Volume 005-4 - May 1951 (3 pages)

May, 1951 Vol. 5, No.4 “Columbia, Our Gem of the Mountains” Once a resident of Columbia Hill, a person will always claim a kinship to the town. Each one would say, “Nowhere on earth is the breath of spring as exhilerating, or people friendlier, and no other hydraulic mining community can boast of such a historical and illustrious past as our Columbia.” Situated on the famous San Juan Ridge between North Bloomfield and Cherokee, it became the great mining center for the Eureka Lake and Yuba Canal Co., first owned by A. Zellerbach of Moores Flat, who later originated the Zellerbach Paper Co., in San Francisco. The water rights of the Eureka Lake and Yuba Canal Co. were of a most extensive character, consisting of a system of ditches 219 miles in length. The company was consolidated and a charter granted by the State of New York in December 1865, with a capital of $2,250,000. The main office was in New York City. Its system of ditches was one of the most stupendous and costly enterprises in the mining districts of the state and commanded as rich and extensive a section of auriferous gravel ever discovered on the planet. The net receipts for selling the water to mining companies amounted to $1,000 per day. Mining ground was acquired by the company for water bills, The main artery, known as the Eureka Lake Ditch commenced helow the outlet of the principal storage reservoirs, Eureka, Faucherie and Weaver Lakes, with a total capacity ot 931,000,000 cubic inches of water. Tributary ditches suplied water to the hydraulic mines at Snow Point, Moores, Woolseys and Orleans Fiat, Relief Hill, Bloomfield, Lake City and Grizzly Hill, and then reunited to deliver the supply to Columbia Hill, the principal point of the company’s mining operations. Here, they owned 1,445 acres of mining ground lying two and one half miles along the channel and having an average width of four thousand feet and a depth of between 400 and 600 feet. At the time of the Sawyer Act in 1884, the first law attempting to close the hydraulic mines, there was an estimated 300,000,000 cubic yards of gravel left at Columbia Hill to be washed away. The first pioneers to settle there were the Tisdale brothers, who built a log cabin and commenced mining operations in 1853. After a post office was established, the name of the place was changed to North Columbia, although it is generally spoken of as Columbia Hill. In fact, one has only to mention, “The Hill,” and Nevada Countians will recognize the location. There were two towns in North Columbia. The first was known as “Old Columbia,” but as it was built on the gravel channel, the company required the people to give up their homes in 1879 so that the site might be washed away. Many of the older residents, who were hesitant in relinquishing their property rejoiced when the bedrock came to the surface of the old townsite and the company realized no dividends after the forced move. The present town was known as “New Columbia,” and consisted of a store, hotel, three saloons, a post office, school and numerous dwellings. Today, the sightseer will find a modern sawmill owned by Delbert Schiffner near the site of the Broderick sawmill in Little Grass Valley below the town, a few homes, a store and service station and historic old school. And this spring electricity came to Columbia Hill from P.G.&E. J. P. Coghlan, who went to school at Columbia Hill, is assistant president and second vice-president of P. G. & E The greatest attraction of all are the remains of Milton Ditch, the Eureka Lake Ditch and the upper storage reservoir. One has only to stand before them to visulize the exciting, vivid life of the early hydraulic mining days. One of the greatest tragedies ot Columbia Hil! was related by Horace Curnow and George Calanan, former residents of the place. “Among the most beautiful girls in Columbia Hih were Julia, Ann and Sarah Connors. Julia married John Pengelly, and their home was built over the Eureka Lake Ditch. One evening the couple visited their cousins, Mr. and Mrs. Pat Brophy, leaving their three small sons at home with the sister, Ann Connors. It was late when they returned, and as they had to cross the ditch on a small plank, John Pengelly turned to help his wife. ‘Don’t be foolish, I can make it,’ she laughed. After crossing over, he turned to hold the light for her, but she was gone. Rushing madly to the upper The Dedication Ball Not long ago the people of French Corral saved their historic school from the onslaught of the auction block. These children of the pioneers love the old buildings, and even though some are no longer used as schools, they have become community centers. In North Columbia stands such a building, surrounded by the remains of the old hydraulic mining ditches. One has only to walk around the yard and gaze into the deep chasms of these man-made channels to shudder at the thought of children playing so near the mad rushing waters. However, only one casualty was ever reported. Mr. George Calanan, who was honored at a dinner by the Nevada County Historical Society and the people of Nevada City on April 2, 1951, for his many years of public service, attended the Columbia Hill School. The happy laughter