Forest Hill Divide Historical Society

Forest Hill Divide Historical Society The Forest Hill Divide Historical Society was formed in 1979 and provides volunteer docents to welco
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09/26/2023

It's time once again for our annual Old Auburn Cemetery Tour. Sunday, October 1st from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. join us for a tour of local inhabitants currently residing in the local cemetery. Reservations are not required, just show up! Parking is available in the Placer County Administrative Offices parking lot across the street from the cemetery. Check-in with the registration table when you arrive, then pick your path through the cemetery. Water and porta-potties will be available.

12/08/2022

Be a smart cookie! Don’t struggle with your homework or final projects. Visit http://ow.ly/P49b50LXXMP for free live online tutoring today!

12/07/2022

With the flip of a switch, Catcuce “Coche” Tiger, a 9-year-old citizen of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians from North Carolina set the 78-foot “People’s Tree” aglow on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol during the Nov. 29 lighting ceremony. The tree will stand on Capitol Hill through the holiday season for all visitors to enjoy.
But what happens after the holidays? This year’s tree, a red spruce, will live on in the form of guitars and banjos, carrying on the long musical traditions of the people of North Carolina.
Read more https://www.fs.usda.gov/features/lighting-peoples-tree-cherokee-fourth-grader-flips-switch-light-us-capitol

12/07/2022

❗JOB ALERT❗

Tahoe National Forest has several openings for Visitor Services Information Assistants! These roles staff our visitor centers and are key members of our public information program. If you or someone you know are interested, apply by Dec. 13! View more info here: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/693201000 #

12/05/2022

Forest Hill Divide Historical Society Holiday Dinner is Monday, December 19, at 6Pm Veteran’s Memorial Hall. RSVP by Dec. 11
SPEAKER is Phil Sexton
Details in comments

Annie DeMaria-Norris and Craig Norris had a booth at trunk or treat for our historical society last night 😊🕷👻💀🕸🦇🎃
11/01/2022

Annie DeMaria-Norris and Craig Norris had a booth at trunk or treat for our historical society last night 😊🕷👻💀🕸🦇🎃

Another great decorated vehicle, lots of creativity by all the participants.

10/21/2022

Our Museums Divions' newest exhibit, “A Grave Affair,” is now open at our Placer County Museum inside the Historic Courthouse in Old Auburn. The…

10/02/2022

The Forest Hill Divide Historical Society will be meeting on Monday Oct 3rd at 6:00 pm at the Museum. If you are interested in getting involved in helping to preserve our towns history, please come join us.

09/29/2022

Another great video to watch and learn about Bird’s Valley

We see there’s now a Michigan Bluff Historical Society page. That’s great! Thanks for sharing your info and the losses t...
09/29/2022

We see there’s now a Michigan Bluff Historical Society page. That’s great! Thanks for sharing your info and the losses there are so tragic to say the least. We are so sorry for those affected by this monster of a fire!

Once considered the nicest house in Michigan Bluff, we lost this gem in the Mosquito Fire on September 7th, 2022. Photo credit: Marianne Bush

A little late to post this but important to our area and history.
09/27/2022

A little late to post this but important to our area and history.

Today, we celebrate California Native American Day, which takes place on the fourth Friday each September to honor the diverse cultures and legacies of California Native American people. We acknowledge the devastating impacts their cultures and communities have endured and celebrate the resilience and many important contributions of Tribal Nations in California.
It is important to preserve, protect, and respect cultural resources, so that current and future generations may learn from and appreciate them.
Pictured: Bedrock mortar grinding stone overlooking the American River.

09/05/2022

A big shout out and thank you to Johnny of Worton’s for saving the day Saturday! He lent us hay bales when our other source couldn’t deliver at the last minute.
We appreciate all that Worton’s does for Foresthill ❤️

Troy is setting up your front row VIP seats for tomorrow’s performance and Gold Rush education by the California Rangers...
09/03/2022

Troy is setting up your front row VIP seats for tomorrow’s performance and Gold Rush education by the California Rangers at the Heritage Festival at Memorial Park 10-4. Great music, food, booths, blacksmiths & our museum ⛏

This is a really cool thing in Northern California!
08/28/2022

This is a really cool thing in Northern California!

