Gold Discovery Day a Success

An article in the Metro section of the Sunday Sacramento Bee offered an enticing picture of Saturday's Gold Discovery Day at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park.

They described the historic recreations and noted the opening of the recently renovated museum:

The campfire's smoke curled up to the gray sky hanging over Coloma. The scent of burning wood cut through the morning chill and enveloped the chattering crowd. Men in buckskin and coonskin caps mingled with women in calico and bonnets. A motorcycle rumbled by, and then a bugle call caught the crowd's attention.

More than 300 people -- some in costume -- gathered Saturday for the unveiling of the renovated museum at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park.

A new exhibit, complete with dioramas and mannequins, attempts to capture when James Marshall discovered gold at the site where the park now sits. That momentous day was Jan. 24, 1848.

See the full article here.

Mountain man photograph by Betty Sederquist.

Gold Hill Olive Oil Wins Silver

We recently learned that our local Gold Hill Olive Oil Company came home from the prestigious Extra Virgin Olive Oil competition at the San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival with a Silver Certificate for their 2006 "Gold Hill Estate" blend. This specialty combines Frantoio, Leccino, Lucca and San Felice varieties—all Italian olives—for a Tuscan-style taste.

Gold Hill crushed their extra virgin olive oils for 2007 in November of 2006. Their fresh and hearty "Achille's Blend," made of five different Italian olives, is a robust extra virgin with a strong pepper finish. If you are looking for a California-grown product, consider their "Tuscan Blend," pressed from olives grown in the foothills near Jackson, California.

Gold Hill Olive Oil Company is located a few miles from Coloma at 5601 Gold Hill Road (between Cold Springs and Lotus Roads). Their historic tasting room offers a wide variety of exceptional extra virgin olive oils, including their award-winning "Gold Hill Estate" blend. They are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Saturday & Sunday.

Retro and Romance at Lotus Art Studio, Feb 10

Lotus Art Studio presents "Retro and Romance" on Saturday, February 10, 2007, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The gallery will host an artist reception of classic and romantic works by local artists. Choose from an eclectic mix of elegant, romantic, classic, and functional art and gift items for that special someone as you shop to the interludes of retro and romance. Enjoy wine and hors d'oeuvres, meet local artists, and sign up for workshops and yoga classes.

Lotus Art Studio is located at 7310 Highway 49 in River Park Village next to Sierra Rizing Bakery. For more details and information visit www.lotusartstudio.com or call (530) 642-0678.

Coloma-Lotus Chamber Membership Drive

2007 memberships are open for the Coloma-Lotus Chamber of Commerce. This active organization promotes business and community in the Coloma-Lotus Valley. Membership includes a listing in the printed Coloma-Lotus Guide, distributed throughout the Valley and at key El Dorado County locations. It also includes a listing in either the Coloma Valley Directory or The American River Directory.

Memberships are accepted throughout the year, but your application and payment must be received by February 23, 2007, to be included in the 2007 Coloma-Lotus Guide. There is an early bird discount for all payments received by January 15. See the Chamber Membership page for details.

Display advertising is also available in the Guide. Contact the Chamber for more information about advertisements in the Guide.

If you are interested in advertising on the Coloma Valley or The American River websites, see our Advertising page.

Gold Rush Museum Reopening

On Saturday, January 20, 2007, Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park will celebrate "Gold Discovery Day," the anniversary of the discovery of gold in the South Fork of the American River on January 24, 1848.

This year's commemoration includes the reopening of the Gold Rush Museum at the Park. Visitors will be able to see the new exhibit of James Marshall in the tail race as he proclaims, "Hey boys, by God, I believe I've found a gold mine."

Gold Discovery Day events always include historic demonstrations, tours, speakers, and Gold Rush music. This year's highlights include "Gold Discovery Before the Rush," beginning at 11 am, with a gold discovery reenactment on the banks of the American River, at the very site where James Marshall found gold in 1848, followed by interpretive presentations at the Mormon Cabin, Sutter's Mill, and the Miner's Cabin. "Gold Discovery Before the Rush" continues at 1 pm.

You will be able to see the site where Marshall discovered gold. At the Mormon Cabin you can watch as mill carpenters make their plans. You will see Sutter and Marshall as they meet at the mill. And at Marshall's cabin you will be able to hear Marshall as he reflects on life after the discovery.

You'll find more information on our Gold Discovery Day page and at the Gold Discovery Park Association website.