October 17, 1973 (12 pages)

10 Tre Nevada County Nugget Wed., Oct. 17,1973 This week fifty years ago, During the extensive re-paving of Grass Valley streets, the finds of old, rare coins was a commonplace matter for area residents and visitors. The experience of Francis Eckles was a good example. He was engaged in digging a ditch for the new water line to be laid under Main Street and unearthed a 25-cent piece dated 1847. The coin was in good condition and was believed lost when Main Street was practically the only street in the city. Eckles told bystanders he intended keeping the coin as a souvenir. What was believed to have been a spent bullet struck John W. Thompson squarely between his eyes. Thompson, a miner working ‘his Annie Laurie claim on Deadman Flat, on South Star Hill, sustained a blow of sufficient force to knock him to the ground and a wound which bled profusely for several minutes. Due to prevalent rumors of claim-jumping in that area, it was reported in town that a shoot-out had taken place. Sheriff Garfield Robson “carefully investigated” the incident and later denied hostile moves being made. He said the matter was strictly one of ‘“‘an unfortunate accident.” Mrs. S. K. Williams of Colfax filed the deed to the old toll road between Colfax and Iowa Hill known as ‘‘The Old Stevens Trail’’. It was the route of a then proposed new road to the latter place. The County Recorder said that the deed had been in the family of Truman A. Stevens, the grandfather of Mrs. Williams, for 53 years; and that this was its first “recording” so far as known by his department. At the time the toll road was instituted, Iowa Hill was a flourishing mining center boasting of a fine theatre, a newspaper and many other long-forgotten establishments. Dr: Charles P. Steinmetz, inventor, scientist, mathematician and electrical “‘wizard”’, died of heart failure in Schenectady, New York, at a private nursing institution. It was said that fatigue resulting from an extensive west coast tour caused his heart to fail, just when it was believed that recovery from exhaustion was possible. He was a native of Breslau, Germany, born April 9, 1865. He came to the United States in 1889, penniless and half-starved, according to newspaper reports of that time. He found employment finally, with a firm in Yonkers which was later absorbed by the General Electric Works, the company for which Dr. Steinmetz was working at the time of his death. Dick Danielson gets assignment SAN ANTONIO — Airman customs and received special Richard K. Danielson, son of instruction in human relations. Mrs. Regina A. Danielson, Rt. 3, Grass-Valley, has been assigned to Keesler AFB, Miss., after completing Air Force basic i field During his six weeks at the Air g Training Command’s Lackland airman Danielson is a 1973 AFB, Tex., he studied the Air graduate of Nevada Union High Force mission, organization and School. The airman has been assigned to the Technical Training Center as Keesler for specialized training in the administrative YOU ARE INVITED TO CALL 7 A.M. TILL 5:30 P.M Rough a Ready Springs Parent Teachers Club President, Mrs. Martha Pratt, outlined for me a few of the events planned for Ready Springs School in the near future.It seems as if everyone is really working, Their annual Halloween Carnival will be on October 27 this year. The fun begins at 5:00 p.m. and what with hot dogs, chili, cider, coffee, punch and doughnuts to eat, a Steak Drawing and lots of new program ideas it will be a full evening ending at 9:00 p.m. Donation for the Steak Drawing will be 25 cents. First name drawn wins 20 steaks and 10 steaks go to the second person drawn. Ready Springs pupils this year are conducting several Ecology Programs. One of them is collecting aluminum cans. Get yourself a special waste basket just for them. Someone will pick them up. They can be recycled easily and there isa buyer for them in the area. Once you learn the feel of aluminum you will readily recognize them. If you can bend it easily with your fingers it’s aluminum. The Historical Society has been asked to participate in the November PTC Program. Believe it or not the history of the Penn Valley area is as interesting as the rest of Nevada County. County Historian, Mrs. Doris Foley, will answerquestions. —R&R— Rough and Ready Fire Chief Al Moniz demonstrated his new fire engine for the Rough and Ready Chamber on Thursday evening. It’s a beauty and deserves the pride the firemen have in it. —R&R— Seemed to me the Trade Fair was a huge success. It was such a beautiful day that I think everyone came out to enjoy the weather. Hope booth receipts are good. This is the first time the Historical Society has tried a booth that did not end up in the red. People have begun to expect us now