Columbia, California and more heat

The Gold Rush to Columbia, California began on March 27, 1850 by a small party of prospectors. News of the discovery spread and they were soon joined by a flood of miners. Unlike many settlements that have changed with the times, Columbia, California seems to be frozen in the 1800's. Today, Columbia State Historic Park is the best preserved of California gold rush towns.

The Jail was located behind the Wells Fargo building but wasn't open so there were no prisoners inside.


We had gone to Columbia because we heard there was a great Ice Cream Parlor next to the Fallon House Hotel and Theater. Unfortunately at 109 degrees Fahrenheit the Parlor was closed.


Originally the lot was owned by Duncan and McClenahan. The building on the lot burned in the 1854 fire. Later in 1854 Wm. Odenheimer and Thaddeus W. Northey buy the property. Odenheimer moves his Eagle Cottage boarding house to the property and into a larger building. It took care of 100 boarders and had a barber shop in the northeast corner. After burning, it was rebuilt by July 23.


Since this was a gold rush town it had to have an assay office. It was located just above the Jail interesting enough.


The mining supplies building was next to some sluice boxes with water running through them.


This is Tibbit's House located on Main Street.

"In the spring of 1887, Lyman C. Tibbitts moved his family's house onto this land from its former location on Gold Springs Road. It is unknown when the house was originally built. In fact, it seems that it may actually be two houses that have been joined together.

Today, the western portion of the home is used by the Columbia Docents for living history demonstrations. The eastern portion houses the docent library."

The Jack Douglass Saloon was established in 1857 by John B. Douglass and is one of the oldest saloons in the west. It is currently operated by Pat Narry and Mike Keene wonderful proprietors who let us in with the family for a Sarsaparilla and shade. Temp had jumped to 111 degrees.


As you can see the Main Street of Columbia is very authentic looking and well maintained.


If you want to read about the history of Columbia this is the spot.


Inside the Douglass Saloon was all kinds if interesting flair to give the feeling of the old west.


The views out of the windows was very reminiscent of John Ford Movies ...

with views through "wavy glass" of the local Emporium.


There was even a Sunday Bonnet by the door.


I had a cherry drink and Christian jumped into a Sarsaparilla.


It wasn't planned but we all got a kick out of how this looked.


I need a haircut but they were closed so I go tomorrow at 12:30.


There were great old storefronts...


... and covered walkways...

... even a blacksmith.


Of course there was a Feed, Seed & Tack shop next to ...

... a Livery stable.


If you want 1853 books this is the place.


At the end of the street was a grocery store.


Also on Main street was the City Hotel with a New Orleans looking balcony.


The family was gathering on Main Street in the South end of town.


Then Samantha ran over for a shot sitting on a carved log bench. My grandchildren are all so cute.


Nothing to say other than I liked this shot.


Of course there was a bank and believe it or not, since this IS California it had an ATM embedded in the antique brick.


Looking North along Main Street I got a good look at the Wells Fargo Building.


I liked this rock chimney...

...and I really liked the Pioneer Emporium.


As we got to the car to leave I got a shot of the back of the Jack Douglass Saloon and in the shade of the overhang...

... an old cowboy on one of those new fangled talking sticks.

Scrabble Score ~ Scrabble Queen 380 - the contender 320 - Yikes!!!

Quote of the Day ~

"Everything has its limit - iron ore cannot be educated into gold." ~ Mark Twain