Volume 017-3 - July 1963 (2 pages)

school. The building was eventually sold to Thomas C. Prisk who converted it into a residence. Chicago Park School, however, is in use today. St. Paul Lutheran Church was organized on March 23, 1902. Although Rev. Martin Kuessner was the first regular minister, as early as 1900 Rev. John William Theiss came over from his regular pastorate on the average of once every two months to hold services in the Chicago Park School. The church was built on property donated by Dr. Pusheck and his mother, Anna. It was dedicated on December 4, 1804. Two other churches were organized near Peardale but little is known about them. One was a Catholic Church, later converted into a home now occupied by the Oliver Rytkonens. The other, a community church at the intersection of Brunswick Road and Colfax Highway, is also at present a residence. In 1849, Benjamin Taylor, a Mexican War Veteran, arrived in Nevada County with a number of emigrants. He is rumored to have been in a group that built a cabin on Badger Hill, reputed to be the first house in Grass Valley. As he preferred farming and horse breeding to mining, he settled on a ranch southeast of Grass Valley which he named Buena Vista after the battle of the same name in which he had participated in the Mexican War. From this ranch the present Buena Vista voting district got its name. Taylor was one of the owners of the toll road to Colfax. Two men named Leech, at least one of whom was connected with the Mohawk Lumber company, were the next owners of the ranch. Taylor moved to a place across Bear River. Buena Vista Ranch was included in the burcavse when the Coleman Brothers bought Storms Ranch from the insurance company. In 1904, William Bierwagen bought the 1700 acre ranch and subdivided it. In 1914 Mr. Bierwagen gave a picnic for all the landowners, their families and friends. Here a farm club was formed which later grew into the Peardale Farm Center. In 1915 a building that was first built in Red Dog in 1857 as Brooklyn Lodge No. 46, Independent Order of Odd Fellows Hall then later moved to You Bet was offered for sale. It was moved to its present location to serve as a Community Hall, now known as Peardale Hall. In 1916 the Farm Club asked for a postoffice under the name of Buena Vista but were advised that the name was already taken. It was organized as Peardale Post office on May 11 of that year in a corner of the above mentioned hall. Samuel V. Koeller was postmaster. The office was later moved to Buena Vista Station. This Postoffice was discontinued on January 14, 1927. Peardale, as well as Chicago Park, became widely known for its excellent fruit. Most popular were the pears. In later years blight has caused some orchardists to pull their pear trees. Some are turning to other crops while a few believe the pear will make a come-back. Subdivisions are in the planning stage. With the building of Rollins Dam, forecasts are made of a future in recreat‘on for the region. Chicago Park and Peardale may yet live up to the fondest dreams of their founders. HELP TO PRESERVE OUR COUNTY’S IMPORTANT AND ROMANTIC PAST — JOIN THE NEVADA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY Membership only $1 per year — Payable January Ist each year Send $1.00 to Esther Hartung, 303 S. Church St., Grass Valley, California The Nevada County Historical Society meets first Thursday of each month except June, July, and August. 1963 OFFICERS OF THE NEVADA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY President—Gilbert T. Tennis, 124 Winchester Sreet, Grass Valley, Phone 273-2328 Vice President — Mrs. Gwen Anderson, 529 W. Broad Street, Nevada City, Phone 265-4253 Secretary — Miss Esther Hartung, 303 South Church St., Grass Valley, Phone 273-6830. Treasurer — Mrs. Adelaide Elliott, P.O. Box 1002, Nevada City, Phone 265-4701. