Friday, September 05, 2008

Last Day In California


After leaving Columbia, California we headed to Mark Twain's Cabin in Tuolumne county,


The Rotary International marker told the truth about the cabin as a reproduction of the original cabin.


The marker reads:

"This cabin was first built in 1922 to commemorate the famed author’s presence in Tuolumne County during the winter of 1864–65. Sam Clemens had come over the mountains from Virgina City, Nevada, to San Francisco with his friend Steve Gillis. His various biographers gave different reasons for Clemens coming to Jackass Hill. No matter the reason, Sam Clemens arrived here on December 4, 1864.

Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, stayed with the other two Gillis brothers, Jim and Bill, and Dick Stoker (local pocket miners) until about February 25, 1865. While living on the hill, Sam heard the story of the “Jumping Frog” in an Angels Camp saloon. His version would transform his life. Also some of the tall tales spun by the Gills brothers and Stoker would find their way into Mark Twain’s later writings. That short stay here in the Sierra had quite an impact on American Literature.

Time and the elements took their toll on the first “Mark Twain Cabin,” so the Sonora Sunrise Rotary Club, during 2002-05, restored the cabin as its centennial project, celebrating 100 years of rotary (1905–2005). This cabin was dedicated on February 23, 2005, the 100th birthday of Rotary International.

The inside of the cabin was not set up but did contain some old chairs.

I was actually disappointed the furniture was not arraigned and perhaps a Twain dummy positioned at the table writing.


Behind the Cabin on private property were some old farm implements.


There was also a very gentle donkey that came to the fence to visit with the grandchildren.


Being a chip off the block Steven grabbed his camera and took a shot or two.


Driving back down the hill a short distance we saw a peacock...


... and an emu...


... and a weird one horned pygmy goat.


The view from the hill was beautiful.


Back in Angels Camp we stopped to eat at Rodz Grill. Across the street was the Angels Camp Museum.


The museum looked interesting...

... but so did Rodz.

Samantha was smiling as she waited for some good food.


David "the handsome one" was looking like the mature young man he has become.


Because of the heat(105) Martha wore her bonnet and shades.


Even Jason looked eager to eat.


Grand mommy did rabbit ears on Christian who looked cute in his froggy shirt.


While waiting for the food I walked across the street to the museum for a few shots.


The biggest thing there was Ol' Beth, the 101-year-old steam donkey or "Steam Traction Engine"

In this picture you can see Rodz across the street.


The front and grounds of the museum look much like an old west setting, except for the car in the background.


After the meal we went back to Steven's condo to relax. It was decorated with lots of frogs.


The next day we left early and drove to visit Peter. We had a wonderful visit and Steven was really glad he could drive up for the visit. Peter was well and seemed happy to see everyone. Sadly we had to leave but when we arrived home I got a good shot of a beautiful moth on a flower in the front yard. Best about being home is that it was 70 degrees outside - wonderfully cool but I'd take the heat for a visit with my sons and grandchildren and Martha again. It was a wonderful trip

Scrabble Score - Scrabble Queen 356 - The Contender 334

Quote of the Day -
"What a wee little part of a person's life are his acts and his words! His real life is led in his head, and is known to none but himself." ~ Mark Twain



Tuesday, September 02, 2008

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

Copyright

©Paul Viel