515 Main Street

by Jill

foot structure. Following a general plan put together by the government, the building would be nearly indestructible, garnished with elaborate gratings upon the windows, eagle embellishment above the main door, tile and a polished terrazzo main lobby and a unique-to-the-area mural above the Postmasters office.

cheaper at that time. President Franklin Roosevelt was implementing programs and relief to get Americans out of the Great Depression - back to work and with pride in what they did. Many bridges and roads in our county were improved and/or created by citizens employed by these projects. The post office at 515 Main Street remained in operation through the years until the 1970’s. As with all forms of communication, upgrades and expansions happen, and the growth of our county necessitated another change of address for the mailman.

The building was called a WPA (Works Project Administration) project and labor was considerably

After the post office moved to its new facility on Sacramento Street, the El Dorado County District Attorney’s offices moved into 515 Main Street. The Eagle embellishments, iron grating and wainscoting suited them well, and the interior of the building was divided up into workstations, continued from page 24 file rooms and evidence rooms. Situated directly across Bedford Avenue from the county courthouse, the location was a perfect fit for the DA for many years. Eventually, like the mailman, the District Attorney had to shop for bigger, better housing.

With its building life cycle complete, the historic county building was considered county surplus in 2018. However, with its roots in history and as an important part of our past, 515 Main Street is a Historic Building according to the State of California.

This brought it to the attention of the El Dorado County Historical Society, whose mission is for the preservation of our county’s rich history. Owning and operating the Historic 524 building directly across the street (the Fountain & Tallman Museum), the group realized the potential for creating an incredible interpretive compound for community and tourist visitors. The buildings serve as bookends for the Gold Rush of California: the Fountain & Tallman was erected in 1852, symbolizing the early years of the clamor for Gold, and the WPA Post office, symbolizing WWII and the declaration by President Roosevelt that gold mining was a non-essential operation, virtually ending the life of mining in EL Dorado County.

The Historical Society began negotiations with the Board of Supervisors for ownership of 515 Main Street and created a proposal, listing plans for the building’s preservation, restoration and creation of an interpretive and educational center highlighting the geological reason for the Gold Rush. It soon became apparent that this effort needed its own elite group to focus on such a large and notable project. With the help of the Historical Society, a new non-profit corporation was formed called El Dorado Gold 1848. Their mission statement: “to create a museum to display heritage and enhance future endeavors through education, the preservation of historical buildings and historical artifacts.”

El Dorado Gold 1848 has big plans for the historic building. They have worked to create office space for other El Dorado County 501(c) (3) nonprofit organizations in the downstairs area and are already working on a rock and gem display in the original safe on the main level. Pursuing grants and finding ways to restore and maintain the building takes focus, time and patience. A historic building comes with its own unique set of needs. Repairs to a leaky roof were made thanks to an anonymous donor, but painting the exterior, restoring the original fixtures, and bringing the interior back to life will be a process over time, one which they are excited to see move closer to reality. Those interested in following this journey or contributing to its realization can find information on the El Dorado Gold 1848 website, edg1848.org.

One important local landmark that helps soften the imposing angles of 515 Main Street is Placerville’s Christmas Tree, which sprouted from the idea of one of President Franklin Roosevelts predecessors, Calvin Coolidge, who initiated the first United States National Community Christmas Tree in 1924. This theme became popular in communities everywhere, and Placerville was no exception. The small parcel of land was transferred to the City of Placerville by the Moyle family, and between 1926 and 1928 a long series of trees were planted on the site to provide Placerville with a stately Christmas symbol. At one point, frustrated at the growth rate of the redwood seedlings, the volunteer fire department dug up a 20’ fir tree and planted it, though it did not work as planned. Subsequent trees were planted by Lloyd Raffeto, the Blair Family and the Family of Dr. S.H. Rantz, but it is impossible to say for certain whose tree it is that now shines with Christmas lights every December and graces the front corner of 515 Main Street. It’s just one more bit of history that makes Placerville so special.

Living Pioneers

continued from page 15 of the county, even growing in cracks in pavement, and can reach a height of over 50 feet. The Tree of Heaven can be recognized by its rough bark, large, fern-like leaves and unpleasant odor. They can be seen growing among the roadside weeds along Highway 50 as it passes through Placerville.

The roots, leaves and bark have been used in traditional Chinese medicine. Its name comes from its manner of growth, always pushing straight up to the heavens. It is unclear who brought the first plants to California, but they are proving tough to eradicate.