🌲 Sturgeon’s Mill Will Be Open September 10-11! 🌲

We invite you to step back into history at our working Steam Powered Mill Museum. The mill will be open on Saturday & Sunday, September 10th & 11th from 10 AM-3 PM each day! Join us for live demonstrations and docent led tours under the historic giant redwoods. Free parking is available.

The cook shack will be open for delicious lunchtime snacks and meals that you can enjoy in our beautiful redwood picnic grounds. Due to the nature of the mill, no dogs, alcohol or recreational drugs are allowed. We can’t wait to see you!

07/28/2022

The Forest Hill Divide Historical Society is holding their next meeting on September 19th, at 6pm at the Museum. If you are not a member and would like to join, please drop by the museum and pick up an application, membership is only $10.00 a year or you can join for a lifetime for only $150.00. The Museum is currently open Noon to 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday through Labor Day weekend.

We are looking to fill some board positions and our meetings are only every other month so it's not a huge commitment. If you are interested please reach out to us directly by sending using Facebook Messenger. Sandy Simester or myself, Annie DeMaria-Norris will get back to you.

Enjoy your summer. ~ Annie, President, Forest Hill Divide Historical Society

07/27/2022

One of our long time volunteer docents, Tyler Harkness passed away on July 21, 2022. He also served as a Foresthill Fire District volunteer Director for over 10 years, was a member of the Friends of the Library and video recorded our Forum meetings and other events. Our condolences go out to his family.

Forest Hill Divide Historical Society blacksmiths Troy Simester, Ted Back and Chuck McAllister at this year’s Fourth of ...
07/06/2022

Forest Hill Divide Historical Society blacksmiths Troy Simester, Ted Back and Chuck McAllister at this year’s Fourth of July Celebration. There was a great attendance and everyone seemed to be having a good time.

04/25/2022

Please be on the look out for anyone who now has a couple of new anvils and some blacksmithing tools. Our Blacksmithing shop was broken into and several items taken. If you know anything about this, please contact the Placer County Sheriff's Office to report it.

I know the train never made it through our Divide like some of our founders had hoped but this will be cool to see this ...
04/11/2022

I know the train never made it through our Divide like some of our founders had hoped but this will be cool to see this summer.

BIGBOY #4014 is coming to Truckee July 7, unless its more likely the morning of the 8th. Stay Tuned.
From the Official Union Pacific Steam Club page.
Union Pacific's famed Big Boy No. 4014 is set to return to the tracks this summer for its "West Coast Steam Tour." Kicking off June 26 from Cheyenne, Wyoming, this year's tour will celebrate Union Pacific's 160th anniversary, railroad heritage and the communities the railroad serves, visiting the Pacific Northwest for the first time since its return to service.
The Big Boy will be on display in four cities:
July 6, 2022: Sparks, Nevada
July 8-9, 2022: Roseville, California
July 15-16, 2022: Portland, Oregon
July 21-22, 2022: Boise, Idaho
Display days include locomotive viewing, access to the "Experience the Union Pacific Rail Car," a multi-media walk-through exhibition that provides a glimpse at the past while telling the story of modern-day railroading, and live Q&A with the Steam Crew.
Big Boy No. 4014 will leave the Steam Shop in Cheyenne, Wyoming, June 26, making brief whistle-stops in dozens of communities in Wyoming, Nevada, California, Oregon, Idaho and Utah. Further details for these stops will be released to the Steam Club in May.

Come to this Saturday’s Spring Craft Fair for our blacksmith items and books.
04/05/2022

Come to this Saturday’s Spring Craft Fair for our blacksmith items and books.

Great story
03/13/2022

Great story

Photo taken July 8, 1906 in Last Chance while investigating the murder of Willie Polifka. Despite the captions on the photo, Adams was not undersheriff. He was a court reporter and in 1890 was appointed assistant city marshal in Auburn.

