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

January-February 2024

 Administrator’s Notes

Ralph Gibson, Museums Administrator

This will be my 20th year with the Placer County Museums. My first official day was October 16, 2004. It was a Saturday, and I was the newly hired Curator of Education. Ten years later, in March of 2014, I officially became Museums Administrator. So this is a year of personal milestones, but it’s also an ambitious year for our museums. Staff will be busy planning, designing and installing new exhibits at the Forest Hill Divide, Gold Rush and Placer County Museums. We also hope to keep the record-breaking attendance figures for our Community Education programs going and we hope for another great summer of The Heritage Trail.
And behind the scenes of all these public-facing projects and events, staff will be working tirelessly to process two huge collections that were donated to the Placer County Museums in the latter half of 2023. After her sudden and untimely passing, Karri Samson’s incredible collection of local history was donated as was the entire collection of the Gold County Medical History Museum, which closed their doors for good last summer.
So yes, 2024 will be a busy, fun, and productive year.

Ralph Gibson , Carol Cramer, Nancy Kennedy, Brenda Starbird,  and Sandi Tribe  at the Bernhard Museum in 2006.

Message from the Editor

Dear Readers,

I am thrilled to extend a warm greeting to all of you as the newly appointed editor of The Placer newsletter. It is an honor to embark on this exciting journey of curating, crafting, and delivering content that will captivate and inspire our valued readers. I hope that The Placer will be a space where you can find thought-provoking articles and engaging stories that cater to your interests and curiosity and reflect the vibrancy of our museum community.
Since our first issue in 1985, we continue to welcome your contributions of upcoming events, organizational news, and short articles on historical topics. To stay connected and be part of the conversation, please make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram and share your thoughts by e-mail (Museums@ placer.ca.gov). Your input is vital in shaping the future content of the newsletter. Submissions for the next issue are due by February 15.
Best regards,
Kasia Woroniecka, Curator of Collections

New Donation Highlight

by Kasia Woroniecka, Curator of Collections

We received a new donation and a glamorous addition to Placer County Museums collection—a beautiful flapper dress featuring an oversized bow. This magnificent piece captures the essence of the Roaring Twenties and adds a touch of elegance to our ever-growing collection. It dates to the 1920s and belonged to Effa Lardner Gordon, daughter of W. B. Lardner, a prominent Auburn attorney and state senator.

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.

 

Dear Diary...

by Kelsey Monahan, Curator of Archives

I am very excited to share that the I.T. Coffin Diaries, a part of the Golden Drift Historical Society Collection, have been accepted into the California Revealed Digitization & Preservation Assistance Program for 2024! This important initiative by the State Library aims to help heritage organizations digitize and preserve collections significant to California's rich history, covering everything from old books to newspapers and even audiovisual recordings. The Placer County Museums Division has been fortunate to have participated in this program previously, and you can find our digitized collections at: https://californiarevealed.org/partner/placer-county-museums-division/

 

The I.T. Coffin Diaries, named after Isaac Tibbetts Coffin, offer valuable insights into the Dutch Flat area during critical periods of its history. Born on November 20, 1832, in Tuftonboro, New Hampshire, Coffin arrived in California in 1856 during the Gold Rush and eventually settled in Placer County in 1858. In addition to mining, he also worked as the owner of the Dutch Flat Water Works, ran a photography studio, and actively participated in fraternal orders.

 

 

Spanning the years 1863 and the period from 1870 to 1885, the diaries provide a comprehensive view of Coffin's experiences. The 1863 diary, a pocket-sized journal, documents the challenges and triumphs faced by a gold miner during a transformative phase in California's gold mining history, marked by the adoption of new techniques like hydraulic mining. Coffin's reflections not only cover the technical aspects of mining but also provide a personal and emotional perspective, offering a glimpse into the hardships, daily monotony, and conflicting emotions associated with being distant from home.

The second diary, spanning from 1870 to 1885, has entries that offer insight into the challenges and successes Coffin faced while operating his businesses, as well as insights into his family life and the social fabric of Dutch Flat. This diary is unique in that it goes beyond just written accounts and includes portrait photographs, presumably taken by Coffin himself in his photography studio. These portrait photographs of Dutch Flat residents give us a tangible connection to the individuals of his community.

