The Gold Rush is open again!

A crusty miner speaks with students about life in the mining camps!

Back from the pandemic, our San Lorenzo County Park resumed hosting an historical event for elementary school kids in the area. 49er Days involved fourteen classes of 4th graders from King City, Lockwood and Bradley in simulations of Gold Rush life. They tasted hardtack, went to a one room schoolhouse, panned for gold and visited a crusty miner in his campsite. 

I — being the crustiest volunteer they could find — was the old miner. I explained canvas tents, making coffee and biscuits over a campfire and told a very slightly exaggerated bear story — fourteen times. I’ve attached a few pics for your amusement. (Pssst — I also told them about my great new book: “Joaquin’s Gold.” https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09RTX6G3G/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Faux bear amuses Bradley Bulldogs!

Eureka!

Gold Rush Days at San Lorenzo Park

MCARLM’s great history event for 4th graders took place again last Tuesday and Wednesday. Though I didn’t have my tent for day #1, I still told 49er stories and sang “My Darling Clementine” with the kids. They got to pan for gold, eat hardtack and visit the blacksmith’s shop, as well!

P.S. Mothers and aides were thrilled to visit with their old school teachers, too. Many of us can still do a fine job – at least for a day or two!

 

A Bear Story for the Ages at Gold Rush Days

The bear comes out of the tent. He’s looking for Bill!

I told “THE BEAR” story and sang campfire songs with 4th grade students at MCARLM’s 2017 Gold Rush Days at San Lorenzo Park. I saw fifteen groups of kids over the two days of the May 24th-25th event. Among other things, they also visited a blacksmith shop, a one-room schoolhouse, a general store and a chuck wagon. Best of all, they panned for gold! My many colleagues did a great job and California history came to life!

Bill scared that old bear!

Stuck Up!

You guessed it!  I truly am stuck up.  My publisher’s display of Dawn Drums at Gold Rush Days proves it beyond a doubt!