Eastern California Museum

Spring has sprung most beautifully at the Commander's House in Independence! A rosy posse of Friends of the Eastern California Museum volunteers including Sharon Avey, Linda Ellsworth, and Jennifer Duncan spruced up the old girl with garlands. Take a gander if you're in Indy! THANK YOU, FRIENDS, FOR YOUR HARD WORK AND DEDICATION!

The Museum is excited to partner with Andy Selters and Smoke's family on this project to scan Smoke's photos which will eventually lead to creating a photo exhibit at the Museum. We want to thank the donors in advance for supporting preservation of this important archive of Eastern Sierra climbing history.

Unfortunately the majority of this article is behind a paywall, but I've been informed that you can read it for free if you register. https://www.nybooks.com///the-lost-rivers-of-owens-valley/

The Carson & Colorado Railway 2021 Calendar has arrived at the Museum bookstore in plenty of time to be a sweet Valentine’s Day gift for all the steam locomotive lovers on your list. To have a calendar mailed to you, email [email protected], so we can call you back and get credit card and mailing info. Or call in an order at 760-878-0258. The price, with postage and tax, is $13 per calendar.

Good news, but not great news about California and Inyo County coronavirus restrictions: The State has lifted it's regional stay-at-home orders. Good News. However, Inyo County remains in the Purple Tier, meaning the Museum building cannot reopen and host visitors. People can tour the outside Historic Equipment Yard and the Mary DeDecker Native Plant Garden, but the Museum building remains closed to visitors. Stay safe. ECM Staff

The floor of the Owens Valley and Independence don't get many substantial snowstorms every winter. This year has been no exception, except for the storm that arrived at the end of December 2020 and covered the Museum grounds in a clean, white, snowy blanket. Here's a look at the rare, snowy scene, thanks to the always energetic Sharon Avey who documented the "big snow."

Ho ho ho! We were honored when Mrs. Clause and Mrs. Noel visited last week! A fun and festive time was had by all as they explored the museum grounds and posed for a few photos. #ecmholiday

Decades ago, Tom Ross created a slideshow of 92 images from his trips in the High Sierra and presented it at the Eastern California Museum. He was well known as both a photographer and a mountaineer in the Sierra Peaks Section of the Sierra Club. We are thrilled to be able to share his photos with the public and happy to announce that we will be having a exhibit of his photos in the near future in our rotating gallery.

Many years ago I noticed bits of a letter written on the backside of some labels I was organizing. I took a photo and promptly forgot to confirm whose death this letter was referring to. Today I can report it is referencing the death of John Black, and was likely written by his wife, Rose Black, whose fabulous basket collection is the ECM's most well-known collection (aside from the coyote teeth dentures, of course). Both Mr. and Mrs. Black are buried in the Woodman of the World Cemetery in Big Pine. You can read his obituary in the February 3, 1923 issue of the Big Pine Citizen on the California Digital Newspaper Collection website.

Downtown Bishop after a pretty substantial snowstorm in January of 1939.

Gathering for fun and festivities has been an integral part of life in Inyo County for more than 150 years. Parades, parties and picnics have been enjoyed by groups of county residents as a way to celebrate notable occasions, mark annual events or simply to enjoy each other’s company. Sports and outdoor adventures have also drawn friends and families together to share a sense of community or enjoy the great outdoors in the Eastern Sierra. The 2021 Eastern California Museum Calendar brings into focus some of those many gatherings and celebrations. To have a calendar mailed to you, we accept credit card orders over the phone at 760-878-0258. The price, with postage and tax, is $13 per calendar. The calendar is also available in Bishop at Spellbinder Books and Dwayne’s Friendly Pharmacy and the Bishop Chamber of Commerce.

Just a little reminder from 1990 to see how far we've come and how much we have to be grateful for! The ECM received its first computer in 1990 as a gift from the Friends of the Eastern California Museum. It was a Leading Edge Model D, and it had a small storage unit that could hold "as much information as 90 floppy discs." Since then the museum has built a computerized database of over 6,500 donations and loans received since 1928. We continue to document, catalog, and digit...ize our holdings to make them more widely and easily accessible. So thank you to the Friends, for supporting the ECM all these years! And thank you to all past and present ECM staff, volunteers, and donors who have contributed to this small (but mighty!) institution.

