Explore Sonora Magazine, Fall/Winter 2011

www.sonorachamber.com

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!SeFall/Winter 2011

Fa & WINTER

Holiday Events

Stage 3 Theatre Co.

Sonora Shop & Stroll

Christmas at Railtown

The City of Sonora Presents this Holiday Favorite on Friday, November 25th 5:30 p.m. rain or shine

Sonora

www.exploresonora.com

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18767 Main Street • Groveland, CA 95321 • 209-962-4000 • 800-273-3314 • www.groveland.com

October Oct 22-23 SONORAAll Hallows Fantasy Faire (209) 533-4420

Oct 23 GROVELANDHotel Charlotte Cuisine al a Cabaret (209) 962-6455

Oct 23SONORA35th Annual Sonora Bach Festival (209) 536-6330

Oct 24 GROVELANDHotel Charlotte Card Stamping Party (209) 962-6455

Oct 27-30 GROVELAND/YOSEMITEEvergreen Lodge Halloween Music Festival (209) 372-2606

Oct 28-30 SONORAMother Lode Art Association 59th Annual Juried Art Show(209) 984-4048

Oct 28 - Nov 30COLUMBIASierra Repertory Theatre “The Drowsy Chaperone” (209) 532-3120

Oct 29 COLUMBIA STATE HISTORIC PARK “Jack-O’-Lanterns Lighting” (209) 532-1479

Oct 31 GROVELAND Unique Halloween Downtown (209) 962-0429

NovemberNov 1 - Dec 18 SONORASierra Repertory Theatre

“The Drowsy Chaperone” (209) 532-3120

Nov 5-6 SONORACapitol Christmas Tree Celebration (209) 532-7428

Nov 11 - Dec 17

COLUMBIA Sierra Repertory Theatre “The Winter Wonderettes” (209) 532-3120

Nov 11- Dec 18SONORAStage 3 Theatre Company “Over the River and Through the Woods”(209) 536-1778

Nov 25 SONORAHistoric Downtown Sonora Christmas Parade (209) 532-7725

Nov 25 - Dec 18 COLUMBIA Candy Cane Making

Nov 25-26 SONORAHometown Crafters Holiday Faire & Craft Boutique (209) 536-9625

Nov 25-27 SONORA37th Annual Christmas Craft & Music Festival(209) 533-3473

Nov 25 - Dec 18

RAILTOWN 1897 Santa Comes To Railtown! (209)984-3953

Nov 29 & Dec 11 COLUMBIA City Hotel Victorian Christmas Celebration & Feast (209) 532-1479

DecemberThru Dec 17 COLUMBIA Sierra Repertory Theatre “The Winter Wonderettes” (209) 532-3120

Dec 1 - 18 SONORASierra Repertory Theatre “The Drowsy Chaperone” (209) 532-3120

Thru Dec 18SONORAStage 3 Theatre Company “Over the River and Through the Woods”(209) 536-1778

Dec 2 BLACK OAK CASINO “Lacy J. Dalton” Dec 3 TWAIN HARTE “Winter Wonderland Christmas Parade” (209) 586-5197

Dec 10 - 18 COLUMBIA STATE HISTORIC PARK A Miner’s Christmas 209-588-1672

Dec 11 COLUMBIA STATE HISTORIC PARK All Equestrian Christmas Parade (209) 823-3538

Jan 10, 2012 RAILTOWN 1897 “Shop Tours” (209) 984-3953

Feb 7, 2012 RAILTOWN 1897 “Shop Tours” (209) 984-3953

Mar 13, 2012 RAILTOWN 1897 “Shop Tours” (209) 984-3953

Mar 31 & Apr 1, 2012 RAILTOWN 1897 “Opening Weekend 2012” (209) 984-3953

Apr 7-8, 2012 RAILTOWN 1897 Easter Trains (209) 984-3953

Apr 14, 2012 RAILTOWN 1897 “Wildflower Trains” (209) 984-3953

Apr 28 & May 13, 2012 RAILTOWN 1897 “Mother’s Day” (209) 984-3953

May 16, 2012 RAILTOWN 1897 “School Trains” (209) 984-3953

The Cellar Door RESTAURANT

California Fresh Cuisine

The Groveland Hotel at Yosemite National Park18767 Main Street, Groveland, CA 95321209.962.4000 • 800.273.3314 www.groveland.com

Tuolumne County EventsFa & WINTER


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CONCEPT, DESIGN & PRODUCTIONPaul Bell

ADVERTISING SALESSonora Chamber of Commerce

Paul BellEDITORIAL & PHOTOGRAPH CONTRIBUTORS

Paul BellRailtown 1897 State Historic Park

Stage 3 Theatre CompanyOra Moss Morgan/City of Sonora

Don and Laurel SherburneDale Bachelor

Christopher’s RistoranteBrad Perk

Joan’s BoutiqueJim Hildreth

COVER PHOTOGRAPHDodge Ridge Ski Resort

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EXPLORE SONORA is a joint publication of The Sonora Chamber of Commerce and Paul Bell l Marketing Solutions. Every effort has been made to ensure that all information contained herein is accurate at the time of publication, but neither entity assumes any responsibility for errors, omissions and changes.

THE SONORA CHAMBER OF COMMERCEThe Voice of Commerce, Culture & Community

Mailing AddressP.O. Box 884, Sonora, CA 95370

Vox/Fax: 209-588-9625WEBSITE: www.sonorachamber.com

E-MAIL: [email protected] Sonora Chamber of Commerce is a membership organization representing the community of Sonora. As the Sonora Chamber of Commerce, we concentrate our marketing efforts within the Greater Sonora area. The Sonora Chamber of Commerce is also dedicated to raising the awareness of Tuolumne County through tourism, and markets the area as a tourism destination.

