of one of our docents, Richard Jones. I couldn’t help but write a bit about the work he has done in the Archives for Placer County Museums. For over 25 years, Richard has been a dedicated volunteer in Foresthill and our Archives and Collections Facility. He’s given over 4,500 hours of service and made an extraordinary impact behind the scenes. Richard volunteers multiple times a week and has inventoried more than 25,000 records. In addition to updating records, Richard has also donated objects and photographs to our collection.
While all our docents do incredible things, some of our volunteer spots are more visible than others. But the work that happens behind the scenes is just as essential to fulfilling our mission. Richard reminds us that preserving our County’s rich history will allow future generations to learn about the past. Thank you Richard!
Rocklin Historical Society
By Gloria Beverage, Rocklin Historical Society President
The Rocklin Historical Society will host an event on Saturday, May 2, showcasing the diverse history and cultures of the region. The Heritage Street Faire will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Rocklin’s historic Front Street.
Volunteers are planning a free, family-friendly event that will feature performances by a variety of ethnic music and dance groups, including Hawaiian and Irish dancers, an African dance troupe, Aztec and Native American performers as well as the popular Chinese lion dancers.
Centered around Rocklin’s history of “Rocks, Rails and Ranches, booths set up along the street will present stories of its early residents: Native Americans, Finnish, Spanish, Japanese and Chinese. In tribute to Rocklin’s once-thriving granite industry, a granite splitting demonstration is planned.
Also being invited to participate are the Tuskegee Airmen and representatives of other cultures, including the Pakistani community. The City of Rocklin’s Fire and Police Departments’ historic vehicles will be on display.
Maidu Museum and Historic Site
By Alizabeth Stevans, Interpretive Services Program Leader
Maidu Museum & Historic Site is thrilled to announce the return of Yoomén: A Celebration of Spring event, scheduled for Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This FREE family-friendly event serves as an opportunity for Indigenous communities to gather, celebrate and share deep history and traditions with all in attendance. From Raymond LeBeau’s ( Pit River, Lakota, and Cahuilla) debut art exhibition to hands-on activity stations, there will be something for everyone to enjoy at Yoomén. Visitors can enjoy lunch with a view of the Historic Site, while indulging in the food available for purchase. Throughout the day, take a guided tour of the Historic Site and enjoy demonstrations of culturally significant skills, stories, and performances by Indigenous musicians and dancers. Support Native artists directly by shopping the Yoomén market featuring beautiful art, jewelry, and more!
Placer County Historical Society
Step back in time and see history in action! Our dedicated volunteer Gus Thompson is helping bring the past to life at the Auburn Old Town Post Office History and Welcome Center.
Stop in on Saturday or Sunday between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM to explore, learn, and experience a glimpse of days gone by.
Placer County Historical Society Dinner Meeting
When: Thursday, April 2
Meeting at 6:00, Dinner at 6:15, Speaker at 6:45
Alfred Corral, local historian, will be presenting a panel of speakers on the Japanese Experience in Placer County
Location: Veterans Memorial Hall Dinner cost: $30.00.
100 East Street, Auburn, CA Speaker presentation: Free
Please RSVP to rsvp.pchs@gmail.com
Please go to www.placercountyhistoricalsociety.org for more information
Placer County Historical Organizations
Calendar:
Foresthill Divide Historical Society Meeting: Monday, March 16th at 6:00 p.m.
Golden Drift Historical Society Meeting: Monday, April 6th at 7:00 p.m.
Historical Advisory Board Meeting: Wednesday, April 15th at 5:30 p.m.
Loomis Basin Historical Society Meeting: Wednesday, March 18th at 6:00 p.m.
Placer County Historical Society Meeting: Thursday, March 5th at 2:00 p.m.
Placer Sierra Railroad Heritage Society: Tuesday, March 24th at 7:00 p.m.
Rocklin Historical Society Meeting: Tuesday, March 10th at 6:30 p.m.
Roseville Historical Society Meeting: Tuesday, March 10th at 4:00 p.m.