and some even stopped by to exchange interesting bits of history. Mrs. Sibyl Leuteneker was-chairman of our display. —R&R— Miss Kathy Walker of Harmony Acres Way is starting her own flock of sheep. She has six breeding*ewes now. Tha’s more than I have after 15 years. Kathy wants to build her flock and I just want a few to play with and eventually eat. Sheep are really funny. Once they find a way out they are hard to confine. Kathy has had to drive hers home from here twice. They come in over the back hills and down our lane. I’m sure it must be Sweet William’s winning personality that attracts them. Kathy hopes, their new fence will solve the problem. —R&R— Mrs. Willis Perry and Mrs. John Elliott attended the Gem and Mineral Show last week. Their descriptions of the interesting displays there has strengthened my determination to see that event next time. —R&R— = Nes Calling for Building Information will save some time — what materials are availDISS, ————, able — ‘Right Now" or How to get the job done ina‘ . . OF COURSE, WHEN YOU COME IN — “THERE IS A PRUNE TOO”! YUBA RIVER ‘Rush Situation” — TRY IT! . LUMBER COMPANY 12391 NEVADA CITY HIWAY GRASS VALLEY-NEVADA CIT nd Ready N ews By Fay Dunbar Rough and Ready Grange hosted the Newcomers Lyric Ensemble for potluck dinner last Friday night. The Ladies ‘‘sang for their supper’. Their program was a farewell to summer with Indian Summer and Autumn Leaves included in the selections. Two other numbers were Indian. One was the popular Indian Love Call and the other a very descriptive number titled Ghosts of Indians. Mrs. Beulah Shearer of Rough and Ready (actually Penn Valley) was soloist. She sang a beautiful Indian love song. The group is directed by Mrs. Helen Beatie of our community. Fay Dunbar, Alice Licht, Donna Pierson and Josephine Webb all of Rough and Ready sang with the group. —R&R— The Nevada County Historical Society will be moving into their new home at the old General Hospital as soon as heat can be arranged. It’s a big step for the Society to finally have a place they can call home. Last Friday night marked another big event for the Society. The Mining Museum in Grass Valley has been wide open to hill climbers in the past. Last Friday two gentlemen form the American Institute of Mining Engineers presented funds to the Society to correct this serious problem. Mr. Glenn Jones, chairman of the Museum Committee, hopes that their very generous gift of $3,500. will complete the south wall of the museum. Glenn and other Grass Valley Rotary Club members have given all their free time this past summer working at the museum to aid in making this plan come true. It’s a big day for the Mining Museum and a big step toward its final completion. —R&R— Nevada County Transportation Commission also calls the old hospital home. They do have a bit better quarters. Last week I had the pleasure and privilege of meeting with the Citizens Advisory Group for the commission. It was an interesting and constructive evening. Mr. Paul Webster, new Executive Director, took some time explaining the actual program and limitations of the commission and advisory group. There are so many misconceptions about their project that Mr. Webster says he spends more time correcting erronious impressions than he has left over to do the constructive work. The Commission cannot ‘‘buy us a bus’ or implement any transportation system that is not owned or controlled by local government. We may not think this serves the purpose we had in mind but that’s the way the law reads. The program of the Commission can be stretched however to help with local transportation if we can importune either the county or city to take an interest. The major purpose of the Commission, as I interpret it, is to plan something that will fit the future and will also help us now. The group certainly proved the need of local and fast mass transportation as well as developing the possibility of recommending a walking and bicycle trail adjacent to all highways. Safety for bike and Shanks’ Mare users was felt to be of prime concern. Mr. Charles Deardorf and myself were there from this area. Everyone in Rough and Ready should come out next meeting which is scheduled for October 25. They do have a possible area in their plans to build connecting roads where the alleviation of a hazardous condition such as is involved in the Rough and Ready Road cul-de-sac is present. —R&R— I will be in Salt Lake probably when you read this. It seems there is no end to the problems assigned to me this year. We need better transportation! I must drive my own car to Auburn at 3:00 a.m. in order to get a daytime bus for Salt Lake. I will be back before you miss me but my problem sure points up the need for lots of thought and planning. ee a SOA) Se en ee