PAUL BELL l MARKETING SOLUTIONSPO Box 5572, Sonora, CA 95370Telephone: 209.588.9205www.paulbell.biz l [email protected]

SonoraM A G A Z I N E

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This Edition of Explore Sonora pays special attention to Railtown 1897, one of the area’s most popular attractions. We encour-age both visitors and locals alike

to discover a bit of our Western History & Heritage this summer and through fall, winter, spring & summer.2 TUOLUMNE COUNTY EVENTSDuring the fall, winter and Holiday Season, visit the small towns of Tuolumne County and experience the many events awaiting you and your family. Calendar courtesy The Groveland Hotel.3 DISCOVER GROVELAND About 1/2 hour away from Sonora explore this small town, Tuolumne County’s Gateway to Yosemite. 4 A DOG’S LIFEMeet some of our merchants and their best friends as you Shop & Stroll Historic Downtown Sonora.5 SMALL TOWN CHEERSee what’s waiting for you this Christmas. Shop our small towns and discover Christmas all over again.6-8 THE GOOD LIFE: FASHION, HOME & GARDEN One of the advantages of shopping in a small town is meeting merchants who offer our unique brand of Small Town Cheer during the Holiday Season.9-12 DODGE RIDGE SKI RESORTBefore you know— it’ll be time to hit the slopes! Take advantage of the SkiBus to get you from Sonora to Dodge Ridge. $10/round-trip, $25/Family Pass/round-trip. 13 IN A SWEET COUNTRY TOWNOra Moss Morgan affectionately recalls Christmas of a century ago in Sonora.14 HOME AWAY FROM HOMEDon and Laurel Sherburne offer insight about buying a second home in this moment of opportunity.15 OVER THE RIVER & THROUGH THE WOODSStage 3 offers this offbeat production, back by popular demand, for the Holiday Season. 16 THE GOOD LIFE: FOODTalulah’s and Christopher’s are well worth a visit for a great foodie experience at two exceptional restau-rants in Historic Downtown Sonora.17 THE BANDIT POET & WELLS FARGO BANKThe ‘end’ of the story about the famous highwayman who robbed Wells Fargo & Co. 28 times.18 CHRISTMAS AT THE GUNN HOUSE HOTELGunny, the Hotel’s Bear, shares some of the most requested recipes from the historic hotel’s kitchen. 19 CAVE & MINE ADVENTURESDiscover Moaning Cavern Park, California Cavern,

Our Community Partner

Live Well. Be Well.

Voted ‘Best Chinese Restaurant’2009, 2010 & 2011!

Black Chasm Cavern and Sutter Gold Mine during your Sierra Foothills adventure. 20 RAILTOWN 1897Year-round Family Fun and a bit of history at one of Tuolumne County’s most popular area attractions.

osemite National Park Celebrated its 120th Birthday recently with

a unique companion in Cali- fornia’s history: California’s State Route 120, Tuolumne County’s Scenic Gateway to the northern entrance to Yosemite Na- tional Park.

During the Gold Rush, SR 120 was originally known as Big Oak Flat Road, after the village of Big Oak Flat through which it passes in the Sierra foothills.

It was a pack trail from Stockton which became popular with prospectors about 1849. By 1874 it was a wagon road, which extended to the Yo- semite Valley.

Establishedas mining camps in 1852, Groveland and the nearby town of Big Oak Flat were once thriving California Gold Rush towns. After the decline in gold production, the historic town of Groveland made its mark offering hospitality to weary travelers coming to and from Yosemite National Park. Located only 26 miles from the northern entrance to the Park on Highway 120, today Groveland is the most convenient gateway

for tourists coming from the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, Stockton, or Modesto.

AlthoughGroveland boasts a population of ap- proximately 3,000 full-time residents, this number often triples during the summer months. Visitors

our area, as well as the many recreational oppor- tunities offered nearby. This quiet hilltop community has managed to retain much of its old west charm, and still boasts the oldest continuous- ly operating saloon in California. Travelers enjoy playing golf at Pine Mountain Lake’s 18-hole golf course, taking in the sun at one of the numer-

of course sightseeing. rom the San Francisco Bay Area and Central Valley Highway 120 is also the fastest route to Yosemite. This route through Groveland

is one of Tuolumne County’s best kept secrets. Discover Groveland Magazine

Published Winter/Fall & Spring/Summer yosemite120gateway.com

discover groveland travel

• Fine Chocolates • Organic Chocolates

• Bulk Candy • Novelty Toys & Gifts

OldFashioned Bottled Soda

209.532.2388 42 S. Washington Street, Sonora, CA

‘Have A Sweet Day!’ 95370

he Candy Vault, located in the heart of Sonora

(in the historic National Bank Building), is an oldfashioned candy store offering a wide range of confections, licorice, chocolates and even ice cream.

e carry hard to find nostalgic sweets from

longestablished candy makers as well as the latest delights from new and specialty confectioners.

Open 7 Days A Week Weekdays 10 am 7 pm Weekends 10 am 9 pm

During the Holiday Season Groveland is well worth a visit for sightseeing, historical discoveries and some Christmas shopping, dining and even an overnight stay.

While you Shop & Stroll Historic Down-

town Sonora this Holiday Season take note of something perhaps a little unusual— shop dogs.