Thanks Foresthill Divide Chamber of Commerce and Debbie Guidi !
03/09/2022

Thanks Foresthill Divide Chamber of Commerce and Debbie Guidi !

Foresthill Historical Society is making authentic candle holders and preparing for a wonderful experience to share the history of Foresthill. Blacksmith professionals, Troy, Cam & Adam are ready to teach soon! This craftwork can currently be found at The Outpost! Be a seasoned Foresthill historian!

02/26/2022

Do you love Foresthill and want to help preserve its history? Join the Forest Hill Divide Historical Society and come to our next meeting. We are also currently looking for docents to volunteer at the Museum this summer. We only ask you to commit to an average of two days each month over the summer. It's a great way to learn about our town's history and meet new people. Message me for more information if your interested, or leave us a comment

01/13/2022

Great old video shared by Lynette Westbury Baird

01/12/2022

A good history of the Foresthill Bridge

We have a set in our Forest Hill Divide Museum. Thanks to Placer County Museums for this article.
12/24/2021

We have a set in our Forest Hill Divide Museum. Thanks to Placer County Museums for this article.

Here's an Artifact Highlight concerning Horse Bells. I'm told these are pretty much the same ones Santa uses on his sleigh. To read more about them, and to hear them ring, follow this link: https://express.adobe.com/page/FxCsiFcsSYCF0/

12/23/2021

The rugged natural beauty of Placer County is one of its most defining features. In 1869 when the Transcontinental Railroad was being built, these features c...

Don’t forget we have several books available at The Outpost in Foresthill for your holiday gift giving- History of Todd ...
12/18/2021

Don’t forget we have several books available at The Outpost in Foresthill for your holiday gift giving- History of Todd Valley, Arcadia books on Mining Camps, Hughes Bros. Mill.
They are open Wednesday through Sunday 11-5.

This is a great Placer County historical picture
10/27/2021

This is a great Placer County historical picture

Imagine! Back before the 1930s, when it snowed, that was it for heading over Donner Pass. There was no snow plowing to keep the roads open. Here we see the control gates at Baxter's. No travel over the summit until spring!

10/23/2021

See the story

10/11/2021

If anyone is planning on attending our dinner next Monday, the 18th, yesterday was the deadline to RSVP. I am calling the caterer today, 10/11, so this is the last call ☎️ (530-367-3535)
We can’t guarantee a spot at the dinner table otherwise but you can see the speaker at about 7 pm.

10/01/2021

Even though our museum is closed for the season, Troy and Sandy will open the museum for tours by appointment. Please call us at (530) 367-3535 and we are happy to set a time to meet you there.

Congrats to Iowa Hill Store
09/29/2021

Congrats to Iowa Hill Store

In honor of the reopening of the New Iowa Hill Store:

𝕊𝕙𝕠𝕡𝕡𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝔻𝕦𝕣𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝔾𝕠𝕝𝕕 ℝ𝕦𝕤𝕙

This is one area where the early settlers of Iowa Hill had it easier than present-day residents. There were plenty of stores available, including “three large grocery stores, … five dry-goods and clothing stores, one fancy store, three variety stores, … two hardware and tinware stores, and two butcher shops” according to the Directory of the County of Placer for the Year 1861. Other communities on the Divide, such as Wisconsin Hill, Monona Flat, and Damascus, also had thriving business districts.

Over time, attrition from fires and a declining population reduced the business part of town to one grocery store (Macy’s) and one combination store/bar/Post Office/assaying office (the “old brick building”) by 1920. All of the other towns on the Divide had died out by then.

Macy’s Red & White Store was built next to the Macy home, and survived for 50 years before it was destroyed by fire on January 11, 1949 when an oil heating stove exploded. The store was rebuilt, only to succumb again to flames on June 24, 1956.

