 Editorâs note: This week weâve begun expanding the focus of our This Week in Placer County History feature to also include spotlights on interesting items in our Museumsâ archive and historic photographs in our collections, which may stray beyond our usual âthis weekâ date range. We hope the increased variety will serve to deepen appreciation of Placer Countyâs fascinating history.
On Oct. 1, 1924, residents transformed historic Auburn into a grand celebration to mimic the days of â49. It was officially called the âGold Trail Extensionâ and meant to showcase the townâs colorful past in coordination with the meeting of the American Mining Congress in Sacramento.Â
A special train ran from the capital to âWoods Dry Diggings,â as it was known in 1849, with 500 passengers. In all, over 6,000 people from around the area joined the 24-hour event, which included a parade, music, dancing, a huge barbeque and hydraulic mining demonstrations on the Auburn Ravine.
According to the Oct. 1 Placer Herald, the committee organizing the event advertised it was, âendeavoring to depict the early mining days, with a â49 atmosphere, but does not approve or sanction any ârough stuff.â Everything must be clean, historical and instructive⊠We invite and welcome all who want a little clean fun.â
Pictured here is one of Placer Countyâs specialized âmud wagonsâ designed to carry mail and passengers along the steep, rocky hills throughout the region. Deputy Sheriff Frank âBig Dipâ Dependener rides shotgun as the stage passes by the historic Post Office in Old Town.Â
To see a mud wagon on display, visit the Placer County Museum, open daily from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. with free admission. On weekends, you can also support our local Placer County Historical Society by stopping by the Old Town Auburn Post Office, which they have transformed into a visitor center and are looking for volunteers.
 Whether itâs representing your community or sharing your expertise on topics like agriculture or parks, there are always opportunities for you to help advise county leaders on the issues that matter to you most. Recruitment is open now to fill seats on the following committees or commissions, among others. Learn more and apply
Current recruitments include:
Area 4 Agency on Aging Advisory Council
Building Board of Appeals
Colfax Cemetery District
Economic Development Board
Fish & Game Commission
Gold Run Cemetery Committee
Greater Lincoln Area Fire Safe Council
Housing Development Advisory Taskforce
In Home Support Services Advisory Committee
Juvenile Justice / Delinquency Prevention
Granite Bay Municipal Advisory Council
Historical Advisory Board
Horseshoe Bar-Penryn Municipal Advisory Council
Donner Summit Municipal Advisory Council
Central Municipal Advisory Council
Newcastle Ophir Municipal Advisory Council
North Auburn/Ophir Fire Safe Council
Placer County Child Care Advisory Council
Placer County Older Adult Advisory Commission
Solid Waste Local Task Force
Tahoe Basin Design Review Committee
Veterans Advisory Council
Wastewater Advisory Committee
 Donât miss the fun coming this next week in...
Roseville: Placer Valley Soccer Complex grand opening, Mountain Mandarin Festival, Turkey Trot
Loomis: Day Before Thanksgiving Day Parade and Vendor Fair
Auburn: Stu Allen and Mars Hotel at Auburn Odd Fellows
Colfax: Snapdragon Provisions Friendsgiving, Free Kids Craft Day â Holiday Fun for the Whole Family!, Colfax Lions Club Annual Thanksgiving community dinner
North Lake Tahoe: Cocoa @ the Cabin at North Tahoe Regional Park, Tahoe City Farmerâs Market, Community Thanksgiving Celebration, Friendsgiving at Tahoe National
...and many Placer County Library and Placer County Museum events.
Visit our regional partners to discover more of the fun happening right here in Placer County!
Placer County Visitors' Bureau
North Tahoe Community Alliance
Tahoe City Downtown Association
The Arts Council of Placer County
Placer Valley Tourism
PlacerGROWN
Placer Wine Trail
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