Addictions Sarah & Toby Breed: Yorkie

Benjamin Mike & Poppy

Breed: Border Collie

Polka Dots Liz & Maurice

Breed: Min. Poodle

Let ‘er Buck Laurie & Posey

Breed: Cocker Spaniel


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small town cheerSmall Town Cheer

Give your family a special gift this Holi-day Season. A little Small Town Cheer

won’t cost you your sanity or put a dent in your wallet. Discover Christmas all over again! Brought to you by the Sonora Chamber of Commerce.

Christmas Lights Lane

During the Holidays, Historic Down-town Sonora will Light Up Your Life

with twinkle lights, window displays and Christmas Cheer! Shop and Stroll and vote for your favorite merchant window and enter to Win prizes.

The Sonora Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the Second Annual ‘Historic Downtown Sonora Best Dressed Window or Holiday Display Con-test’ for this Holiday Shopping Season.

This contest is intended to encour-age Historic Downtown Sonora busi-nesses to celebrate the Season by embracing the spirit of our own Small Town Cheer and capturing the atten-tion of locals and visitors alike.

The Merchant Awards are: Grand Prize $300.00, Second Place $200.00, Third Place $100.00 and two Honor-able Mentions $50.00. Prizes will be awarded to winning Merchants and Businesses at the December 20th Sonora Chamber Mixer. Window/Dis-play Judging will be based on a point system in the following categories: Theme, Creativity and Lighting.

All Merchants or Businesses from School Street, South to Hospital Road along Washington Street, East as far as Barretta St., and West to the Junction of East Jackson at W. Stockton Street. There are no requirements for eligi-bility. Final judging will occur the week of December 13th – 20th, 2011.

Holiday Shopper Gift Package ($300.00 Value) will be awarded by a drawing on December 20th.

Shop & StrollForget the hassles of the big city and

mall madness. Shop and Stroll in Sonora, Jamestown and Groveland dur-ing the Holidays and experience a little of our Small Town Cheer!

Shop & Stroll Food Drive

Share the Spirit of the Holidays by donating non-perishable food at

select Sonora Area merchants. Look for the Food Drive Decal or Poster (see bottom of this page) for Donation Stations.

Please visit smalltowncheer.com for a list of participating merchants.

Dodge Ridge SkiBusWinter brings snow,

skiing, snowboarding and Family Fun! Hop on board in Historic Down-town Sonora and leave the driving to Tuolumne Coun-

ty Transit— Tuolumne County Transit gets YOU where YOU want to go!

Visit dodgeskibus.com for details.

The Capitol Christmas TreeThe Chief of the Forest Service, is

leading the State of California in the har-vesting and delivery of the 2011 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree from the Stanislaus Na-tional Forest. Known as the “People’s Tree”, the Forest Service has provided the tree to our nation’s capi-tol since 1970.

The tree will grace the west front lawn of the U.S. Capitol in Decem-ber 2011. The Superintendent of the Capitol Grounds has recently selected the perfect 60 foot red fir from the Stanislaus National Forest. The tree will be harvested on November 5, 2011, prepped for travel and loaded on a trailer to begin its 10 day tour through California.

There will be a public view of the tree at Mother Lode Fairgrounds in Sonora, 10 am - 7 pm on November 5th, 2011.For information call 209.532.7428

California’s tree will then travel throughout the state visiting many cit-ies and towns before it journeys to Washington, D.C. The California state tour is estimated to take about 8 days.

www.capitolchristmastree2011.org

Sonora Shop & Stroll

FOODDRIVEThe most needed items are:

• Canned fruits and vegetables• Canned meats and fish• Canned soups, chili, stew• Dry foods such as beans, rice, pasta, macaroni and cheese, cup-o-soups, cereals, cereal bars, oatmeal and pan-cake mix

• Peanut butter

Christmas begins at www.smalltowncheer.com


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the good life fashion, home & garden

Mountain Laurel Florist

Flowers are known to have positive ef-fects on our moods, perhaps because they are a living creation of art. Flow-

ers offer their beauty in return for care and attention. They also express a wide array of feelings and are inspirational for just about any occasion. But your flowers have already shared a vital relationship with the florist, who decides which flowers to buy and where to buy them from, and in whose care they are given before they are in your possession.

It’s the florist and staff ultimately creating those personal touches for that special or spontaneous occasion. Thus, it is the florist who prepares your flowers for you -- not only in the beauty, artistry and style of a bouquet, but also in the care that the flow-ers will expect when they are presented to the intended.

The staff of Mountain Laurel Florist will attend to every need for any occasion. Lo-cated in the heart of historic downtown Sonora, they also offer dried arrangements, a great selection of gift cards, centerpieces, garden décor, potted plants, bird-themed items, mosaic pieces, French milled soaps, and of course, delivery services.

Mt. Laurel Florist35 South Washington Street

Sonora, CA 95370(209) 532-9533

mountainlaurelca.com

Joan’s Boutique Exploring Downtown Sonora will likely

reveal a pleasant surprise that you might not be expecting to find in such a small

town. Joan’s Boutique at 52 S. Washington St.

is owned and personally attended to by Joan Richardson who’s been a retail merchant for more than two decades.

Joan’s store has been a fixture of the community for years and it’s difficult to find women of any age who don’t shop there for that special discovery, whether it’s clothing and accessories or just her pleasant com-pany during any hour of her very long retail day and week, which never seems to deter her from her positive, friendly and out-go-ing demeanor.

What is quickly revealed is Joan’s and her pleasant staff ’s readiness to please every customer and their attendant spouse or sig-nificant other. Everyone is made to feel com-fortable, which is exactly what Small Town Cheer is all about.

