Gold Camp Gentleman - James D. Hague (March 23, 2025)

Presenter: Gage McKinney
Join author Gage McKinney for a special presentation of his newly released book, Gold Camp Gentleman: A Life of James D. Hague, at the historic North Star House on Sunday, March 23rd at 2pm. This event will shed light on the life of James D. Hague, a man whose contributions to Nevada County and the gold mining industry have long been overlooked. McKinney's new book brings his story to the forefront, revealing a remarkable life intertwined with California's history, including his pivotal role in building both the North Star House and the North Star Powerhouse. The event will be attended by three generations of James Hague's descendants, making this a truly memorable gathering.

About James D. Hague: James Hague, a Harvard-educated engineer, was instrumental in securing the future of North Star Mine and employing generations of Grass Valley workers. He played a key role in bringing important figures to the area, including engineer Arthur D. Foote, illustrator and novelist Mary Hallock Foote, and the renowned architect Julia Morgan. Hague was also a man of science, befriending great minds like Charles Darwin and Theodore Roosevelt.

About Gage McKinney: McKinney is an award-winning author and historian recognized by the Mining History Association, California Pioneers, and the Phelan Foundation for his work on California's mining history. He has also been honored by the Nevada County Historical Society and is a reader at The Huntington Library in San Marino, CA.
# of Slides/Images: 5
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Citation:

McKinney, Gage, "Gold Camp Gentleman - James D. Hague (March 23, 2025)"
Other Videos. Searls Historical Library, https://archive.nevadacountyhistory.org/search/?Id=20351

Link: https://archive.nevadacountyhistory.org/search/?Id=20351

Hobart Mill, Donner Summit and Truckee in the 1920s

This film reel is a collection of footage of Truckee, California, and specifically the Hobart Mills logging operation. The first part includes scenes of a Fourth of July parade in Truckee in 1922, featuring a Monarch tractor and locomotive No. 4 with its engineer, Stan Wright. Several scenes showcase the Hobart Mills lumber operation, including logging trains leaving the woods, arriving at the mill, and unloading logs at the pond. The dangerous nature of the work is illustrated by a photo of a wrecked logging train. The second part of the film reel focuses on the maintenance and challenges of running the mill, with images of reservoir cleaning, a disused locomotive, bridge repair, and a derailed engine in the turntable pit. Scenes of the sawmill from various angles and lumber being transported offer a glimpse into the mill's operations. The film reel concludes with images of life at Hobart Mills, including a tractor in the snow, a couple ice skating, boys ski jumping, and a railroad engine clearing snow from the lumber yard.
# of Slides/Images: 1
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Citation:

"Hobart Mill, Donner Summit and Truckee in the 1920s"
Other Videos. Searls Historical Library, https://archive.nevadacountyhistory.org/search/?Id=17716

Link: https://archive.nevadacountyhistory.org/search/?Id=17716

Mr Bourn's Gold - Part 1 (California 2000)(Giant Powder)

A historical drama set in Grass Valley, California during a mining strike. The story revolves around the introduction of a new explosive, giant powder, which is more efficient but also more dangerous for the miners. The miners, led by Tom Collier, strongly oppose its use due to health concerns and potential job losses. Jack Wales, a miner with a family to support, faces a dilemma between joining the strike and providing for his loved ones. His wife, Jenny, resorts to singing in a tavern to make ends meet, causing tension in their relationship. Meanwhile, Father Dalton, struggling with the orphanage's financial difficulties, seeks support from the legislature in Sacramento. The narrative highlights the harsh realities of mining life, the conflict between workers and mine owners, and the resilience of the community in the face of adversity.

Created: December 31, 1969
# of Slides/Images: 2
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Citation:

"Mr Bourn's Gold - Part 1 (California 2000)"
Other Videos, December 31, 1969. Searls Historical Library, https://archive.nevadacountyhistory.org/search/?Id=17717

Link: https://archive.nevadacountyhistory.org/search/?Id=17717

Mr Bourn's Gold - Part 2 (California 2000)(Whole, Half or Abandoned)

Part Two of a historical drama set in Grass Valley, California, during a mining strike. The narrative touches on various interconnected plotlines: the miners' resistance to the introduction of giant powder due to safety concerns, the financial struggles of the local orphanage, and the personal challenges faced by individuals like Jack Wales' widow, Jenny, who turns to singing in a tavern to support her child. The script also highlights the role of influential figures like Mr. Bourn and Father Dalton in shaping the town's dynamics. Themes of social injustice, economic hardship, and community resilience are woven throughout the dialogue, painting a vivid picture of life in a 19th-century mining town.

Created: December 31, 1969
# of Slides/Images: 2
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Citation:

"Mr Bourn's Gold - Part 2 (California 2000)"
Other Videos, December 31, 1969. Searls Historical Library, https://archive.nevadacountyhistory.org/search/?Id=17718

Link: https://archive.nevadacountyhistory.org/search/?Id=17718