Once the emigration changed from primarily gold-seekers to settlers planning to establish farms, the wagons west contained a variety of plants of all kinds. In order to survive the long journey, the emigrants had to carefully tend the saplings, often sharing scarce water with them. It is impossible today to know how many trees were brought west that didn’t survive. Today, these remaining pioneer trees stand as silent reminders of our shared past.

Ellen Osborn lives in Pollock Pines, CA. She recently published a book of early El Dorado County history, A Lovely And Comfortable Heritage Lost available at local booksellers, Amazon or slyparkbooks@gmail.com.

Sam’s Town

continued from page 23 that was playing. Now she sings in Nashville.”

On a long wall in the main area near the stage was a bar about 35 feet long. Sam’s Town’s main premise was to please patrons with good food and good family fun. And certainly, at the bar, icy

The General Store included a candy shop section with barrels of olde-tyme candy. From there — almost hidden away —you could enter the Museum of magnificent memorabilia and antiques.

Antiques were a huge passion of Sam Gordon’s, as well as baseball. Incredibly, the Museum had turn appealing way. Sam lived a long life, passing in 1998 at age 91. mugs full of root beer or beer were popular.

“Sam’s Town was a phenomenal place. It’s hard to imagine ever seeing anything like that again,” says Mike Arkus.

Judy Ziesmer adds, “The arcade games kept the kids entertained while the adults enjoyed food, music and libation.” of the century curiosities and antiques that included a train car, old bicycles, street trolley and an antique car. Sam’s baseball passion was prominently on display with his references and photos, including a picture of Roger Maris. Standing eerily by were life-size historic figures modeled from wax.

Local artists remember the detailed illustrations of old mines and miners that lined the walls by the late George Mathis, a well known local artist.

Sam Gordon had an astounding capacity to create fun and food, and then roll it out in a unique, expansive, interesting and

Linda

Hanf McIntosh is former publisher-editor and original owner of Around Here Magazine and enjoyed researching and writing this article. Happy Retirement, Linda!

By Debbie

October

Every Sunday

Live Music * 5p - 7p

Smith Flat House - Carol Tuttle & the Jazz Trio

1st, 2nd, 3rd Fridays

Line Dancing * 6p - 9p

Smith Flat House - Instructed by Sara Schindler. $10 at the door. Food/ drinks available for purchase.

October 25

Open Mic Night * 7:30p - 10p Green Room Social Club - No cover, no seating fee, sign-ups begin 4PM, performances begin 5PM. clubgreenroom.com

Trivia Night * 6p - 8p Highway 50 Brewery - Bring your team to compete for prizes and bragging rights. hwy50brewery.com

October 26

Technology Workshop * 1p - 2p Placerville Senior Center - Please join us for our free workshop on how to identify fake (phishing) emails to avoid scams. Questions? Call Andrea at 530.621.6150

Pride Celebration with DJ Zephyr * 6p The Green Room Presents an evening of celebration, entertainment and inclusivity. Tickets $10-$90; clubgreenroom.com

October 27

Live Music * 7p - 10p

Green Room Social Club - Johnny Mojo and FriendsTickets $10 -$45. For info/tickets, clubgreenroom.com

Events

October 28

Homeschool Friday * 5:30p - 7:30p

Wakamatsu Farm - An evening of crepuscular exploration at the farm. $10/participant. Chaperones and non-participating siblings are $3 each. Pre-registration is required. arconservancy.org/events

Halloween Bash * 8p - 12a Smith Flat House - Costume contest, live DJ, dancing, games. All ages welcome. $10 admission. SmithFlatHouse.com

Community Hall O’ween * 6:30p - 10p Coloma Gold Trail Grange - Music by Island of Black & White, food and beverages for purchase. Tickets $10 at Eventbrite.com/e/428801656297

Trunk-or-Treat * 4p - 6p

El Dorado Hills Community CenterDress up in your Halloween finest and come out for candy, games and fun! eldoradohillscsd.org for info

Trunk-or-Treat * 6p - 8p Kovar’s Cameron Park - Wear your costume and bring a pre-carved pumpkin for a chance to win awesome prizes. We will have games for the kids and lots of candy, so make sure to bring your family and friends.