Leslie, Sabine, Tammy, front: Cloudia, Joan, Elizabeth

Joan’s Boutique has been voted ‘The Best Woman’s Boutique/Clothing Store’ for 6 years in a row in the Union Democrat’s an-nual reader’s poll. She and her staff were re-cently voted Best Overall Customer Service.

Joan’s Boutique52 S. Washington St.Sonora, CA 95370

(209) 533-1550

joansboutique.com

Let ‘er Buck! Don’t just be part of the herd— start

a stampede by visiting Let ‘er Buck at the Four Corners intersection of

Bradford & Washington streets. There’s a wide selection of new and quality consign-ment Western wear including belts, boots and hats.

Let ‘er Buck also offers Selix Formal Wear, uniforms (EMS, FIRE, CHP, CDCR), as well as children’s clothing. Because they wear what they sell, you are getting first-hand knowledge of what works! They can outfit the able ranch hand as well as the next Ro-deo Queen. They take exceptional care of their customers, striving to provide the best

value, selection, and service in the business. Let ‘er Buck has something for everyone.

Let ‘er Buck Western Wear36 S. Washington St.Sonora, CA 95370

(209) 533-1144

Sonora’s Favorite Kitchen Store

If you’re looking for anything unique and useful for the kitchen, bath and garden, stop here first— and you’re likely to find

it among their stock of kitchen gadgets, tools and accessories. They carry Nordic Ware, Chantal, BIA Cordon Bleu, Microplane, and more. Decorate a beautiful table with ac-cents from TAG, Root Candles, April Cornell, and IHR paper napkins.

Their indoor Market under the Awning of-fers a selection of gourmet jams, preserves,


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E X P L O R E Insuring our community since 1987Business • Home • Auto

Life • Health • Bonds(209) 533-0234

685 South Washington St., Sonora(209) 536-1400

OPEN 7 DAYS108 South Washington St.

Downtown Sonora209.588.8899

• APPAREL • SHOES

• ACCESSORIES• MANICURES • PEDICURES

• FACIALS • WAXING • BEAUTY

PRODUCTS

olive oils, baking mixes, spices, loose and bagged teas and seasonal treats to tempt you. Find your favorite fragrance from their complete line of Crabtree and Evelyn or the Home Thymes collection. Search their Garden section for the perfect accent for your entry, patio, or table. Sonora’s Favorite Kitchen Store also features a selection of Mt. Brow Wine and a selection of wine re-lated products, gifts and gadgets.

Customer Service is their specialty with free gift-wrap on every purchase. They even offer a selection of greeting cards to make your gift complete. Now that’s one stop shopping!

Sonora’s Favorite Kitchen Store98 S. Washington St.Sonora, CA 95370

(209) 588-1400

Tradewinds

It’s always an adventure shopping at TradeWinds. Their main focus is wom-en’s clothing: Better and designer labels

(no more than two years old, or classic, timeless styles) in new or like-new condition. They carry all accessories: Belts, footwear, hats, scarves and jewelry. They also have a small consignment section for men, with an emphasis on Hawaiian and silk shirts.

Nearly all the home decor items you will see in the store are for sale on consignment. While not a vintage store, you will find a smattering of vintage couture pieces and traditional Hawaiian attire. Since we aver-age over 100 new pieces to the floor daily, you just never know what you’ll find!

Some favorite brands that you’ll find at Tradewinds are: Ann Taylor, Armani, Banana Republic, Brighton, Cache, Chicos, Liz Claiborne, Coach, Gucci, Anne Klein, and Ralph Lauren to name a few!

Tradewinds 63 S. Washington St.Sonora, CA 95370

(209) 588-8810tradewindsconsignment.com

Scarlet’s Web

There’s no simple way to describe what you’ll find at Scarlet’s Web just above the Four Corners intersection in His-

toric Downtown Sonora. The shop reflects

Sonora in a way— everything from wonder-ful collectables, antiques, vintage clothing, consignment or decorator items and you might even find a lovely garden pergola just waiting for you in the middle of the store. You never know, and only an occasional visit is never enough to get a complete sense of the ever-changing inventory.

Housed in one of the most uniquely his-toric buildings in Sonora, the shop inspires one to wander around for that rare, un-usual item or piece of furniture you’ve been looking for.

Suzy, the owner, is constantly on the hunt for items that suit her and her clientele’s in-terests. The inventory changes weekly if not daily. The shop and Suzy’s enthusiasm and joy will always inspire you as you Shop & Stroll along Washington Street.

Scarlet’s Web31 S. Washington St.Sonora, CA 95370

(209) 588-8300

Mountain Home Gifts

This unique gift store in Historic Down-town Sonora, carries a wide selection of gifts, art, books and clothing that

celebrate life in Sonora, the mountains and the surrounding small towns and foothill communities.

If you’re walking, hiking, camping or ex-ploring, there’s a collection of guidebooks related to the foothills, the Sierras to the north and south including Yosemite.


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Downtown Sonora172 West Stockton Road(209) 694-8400Junction Shopping Center13769-C Mono Way(209) 532-9400

MOTHER LODE BANK“We’re Local and....Simply A Better Bank”

www.motherlodebank.com

You can find reproductions of vintage signs posters, postcards and other memorabilia related to life in the foothills, mountains and Yosemite National Park. There is also a selec-tion of cook books.Mountain Home Gifts also specializes in

Sonora branded clothing and merchandise. They also have furniture that can be custom-ized to reflect your favorite memories of your visit, your cabin or home.