The old brick building store was originally built ~1854 by Joseph Colgan and operated for 115 years until it burned on July 19, 1968. A detailed history of the store is provided in the book 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘐𝘰𝘸𝘢 𝘏𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘋𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘝𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘮𝘦 2: 𝘛𝘰𝘸𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘗𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘐𝘰𝘸𝘢 𝘏𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘋𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘦.

Less than two years after the old store burned, Iowa Hill got its first new business in 80-some years when two couples—Grover and Mary Parker with Robert and Margie Brooks—opened the “new” Iowa Hill Store across the street. Initially operated by Herbert “Hub” and Bonnie Cantrell, its grand opening was on February 21, 1970. The establishment included a general store, restaurant, bar, Post Office, and gas station (the gas station has since been eliminated).

Once again in business Wednesday thru Sunday 7am-7pm, the store also functions as a community center and cafe. Stop by and say hello and enjoy a meal!

photo credit to Lynea Daniels

So cool about the town of Iowa Hill and their store, post office, community center, and cafe!
09/14/2021

So cool about the town of Iowa Hill and their store, post office, community center, and cafe!

In honor of the reopening of the New Iowa Hill Store:

𝕊𝕙𝕠𝕡𝕡𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝔻𝕦𝕣𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝔾𝕠𝕝𝕕 ℝ𝕦𝕤𝕙

This is one area where the early settlers of Iowa Hill had it easier than present-day residents. There were plenty of stores available, including “three large grocery stores, … five dry-goods and clothing stores, one fancy store, three variety stores, … two hardware and tinware stores, and two butcher shops” according to the Directory of the County of Placer for the Year 1861. Other communities on the Divide, such as Wisconsin Hill, Monona Flat, and Damascus, also had thriving business districts.

Over time, attrition from fires and a declining population reduced the business part of town to one grocery store (Macy’s) and one combination store/bar/Post Office/assaying office (the “old brick building”) by 1920. All of the other towns on the Divide had died out by then.

Macy’s Red & White Store was built next to the Macy home, and survived for 50 years before it was destroyed by fire on January 11, 1949 when an oil heating stove exploded. The store was rebuilt, only to succumb again to flames on June 24, 1956.

The old brick building store was originally built ~1854 by Joseph Colgan and operated for 115 years until it burned on July 19, 1968. A detailed history of the store is provided in the book 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘐𝘰𝘸𝘢 𝘏𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘋𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘝𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘮𝘦 2: 𝘛𝘰𝘸𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘗𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘐𝘰𝘸𝘢 𝘏𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘋𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘦.

Less than two years after the old store burned, Iowa Hill got its first new business in 80-some years when two couples—Grover and Mary Parker with Robert and Margie Brooks—opened the “new” Iowa Hill Store across the street. Initially operated by Herbert “Hub” and Bonnie Cantrell, its grand opening was on February 21, 1970. The establishment included a general store, restaurant, bar, Post Office, and gas station (the gas station has since been eliminated).

Once again in business Wednesday thru Sunday 7am-7pm, the store also functions as a community center and cafe. Stop by and say hello and enjoy a meal!

photo credit to Lynea Daniels

08/29/2021

Due to the even worse air quality than last weekend, our Forest Hill Divide Museum and Blacksmith Shop will be closed today. Stay healthy and fingers crossed we can have our Heritage Festival next Saturday 🤞

08/22/2021

Due to the HAZARDOUS air quality TODAY- the blacksmith shop and museum will be closed in order to allow you & our volunteers to stay home and healthy. We hope you will visit us next weekend or for Heritage Festival Saturday, September 4, 10-4. Our last day this season is Sunday, September 5, 12-4.
We appreciate your support and invite you to become a member of the Forest Hill Divide Historical Society.
We have planned a catered dinner and speaker for Monday, October 18 at 6pm at Veteran’s Memorial Hall. Cost is $15 and please rsvp to Annie DeMaria-Norris 916-206-4479 by October 10. All are welcome.

Address

24601 Harrison Street
Foresthill, CA
95631

Opening Hours

Saturday 12pm - 4pm
Sunday 12pm - 4pm

Telephone

+15308896500

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