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December 2020 Serving Truckee & Tahoe
Northwoods Tahoe
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CELEBRATING OVER
Winter
during the winter of 1847. Was the snow really that deep? There are at least half a dozen historic photographs of tree stumps reportedly cut by members of the Donner Party, but I have yet to find any image showing a stump exceeding 20 feet in height, including one that was probably located at Summit Valley, near 7,000 feet in elevation. Despite the lack of photographic evidence, there are reliable accounts that corroborate the belief that some cut tree stumps were about 20 feet high.
by Mark McLaughlin
According to legend, Charles McGlashan, a Truckee patriarch who contributed much to our understanding of what happened to the Donner Party, measured one cut stump at 22 feet, six inches in height. That apparent measurement was used for the monument’s pedestal. In his 1880 History of the Donner Party, McGlashan wrote: “It is hardly necessary to remark that no relics have ever been found under the site of the Murphy cabin. The tall stumps which surround this rock, and the site of the Graves and Reed cabin, and which are particularly numerous around the site of the Donner tents at Alder Creek, are of themselves remarkable relics. Many of them were cut by a person who stood on the top of very deep snow. They are frequently ten, fifteen, and twenty feet in height.”
1847
Many people consider the winter of 1847, when the Donner Party suffered their tragic entrapment in Sierra snow, the worst since the arrival of Americans on the Pacific Coast in the early 1840s. But in fact, that dubious distinction is probably held by the benchmark winter of 1862 when the Golden State was hammered by powerful storms and eight feet of rain fell on the Sierra west slope in less than 60 days. The pedestal of the monument at Donner Memorial State Park is 22.5 feet high, which purportedly represents the maximum snow depth at Donner Lake
A 1924 article in the California Historical Society Quarterly, obviously referring to McGlashan’s statements, indicated that the tall stumps were first noted by emigrant Lemuel McKeeby in the summer of 1849: “One of the stumps near the Graves-Reed cabin, cut while the snow was at its deepest, was found by actual measurement to be twenty-two feet in height. Part of this stump is standing today. The tall stumps have had a continuous tradition since the time of the Donner party disaster.” However, there is also compelling evidence that the snow never reached those epic depths at Donner Lake. Eyewitness accounts by rescuers suggest that the peak snow depth was less than 20 feet, probably somewhere between 15 to 18 feet deep at Donner Lake. Patrick Breen kept a diary from November 20, 1846 until March 1, 1847. In it he gave a first-hand account of the weather at Donner Lake and some of the daily Continued on page 4
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events. It is one of the most remarkable documents of the American West. On January 13, Breen wrote, “Snow higher than the shanty must be 13 feet deep.” Heavy snow fell later in the month and on Feb. 1, Breen observed, “The snow has not settled much.” From Feb. 4 - 6 fell. His comments suggest that for a brief time before the consolidation of the fresh snow, a peak depth of near 20 feet may have been reached at Donner Lake. Using cut stumps, however, as evidence indicating snow depth is problematic. A pioneer standing on a platform of branches in the snow to fell a tree would be sawing or swinging an axe at waist level, adding more height to the stump. Another issue is that pines create a high cone of snow encircling the tree where snow sheds from the outer branches, although archaeological evidence from the Alder Creek campsite suggests that only dead trees were cut and burned there. Augustus Burbank visited the Donner Lake campsites on September 10, 1849. In his journal he wrote: “The stumps of fallen trees near the front of the cabins, stand at the height of 5 & 10 feet, some probably over the latter, showing the depth of the snow when the trees were fallen for firewood. The Donner cabins stood 200 yards above the road & some distance from the Lake. Their remains or ashes & the bottom logs are the only [evidence] to be seen to designate to the passing traveler the spot where the painful sufferings occurred.” In his classic book The Big Bonanza, Dan De Quille noted: “The stumps of the trees cut by the [Donner] party still stand, and are from fifteen to eighteen feet in height, showing the great depth to which the cabins and all in the camp lay buried.” Beyond the controversy over the actual snow depths at Donner Lake, there is plenty of evidence that the winter of 1847 generated a substantial snowpack. Many contemporaries made observations on the severity of that year’s weather, but it’s important to remember that most of them had only been in Califor-