Fall has arrived and the Commander's House in Independence is dressed for the occasion, thanks to volunteers Jennifer Duncan and Sharon Avey, who also got the Edward's House in the Halloween spirit(s). Thanks again, Jennifer and Sharon.

***SOLD*** A kind donor dropped off lightly used copies of the first two volumes of David Myrick's series on Railroads of Nevada and Eastern California. These books typically sell for $75, but we are offering them for only $50! We only have ONE COPY OF VOLUME I AND VOLUME II, so call us at (760) 878-0258 if you'd like to snag a great deal!

Another big "thank you" to the volunteer train crew from the Carson & Colorado Railway who came to the Museum and fired up #18, the Slim Princess and brought a couple more vintage vehicles for everyone to enjoy.

What is that thing?! Check out this set-up created by Museum Assistant Liz Livermont to photograph negatives and transparencies using a digital camera and a lightbox! It's faster than using a flatbed scanner and allows her to quickly digitize the thousands of negatives and transparencies in the museum's collections. Can I get a round of applause for our creative and hard-working staff?

Indigenous People's Day is every day at the Eastern California Museum, thanks to 400 Owens Valley Paiute and Panamint Shoshone baskets and extensive photos of early 20th Century Paiute Shoshone people.

Ho ho ho! Santa's elves stopped by Independence to spread a little holiday cheer! Hearty thanks to Sharon Avey, Jennifer Duncan, Roberta Harlan, and Linda Hubbs (not pictured) for sprucing up (haha, get it?) the Commander's House with loads of garlands, bows, and a stunning tree! #ecmholiday

Paiute Baskets.

Five sturdy cowboys on a ranch near Independence.

You know fall has officially arrived when the Museum's top-notch volunteers, Sharon Avey and Jennifer Duncan, are decorating the Commander's House in Independence. Thanks once again for putting on a great show of fall colors.

The scene is set for festive photo taking at the Little Pine Village behind the Eastern California Museum! Our wonderful team of FECM volunteers, Sharon Avey, Jennifer Duncan, and Linda Hubbs, decked the halls (and a wagon!) so y'all can mosey on over and add a little old-timey flair to your holiday photos. Bring your family or friends and make some merry memories! We welcome you to share your photos with us by tagging the ECM or by using hashtag #ECMholiday.

Paiute girls at a festival, Bishop. Andrew Forbes photo, circa 1908-1916.

Volunteer Group Spearheads Eastern California Museum Fall Clean up A group of enthusiastic and hard-working volunteers recently completed a thorough fall clean-up of the grounds at the Eastern California Museum in Independence. About 20 volunteers showed up armed with rakes, hand tools, shrub trimmers and clippers, and other tools to tackle the daunting task of ridding the five-acre museum grounds of the fallen leaves, dead tree limbs, and overgrown shrubbery that had accum...ulated over the year. By the end of the work, about 15 loads of green waste had been collected and deposited at the Independence dump. The clean-up project was spearheaded by the non-profit P. Alley Whiskey Society (PAWS), based in Independence (yes, the alleys in Independence have names). The group’s members provided trucks, tools, trailers and the energy and muscle to take on the daunting task. It was an incredible amount of work, and the museum is grateful for the help to keep our grounds clear and safe for visitors, said Museum Director Jon Klusmire. The work included clearing the front of the museum and around the two parking lots as well as removing leaves from the tree line around the perimeter of the grounds and in the Historic Equipment Yard. The PAWS nonprofit has about 50 members from throughout the county and the region and has been around for about a year, said Nate Reade, one of the co-founders. Its mission focusses on charity, education and volunteerism. The group provides direct help and support to local families and young people in need and also gets involved with projects that benefit the community at large. Of special interest is providing scholarships to local students attending trade schools, Reade said. PAWS has provided about $1,500 in trade school grant/scholarships. A number other county groups provide college scholarships, but there seems to be a need for helping students going to trade schools, he added. The group accepts tax-deductible donations by mail at PO Box 504, Independence CA 93526, and can be found by searching Facebook for P. Alley Whiskey Society.