of children is still heard within its portals. Mr. Robert Robinson and Miss Mary Joan Campbell are the present teachers. They are very proud of the old building, and enjoy showing visitors about. Miss Campbell is a member of the pioneer Coughlan family, living just across the road from the school, and well known for their gracious hospitality. All of the Coughlans graduated from Columbia Hill. The building was completed in June 1875 and dedicated on June 25th of that same year with a Grand Ball. The fall term opened on Monday, August 2, 1875. Mr. J. G. O'Neill, a very handsome young man with dark wavy hair was the first teacher. He was greatly loved by his many pupils and as high school advantages were nil during that perireservoir, he turned the water off. Meanwhile, Ann thought she heard her sister call, ‘Oh Ann!’ going out on the porch to locate the direction of the voice, she soon saw _ her frantic brother-in-law running along the ditch. The body of the beautiful Julia Pengelly was found in the bulkhead. Many wondered if Ann had heard her sister call as she was swept under the house. However, Ann and Sarah Connors dedicated their lives to the rearing of Julia’s boys.” at Columbia Hill od, he tutored the graduates in high school subjects after hours. While at Columbia Hill, he met Miss Kate. Wood, a very popular and extremely witty young girl. The pair drove to Nevada City by horse and buggy and were married. He later taught in Nevada City and became the County Superintendent of Schools. He was the father of the late John O’Neill, Union reporter. His home still stands in Nevada City on the corner of East Broad and Main Streets. As J. G. O’Neill’s beautiful thick hair turned white, the couple reminded one of Mark Twain and his adored Olivia. He often visited the homes of his former Columbia Hill pupils, and was always a most welcome guest. Many of them had migrated to Oakland when the hydraulic mines were closed. The following article is taken from the North San Juan Times, July 3, 1875. The Dedication Ball At Columbia Hill We had the pleasure of attending the party given in the new school house at Columbia Hill on Friday eve ning, June 25th. The building is high. spacious, neatly finished and reflects great credit upon its builders and the community at large. It cost about $3,000. The floor was in splendid condition for dancing, though rather slippery from waxing, and more than one gentleman involuntarily “bent the knee” to his fair partner. There was a large number in attendance, comprising the youth, beauty and fashion of Columbia Hill, Cherokee and the surrounding district. There were a

May, 1951 Vol. 5, No.4 “Columbia, Our Gem of the Mountains” Once a resident of Columbia Hill, a person will always claim a kinship to the town. Each one would say, “Nowhere on earth is the breath of spring as exhilerating, or people friendlier, and no other hydraulic mining community can boast of such a historical and illustrious past as our Columbia.” Situated on the famous San Juan Ridge between North Bloomfield and Cherokee, it became the great mining center for the Eureka Lake and Yuba Canal Co., first owned by A. Zellerbach of Moores Flat, who later originated the Zellerbach Paper Co., in San Francisco. The water rights of the Eureka Lake and Yuba Canal Co. were of a most extensive character, consisting of a system of ditches 219 miles in length. The company was consolidated and a charter granted by the State of New York in December 1865, with a capital of $2,250,000. The main office was in New York City. Its system of ditches was one of the most stupendous and costly enterprises in the mining districts of the state and commanded as rich and extensive a section of auriferous gravel ever discovered on the planet. The net receipts for selling the water to mining companies amounted to $1,000 per day. Mining ground was acquired by the company for water bills, The main artery, known as the Eureka Lake Ditch commenced helow the outlet of the principal storage reservoirs, Eureka, Faucherie and Weaver Lakes, with a total capacity ot 931,000,000 cubic inches of water. Tributary ditches suplied water to the hydraulic mines at Snow Point, Moores, Woolseys and Orleans Fiat, Relief Hill, Bloomfield, Lake City and Grizzly Hill, and then reunited to deliver the supply to Columbia Hill, the principal point of the company’s mining operations. Here, they owned 1,445 acres of mining ground lying two and one half miles along the channel and having an average width of four thousand feet and a depth of between 400 and 600 feet. At the time of the Sawyer Act in 1884, the first law attempting to close the hydraulic mines, there was an estimated 300,000,000 cubic yards of gravel left at Columbia Hill to be washed away. The first pioneers to settle there were the Tisdale brothers, who built a log cabin and commenced mining operations in 1853. After a post office was established, the name of the place was changed to North Columbia, although it is generally spoken of as Columbia Hill. In fact, one has only to mention, “The Hill,” and Nevada Countians will recognize the location. There were two towns in North Columbia. The first was known as “Old Columbia,” but as it was built on the gravel channel, the company required the people to give up their homes in 1879 so that the site might be washed away. Many of the older residents, who were hesitant in relinquishing their property rejoiced when the bedrock came to the surface of the old townsite and the company realized no dividends after the forced move. The present town was known as “New Columbia,” and consisted of a store, hotel, three saloons, a post office, school and numerous dwellings. Today, the sightseer will find a modern sawmill owned by Delbert Schiffner near the site of the Broderick sawmill in Little Grass Valley below the town, a few homes, a store and service station and historic old school. And this spring electricity came to Columbia Hill from P.G.