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History abounds in Auburn, CA – The Placer County Courthouse

Written by Lonnie Crider   

Anyone who has travelled the Highway 80 corridor over the years couldn’t possibly help but notice the shining dome of the beautiful Placer County Courthouse which stands like a proud gatekeeper to the city of Auburn.

As it turns out, this Historical Placer County icon, which was designated a National Historic Site in 1960, has a colorful history as do most court houses and historical government buildings throughout the historic “Gold Country.”

As is the case with many early communities, the grounds on which this building was constructed attracted major activities of the early populace of Auburn due to its popularity and location next to established transportation routes. The hilltop where the present courthouse stands was once the site of bull and bear fights as well as public hangings, all of which were popular spectator sports in the early days of California!

An 1851 California Legislative Act organized the state into counties, at which time the County of Placer was formed, and Auburn was designated the county seat. At that time, a small structure made of wood and canvas was constructed where the court hearings of the Honorable Judge Hugh Fitz Simmons were conducted. Next to it was a jail constructed of logs, a common practice in early California history in which burgeoning communities had little or no infrastructure funds.

The next year, the contract to build a more permanent structure was awarded to Mr. Isaac Tidd for the sum of $16,000. The new 2 story wooden courthouse was completed in 1853 and housed courtrooms, as well as various county offices. The jail remained annexed next to the courthouse until 1855 when Auburn suffered its first major fire. Fortunately the courthouse was saved, however the jail was destroyed. A new separate jail was built.

Over the next 40 years the wooden 2 story courthouse and jail were refurbished on several occasions, but eventually became obsolete due to lack of space caused by growing activities in the courts, jails and recording offices.

In 1891, Placer County released a bid award to John M. Curtis to build a new 3 story masonry building similar to the ones he had designed and built for San Francisco, Santa Cruz and Sonoma County. The finished cost for the project would total a staggering $172,583, a large commitment of public funds at that time.

The old courthouse had to be moved to make way for the new structure so it was put on rollers and moved over to one side while construction commenced. The old wooden building was finally destroyed in 1897.

The new courthouse, which included a jail and hall of records, was constructed in sections. The first section was completed in 1894, with subsequent sections completed and dedicated with great fanfare on July 4, 1898. The “modern” Courthouse was now home not only to the court system but to the Sheriffs office, Agricultural Commission, Treasurer, Auditor, District Attorney, Recorder, Tax Collector and Superintendant of Schools……a truly integrated county facility of its day.

The old replacement 300 lb. steel bell, which had travelled around the Cape Horn in 1859 (the old one in the original wooden building had been cracked and put forth “mournful sounds”) was placed in the new building and served as a the community communication method, announcing important court activities, as well as a call to firefighters, and for the celebration of holidays and social events.

The water fountain in the center of the planter at the entrance of the parking lot was donated in 1908 and was moved to that location in 1976. The first elevator was installed in 1946 for a whopping $14,000!

During the pre-World War II years, the courthouse experienced further growth needs. In 1959, after a few decades of radical post-war growth in California and Placer County, property was purchased and facilities built in close proximity, while ancillary non-court functions migrated to larger and more modern facilities.

Shortly after the declaration of the courthouse as a Historical site in 1960, those who were saddled with the practical task of dealing with crowding in the old courthouse proposed that the courthouse be abandoned, and even leveled, as a way to relieve the county of growing maintenance, preservation and modernization responsibilities.

Public opinion was drastically opposed to such a plan and, as a compromise, the Courthouse was designated for judicial purposes only, and the efforts to acquire local adjacent land and relocate ancillary government functions accelerated.

In 1982, a group of citizens formed the “Placer County Committee to Preserve the Courthouse for Courts,” and through grants and outside donations amassed over $3 million. This, coupled with additional funding, led to its first modern day restoration project which lasted from 1986 to 1990.

