HISTORIC COLUMBIA GOLD PANNING

My entourage visited the historic mother lode town of Columbia. The ranger there gave us a taste of what life was like during its hey dey, 1854 to 1895. Above, Marie tried on a bonnet from the dry goods store. It was a good way to keep her out of one of the 40 saloons that lined the short streets of Columbia.
I tried to put them all in jail again, but no dice. The jails are just a wee bit small. They didn't really have much crime in those days, mostly drunks and, well, stabbings.
Richard looked so good in the typical beaver hat, we would have bought one except they don't sell them anymore.

I told them they have gold panning for the kids, here. The made-for-the-trade flumes are filled with gold bearing gravel, well, maybe not. You might see a fleck of gold dust, but the kids don't care. They pan away, keeping cool for hours and return home with dozens of tiny gem stones. To my surprise, the big kids enjoyed it just as much. We bent to the task, hands in the cool water and searched for gems.
But, gold was hauled out of this area by the stage load. Wells Fargo was then a transportation system much like a modern UPS.
This original set of Wells Fargo assay scales measured 2 1/2 million ounces of gold.
And there is still gold in them thar hills.
Pat has a golden twinkle in her eye. She wants to go for the pot of gold.

ROMPING THROUGH THE MOTHER LODE

If you want rollicking laughter, Neil Simons Barefoot In The Park opens tonight and plays through May 17th at 208 S. Green St. , Sonora. Stage 3 theatre. Call 209 536-1778 for info.
The 30th annual Old Mill Run, Saturday, Columbia Park begins registration at 7 a.m. Call 209 586-4802.
The 5th Annual Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival stops at Newsome Harlow Tasting Room, Saturday, Main St. Murphys at 6:30 p.m. starting with wine tasting. The Greening Of Southie shows at 7:45 p.m. Admission free.
Big Band Meets Latin featuring Mario Flores Latin Jazz Band at 7:30 p.m. in the Dogwood Theatre Columbia College, Saturday, April 18th., call 209-588-5211.
Blues Jam spreads to Murphys, Saturday 1-6 p.m. at the Nugget Bar in Murphys. Individual artists and bands are welcome to join the jam, full bands are limited to three, on a first come basis. Free admission.
Sheron Mc Carthy Scholarship Concert 2p.m. Sunday, at the Bret Harte Theatre in Angels Camp. Tickets at the door.
A dessert tasting contest (a benefit) will be held at Sonora Elks Lodge Sunday, April 19 from 2-4 p.m. Desserts from local restaurants, yum! Call 209 533-1397.
The 60th Annual Columbia Wine tasting 1-4 p.m. Columbia Park, Sunday.
The Sierra Rock Garden Society will hold a free Spring Garden Tour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.-free. Five local gardens will be featured. Call 209 532-8094.
There is a children's fair, numerous art happenings, a classic car run, open air markets and more this weekend in the Mother Lode.
Next week April 21-25 think about catching the 16th Annual Art Glass Show with a Saturday reception 11-4 at My Glass Shop, 291 South Washington St., Sonora. And the fast draw contest April 24 & 25 at the Mother Lode Gun Club on Jamestown Rd. in Sonora. Fun for everybody.

PUBLIC ACCESS IN THE MOTHERLODE

When I first moved to the Mother Lode, people would ask me, "What do you do?" Inherent in that question was another, 'aren't you bored?' Nobody asks that anymore, and, I've never been bored. Paul Moeller is known in the area as Mr. Community Television. He started Calaveras Community Television in 1983. He went on to help nearby Amador, and Tuolumne Counties start their access programs. He taught video classes at Columbia College and at every school in the county. He promoted building a studio and it was built with the expertise of a volunteer contractor and volunteer labor. A stunning achievment. Paul is an indefatigable producer recognized everywhere he goes. He has produced 5,000 shows for Public Access in Calaveras County. At 82 years old, he is still shooting every week.
Here he is taping myself and the Ramblin Man, Jim Jaillet and interestingly, Jim has produced 95 Public Access programs for Olympia Public Access in Washington State and I've worked on over 85 programs for Public Access here in Calaveras County, mostly as an anchor. There are activities for every interest in the Motherlode. I'm probably biased but I think Calaveras County is the jewel of the Motherlode.