The Museum is once again open to the public -- with Covid-related restrictions, of course. As we ease back into our reopening process, we will only be open weekdays (Monday through Friday) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thank you for your patience and continued support.

The calm before the (predicted) storm? Fall color on the Museum grounds.

From the "We've Been Here Before Department."

Lovely ladies enjoying a day at the Keeler Swim and Beach Club Pool.

A good looking bunch in front of the Lone Pine Post Office.

Between the high Sierras south from Yosemiteeast and south over a very great assemblage of broken ranges beyond Death Valley, and on illimitably into the Mojave Desert is the territory that Mary Austin calls The Land of Little Rain. In this classic collection of meditations on the wonders of this region, Austin generously shares such news of the land, of its trails and what is astir in them, as one lover of it can give to another. Her vivid writings capture the landscape...from burnt hills to sun-baked mesasas well as the rich variety of plant and animal life, and the few human beings who inhabit the land, including cattlemen, miners, and Paiutes. Quality Paperback, $19. A brief Bio of Mary Austin: Mary Hunter Austin became a leading American literary figure during the first half of the 20th Century. Her writing career launched in 1903 with her first book, Land of Little Rain, which she wrote will living in Independence, Calif. She was a writer, schoolteacher, self-taught mystic and feminist. After publication of Land of Little Rain, which is acknowledged as a classic of desert literature, she left Inyo County for the artist colony in Carmel, then New York, Europe and finally to Santa Fe, New Mexico. She wrote 27 books and more than 250 short works including poems, short stories, plays and articles. She died in 1934.

Back to school in Bodie.

The Owens Valley, by Jane Wehrey $26 This is essentially an illustrated history of the Owens Valley. More than 200 photos (many from the museum collection) accompany the concise, accurate text by noted historian and author Jane Wehrey, an Owens Valley native. Starting with the valley’s first inhabitants, the Paiute Shoshone people, the book goes on to trace the valley’s early settlers, ranching, mining, local towns and, of course, the water seekers from Los Angeles who dive...rted the Owens River into the Los Angeles Aqueduct and eventually controlled the entire Owens Valley. Wehrey also explores the development of the valley’s tourist-based economy and reveals many aspects of everyday life in the Owens Valley into the modern era. To order, call 760-878-0258 or send an email to [email protected] with your phone number. Museum staff will call to confirm your order, your mailing address and a credit card number. If you are paying by check, simply mail a check with your address to Eastern California Museum, PO Box 206, Independence CA 93526. Thank You.

Heritage and Humble Pie: Inyo 150 Sesquicentennial Celebration Keepsake This book features recipes for all manner of regular pies, and more than a few specialty pies that will pique the curiosity of anyone with a working oven. The recipes are family favorites supplied by Inyo County residents to celebrate the county’s 150th birthday in 2016. Besides the classics, the book’s pie recipes include such unique treats as Grilled Peach Pecan Pie; Maple Syrup Pie; Zucchini Cobbler; E...ggnog Custard Pie; Methodist Pie; Angel Pie; Almond Crunch Pineapple Pie; Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie; and Famous Fred Lemon Pie. $12 To order, send an email to [email protected] with your phone number. Museum staff will call to confirm your order, your mailing address and a credit card number. If you are paying by check, simply mail a check with your address to Eastern California Museum, PO Box 206, Independence CA 93526. Thank You.

The Lone Pine Elementary School Band, circa 1920. Photo by Allen Ramsey from the ECM collection.