Mountain Home Gifts134 S. Washington St.Sonora, CA 95370

(209) 533-5319

Addictions Spray Tanning & Fashion

So n o r a ’s first and only spray tanning salon uses vegan certified, organic, spray tanning

ingredients. At Addictions every customer is important, so they make sure that you look your best and that the color compliments your natural skin tone and is perfect after every session. No matter if you want to be bronzed for a special event, vacation or just because you want that tan, now! Addictions Spray Tanning will get it right each and every time without the harmful effects of UV tan-ning.

Addictions Fashion features contemporary clothing, shoes, handbags and accessories for women and girls. We carry reasonably priced limited edition collections with new themes launched every week. Featured lines include Naked Zebra, H&G, Miss Chic, Color Story,

BLVD, Nine Bird, Lush among many more favorites. Addictions is one of Sonora’s new-est, trend-setting boutiques catering to your favorite addictions.

Addictions Spray Tanning & Fashion128 S. Washington St.Sonora, CA 95370

(209) 617-3689sunlessaddictiontanning.com

Sun Beam’s Baby & Kids Boutique

Sun Beam is your one-stop shop for styl-ish clothing, shoes and accessories for baby up to size 12. Diaper bags, baby

skin care, and one of a kind gift items. Perfect place to shop and register! Featuring B.O.B. Strollers, Citizens of Humanity Maternity Jeans, Petunia Pickle Bottom, Charlie Rocket and Mud Pie plus many more brands.

For the expectant mom, Sun Beams carries maternity clothing as well.

Sun Beam’s Baby & Kids Boutique136 S. Washington St.,

Sonora, CA 95370(209) 532-5800

sunbeamsboutique.com


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www.HeusersFurniture.com 37 S. Stewart Street • Downtown Sonora • 209-536-9834

• 15,000 Sq. Ft. Showroom • Interior Design Services • Home Decor Accessories • 39 Years Experience • Extended Financing O.A.C. • Open 7 Days a Week Mon-Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4

Lucky to get six hours of sleep?

memoriesin a sweet country town

By Ora Moss Morgan

Ora Moss Morgan’s column, “Gold Dust,” appeared for 17 years in the old Sonora Banner newspaper from 1933-1950.

So you ask for the Christmas of our childhood days? My, it seems only yesterday that

we were romping, happy, care-free youngsters, eagerly waiting for Christmas Day to come; we roamed the nearby hills, gather-ing holly berries and mistletoe to help decorate the house; and it was sweet and homey.

Today everything is made to order - artifi-cial and beautiful - you just buy and put them up - glittering and gor-geous, but I wonder if children today get the real thrill that was ours with the simple home-made garlands?

Sonora was just a sweet little country town then, everybody knew ev-erybody - everybody knew how many beaus Mary had - and who was going to get married and who was going to have a baby - and all were interested; peo-ple visited neighbors and friends - now they are too busy so they telephone; today the world is too busy - we do not have time to see the ones we know and love. Why - it seems to me we used to accomplish so much and still had time to do the thoughtful, friend-ly acts.

Mundorf’s was another fasci-nating place at Christmas - and

lighted with just flickering oil lamps - they seemed so bright to us; and the drug store windows with huge round jars or bottles - red, blue and green - so color-ful; I have never known the signif-icance of these in the drug store windows or what was in them.

I remember on Christmas Day all the old bachelor miners would come into town - they would sit on the benches along the street and perhaps have dinner at a ho-tel or restaurant - and too, they hoped to be treated to a Christ-mas drink - Tom and Jerry. I recall

so many of those lone-ly old men I knew from childhood who lived along Wood’s Creek and on Bald Moun-tain; on this day were dressed in their best clothes- wearing often a nugget watch chain.

And we do not for-get those delicious home cooked Christ-mas dinners - every-

thing homemade - no cans or packaged goods in those days - and no one could prepare and season things like Mother.

Yes - we all love to think of those carefree days when the whole world smiled because it was Christmas - the happy family circle still unbroken - no vacant chairs. I am glad I knew these simple Christmases, but I will join with my family and kiddies in a modern Christmas celebration and like it.

Photos Courtesy Dale Bachelor Collection

Snow along Washington Street in Historic Sonora


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home away from home real estate

Buying a Second Home By Laurel and Don SherburnePrudential California Realty

Hollywood stars are not the only ones with homes in the city and the country. Second home own-

ership has become an extremely popular trend in today’s real estate market. Why? Because demographics and technology are meeting to create a historic oppor-tunity for buyers and sellers. As Baby Boomers rush toward retirement, second homes suitable for play now and retire-ment later have enormous appeal.

Thanks to technology in the Moth-er Lode, second homes are becoming a place to work as well as play. Second homes may be located in “the pines” or located near a second work environment for those who commute frequently be-tween different business destinations.

How you use a second home is up to you, but if this is something you’ve been considering, NOW is the time to get the information you need to make an informed decision. A Real Estate Profes-sional can help guide you through finan-cial considerations, assist you in finding the right community with the right ame-nities for you and your family. Your real estate professional may be able to get you the information and advice you need to use the equity in your current home to finance the down payment on a second home, for example.

For many, a second home in a vacation

or resort area can be an income property when not in use. Once again, a real estate professional will help you consider property management options that can be a crucial financial factor as well as important to peace-of-mind.

Married couples, generally over age 35, with or without children are almost twice as likely to own second homes as single persons. And the fastest growing segment of second home buyers are age 35 to 54, without children at home.

Some of the best locations are not more than two to three hours

away from major metropolitan areas by car or plane. San Franciscans retreat to the Mother Lode because of this conve-nience.

What makes a second home location ideal? Natural beauty is great, but don’t forget about cultural and social resources, as well as first-rate golf, tennis and other popular sports facilities.