nia for a few years at the most. In a letter written by Daniel Rhoads, a member of the first rescue effort to save the Donner Party, he wrote: “This last winter [1846-47] is the coldest ever been known in California….we walked on snow shoes over the snow; it was from 5 to 25 feet deep.” None other than the famous, intrepid mountain man James Clyman crossed Donner Pass on May 1, 1847. He wrote: “On the first day of May we succeeded in crossing the main summit of the California mountains or the Sierra Nevada, the snow being Stumps of trees cut by the Donner Party in Placer County. from 3 to 8 feet deep on Photo Taken 1866 . Courtesy of Library of Congress. the western slope, but on turning down the Eastern mountain by the 1st of October. The [Donner] side it was perhaps from 8 party which suffered so much, lost their work to 20 or even 30 feet deep owing to the wind cattle on the salt plains, on Hastings’ Cut Off, a being always from the southwest when the route which we hope no one will ever attempt snow is falling and carrying large quantities again.” from the western side which is deposited on the east side.” Five weeks after Clyman, Utahbound John Craig made his way over the pass Surprisingly, not everyone was sympathetic to the plight of the Donner Party. George McKand observed: “On June 7 we crossed the instry, editor of the California Star newspaper peak of the California mountains and had to opined: “This writer who is well qualified to travel about 35 miles over snow varying from judge, is of the opinion that the whole party 5 to 20 feet deep and rode over numerous might have reached the California valley bemountain streams on arches of snow whilst fore the first fall of snow, if the men had exwe could hear the water roaring and dashing erted themselves as they should have done.” under our feet.” Regardless of whether the snowpack at Donner Lake exceeded 20 feet, the unfortunate Many among Northern California’s population were sobered by the failure to rescue the Don- emigrants were snowbound with insufficient ner Party in a timely manner, but lessons were food supplies and unable to hunt because of the deep snowpack that winter. learned. The Monterey Californian newspaper stated: “Such a state of things will probably Tahoe historian Mark McLaughlin is a nationally pubnever again occur, from the fact that the road lished author and professional speaker. You can read is now better known, and the emigrants will more at www.thestormking.com. hereafter start and travel so as to cross the
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Make Small Holiday Celebrations Special with a Fresh Menu (Family Features) Holiday festivities with immediate family members or just a few friends rather than larger gatherings may feel different than normal, but you can make the most of the situation with these tips to add intimacy and special meaning to celebratory moments: • Use special dishes, glassware and linens to convey the tone of the celebration. Go ahead and use your best dishes or enhance your everyday plates with the use of cloth napkins or a festive tablecloth. Bring out the fancy glasses to savor every sip.
contribute to the festivities. Adding a sweet touch to the menu can help keep guests coming back for more. For example, fresh California grapes are available into January and are perfect for the holiday season. Enjoy them as a fresh, healthy snack or side dish, or as an ingredient to add taste and visual appeal to recipes to make the season feel special. Start the meal with a simple but beautiful salad such as Grape and Spinach Salad with Raspberry Balsamic Dressing, where the grapes provide festive color and pleasing texture. Pair your chosen entree with Warm Farro Salad with Grapes and Delicata Squash for a hearty side dish that can also be served on its own. Finally, cap off the celebration with homemade Grape and Apple Sheet Pan Pie.
• Arrange visually appealing, individual minisnack platters for each person. Combine grapes with a special cheese, crackers, olives and nuts for an easy way to curb appetites before the main course.
Visit grapesfromcalifornia.com/recipe to find more holiday-worthy dishes from appetizers and entrees to sides, snacks and desserts.
• Set a festive table with a simple but creative centerpiece. For instance, you can combine candles, flowers and draped bunches of colorful grapes. Place votive candles on mirrors for added shimmer and sparkle. Tie a gold or silver wire ribbon bow around the napkins at each place setting. Handwritten place cards with guests’ names can add a surprising and special touch.