Costume Dance Party * 8p - 12a Green Room Social Club - Get funky with Lantz Lazwell and the Vibe Tribe! High energy dance vibes with costumes highly encouraged! Tickets $15-$90; clubgreenroom.com

October 29

Historic Cemeteries Tour * 10a - 1p

Coloma - Visit the Union Cemetery, sacred Miwok Grinding Rock, Chinese stores in Marshall State Park, St. John’s Church and graveyard, haunted Vineyard House, and explore Coloma’s Gold Rush era cemetery. 1 mile walk, queit, well-behaved 8+ year olds welcome. arconservancy.org/events

Sogetsu Ikebana Principles * 10a - 3p Wakamatsu Farm - A full-day workshop creating “Day of the Dead Pumpkins” decorating sugar skull skeleton faces and making flower wreaths for the skeleton’s crown. For information and cost, visit arconservancy.org/events

Trunk-or-Treat * 5p - 7p

RubiconFit - Put on that costume, decorate that vehicle and bring the kiddos for an evening filled with fun and games.

Live Music - NeonMoon * 7p - 10p Roosters Bar, Mt. Aukum

Main Street Collective * 8p Green Room Social Club - Main Street Collective returns to the Green Room Social Club stage for a Talking Heads tribute. clubgreenroom.com

October 30

Fall Family Festival * 3:30p - 6:30 p

head to an Event

Shade Gardening * 9a - 12p Shade Gardens offer beauty to your landscape, texture, color and flowers to your garden. Join this talented team of Master Gardeners to learn what plants thrive. Rain, high heat, high AQI cancels. Visit mgeldorado.ucanr.edu

Mother Lode Church - Join us for lots of FREE family fun including free horseback rides, a cakewalk, games of skill, prizes, a bounce house. scarecrow-making, crafts, face painting, food and more! MotherLodeChurch.com

Trunk-or-Treat * 5p - 7p

Federated Church Placerville - Come enjoy a trunk-or-treat and Harvest Festival. 1031 Thompson Way 530.622.0273 continued from page 28

Album Release Party * 4p - 6:30p

Green Room Social Club - Harpist

Anne Roos and flutist David Blonski celebrate their album release. Tickets $10-$90; clubgreenroom.com

Trunk-or-Treat * 4p - 6p

Automotive Excellence - There will be popcorn, hot drinks, lots of candy, and a trunk decorating contest! To enter the trunk contest, call Randi at 530.622.2701 or email autoxonline@ gmail.com

Pumpkins on the Bridge * 6p - 8p

Coloma - Free, family-friendly event. Come join in the fun, bring your carved pumpkin(s) and candles to the bridge on October 30th. Come back the next night & replace your candle with a fresh one for Halloweens eve. More information at Coloma.com

October 31

Halloween Spooktacular * 3p - 6p

El Dorado Hills Town CenterTrick or treating and photo contest. Costume Contest at 5p for kids and dogs! edhtowncenter.com/events

Downtown Spooktacular * 4p - 6p

Main St Placerville - Candy, bounce house, costume and pumpkin carving contests, and scavenger hunt are just some of the fun! For more information visit CityofPlacerville.org

Haunted House * 5p - 8p

Pollock Pines Community CenterAll ages haunted house, kid play area, candy and hot dog dinner provided by Pollock Pines Rotary Club.

Time Travel Halloween Party * 6p11p

Green Room Social Club hosts a dance party with rotating DJs and styles featuring EDM to New Wave, House, Trance DnB & More! $5 cover. clubgreenroom.com

Events

November

Every Tuesday

Tech Time * 10a - 11:30a

Placerville Senior Center - This is a free event, so please bring your tech devices and you can sit down with our volunteer for some one on one support. Questions? Call Andrea at 530.621.6150

Bingo Night * 6:15p - 9p

Pollock Pines Community Center

1st, 2nd, 3rd Fridays

Line Dancing * 6p - 9p

Smith Flat House - Instructed by Sara Schindler. $10 at the door. Food/ drinks available for purchase.

Every Friday & Saturday

Night Sky Viewing * 7:30p Community Observatory - free public viewing with docents on hand. Clouds, bad weather cancels. Check website after 3p. For information, communityobservatory.com

Every Saturday & Sunday

Open Garden Day * 9a - 12p

Sherwood Demonstration Gardenhands-on, interactive experience about research-based, sustainable gardening practices specific to the west slope of El Dorado County, appropriate for all ages. Rain, high heat, high AQI cancels. mgeldorado.ucanr.edu

Every Sunday

Live Music * 5p - 7p

Smith Flat House - Carol Tuttle & the Jazz Trio

To

On Stage in El Dorado County

September 23 - October 30

Olde Coloma Theatre presents “Mrs. Waldecott Vs. the Spider Witch” or “Creepies, Crawlies, & Halloween Follies:”

For show and ticket information, visit oldecolomatheatre.com

November 3 - 12

Ponderosa Stage Productions presents “Mamma Mia!”