Nevertheless, you will likely get more enjoyment out of a property you can get to quickly and can use frequently. Since you know this area, chances are you’ll make a better real estate investment closer to home. And be sure to look at each property with an eye toward to-morrow, because the vacation homes likely to appreciate the most are the ones that Boomers can play in today and retire in tomorrow.

There are many factors involved in se-lecting the right community for you and your family. Discuss your options with your real estate professional. This will provide the information he or she needs to help you find property listings to tour. Remember, a targeted approach to house hunting is less time consuming, less ex-pensive and more efficient.

Laurel and Don Sherburne can be reached at (209) 768-8273 or (209) 613-4397. Pru-dential California Realty is an independently owned and operated member of The Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial company. Equal Housing Opportunity.

TEAM SHERBURNEDon Sherburne, Broker/GRI

Laurel Sherburne, Broker Associate

We chose a real estate

career so that we can serve our cli-ents as they pur-chase or sell a home. We love this area due to its proximity to

Yosemite National Park, Pinecrest Lake, Dodge Ridge and Stanislaus National Forest.

From the diversity of the geogra-phy to the friendliness of your

neighbors, Tuolumne County tru-ly offers a quality of life without equal.

Whether your interest is in a primary residence, retire-

ment or second home, or invest-ment property, you can find your special property at an unbeliev-ably affordable price.

Prudential California Realty 22920 Twain Harte DriveTwain Harte CA 95383

(209) 586-1107(209) 768-8273

DRE License #01842160 DonSherburne.com


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Back by popular demand - one of Stage 3’s favorite holiday gems.... “A hilarious family comedy” —BackStage. “Deliriously Funny” —NY Daily News

“The most hilarious eve-ning of theatre I have ever experienced. If you see just one play throughout this hectic season, this is the one to see.”

Calaveras Enterprise

Nick Cristano is a single, Italian-American guy

from New Jersey. His par-ents retired and moved to Florida. That doesn’t mean his family isn’t still in Jersey. In fact, he sees both sets of his grand-parents every Sunday for dinner. This is routine until he has to tell them

that he’s been offered a dream job. The job he’s been waiting for—marketing executive—would take him away from his beloved, but annoying, grandparents. He tells them. The news doesn’t sit so well.

Thus begins a series of schemes to keep Nick around. How could he betray his family’s love to move to Seattle, for a job, wonder his grandparents? Well, Frank, Aida, Nunzio and Emma do their level best, and that includes bringing to dinner the lovely—and single—Caitlin O’Hare as bait…

Nick visits his grandparents every Sunday for dinner. Grandpa Frank crashes his car every time he gets behind the wheel. Grandma Aida keeps the house at a comfortable “August in Ethiopia” tem-perature. Nunzio and Emma are the loudest people on the planet and all four are the worst Trivial Pursuit players of all time.

Over the River and Through the Woods is a bittersweet tale of the bonds between generations and the distances between them. Mod-ern families break up. Values that are paramount to one generation are vestiges of a bygone era to another. One Sunday Nick announc-es that he has been offered a job across the country.

When Nick explains, “There’s nothing to keep me here,” Aida re-

plies “What about us?” The four grandparents concoct a scheme to keep Nick near them and set in motion a chain of events that surprises them all. Join Stage 3 for this warmhearted evening and we think you’ll agree that “Over the River and through the Woods” is a great place to go for the holidays.

Over the River and Through the WoodsBy Joe DePietro

November 11 - December 18, 2011Stage 3 Theatre Company208 S. Green St., Sonora, CA

209-536-1778stage3.org

Over the River and Through the Woods theatre

Frozen Yogurt • Salad Bar• Sandwich Bar

11 So. Washington Street, Sonora, CA 95370Hours: Mon-Sat 10 am - 9 pm • Sun 11 am - 7 pm

(209) 532-6403www.itsyogood.com

Self Serve

Senior Discounts

Great Live TheatreIn Historic Downtown Sonora

New Years Eve PartyDecember 31st

Just steps from Shopping • Dining • Lodging

Stage 3 Theatre Company 208 S. Green St., Sonora, CA

209-536-1778 • www.stage3.org


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E X P L O R E SONORA DAYS INNSince 1896

The Historic Hotel Choice in Sonora

Sonora Days Inn160 S. Washington Street

Sonora, CA 95370 Phone: 209-532-2400

Fax: 209-532-4542www.daysinnsonora.com

• High Speed Wireless • Coffee Maker in Room• Complimentary

Newspapers ToiletriesLocal Telephone Calls Outdoor ParkingDisabled Parking

• 24 Hour Front Desk• Nearby: Golf, Tennis, Fitness

• Handicap Facilities• No Smoking Rooms• Rooftop Pool• Cable TV• Business Services• Voicemail/Data • Ice/Vending Machines• Historic Elevator• Wake up Calls• Meeting Space• Banquet Space

In the Heart of Historic Sonora,

California. Close to shops, restaurants, live

theatre and many popular attractions for the entire family.

Our Historic Hotel has traditional fur-nishings while the Annex has contem-

porary furnishings.

In every guestroom you’ll find coffee/tea makers & HBO.

All rooms in our Annex and the suites and efficiency rooms in the Histor-

ic Hotel have irons and ironing boards, in-room refrigerators and microwave ovens. For a small fee, pets are welcome in desig-nated rooms.

Ask about our local Dining Discount Specials

Sonora Days Inn Hotel & Room Amenities

Christopher’s Ristorante Italiano is accessible through our lobby and

is well worth a visit during your stay!