&E. J. P. Coghlan, who went to school at Columbia Hill, is assistant president and second vice-president of P. G. & E The greatest attraction of all are the remains of Milton Ditch, the Eureka Lake Ditch and the upper storage reservoir. One has only to stand before them to visulize the exciting, vivid life of the early hydraulic mining days. One of the greatest tragedies ot Columbia Hil! was related by Horace Curnow and George Calanan, former residents of the place. “Among the most beautiful girls in Columbia Hih were Julia, Ann and Sarah Connors. Julia married John Pengelly, and their home was built over the Eureka Lake Ditch. One evening the couple visited their cousins, Mr. and Mrs. Pat Brophy, leaving their three small sons at home with the sister, Ann Connors. It was late when they returned, and

as they had to cross the ditch on a small plank, John Pengelly turned to help his wife. ‘Don’t be foolish, I can make it,’ she laughed. After crossing over, he turned to hold the light for her, but she was gone. Rushing madly to the upper The Dedication Ball Not long ago the people of French Corral saved their historic school from the onslaught of the auction block. These children of the pioneers love the old buildings, and even though some are no longer used as schools, they have become community centers. In North Columbia stands such a building, surrounded by the remains of the old hydraulic mining ditches. One has only to walk around the yard and gaze into the deep chasms of these man-made channels to shudder at the thought of children playing so near the mad rushing waters. However, only one casualty was ever reported. Mr. George Calanan, who was honored at a dinner by the Nevada County Historical Society and the people of Nevada City on April 2, 1951, for his many years of public service, attended the Columbia Hill School. The happy laughter of children is still heard within its portals. Mr. Robert Robinson and Miss Mary Joan Campbell are the present teachers. They are very proud of the old building, and enjoy showing visitors about. Miss Campbell is a member of the pioneer Coughlan family, living just across the road from the school, and well known for their gracious hospitality. All of the Coughlans graduated from Columbia Hill. The building was completed in June 1875 and dedicated on June 25th of that same year with a Grand Ball. The fall term opened on Monday, August 2, 1875. Mr. J. G. O'Neill, a very handsome young man with dark wavy hair was the first teacher. He was greatly loved by his many pupils and as high school advantages were nil during that perireservoir, he turned the water off. Meanwhile, Ann thought she heard her sister call, ‘Oh Ann!’ going out on the porch to locate the direction of the voice, she soon saw _ her frantic brother-in-law running along the ditch. The body of the beautiful Julia Pengelly was found in the bulkhead. Many wondered if Ann had heard her sister call as she was swept under the house. However, Ann and Sarah Connors dedicated their lives to the rearing of Julia’s boys.” at Columbia Hill od, he tutored the graduates in high school subjects after hours. While at Columbia Hill, he met Miss Kate. Wood, a very popular and extremely witty young girl. The pair drove to Nevada City by horse and buggy and were married. He later taught in Nevada City and became the County Superintendent of Schools. He was the father of the late John O’Neill, Union reporter. His home still stands in Nevada City on the corner of East Broad and Main Streets. As J. G. O’Neill’s beautiful thick hair turned white, the couple reminded one of Mark Twain and his adored Olivia. He often visited the homes of his former Columbia Hill pupils, and was always a most welcome guest. Many of them had migrated to Oakland when the hydraulic mines were closed. The following article is taken from the North San Juan Times, July 3, 1875. The Dedication Ball At Columbia Hill We had the pleasure of attending the party given in the new school house at Columbia Hill on Friday eve ning, June 25th. The building is high. spacious, neatly finished and reflects great credit upon its builders and the community at large. It cost about $3,000. The floor was in splendid condition for dancing, though rather slippery from waxing, and more than one gentleman involuntarily “bent the knee” to his fair partner. There was a large number in attendance, comprising the youth, beauty and fashion of Columbia Hill, Cherokee and the surrounding district. There were a