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Grass Valley — Miss Bernice Glasson, Mrs. Florence Kelly, Gunnar Williams. Nevada City — Mrs. Isabel Hefelfinger, Elza Kilroy, Richard Nickless. County-at-Large — Mrs. Richard Shoemaker, Dow Alexander, C. A. Scharschu, John Trauner, Robert Wyckoff, John Nettell, Mrs. L. G. Monian Bulletin Editor, Elmer Stevens, P.O. Box 653, Grass Valley, Phone 265-4102 VISIT THE NEVADA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCLETY MUSEUM Located at the Corner of Main & Commercial Streets, Nevada City. Open 11 A.M. to 5 P.M., Every Day, June through August. Winter season by appointment — phone Caretaker, Richard Nickless, Nevada City, 265-2424. Nevada County Historical Society Vol. 17, No. 3 October 1963 A Brief History of Chicago Park and Peardale By Pat Jones, Box 10, Chicago Park, Calif. The recent demolition of the Narrow Gauge Railroad Bridge over the Bear River and the beginning of work on Rollins Dam has rocketed Southwestern Nevada County into prominence. People and events in near-by gold camps have inspired writers and historians for over one hundred years but little has been recorded on the tranquil areas now known as Chicago Park and Peardale. Old timers remember Chicago Park as a picnic or resort spot. This whole end of the county was not only a scenic region to traverse by rail or road but an orchard paradise. The peaceful Southern Maidu Indians and members of neighboring tribes were once its only residents. The chief of these Indians was Wiemah. It is known that rancheritas existed at Orchard Springs Ranch, the Day Ranch, Vallons and at the Shebley Ranch. (When Wiemah passed away in 1881, Geppu or Deer Foot, a runner for the tribe in Wiemah'’s day, took his place.) It is known that the Spaniards explored along the Bear River as early as 1822 and it was named Rio do Les Osos by them. The earliest real activity was by wagon trains crossing on the Emigrant Trail. Although it is not certain that the Donner party survivors of the tragic winter of 1846 actually traveled through Chicago Park on this exact route, the trail erroneously named in their honor cut straight through. Interested groups with the help of early pioneers traced this route from Donner Lake to Johnson's Rancho in the 1930's and 40's. At that time markers were placed, most of which have been removed by vandals. The trail crossed the Colfax Highway at a spot now marked by the schcol crossing. Sufficient travel passed over this road to warrant the establishment near-by of a trading post rescribed in old directories as the only store between Salt Lake and Bear River on the trail. Built in August of 1849, il was the second store to be opened in Nevada County. It stood on a point of land overlooking the Bear River where it joins the Greenhorn. The owner was an Oregon trader named only as Findley in early records. In 1856, Findley sold out to a man named Brooks. E. G. Waite in Bean's Directory of Nevada County states, “Brooks and Peasley became successors to Findley, keeping up the store and it may be observed, the prices also.” Bacon is quoted by him as being sold by Findley for two dollars a pound and shoe tacks for ten cents each! . Around 1850, a man named Simmon P. Storms was in charge of the Indians in the area, He built a house of rough logs in the vicinity of the ranch later developed by Joseph Shebley. The sporting population often assembled at Storm's Ranch to witness or participate in wrestling matches, bull and bear fights, dog jangling etc. with Indians and whites taking part. Storms was noted for his pleasant relationship with the Indians and for being an excellent host. An article in an 1854 Grass Valley Telegraph states, “If you wish to seek a pleasant locality for spending the day, where after a good ride over a smooth road, where you can enjoy a cool and delightful lounge and excellent dinner, go to Storms.” In October of 1854 an historic meeting was held at the bull and bear fight arena of S. P. Storms. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the removal of the local Indians from the gold country to a new reservation near Tehama called Nome Lackee. General John E. Wool, U.S. Senator William M. Gwin, John B. Weller, who later served as a California Governor, James W. Denver and Sam Brannon were present. The Indians objected to being moved but in October of the next year, S. P. Storms led a group of 150 Indian men, women and children from a gathering point at Empire Ranch to the Reseravtion without incident. Between 1855 and 1857, he was employed as farmer-interpreter at Nome Lackee and the Nome Cult Farm. On August 5, 1858 Storms sold a piece of property identified as “Storms Old Ranch" for $1500 to Bernard Harrigan and Martin Kelly. Kelly sold his interest to