18202 Main Street • Jamestown • CA • 95327 • Phone • 209.984.0584 • stogiesatcoppercreek.com

Premium Cigars & Tobacco Accessories for Men & Women

the good life food

Photos: Jim Hildreth

Talulah’s Restaurant

This intimate restaurant makes an effort to present simple, but creative dishes, consis-tently prepared with fresh ingredients. Ta-

lulah’s is much like many fine, casual cafes or ar-tisan bistro you might find throughout Europe. An attentive staff accommodates your presence, whether alone or a spontaneous, causal gather-

ing of friends, and even for a romantic dinner for two. Talulah’s easily accommo-date modest changes to their dishes based on your appetite or taste prefer-ences. A very friendly, small town accommodation.

Their artisan bread, served warm with olive oil and herbs shouldn’t be taken for granted.

It’s a conscious effort that reminds us that sometimes, even the simplest touches, are the most appreciated. It’s genuine comfort food with an upscale spin, especially when you discover even a simple dish like their macaroni & cheese.

They’re open for lunches and dinners with a menu inclusive of salads, pasta, grilled entrées, and feature local wines as well. Moderate pric-es $10 - $30, and take out is available.

Lunch & DinnerPrice Range: $$ ($10-$30)

Talulah’s Restaurant13 S. Washington St.Sonora, CA 95370

(209) 532-7278

Christopher’s RistoranteItaliano

Chef Chris Segarini lives his passion – cre-ating, preparing and celebrating food with influences through his twenty years

of experience. His menu reflects the pride of New Orleans and West Coast cooking.

The Veal Piccata, was served golden brown, tender and succulent and the piccata sauce was definitely complimentary to the flavor of the veal— a nuance that might have escaped the at-tention and care of a less experienced chef. The grilled vegetables were hot and with just enough crispiness to confirm they were local, fresh and served with mashed potatoes prepared with a hint of garlic, so as not to overwhelm.

Tiramisu was the perfect ending to a fine meal. Christopher’s carries a fine selection of local, California and Italian wines. It’s also a short walk from live theatre at Stage 3, and is conveniently adjacent to the lobby of the His-toric Sonora Inn.

Weekend Brunch, Lunch & DinnerPrice Range: $$ ($10-$30)

Christopher’s Ristorante Italiano 160 South Washington Street

Sonora, CA 95370-4712(209) 533-2600

christophersristorante.com


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Lumber • P lumbing • E lectr ica l • Hardware Supp l ies • Pa int • Lawn & Garden

900 Mono Way • Sonora • CA 95370 • (209) 532-3676

Your Only Locally Owned Home Center in Sonora – Supporting the Community We Live in! www.andyshomecenter.com

To understand the impact famed stage-coach bandit, Black Bart, had on Wells Fargo & Company, is taking a quick

glance at their final Robber’s Report reveal-ing much of their frustration. There were 28 Wells Fargo Stagecoach robberies between July 26, 1875 and November 3, 1883. The hold-ups occurred along the Sonora route through Calaveras county, northern Cali-fornia and well into Oregon.

The first and last robberies occurred on the Sonora to Milton stage line north of Copperopolis on the rail line connecting to all points. The beginning and end of Black Bart’s exploits occurred along the mountain pass called Funk Hill about 4 miles east of Copperopolis. Black Bart initiated the first successful stage robbery in California his-tory.

Although the bandit carried a double-bar-reled shotgun and wore a flour sack over his head, he earned part of his reputation as a gentleman bandit with an arrow-straight posture, never harming a passenger. Dur-ing one of his later robberies, a lady pas-senger on the stage attempted to step out, but Black Bart reassured her, calmly and politely:

“No lady, don’t get out. I never bother the passengers. Keep calm. I’ll be through here in a minute and on my way.” He departed after removing the modest contents of the lock box, $50.00 in gold, a watch and the mail bags.

He occasionally left behind poetry in the emptied Wells Fargo & Co. lock boxes, which taunted their investigators. His fourth and fifth robberies he left these two poems:

I’ve labored long and hard for bread,For honor and for richesBut on my corns too long you’ve tread,You fine-haired sons-of-bitches.

Black Bart, the P o 8

To wait the coming morrow,Perhaps success, perhaps defeat

And everlasting sorrow.Yet come what will, I’ll try it once,My conditions can’t be worse,And if there’s money in that box,‘Tis money in my purse.

Black Bart, the P o 8

The robberies spanned 8 years, who more ‘dabbled’ in robbing stagecoaches for extra income. He was quoted saying, “I took only what was needed when it was needed.” Ironically James B. Hume, chief investigator for Wells

Fargo, was on the stagecoach for the first and last robberies. Black Bart left the scene with a grazing shot across his forehead. He also left behind a number of personal items. The most

important was Bart’s handkerchief, full of buck-shot, which bore the laundry mark.

Hume had an operative track down, over most of California, the laundry in San Francisco where Black Bart’s identity was finally revealed as Charles Bolton.

18 days after his last robbery, one Charles Boles, aka Charles Bolton, aka Black Bart was captured, tried, convicted and sentenced in San Andreas and on November 21, 1883, Black Bart entered San Quentin prison. He was re-leased from San Quentin on January 23, 1888, after serving 4 years of a 6 year sentence, for good behavior. He was hounded by reporters upon release and disappeared from a San Fran-cisco hotel. He was last reported to be living in a hotel some time thereafter. There had been a series of stage robberies with the highway-man ‘resembling the figure’ of Black Bart. Two Wells Fargo detectives tracked him down and searched his room at the hotel. They found his valise full of crackers, canned meats, sugar and coffee, just the sort of thing someone going ‘on the road’ might carry. He was never seen again.

