Tag Archives: MCARLM

Gold for New 49ers!

I got out my crusty miner costume for San Lorenzo Park’s 2024 49er Days, meeting with six groups of 4th graders. I told them about life beneath canvas while searching for gold and also shared my mostly true bear story about Bill, Terry and Michael. Suffice it to say that Terry always survives the bear’s panicked retreat and did so again — six times! I thank able organizers Julia and Fiona for including me in the event!

P.S. I might have mentioned “Joaquin’s Gold”. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09QFRCT4N/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1MUHK5KC819MC&keywords=Joaquin%27s+Gold+and+other+tales+of+Old+California&qid=1642121544&sprefix=joaquin%27s+gold+and+other+tales+of+old+california%2Caps%2C178&sr=8-1

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Someone Took My Pretty Toe!

I shared the Headless Horseman, Hairy Toe and The Haunted Clown Car – favorites all – at San Lorenzo Park yesterday eve for MCARLM’s Ghost Story gathering. There’s nothing like a campfire to get me going! The kids, both old and young, seemed to be amused, especially by the old lady’s hairy toe supper! I thank the MCCARLM folks for inviting me to participate!

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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!

 

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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!

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My Darling Clementine

Bob & Phoebe

Phoebe Cheney and I before the 4th graders arrived – Photo by Joan Ungs

San Lorenzo County Park near King City is an underappreciated (at least by many) treasure and the Monterey County Agricultural & Rural Life Museum is its crown jewel. The museum took a really big hit on May15th, literally so. A hundred year old, seven feet in diameter eucalyptus tree tried to take the roof off the barn at about six in the evening. It failed – by a little – and nobody was around to be hurt. The folks at MCARLM had scheduled a big, three-day historical event for local kids beginning on the 16th. Everyone pulled up their bootstraps and we went ahead with the presentations. Local 4th graders put their hands (tongues, ears, stomachs, feet and everything else!) on the history of our gold rush. I got to be a 49er and introduce them to Clementine’s boyfriend. You know the guy: “How I missed her! Until I kissed her little sister!”

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Ghosts at San Lorenzo Park

The MCARLM campfire and story-telling event down at San Lorenzo Park on October 25th  was great fun. Thanks to Raye Ann and Motoko for helping me present Amanda Miller’s spooky poem! I also got to share “Black Maggie’s Secret” around the campfire – the best home for any ghost story! Joaquin Murrieta rides again!559515_10201843624932139_715108151907976268_n

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