"Sage and Sierra" is the next online offering from the Museum Bookstore. Joan DeDecker Busby and Carol DeDecker Wiens book, Sage & Sierra, A Memoir: Growing Up In Owens Valley, is an engaging work that revolves around the girls’ uncommon childhood in Independence during the Depression and before and after WW II. The girls are the daughters of Paul and Mary DeDecker, a well known, author, historian and botanist. These are stories to savor. With clarity and immediacy ...they bring to life the ordinary and the unusual of the sisters’ small-town upbringing, writes local author and historian Jan Wehrey, who also grew up in Independence. Individual vignettes, based on their own recollections and the diaries of their remarkable mother, Mary DeDecker, are arranged as alternating voices to reflect each sister’s emerging sense of place in the Owens Valley. But more broadly, as the authors convey their maturing connections to the natural world, they remind us of the countless and unexpected ways this time of discovery we call childhood can shape the values and passions that define us as adults. The DeDecker family moved to Independence in 1935. Paul worked for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. Mary was a stay-at-home mom who became a self-taught botanist and a respected author and historian. While mom and dad were busy working, Carol and Joan were busy growing up. They went to school and explored the surrounding land as far as their feet and bikes could take them. The book relates how World War II brought changes, such as rationing, Victory Gardens and more children, thanks to the staff members of the Manzanar Relocation Center moving to Independence. Eventually, their dad’s love of fishing and mother’s love of plants made it inevitable that they would be spending time in the Eastern Sierra, to fish, to ski at Onion Valley and camp out, accompanied by horses and mules. As they got older and stronger, the girls started to backpack on the John Muir Trail, conquered various peaks and enjoyed the beauty and serenity of the mountains. The book is available for $18 (includes tax, shipping and handling). To order, send an email to [email protected] with your phone number. Museum staff will call to confirm your order, your mailing address and a credit card number. If you are paying by check, simply mail a check with your address to Eastern California Museum, PO Box 206, Independence CA 93526. Thank You.

Here we go again. Although the museum has closed to visitors once again due to coronavirus restrictions, we are offering these select titles from the Museum Bookstore for online sales. Click on each book cover for a brief description. To order, send an email to [email protected], with list of the books and prices (which include taxes, shipping and handling), and a phone number. Museum staff will call to confirm your order, your mailing address and a credit card number. If you are paying by check, simply list the books you wish to receive and mail a check with your address to Eastern California Museum, PO Box 206, Independence CA 93526. Please be patient. Museum Staff is alternately working in the museum and at home, so it might take a while to complete your order. Your continued support is appreciated.

I'd say these lovely ladies look just as festive and patriotic as the Commander's House, don't you agree?

Thank you, Railfan & Railroad Magazine, for reviewing "SP Narrow Gauge 18 Steams Anew" in your July 2020 issue! Carson & Colorado Railway, Inc. has done incredible work in taking SP18 from rusty to running again and we couldn't be prouder of them! You can get your own copy of "SP Narrow Gauge 18 Steams Anew" for $19.95 at the Eastern California Museum (or call 760-878-0258 and order over the phone).

We would like to say a big, loud, and sincere THANK YOU to Jennifer Duncan, Linda Ellsworth, Jim Ellsworth, and Shirley Ellsworth for their time and effort spent beautifully decorating the Commander's House for the 4th of July! Decorations were generously provided by the FECM (plus a few donations by team members). THANK YOU!!!

Although the museum is still closed to visitors due to coronavirus restrictions, we are offering these select titles from the Museum Bookstore for online sales. Click on each book cover for a brief description. To order, send an email to [email protected], with list of the books and prices (which include taxes, shipping and handling), and a phone number. Museum staff will call to confirm your order, your mailing address and a credit card number. If you are paying by ch...eck, simply list the books you wish to receive and mail a check with your address to Eastern California Museum, PO Box 206, Independence CA 93526. Please be patient. Museum Staff is alternately working in the museum and at home, so it might take a while to complete your order. Your continued support is appreciated and we look forward to an in-person visit when we reopen. See more