Next Issue: Who Was Black Bart

The Bandit Poet & Wells Fargo legends

Wells Fargo & Co. was borne out of the California Gold Rush, an event that launched the greatest migration in

American history. Virtually overnight the sleepy seaport of San Francisco, located on sand dunes overlooking the Golden Gate, ex-ploded from a non-native population of 800 in 1848 to more than 30,000 in 1851.

As news of the gold discovery spread around the world, farmers left their crops, merchants shuttered their doors, and immi-grants abandoned their homelands to jour-ney thousands of miles to gold fields in the Sierra foothills. Risking disease, danger and starvation, they came by clipper ship and steamer, by wagon train and on foot to seek their fortune in the gold fields.

The pride of countless mining towns, the Wells Fargo agency was viewed as a link to the civilized world.

Wells Fargo Bank has been serving the Great-er Sonora Community for over 150 years.

Wells Fargo & Co. 808 E. Mono Way, CA 95370

(209) 532-3106www.wellsfargo.com


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In the Heart of Historic Downtown Sonora

Built in 1850

Gunn House HotelThe Historic ‘Gunny’ Our Famous Hotel Bear

Don’t miss our famous Innkeeper’s Breakfast–Waffles made to order!

Rooms $79-$115

286 S. Washington Street, Sonora, CA 95370 Reservations (209) 532-3421 www.gunnhousehotel.com

Gunny’s Christmas Carrot MuffinsIngredients2 ½ cups all purpose flour2 teaspoons baking soda1 teaspoon salt1 teaspoon cinnamon2 cups sugar1 cup oil2 teaspoons vanilla2 eggs2 cups shredded carrots1 8 oz. can crushed pineapple, well drained½ cup raisins1 5 - 8 oz. bag of sliced almondsDirections1. Heat oven to 350. Line 12-14 muffin paper baking cups.

2. In medium bowl, combine flour, bak-ing soda, salt and cinnamon; set aside. 3 In large bowl, combine sugar, oil, 2 teaspoons vanilla and eggs; beat well. 4. Stir in flour mixture; mix well. Stir in carrots, pineapple, and raisins. 5. Fill paper-lined muffin cups ¾ full. Sprinkle sugar and sliced almonds evenly over each muffin. 6. Bake at 350 for approx. 30-40 min-utes or until muffins spring back when touched lightly in center. Cool slightly and carefully remove muffins and serve warm or cool.Gunny’s French Toast & Waffle BatterIngredients1 cup pancake/waffle mix2 teaspoons white sugar1 teaspoon ground cinnamon1/2 cup cold milk2 eggs1 teaspoon vanilla extractDirections1. Preheat waffle iron. In a blender, combine milk, eggs and vanilla and add sugar cinnamon and waffle mix. Blend thoroughly.2. Spray preheated waffle iron with non-stick cooking spray. Pour mix onto hot waffle iron. Cook until golden brown. Serve hot with plenty of butter and maple syrup, jam, honey or your favorite fruit!

Gunny’s Yummy Rich Chocolate Raspberry CakeIngredientsI box Ghirardelli ® Triple Chocolate Brownie Mix (or other brownie mix with chocolate chips)2 eggs¼ cup oil¼ cup cold coffee1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries¼ cup sugarDirections1. Preheat oven to 350. Pre-pare 9” round baking pan by lightly greasing or spraying with non-stick cook-ing spray. 2. Blend coffee, oil and eggs in mixing bowl. Add brownie mix and mix until blended. Stir in raspberries and blend. 3. Spoon batter into prepared 9” round cake pan. Sprinkle ¼ cup sugar over batter. 4. Place in 350 oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Do not over bake.Cool and invert cake onto plate and dust with powdered sugar.


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RAILTOWNCALIFORNIA STATE HISTORIC PARK

THE ‘MOVIE STAR’ RAILROAD FEATURING ENGINE NO. 3

THE TUOLUMNE COUNTY VISITORS BUREAU & ITS MEMBER PARTNERS PRESENT

a celebration of our western heritage

1897

TUOLUMNE COUNTY VISITORS BUREAU E X P L O R ESonora

M A G A Z I N E

T�� C��Y�� G�� C��Your Year-RoundDestination

A short drive, yet a world away— historic small towns, shopping, gaming, unique dining, boutique wineries, antiques, art galleries,

live theatre, golf, skiing and year-round recreation.

Plan Your Getaway Today!STAY l PLAY l DINE l SHOP l EXPLORE

Discover Tuolumne CountyT h e Y e a r -Round P lay land

Visitor Information

800.446.1333www.YosemiteGoldCountry.comOrder or download our Visitors Guide

THE TUOLUMNE COUNTY VISITORS BUREAU542 W. Stockton Street • P.O. Box 4020 • Sonora , CA 95370

800.446.1333 • Local: 209.533.4420 • www.yosemitegoldcountry.com

TUOLUMNE COUNTY VISITORS BUREAU

EVENTS ALL YEAR LONG!The FAMILY FUN ExperienceOpening Day • Memorial Day WeekendJuly 4th • Singing Rails · Haunted Express Labor Day Weekend · Santa’s ExpressEngine No 3 Celebration Weekends

Movie Star ENGINE No. 3RIDES THE RAILS ONCE AGAIN!

Located in Jamestown, California, Railtown 1897 State Historic Park is home to the Historic Jamestown Shops and Roundhouse of the Sierra Railway. Railtown 1897 State Historic Park is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., April through October. From November through March, Park operating hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Railtown 1897 State Historic Park 11855 5th Ave. • Jamestown, CA 95327

209.984.3953 Visit www.railtown1897.org

Documents

Explore Sonora Magazine, Fall/Winter 2011