school. The building was eventually sold to Thomas C. Prisk who converted it into a residence. Chicago Park School, however, is in use today. St. Paul Lutheran Church was organized on March 23, 1902. Although Rev. Martin Kuessner was the first regular minister, as early as 1900 Rev. John William Theiss came over from his regular pastorate on the average of once every two months to hold services in the Chicago Park School. The church was built on property donated by Dr. Pusheck and his mother, Anna. It was dedicated on December 4, 1804. Two other churches were organized near Peardale but little is known about them. One was a Catholic Church, later converted into a home now occupied by the Oliver Rytkonens. The other, a community church at the intersection of Brunswick Road and Colfax Highway, is also at present a residence. In 1849, Benjamin Taylor, a Mexican War Veteran, arrived in Nevada County with a number of emigrants. He is rumored to have been in a group that built a cabin on Badger Hill, reputed to be the first house in Grass Valley. As he preferred farming and horse breeding to mining, he settled on a ranch southeast of Grass Valley which he named Buena Vista after the battle of the same name in which he had participated in the Mexican War. From this ranch the present Buena Vista voting district got its name. Taylor was one of the owners of the toll road to Colfax. Two men named Leech, at least one of whom was connected with the Mohawk Lumber company, were the next owners of the ranch. Taylor moved to a place across Bear River. Buena Vista Ranch was included in the burcavse when the Coleman Brothers bought Storms Ranch from the insurance company. In 1904, William Bierwagen bought the 1700 acre ranch and subdivided it. In 1914 Mr. Bierwagen gave a picnic for all the landowners, their families and friends. Here a farm club was formed which later grew into the Peardale Farm Center. In 1915 a building that was first built in Red Dog in 1857 as Brooklyn Lodge No. 46, Independent Order of Odd Fellows Hall then later moved to You Bet was offered for sale. It was moved to its present location to serve as a Community Hall, now known as Peardale Hall. In 1916 the Farm Club asked for a postoffice under the name of Buena Vista but were advised that the name was already taken. It was organized as Peardale Post office on May 11 of that year in a corner of the above mentioned hall. Samuel V. Koeller was postmaster. The office was later moved to Buena Vista Station. This Postoffice was discontinued on January 14, 1927. Peardale, as well as Chicago Park, became widely known for its excellent fruit. Most popular were the pears. In later years blight has caused some orchardists to pull their pear trees. Some are turning to other crops while a few believe the pear will make a come-back. Subdivisions are in the planning stage. With the building of Rollins Dam, forecasts are made of a future in recreat‘on for the region. Chicago Park and Peardale may yet live up to the fondest dreams of their founders. HELP TO PRESERVE OUR COUNTY’S IMPORTANT AND ROMANTIC PAST — JOIN THE NEVADA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY Membership only $1 per year — Payable January Ist each year Send $1.00 to Esther Hartung, 303 S. Church St., Grass Valley, California The Nevada County Historical Society meets first Thursday of each month except June, July, and August. 1963 OFFICERS OF THE NEVADA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY President—Gilbert T. Tennis, 124 Winchester Sreet, Grass Valley, Phone 273-2328 Vice President — Mrs. Gwen Anderson, 529 W. Broad Street, Nevada City, Phone 265-4253 Secretary — Miss Esther Hartung, 303 South Church St., Grass Valley, Phone 273-6830. Treasurer — Mrs. Adelaide Elliott, P.O. Box 1002, Nevada City, Phone 265-4701. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Grass Valley — Miss Bernice Glasson, Mrs. Florence Kelly, Gunnar Williams. Nevada City — Mrs. Isabel Hefelfinger, Elza Kilroy, Richard Nickless. County-at-Large — Mrs. Richard Shoemaker, Dow Alexander, C. A. Scharschu, John Trauner, Robert Wyckoff, John Nettell, Mrs. L. G. Monian Bulletin Editor, Elmer Stevens, P.O. Box 653, Grass Valley, Phone 265-4102 VISIT THE NEVADA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCLETY MUSEUM Located at the Corner of Main & Commercial Streets, Nevada City. Open 11 A.M. to 5 P.M., Every Day, June through August. Winter season by appointment — phone Caretaker, Richard Nickless, Nevada City, 265-2424. Nevada County Historical Society Vol. 17, No. 3 October 1963 A Brief History of Chicago Park and Peardale By Pat Jones, Box 10, Chicago Park, Calif. The recent demolition of the Narrow Gauge Railroad Bridge over the Bear River and the beginning of work on Rollins Dam

