As we were: Wagons keep on rolling

25 Years ago

July 10, 1987

Wagon Train is state historic event

By MARGIE McCORMICK

Because of continued community support, the drive and persistence of the Highway 50 Association, the annual Highway 50 Wagon Train has become California’s only designated state historic event.

The 23 annual merchant’s theme contest, “Golden Memories” salutes the pioneer spirit and demonstrates community pride in having something no other county in California has …

The way it was 23 years ago, according to the July 26, 1964 issue of the Mountain Democrat, “The merchant’s display contest was sponsored by a very Active 20-30 Club to celebrate the Hangtown Pioneer Gold Rush Days.

McKee’s Round Tent Store was judged winner. None other than Bert Reynolds was grand marshal for the Wagon Train parade and a pioneer wedding took place in conjunction with the whole pioneer gold rush celebration.”

Highway 50 Wagon Train began in 1949 to commemorate the gold rush trek that changed the course of California history. Few Americans would have been able to more than guess at California’s location on a map had it not been for the discovery of gold in Coloma on Jan. 24, 1848 …

Last year’s small business sweepstakes award was won by Western Sierra National Bank, Pollock Pines branch; large business sweepstakes was won by the Mountain Democrat …

 

65 Years ago

July 9, 1942

State Opens Fiscal Year With General Fund ”In The Black”

State Controller Harry B. Riley today announced that California began its new fiscal year on July 1 with a general fund cash excess of $13,961,400.

“For the first time in nine years we have entered a fiscal year with our books in the black,” Controller Riley said.

“The State is better off by $75,594, 386 today than a year ago,” he said. “We have wiped out the June 30 deficiency of $61,732,986 which existed last year and have substituted a cash excess.” …

 

105 Years ago

July 8, 1907

An Evening of Old-Time Favorites

At the 3rd Choral Concert of the season, to be held at the Episcopal church next Wednesday evening, July 12, the audience will be treated to an entire programme of old-time melodies. The choral numbers include “Annie Laurie,” “Ben Bolt,” “Where are you going my Pretty Maid,” “Robin Adair” and “Auld Lang Syne” …

 

The Eagle Will Scream

Lurid posters are out announcing the fact that Placerville will celebrate the National holiday in good old-fashioned style. The committees are hard at work, and intend having some entirely new and unusual features to entertain the crowds of people who will attend the festivities on that glorious occasion. The Placerville Choral will take charge of the evening entertainment and will give a high-class vaudeville entertainment that will outrank anything of the kind ever seen here before. The patriotic choruses will be under the direction of S. Homer Henley and a dramatic sketch by local talent, will be managed by W. M. Brown. With such a combination of historical and musical ability, some good things may be looked for. Watch the small bills for particulars of day and evening events.