Delight your guests with individual appetizer plates this season by considering color, texture and presentation. Remember, this is the prelude to the meal, so small portions are perfectly fine. Consider this starter list:
• Stay healthy to enjoy the holidays. Choose healthy foods like fruits and vegetables that help support the immune system. Maintain your exercise schedule as much as possible and ensure you are getting enough sleep. • Opt for homemade over processed foods for signature dishes then reinforce with prepared items to fill out the menu, if needed. Let your guests bring part of the meal or something to
Create the Perfect Appetizer Plate
• Cheese • Nuts • Fresh grapes • Olives • Hummus • Marinated artichoke hearts • Salami slices • Spinach or other dips • Dolmades (stuffed grape leaves) • Roasted red peppers • Crackers • Pita triangles • Thin breadsticks • Pretzels • Jam or honey
More Recipes Continued on Page 13
Grape and Spinach Salad with Raspberry Balsamic Dressing Prep time: 20 minutes Servings: 8 8 cups fresh baby spinach, washed 4 1/2 cups California grapes 1 1/4 cups mandarin orange segments, drained if using canned 1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion 3/4 cup bottled light balsamic vinegar and oil dressing 1/4 cup orange juice 3 tablespoons raspberry jam 3/4 cup crunchy chow mein noodles In large salad bowl, combine spinach with grapes, oranges and onion. Whisk together dressing, orange juice and jam. Pour over salad and toss until greens are coated with dressing. Divide among eight plates and top with crunchy noodles.
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Get Organized for an Envy-Worthy Garage A garage may not be the focal point of your home, but it likely plays a significant role in your family’s everyday life. Keeping the garage tidy can help you get the most out of the space, no matter how you use it. Get your garage spruced up and ready to deliver the storage and workspace you need with these tips from the organization experts at ClosetMaid. Start by sorting. Garages tend to accumulate a lot of stuff, some of it useful and much of it not. Begin your garage clean-out by sorting your belongings into groups. The items you no longer need can be divided further into sell, donate and trash piles. For the things you’re keeping, try to create groups of like items, which can make it easier to organize later. Empty as much as you can. Cleaning out the garage is one of those jobs that typically gets messier before it gets cleaner. Removing as much of the contents of your garage as possible can make it easier to reach all the nooks and crannies for a more complete cleaning. Give it a power scrub. Clean every surface to remove dust, dirt and debris. This means everything from sweeping floors and wiping down counters to brushing away cobwebs from the ceiling. If possible, use a hose to clean the floor thoroughly and remove buildup tracked in from
your vehicle tires. Be thorough and use a critical eye. Don’t overlook details like light switches or the wall behind the trash can. Make storage easy. With a clean slate, it’s the perfect time to rethink your organization and put things in place with storage units designed to stand up to the wear and tear of the environment. One option is the ProGarage line from ClosetMaid. This customizable collection of professional-quality garage and workspace storage is made of 24-gauge steel cabinetry for maximum durability. You can choose from a variety of cabinet sizes with floor mount and wall mount options, as well as worktable or tabletop. Each piece features full-length extruded aluminum handles for easy opening and closing, adjustable legs to keep cabinets level on sloped floors, caster wheels for portability and a lock and key for security. Put things back in place. If you take the time to separate items as you sort and purge in the beginning, this last step will be quick and painless. Now that the space is clean and you have storage space ready to fill, it’s time to begin moving everything back into place. Put similar items together. Keep the things you use most often in easy reach and stash others on higher shelves. Before you close the doors and call it a day, be sure to show everyone, including the kids, where things belong. Your garage may get dirty again quickly, but with some help from the family, you can at least keep it picked up and usable longer. Find more helpful tips for keeping every part of your home organized like a pro at ClosetMaid.com.