has rocketed Southwestern Nevada County into prominence. People and events in near-by gold camps have inspired writers and historians for over one hundred years but little has been recorded on the tranquil areas now known as Chicago Park and Peardale. Old timers remember Chicago Park as a picnic or resort spot. This whole end of the county was not only a scenic region to traverse by rail or road but an orchard paradise. The peaceful Southern Maidu Indians and members of neighboring tribes were once its only residents. The chief of these Indians was Wiemah. It is known that rancheritas existed at Orchard Springs Ranch, the Day Ranch, Vallons and at the Shebley Ranch. (When Wiemah passed away in 1881, Geppu or Deer Foot, a runner for the tribe in Wiemah'’s day, took his place.) It is known that the Spaniards explored along the Bear River as early as 1822 and it was named Rio do Les Osos by them. The earliest real activity was by wagon trains crossing on the Emigrant Trail. Although it is not certain that the Donner party survivors of the tragic winter of 1846 actually traveled through Chicago Park on this exact route, the trail erroneously named in their honor cut straight through. Interested groups with the help of early pioneers traced this route from Donner Lake to Johnson's Rancho in the 1930's and 40's. At that time markers were placed, most of which have been removed by vandals. The trail crossed the Colfax Highway at a spot now marked by the schcol crossing. Sufficient travel passed over this road to warrant the establishment near-by of a trading post rescribed in old directories as the only store between Salt Lake and Bear River on the trail. Built in August of 1849, il was the second store to be opened in Nevada County. It stood on a point of land overlooking the Bear River where it joins the Greenhorn. The owner was an Oregon trader named only as Findley in early records. In 1856, Findley sold out to a man named Brooks. E. G. Waite in Bean's Directory of Nevada County states, “Brooks and Peasley became successors to Findley, keeping up the store and it may be observed, the prices also.” Bacon is quoted by him as being sold by Findley for two dollars a pound and shoe tacks for ten cents each! . Around 1850, a man named Simmon P. Storms was in charge of the Indians in the area, He built a house of rough logs in the vicinity of the ranch later developed by Joseph Shebley. The sporting population often assembled at Storm's Ranch to witness or participate in wrestling matches, bull and bear fights, dog jangling etc. with Indians and whites taking part. Storms was noted for his pleasant relationship with the Indians and for being an excellent host. An article in an 1854 Grass Valley Telegraph states, “If you wish to seek a pleasant locality for spending the day, where after a good ride over a smooth road, where you can enjoy a cool and delightful lounge and excellent dinner, go to Storms.” In October of 1854 an historic meeting was held at the bull and bear fight arena of S. P. Storms. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the removal of the local Indians from the gold country to a new reservation near Tehama called Nome Lackee. General John E. Wool, U.S. Senator William M. Gwin, John B. Weller, who later served as a California Governor, James W. Denver and Sam Brannon were present. The Indians objected to being moved but in October of the next year, S. P. Storms led a group of 150 Indian men, women and children from a gathering point at Empire Ranch to the Reseravtion without incident. Between 1855 and 1857, he was employed as farmer-interpreter at Nome Lackee and the Nome Cult Farm. On August 5, 1858 Storms sold a piece of property identified as “Storms Old Ranch" for $1500 to Bernard Harrigan and Martin Kelly. Kelly sold his interest to