An additional cosmetic and parking facilities improvement and restoration was completed in 2009, and although the new modern Bill Santucci Justice Center is now open in Roseville, the Auburn Courthouse still functions as a Placer County annex Court facility to this day.

The great news is not only is the “Old Courthouse,” as the locals refer to it, still vital and active, it also houses one of the most complete and interesting museums. A great educational experience for both adults and children, the Museum Gallery, which once housed the jail, provides an overview of Placer County History. Included is a Native American art exhibit, an impressive gold collection inside the former treasurer’s office in the lower vault, and the original Sheriff’s Office has been restored with its 1800’s furnishings, and looks as if the Sheriff is about to walk into the office to collect a prisoner for a court appearance!

So treat yourself on your next excursion to the Gold Country! Take the Maple Street exit to 101 Maple Street, or schedule a group tour by calling (530) 889-6500. The museum is open from 10am-4:00 pm daily (closed holidays) and it is FREE!

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Don’t Miss the Mountain Mandarin Festival in Auburn CA!

The 16th Annual Mountain Mandarin Festival is Saturday and Sunday, November 21-22!

When: November 21st, 9am to 5pm and November 22nd, 9am to 4pm

Here’s what to expect! 

Map:

Tango serves up yummy frozen yogurt in Auburn CA

It’s about time we have a frozen yogurt shop in Auburn CA!

That’s what Lisa Swisley decided one day while walking in downtown Auburn with a friend from out of town who asked, “Where’s the fro-yo shop?” Well, there wasn’t one. Lisa, who was facing layoff from Hewlett-Packard, saw her opportunity. The result is Tango, a wonderful little yogurt-by-the-ounce shop, located at 940 Lincoln Way , just across the street from Wells Fargo Bank.

Tango has been open for just about a month and serves up a variety of flavors, from Vanilla Bean and Triple Chocolate, to Orange Sorbet, California Tart, Espresso and Cheesecake. To get started, you can use a tiny cup to sample the flavors, and then use a serving cup to create your masterpiece! You can mix and match flavors if you like and then add toppings to your heart’s delight! Choose mini caramel cups, brownie or cheesecake bites, strawberries, blueberries and other fruits, nuts, candies and other sprinkles of all shapes and sizes, and caramel, chocolate and many other sauces. Top it off with Read the rest of this entry »

Visit the Bernhard Museum in the Gold Country, Auburn CA

By Lonnie Crider

The Gold Country is a treasure trove of both passive and active historical landmarks available to the public for visitation. They bring to life the rich and romantic history of California and the west in general.

Many of the “passive” sites are commemorated with numbered State Historical signs found almost everywhere along major and minor highways. In addition there are more complex and informative stone and bronze plaques paid for and erected by such organizations such as E. Clampus Vitus and the Native Sons and Daughters of the Golden West.

The most interesting sites that can be better described as active or even better “interactive” are the sites which attempt to give their visitors and the community an ongoing flavor and lesson about its contribution or role in the history of the area. These sites rely on the generous donation of time, labor and money from local citizens and businesses that want to keep the living history lessons alive and available for generations to come.

We are fortunate to have one of these special interactive sites just off Highway 80 in the historic area of Auburn, CA (Less than 2 minutes to the parking lot when taking the Maple Street exit).

The Bernhard Museum, located at 291 Auburn Folsom Road, is right next to the Gold Country Fairgrounds and is easily seen from the road. The Museum complex

Includes a white 2 story main house, believed to be one of the oldest wooden frame structures in Auburn, a hand built stone wine cellar which now houses an active local winery, a large barn which displays a horse-drawn hearse, sleigh, buggies, wagons, and the blacksmith implements used to maintain them.

The main structure was originally built in 1851 by George Bishop and John Long of Pony Express fame, and served as a Traveler’s Rest Hotel. Prior to the winery being built in 1874, Auburn Folsom Road ran by just off the front porch of the main house and was frequented by teamsters delivering supplies to the many gold diggings and towns exploding in the mountains, as well as stage coach travelers coming to California, and Pony Express riders who needed re-mounts or repair.