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5 Ways to Design with Authentic Materials
Creating a welcoming and relaxing space may be easier than you expect when you give natural materials a leading role in your design. Elements like natural stone, wood, fiber, metals and even plant life can allow you to express a sense of unique personal style that is broadly appealing. Most inviting rooms share one quality: ample natural light, which creates a subtly vibrant and energetic ambiance. Other aspects of an enticing design may be less obvious to the casual observer. Special touches like custom craftsmanship lend a special aesthetic to furnishings and decor, and bring authenticity to your home. Similarly, items that are made in America using an artisanal approach can elevate the character of a room when compared to things that are mass manufactured. For example, choose a single piece of artwork from a talented artist rather than multiple pieces of mass-produced art from a retailer. You can incorporate natural and hand-crafted materials into your spaces in countless ways, but these ideas can be achieved regardless of what your budget may be. Natural Stone: When many people think about designing with stone, features like countertops or flooring come to mind. Incorporating stone in more unexpected ways can make an even bigger impression. You might choose a coffee table or end tables that are made of stone or feature stone accents. Accessorizing with stone also introduces an earthy appeal; think agate bookends or decorative items like sculptures. Hardwood Flooring: The floor is often the largest design element of a room, so utilizing authentic materials for your flooring makes a strong statement about the overall tone and feel of the room. An artisan-crafted hardwood flooring option like Carlisle Wide Plank Floors is crafted
individually - one board at a time - so the emphasis is on the natural beauty of the wood. You can choose a completely custom look, from wood species and grade to texture and color, or make your selection from a collection of popular tried-and-true finishes. Natural Fiber Textiles: Careful attention to detail is important for a cohesive design, so be sure to keep thinking natural when selecting textiles. Linen and rough cotton fabrics bring distinctive textures that maintain an organic vibe. Natural textiles can also be quite durable, making them practical selections for often-used spaces. Elements to consider include window treatments, fabric components of any furnishings and accents like pillows or throws. Jute or wool rugs and textile artwork may also work well with this motif. Plant Life: Vegetation is a central element to landscape design, so when your goal is to create an inviting indoor space with a connection to nature and the outdoors, it makes sense to incorporate plants as part of your design. Options vary greatly, so it may take some work to narrow your selections. If the rest of your space reflects a specific region, choose plants native to that area. You’ll also want to consider lighting and watering requirements as well as the level of care you’re able to dedicate. Metals: Adding metallic components like iron, copper, gold or silver to your space can bring everything from an edgy style to graceful beauty. While furnishings and accessories are common ways to incorporate metallic flair, also think in terms of lighting and hard features like railing spindles and window treatments. Get inspired with more ideas to create an inviting, authentic space at wideplankflooring.com.
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Grape and Apple Sheet Pan Pie Prep time: 1 hour Cook time: 50 minutes Servings: 16 Dough: 4 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar 2 teaspoons kosher salt 3 1/2 sticks cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2 inch cubes 1 cup ice water, plus additional if needed Filling: 3 pounds Granny Smith or other tart apples, peeled and thinly sliced (about 9 cups) 4 cups black California grapes 3/4 cup sugar 2 tablespoons all purpose flour 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 pinch salt 1 egg 1 tablespoon water demerara sugar, for garnish To make dough: In large bowl, whisk flour, sugar and salt. Add butter and toss with flour mixture. Smash each butter cube flat then use fork to stir in cold water. Knead lightly until dough comes together in ball. Transfer to floured work surface and use well-floured rolling pin to roll into 10-by-15-inch sheet. Fold each short side into middle and close like a book. Fold once more to make thick block and cut in half. Wrap each piece in plastic and chill at least 30 minutes or overnight. To make filling: In large bowl, combine apples, grapes, sugar, flour, lemon juice and salt; set aside. To assemble pie: Heat oven to 375 F.
Roll one half of dough out to 18-by-13-inch rectangle. Transfer to 10-by15-inch heavy baking sheet; place in refrigerator to chill while rolling out top sheet. Roll out remaining dough to 18-by-13-inch rectangle and use pastry cutter to cut into 1 1/2-inch wide strips. Transfer filling into chilled pastry and spread evenly. Lay dough strips on top of filling in lattice pattern and crimp sides together. Mix egg with water and brush top of pie. Sprinkle with demerara sugar and bake until filling is bubbling, and crust is nicely browned, about 45-50 minutes. Warm Farro Salad with Grapes and Delicata Squash Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Servings: 8 3 pounds delicata squash, cut lengthwise, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch slices 3 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided 1 teaspoon coarse salt, divided 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided 1 pinch cayenne pepper 1 1/2 cups farro 2 cups water 3 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 teaspoon lemon zest 1 1/2 cups halved California grapes 1/2 cup chopped parsley Heat oven to 425 F. On sheet pan, toss squash with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper and cayenne pepper. Spread into single layer and roast 10-15 minutes, or until bottoms are browned. Turn squash and roast 10-15 minutes, or until browned and tender. While squash is cooking, combine farro, water and remaining salt. Bring to boil, reduce to simmer, cover and cook until farro is tender, 25-30 minutes. Drain leftover water and transfer to large bowl. Add squash, remaining olive oil, remaining pepper, lemon juice, lemon zest, grapes and parsley; toss. Note: Acorn or butternut squash may be substituted for delicata squash.
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