For show dates and ticket information, visit pondodrama.com

November 3 - 19

Studio 81 (El Dorado High School Drama Dept) presents “Metamorphoses”

For show dates and ticket information, visit studio81arts.com

November 4 - 12

Oak Ridge High School Theatre presents “Rock of Ages: Teen Edition”

For show dates and ticket information, visit ORTAB.org

November 18 - December 18

The Stage at Burke Junction presents “The Stupidest Angel”

For show and ticket information, visit stageatburke.com

November 18 - December 18

Olde Coloma Theatre presents “Once Upon A North Pole Christmas” or “There’s No Business Like Snow Business”

For show and ticket information, visit oldecolomatheatre.com

December 2 - 21

Imagination Theater presents “A Christmas Carol”

For show and ticket information, visit itplacerville.org

*Theatre at the Mine info unavailable at print continued on page 30

Continued from page 29

1st & 3rd Sundays

Train Rides * 10a, 11a, 12p, 1p

The El Dorado Western Railroad - Round trips from the El Dorado Station, 4650 Oriental St, El Dorado. Rides are on historic gang cars. Tickets first come, first serve. $3$8; Doors open 9:30a for any ride. More info: 530-663-3581 (Sunday) or museum (railroad sponsor, for general information), 530-621-5865.

November 4

Craft Faire * 11a - 6p

Pinebrook Village - Bring your family & friends for some holiday shopping! Free admission, handmade crafts, and chili!

New Beginnings Fall Dinner * 5:30p - 7:30p

Serene Ranch - Fun, food and community. Dinner by Chef John Sanders and Sierra, have a chance to win prizes, hear about the mission of New Beginnings, and listen to testimonials and guest speakers. $20/person, $100/table for 8. newbeginingsgoldcountry.org

November 5

Solar Observations * 10a - 12p

Community Observatory - Open for public viewing with telescopes of the daytime sky. Docents are on hand to answer questions. Free; weather cancellations determined by 5p day prior. Communityobservatory.com

Craft Faire * 9a - 2p

Pinebrook Village - Bring your family & friends for some holiday shopping! Free admission, handmade crafts, and chili!

Before

head to an Event

Events

Nuts! * 9:30a - 11:30a

Placerville, 311 Fair Lane - It’s nut season! Learn how to safely store nuts and make them into tasty treats that can be used as gifts. Hosted by the UCCE Master Food Preservers

Tea at Wakamatsu * 10a - 2p

Wakamatsu Farm- Join us for a day focused on tea. The story of tea is rich and complex. This day will attempt to capture some of that complexity while also giving participants a chance to enjoy a cup. arconservancy.org/events

Create Your Own Bottle * 11a - 1p Gold Dust Vineyard - Get ready to learn the basics of winemaking, blending, and tasting. Everyone gets to roll up their sleeves and produce their very own special bottle of wine!

Shine Bright Casa Gala * 6p - 10p Serrano Country Club - Event will include dinner, CASA youth speaker and advocate recognition, and a live and silent auction. CASAEldorado.org for tickets and information.

November 6 - daylight savings

“True Gold Rediscovered” * 1p - 3p Shakespeare Club - Ladies dressed in period costume will present character vignettes of selected pioneer women of El Dorado County during the Gold Rush Era and beyond. Purchase your $20 ticket early from Margriet 530621-1126 or Joy 916-505-6964 or email joynorris815@gmail.com

November 8

This Month in History * 1p - 2p Placerville Senior Center - Together we will discuss events that occurred during each featured month and share what we may have experienced during those times. Questions? Call Andrea @ 530.621.6238

Bike, Beers, and Beauties * 4p - 8p Nectar @ The Villa - Fun event for fashion, motorcycles, and craft beer.

Take 3 in Concert * 7p

Placerville Seventh Day Adventist Church - Rigorous classical musicians meet rock star charisma performing pop and jazz plus classical interpretation. eldoradocommunityconcerts.com

November 12

Living History * 10a - 4p

Marshall State Park - Hands-on history day features many historical interpreters who come out to demonstrate different aspects of pioneer life during the Gold Rush. $10/parking. Marshallgold.com

Live Music - NeonMoon * 2p - 6p The Barn at Roosters Cellar, Somerset

Out of the Ashes * 4p - 7p

Element 79 Vineyard - Join West Slope Foundation for a night of wine tasting from 15 local Fair Play Wineries and delicious food from Creekside Cork and Brew. All funds raised will go to help the Caldor Fire Survivors and their immediate needs. WestSlopeFoundation.org/events