The house was sold to the Bishop family in 1858 and was then acquired at public auction, along with the adjacent 30 acres, by Eliza Caruthers in 1864. The Bernhards purchased the Mansion and 30 acres from Eliza for a whopping $3,500 in 1868!

Benjamin Bernhard was an industrious immigrant from Germany who immediately added a single story west wing in 1870 and purchased an additional 10 acres for $85. The beautiful stone winery was added in 1874 and is joined to the house by a unique underground tunnel. Auburn Folsom Road was then moved down the slope near the large iron doors at the end of the winery so that Mr. Bernhard could load his many cases and barrels of Claret, Sherry, Port, Zinfandel and Brandy on to the mule drawn freighters that traversed the road from Sacramento to the gold fields on a daily basis.

The Bernhards continued to prosper until their passing in 1902 at which point the property passed to their daughter Anna Barkhaus. Anna eventually sold the wine making equipment, and planted fruit trees in place of the vineyards. Barkhaus and subsequent generations lived in the mansion until the 1960’s at which point the complex was abandoned and in rapid deterioration. Concerned citizens stepped in and restored the premises under direction of the Placer Historical Museum Foundation. The completely restored and period furnished complex was dedicated in April 1982 by the Native Sons and Daughters of the Golden West.

Today this delightfully restored treasure is open to the public on Tuesday through Sunday from 11am to 4pm. Not only can you tour the period furnished and equipped main house, but you can also roam the 2.3 beautifully landscaped grounds, the huge barn filled with period carriages and wagons, and the fort-like wine cellar with its colorful local stone walls and massive iron doors.

A dedicated staff of local docents also makes it possible for thousands of local 3rd graders to visit the museum’s Living History Program annually. The students get a chance to cook biscuits in a wood stove, wash clothes using a wash board, dasher and wringer, make various crafts, clean leather and sew a marble bag.

The Bernhard Museum offers a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages to take a trip back 150 years to the early days of a young and burgeoning California culture with roots in the romantic Pony Express and the perennially romantic wine industry.

Map Link

History of Auburn, CA – Claude Chana

by Lonnie Crider, Auburn, CA

Thousands of people fly pass the large statue of a kneeling gold miner on highway 80 at the Maple street exit under the train trestle in Auburn, California, as they travel to and from Lake Tahoe every week.

When thinking about it, one would be tempted to guess that due to the location in the historic gold country near Coloma where gold was discovered in 1848, the statue must be that if the famous James Marshall who discovered the “color” in the bed of a diverted river while building a saw mill for Captain Sutter of “Sutter’s Fort” fame.

Close, but no cigar……….The statue is that of French settler, agriculturalist and gold miner Claude Chana. who was, ironically, a friend of James Marshall.

The majority of settlers who migrated to California in the mid 1800’s to seek their fortune soon found it a disappointing and difficult life. Most went back from where they came or ended up changing their goals and professions in order to survive, especially after the early and easy “placer” mining period where gold could be easily gathered from surface methods as opposed to digging, mine shafting or “monitoring” by use of water cannon.

Claude’s story is quite different in that not only was he a successfull miner, but he also made major contributions to a burgeoning California agricultural industry which eventually became our number one industry for many decades.

Chana came west from St. Josephs, Missouri, in the spring of 1846, and had a brief encounter with the ill-fated Donner party at Weber Canyon, Utah. Chana’s company made a decision to take a different route to California and to press on, which allowed them to arrive at Johnson’s ranch (next to the Bear River in now Yuba county near Wheatland) several weeks before the Donner party was trapped in the Sierra’s.

Chana soon found out that a fellow countryman Teodor Sicard had a land grand just a few miles from Johnson’s ranch across the Bear river and went to work for him in late 1846.

Shortly after this, Chana found his way to Sutter’s fort where he worked as a cooper and where he also met and became friends with James
Marshall of Sutter’s Mill fame.