 

I. T. Coffin

 

Additionally, the diary is historically significant in its documentation of Dutch Flat at a pivotal moment in its history. The Sawyer Decision in 1884 marked the end of hydraulic mining, ushering in a decline in the town's fortunes. Coffin's diary stands as an invaluable historical account of a community on the verge of transformative change, offering contextual understanding of the socio-economic and environmental dynamics that shaped the region.

 

Through digitization, these historical diaries can be made readily accessible to a wide audience, including students, researchers, and the general public around the world. This virtual accessibility will enable individuals who lack the physical means to visit our museums or research center the opportunity to engage with and study this primary source firsthand, enriching their understanding of Placer County and California's history.

Docent Spotlight

by Katy Bartosh, Curator of Education

The Placer County Museums operate with the help of over 150 active volunteers. With dedication and enthusiasm, these amazing docents help us keep eight museums open by filling an average of 160 calendar openings every month. This new quarterly column will feature some of our great docents; who they are and how they came to volunteer with us. I caught Kathy Fox and Brad Weisberg at the Bernhard Museum for our Inaugural highlight!

Kathy Fox and Brad Weisberg

 

Kathy Fox, docent class of 2021

Q: What did you do before you were a docent?

A: I had completed a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science with a focus in Archival Studies and was working as an Administrative Assistant/Librarian in Special Collections at the San Jose State University Library. When I retired, I moved to Auburn to be close to my family. I’ve had a broad range of jobs in my long working life including making root beer at an A&W Drive-In to working for a Forensic Odontologist (Google it!).

Q: Why did you become a docent?

A: I became a docent at the suggestion of my sister Gayle. We both were looking for a way to give back to our community.

Q: What museums do you docent at and why?

A: After “trying out” several of the museums I knew that the Bernhard House was an ideal fit for me in so many ways. I’m a third generation Californian and grew up learning the history of the state. Here was an opportunity to delve deeper into that history. I am a storyteller. I love learning beyond the basic facts and weaving that material into a narrative that I can share with museum visitors.

Q: What’s a fun fact about you?

A: Fun fact about me is that I play the tenor ukulele. I play and sing weekly with a ukulele group. Got ukulele?

Brad Weisberg, docent class of 2023



Q: What did you do before you were a docent?

A: I just retired after a 25 year career in education. I was hired as a tenured faculty member in the Theatre program at West Valley College in Saratoga CA. I spent 17 years in the program and served as department chair for 6 of those years. The last 8 years of my career I spent as Dean of Career Programs and Workforce Development. Before getting hired at West Valley, I was a stage designer and technical director for a professional theatre company in the Bay Area. I have spent almost 50 years in the theatre as an actor, director, designer and educator and I hold a Masters Degree in Theatre History from San Diego State University.

Q: Why did you become a docent?

A: I have always loved history and I still love talking to people. I remember taking vacations with the kids during the summer and visiting places that used docents. I thought that kind of job was right up my alley! Being able to share my enthusiasm for history with people who are interested is a perfect fit for someone with my skill set.

Q: What museums do you docent at and why?

A: I have worked at the Gold Rush museum, the County museum and The Bernhard complex. Of those (although all three are amazing) I prefer the Bernhard. My fascination with that museum stems from the days when it was known as the Traveler's Rest Inn. The thought of hundreds or thousands of would-be gold miners passing by the front doors of this establishment in 1851 - maybe stopping for the night. The rich history of the complex makes it a unique experience for visitors and I love being able to share that with people.

Q: What’s a fun fact about you?

A: I have found my next obsession and that is historical re-enactment. I was so fortunate to be able to play Rattlesnake Dick in the Auburn cemetery tour this past October. Combining my love of history, research and performing. I hope to do much more of this in the future!

 Placer County Historical Society Dinner Meeting

When: Thursday, February 1, 2024

Meeting at 6:00, Dinner at 6:15, Speaker Michael Lynch at 6:45

Location: Veterans Memorial Hall            Cost: $20.00

100 East Street, Auburn, CA

Please RSVP to Jane Hamilton by January 25, 2024: 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, January 15th at 6:00 p.m.

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

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

Loomis Basin Historical Society Meeting: Wednesday, February 21st at 6:00 p.m.

Placer County Historical Society Meeting: Thursday, January 4th at 2:00 p.m.

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

Placer Genealogical Society Meeting: Monday, January 22nd at 7:00 p.m.

Rocklin Historical Society Meeting: January 8th at 6:00 p.m.

Roseville Historical Society Meeting: January 9th 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