17th Annual Crab & Chowder Gala * 5:30p - 10p

Placerville Fairgrounds - Silent auction and raffle, all-you-can-eat crab, live music and dancing. Ticket information at ElDoradoCountyFair.org

Active 20-30 Gala Dinner

Masquerade ball with catered dinner, DJ, and raffle prizes. Information at Goldrush1034.org

Send your Events to sara@aroundheremagazine.com continued on page 31 continued from page 30

November 13

Bridge Tournament * 12p - 5p

Friends of the El Dorado Hills Library host their Annual Bridge Tournament Fundraiser. Includes refreshments and door and cash prizes. All profits go directly to the library. Find information and register at FriendsoftheEDHLibrary.org/ bridge-tournament

November 15

Connecting with Family Class - 10a/6p

Placerville Family History CenterThe holiday season is a great time to share stories and memories. This class will give you some helpful tips on how to successfully collect treasured oral and written stories.

3275 Cedar Ravine Rd * 530.621.1378

November 17

Hangtown 100 Racing * 3p - 10p

Placerville Speedway - USAC

National Midgets, BCRA/CLS

Wingless Lightning Sprints. PlacervilleSpeedway.com

November 18

Monthly Presentation * 1p - 3p

Join us at the Mother Lode Lions Club for 100+ Years of Architecture in El Dorado County, presented by Keith Atwater. Free to members; non-members may attend two presentations/year at no charge. Held at the Mother Lode Lions Hall, 4701 Missourri Flat. The Sierra Renaissance Society of El Dorado County is dedicated to Life Long Learning. For more information, visit srsedc.org

Hangtown 100 Racing * 3p - 10p

Placerville Speedway - USAC

National Midgets, BCRA/CLS

Wingless Lightning Sprints. PlacervilleSpeedway.com

Events

Live Music - NeonMoon - 5p - 8p Highway 50 Brewery, Camino

November 19

Sly Park Trail Run * 8a

Sly Park Event Center - The course follows the trails surrounding Jenkinson Lake. 5k, 10k, 8.5 mile, half marathon, 18 miles, trail marathon, 50k. tctruns.com

Christmas Craft Faire - 10a - 4p

Cameron Park Community CenterShop over 60 local vendors to find the perfect gifts for the Holidays. For more info, visit CameronPark.org

Gratitude for Nature - 10a - 2p Wakamatsu Farm - Experience gratitude for nature while joining in the crafts and activities. Write poetry, create holiday crafts with plants, practice drawing and journaling or join a naturalist led hike. For more information, arconservancy.org

Hands and Hoofs Adventure

* 10a - 3p - Full day of outdoor activity for kids 6-13 and an adult companion. Our nature and equine based experience is a nonriding program that fosters social connections and cultivates life skills. Donations appreciated. Register at handsandhoofs.com or 530.647.2049

Hangtown 100 Racing * 3p - 10p Placerville Speedway - USAC National Midgets, BCRA/CLS Wingless Lightning Sprints. PlacervilleSpeedway.com

Placerville Art Walk * 4p - 8p Main Street - Placerville Art Walk takes place 3rd Saturday of every month. Galleries stay open late and often have special events like music, preforming arts, and artists’ reception. For more info, visit facebook.com/ PlacervilleArtWalk

November 20

Fall Bird Walk - 8a - 12p arconserveancy.org/events

Knickerbocker Creek - Tim and Angela Jackson lead this fall walk to see what songbirds, raptors and water birds can be found. Easy-moderate 3-4 mile hike, quiet, well-behaved 8+ year olds welcome.

Sogetsu Ikebana Principles - 10a - 1p Wakamatsu Farm - “Arrangements on the Table”. Make a centerpiece that enhances the gathering. For tickets, arconservancy.com/events

November 24

Turkey Dinner * 1p - 4p

Pollock Pines Community Center - Full turkey dinner served at 2p, no host beer & wine bar. Donations welcome.

November 25

Festival of Lights * 4p - 7p Main Street Placerville - Headline bands, special guests & performances, concert sound, lights, street vendors, food and of course, the Tree Lighting (with a special surprise).

November 29

FamilySearch/Ancestry.com * 10a/6p Placerville Family History CenterLearn to link to your relatives and discover new facts and relatives. 3275 Cedar Ravine Rd * 530.621.1378

November 30

Poetry Readings * 5:30p - 8p continued on page 34

Cameron Park Library - El Dorado County Poet Laureate, Lara Gularte, will be joined by local poets, Poetry Out Loud winners, and special guests for free poetry readings.