10 Tre Nevada County Nugget Wed., Oct. 17,1973 This week fifty years ago, During the extensive re-paving of Grass Valley streets, the finds of old, rare coins was a commonplace matter for area residents and visitors. The experience of Francis Eckles was a good example. He was engaged in digging a ditch for the new water line to be laid under Main Street and unearthed a 25-cent piece dated 1847. The coin was in good condition and was believed lost when Main Street was practically the only street in the city. Eckles told bystanders he intended keeping the coin as a souvenir. What was believed to have been a spent bullet struck John W. Thompson squarely between his eyes. Thompson, a miner working ‘his Annie Laurie claim on Deadman Flat, on South Star Hill, sustained a blow of sufficient force to knock him to the ground and a wound which bled profusely for several minutes. Due to prevalent rumors of claim-jumping in that area, it was reported in town that a shoot-out had taken place. Sheriff Garfield Robson “carefully investigated” the incident and later denied hostile moves being made. He said the matter was strictly one of ‘“‘an unfortunate accident.” Mrs. S. K. Williams of Colfax filed the deed to the old toll road between Colfax and Iowa Hill known as ‘‘The Old Stevens Trail’’. It was the route of a then proposed new road to the latter place. The County Recorder said that the deed had been in the family of Truman A. Stevens, the grandfather of Mrs. Williams, for 53 years; and that this was its first “recording” so far as known by his department. At the time the toll road was instituted, Iowa Hill was a flourishing mining center boasting of a fine theatre, a newspaper and many other long-forgotten establishments. Dr: Charles P. Steinmetz, inventor, scientist, mathematician and electrical “‘wizard”’, died of heart failure in Schenectady, New York, at a private nursing institution. It was said that fatigue resulting from an extensive west coast tour caused his heart to fail, just when it was believed that recovery from exhaustion was possible. He was a native of Breslau, Germany, born April 9, 1865. He came to the United States in 1889, penniless and half-starved, according to newspaper reports of that time. He found employment finally, with a firm in Yonkers which was later absorbed by the General Electric Works, the company for which Dr. Steinmetz was working at the time of his death. Dick Danielson gets assignment SAN ANTONIO — Airman customs and received special Richard K. Danielson, son of instruction in human relations. Mrs. Regina A. Danielson, Rt. 3, Grass-Valley, has been assigned to Keesler AFB, Miss., after completing Air Force basic i field During his six weeks at the Air g Training Command’s Lackland airman Danielson is a 1973 AFB, Tex., he studied the Air graduate of Nevada Union High Force mission, organization and School. The airman has been assigned to the Technical Training Center as Keesler for specialized training in the administrative YOU ARE INVITED TO CALL 7 A.M. TILL 5:30 P.M Rough a Ready Springs Parent Teachers Club President, Mrs. Martha Pratt, outlined for me a few of the events planned for Ready Springs School in the near future.It seems as if everyone is really working, Their annual Halloween Carnival will be on October 27 this year. The fun begins at 5:00 p.m. and what with hot dogs, chili, cider, coffee, punch and doughnuts to eat, a Steak Drawing and lots of new program ideas it will be a full evening ending at 9:00 p.m. Donation for the Steak Drawing will be 25 cents. First name drawn wins 20 steaks and 10 steaks go to the second person drawn. Ready Springs pupils this year are conducting several Ecology Programs. One of them is collecting aluminum cans. Get yourself a special waste basket just for them. Someone will pick them up. They can be recycled easily and there isa buyer for them in the area. Once you learn the feel of aluminum you will readily recognize them. If you can bend it easily with your fingers it’s aluminum. The Historical Society has been asked to participate in the November PTC Program. Believe it or not the history of the Penn Valley area is as interesting as the rest of Nevada County. County Historian, Mrs. Doris Foley, will answerquestions. —R&R— Rough and Ready Fire Chief Al Moniz demonstrated his new fire engine for the Rough and Ready Chamber on Thursday evening. It’s a beauty and deserves the pride the firemen have in it. —R&R— Seemed to me the Trade Fair was a huge success. It was such a beautiful day that I think everyone came out to enjoy the weather. Hope booth receipts are good. This is the first time the Historical Society has tried a booth that did not end up in the red. People have begun to expect us now and some even stopped by to exchange interesting bits of history. Mrs. Sibyl Leuteneker was-chairman of our display. —R&R— Miss Kathy Walker of Harmony Acres Way is starting her own flock of sheep. She has six breeding*ewes now. Tha’s more than I have after 15 years. Kathy wants to build her flock and I just want a few to play with and eventually eat. Sheep are really funny. Once they find a way out they are hard to confine. Kathy has had to drive hers home from here twice. They come in over the back hills and down our lane. I’m sure it must be Sweet William’s winning