After 7 months Claude migrated back to Sicard’s ranch where news soon arrived about the discovery of gold in Coloma.

Chana travelled up to Coloma where he saw many of his countrymen panning for gold and immediately headed back to Sicard’s ranch to outfit himself to return to the American River to pan his fortune.

Chana and a group of several countrymen set out under the leadership of Eugene Gendron who had been in California since 1832 and knew many routes to the foothills. He took them on a shorter route than going back through the normal Sutter’s Fort route of the day.

On May 16 1848 Chana’s party was camped next to a stream later known as Auburn Ravine, close to where the town of Auburn, and now non-existent town of Ophir, eventually grew. Claude may have been keeping his hand at panning when he suddenly found 3 large nuggets in his washed out pan. Needless to say, the Chana party never made it to Coloma.

Within 18 months, the town of Auburn was named from it’s original gold mining moniker of North Fork Dry Diggins (Plenty of water in the Winter…much less in the summer) and 1200 to 1500 people inhabited the very small and hilly area of Auburn and Ophir.

Claude had a successful stint as a gold miner but as the easy placer mining days waned he realized that he needed to take his fortune and pursue his other passion which was farming and agriculture.

Chana returned to Sicards ranch where previously in 1846, he and Sicard had planted peaches, apples, almonds, pears, plumbs in the rich loamy Bear River bottom lands. Their trees were healthy, growing and bearing fruit enough to sustain the local area with these rare commodities.

Sicard eventually sold his ranch to Chana for $6,000 in gold and immediately set out to make major improvements to the ranch.

In 1848 Chana obtained 200 Mission Grape vine cuttings from San Jose and proceeded to plant them at the ranch. Claude was among the first winemakers in California and by 1870 he was producing over 12,000 gallons of wine annually!

So the next time you pass the large Statue of Claude Chana as you pass by the town of Auburn, dazzle your family and friends with your knowledge of Claude Chana, Early California Settler, Gold Miner, pioneer and agriculturalist.

Take a mini vacation in Auburn, CA

Do you feel the need to get away, de-stress, wind down, get some fresh air? Do you say, “I need a vacation,” way too much? I spent just a couple of hours recently at the confluence of the North and Middle Forks of the American River. Drive 5 minutes from Auburn, hike about 3 minutes, and be right here. Bring a snack, perhaps a beverage, find a comfortable rock, and stay for a little while. Pack up, hike 5 minutes back (uphill to the car), drive 5 minutes back to Auburn, and return to your life, refreshed, ready to go get ‘em. I can across a great map of the Auburn State Recreation Areas trails. Come check them out for your mini vacation!

The Auburn Courthouse has been revealed all shiny and new!

For the last several months, the Auburn Courthouse has been shrouded with scaffolding & drop cloths as a much needed facelift was taking place. Most of the renovation took place in the interior of the building where painting was completed to enhance the architecture, new carpet was laid, and several departments were moved around. If you have never been to the museum in the bottom floor of the courthouse, it is well worth the trip. There are wonderful historical exhibits which share Auburn’s rich history. Added recently is an exhibit of movies filmed in Placer County. Hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday except every second and fourth Wednesday when it is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

After touring the Courthouse Museum, you can spend hours touring the Old Town area which is full of interesting gift boutiques, antiques stores, restaurants and a wonderful art gallery featuring local artists. You can easily come and spend a whole day taking in the Old Town sights, walking up and down the streets in quaint Old Town Auburn, popping in and out of interesting stores.

Hockey anyone?

This article was published today in the Auburn Journal (Auburn, CA) about one of my passions, ice hockey. It’s a sport that many in California are unfamiliar with, yet it could be available right in your own town! Of all the sports I have played over the years, it is absolutely the most fun! Anyone can play, kids all the way to a couple of 70-year-olds in our rec league that still get out there every week. Check it out if you are interested. If I can play, anyone can! For the story, click here.