personality that attracts them. Kathy hopes, their new fence will solve the problem. —R&R— Mrs. Willis Perry and Mrs. John Elliott attended the Gem and Mineral Show last week. Their descriptions of the interesting displays there has strengthened my determination to see that event next time. —R&R— = Nes Calling for Building Information will save some time — what materials are availDISS, ————, able — ‘Right Now" or How to get the job done ina‘ . . OF COURSE, WHEN YOU COME IN — “THERE IS A PRUNE TOO”! YUBA RIVER ‘Rush Situation” — TRY IT! . LUMBER COMPANY 12391 NEVADA CITY HIWAY GRASS VALLEY-NEVADA CIT nd Ready N ews By Fay Dunbar Rough and Ready Grange hosted the Newcomers Lyric Ensemble for potluck dinner last Friday night. The Ladies ‘‘sang for their supper’. Their program was a farewell to summer with Indian Summer and Autumn Leaves included in the selections. Two other numbers were Indian. One was the popular Indian Love Call and the other a very descriptive number titled Ghosts of Indians. Mrs. Beulah Shearer of Rough and Ready (actually Penn Valley) was soloist. She sang a beautiful Indian love song. The group is directed by Mrs. Helen Beatie of our community. Fay Dunbar, Alice Licht, Donna Pierson and Josephine Webb all of Rough and Ready sang with the group. —R&R— The Nevada County Historical Society will be moving into their new home at the old General Hospital as soon as heat can be arranged. It’s a big step for the Society to finally have a place they can call home. Last Friday night marked another big event for the Society. The Mining Museum in Grass Valley has been wide open to hill climbers in the past. Last Friday two gentlemen form the American Institute of Mining Engineers presented funds to the Society to correct this serious problem. Mr. Glenn Jones, chairman of the Museum Committee, hopes that their very generous gift of $3,500. will complete the south wall of the museum. Glenn and other Grass Valley Rotary Club members have given all their free time this past summer working at the museum to aid in making this plan come true. It’s a big day for the Mining Museum and a big step toward its final completion. —R&R— Nevada County Transportation Commission also calls the old hospital home. They do have a bit better quarters. Last week I had the pleasure and privilege of meeting with the Citizens Advisory Group for the commission. It was an interesting and constructive evening. Mr. Paul Webster, new Executive Director, took some time explaining the actual program and limitations of the commission and advisory group. There are so many misconceptions about their project that Mr. Webster says he spends more time correcting erronious impressions than he has left over to do the constructive work. The Commission cannot ‘‘buy us a bus’ or implement any transportation system that is not owned or controlled by local government. We may not think this serves the purpose we had in mind but that’s the way the law reads. The program of the Commission can be stretched however to help with local transportation if we can importune either the county or city to take an interest. The major purpose of the Commission, as I interpret it, is to plan something that will fit the future and will also help us now. The group certainly proved the need of local and fast mass transportation as well as developing the possibility of recommending a walking and bicycle trail adjacent to all highways. Safety for bike and Shanks’ Mare users was felt to be of prime concern. Mr. Charles Deardorf and myself were there from this area. Everyone in Rough and Ready should come out next meeting which is scheduled for October 25. They do have a possible area in their plans to build connecting roads where the alleviation of a hazardous condition such as is involved in the Rough and Ready Road cul-de-sac is present. —R&R— I will be in Salt Lake probably when you read this. It seems there is no end to the problems assigned to me this year. We need better transportation! I must drive my own car to Auburn at 3:00 a.m. in order to get a daytime bus for Salt Lake. I will be back before you miss me but my problem sure points up the need for lots of thought and planning. ee a SOA) Se en ee