After closing schools, banning public meetings and requiring masks in October and November in response to the 1918 Spanish Flu in Inyo County, the tide started to turn in December, when schools were set to reopen. But as usual, politicians and peddlers of "miracle" cures did not take a break during the pandemic. Nov. 16, 1918: Schools Set to Reopen... In all likelihood the schools of Independence will reopen Monday, December 2nd. According to the County School Superintendent, the usual Christmas vacation will be dispensed with, Christmas day only being observed. Nov. 23 1918: Political Victim of the ‘Flu The defeat of Geo. Watterson for the Assembly from this district can be charged up to the flu. The vote in Inyo county was so light that Mr. Watterson only received a majority of 514. The fact that he was prevented from visiting Mariposa and Tuolumne by the epidemic gave Browne a majority there that elected him. We sincerely hope that our neighboring counties will get a great sufficiency of Browne during this term of the Legislature. We certainly cannot admire their taste. Nov. 30, 1918: The Masks Are Off The flu masks are off, and nobody is a bit sorry. They are all right on cold, wintry days, but somewhat uncomfortable to wear indoors or on the outside when the days are pleasant. Dec. 21, 1918: Fake Consumptive and Flu Cures A warning is being issued by the California Tuberculosis Association to avoid so-called cures for the influenza and tuberculosis. In a recent communication from the National Tuberculosis Association it is stated that no less than $20,000,000 is invested in the business of manufacturing and exploiting fake consumptive cures. This blood money is yearly wrung from the people who need better living conditions, more nourishing food, less financial worry and more rest. When the day comes, and it cannot come any too soon to suit anyone interested in tuberculosis, that a cure which comes in bottles is found, it will be given to the world as other scientific discoveries have been given, and it will not cost $l5 a bottle. So far, the Almighty has provided the only known cure, and it is not drugs. When the disease is taken in time, and under medical supervision, rest, fresh air, good food and sunshine will assist more in making a cure than any other known agency.

The second installment of how the Inyo Independent reported on the impact of the 1918 Spanish Flu in Inyo County. Thanks to Tom Woods and Hal Eaton for the help. Nov. 9, 1918: County Health Officer Makes Masks Mandatory The supervisors and County Health Officer Wooden put an order into effect Tuesday, the 5th, making it compulsory for everyone to wear a mask. ...Continue reading

Although the museum remains closed, we would like to share a little research instigated by local High School Teacher Tom Woods. He asked about how the 1918 Spanish Flu Epidemic impacted Inyo County. A quick look at the Inyo Independent Newspaper was rather revealing. So here is the first of several installments looking back at the Spanish Flu in Inyo County. April 19, 1918: Whooping Cough, Not the Flu, Closes Schools The Grammar School, which has been closed for the past th...ree weeks on account of the epidemic of whooping cough that is now so popular, will reopen again next Monday morning, April 22nd, and continue until the close of the term. October 19, 1918: Influenza Hits the County, Schools Closed, No Public Meetings The Spanish influenza, which has been raging throughout the United States for more than a month past, made its first appearance in Inyo County last Sunday and at the present time between 30 and 40 cases have been reported. Up until yesterday noon 22 cases had been reported in Bishop and all the rest of the towns in the valley have a few. All schools in the county were ordered closed indefinitely by Dr. Woodin, County Health Officer, last Monday. He also ordered the suspension of all public meetings and shows. All boys under 20 years of age must stay away from pool rooms. The preventive measures being taken to stop the spread of the disease are exactly what they should be. In many places in different sections of the United States business has been practically stopped on account of this disease, but it is hoped that in Inyo County it will soon be a thing of the past.

I am THRILLED to tell you that today we've discovered what the mysterious "VA Club" stood for...and the answer was in the museum the whole time! The VA Club was the "Varied Amusements Club" and in 1994 the museum was given their ledgers, minutes, by-laws, etc. stretching all the way back to 1942! That's one mystery solved...let's see what else we can uncover in the museum!

The Eastern California Museum is closed until further notice in compliance with Covid-19 Guidance.

"An abundance of caution" is the watchword.

Come one, come all!

Come down and take a Peek at the Princess. The Carson and Colorado crew will be having a Work Weekend, which means the Larry Peckham Engine House will be open so visitors can get a good look at the restored Slim Princess #18 locomotive. Since it’s just a work weekend, the locomotive won’t be steamed up. Work will include assessing the group’s new boxcar, some work on the existing track and some work on the engine itself. Come by Friday, Feb. 28, starting at 10 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 29, and the morning of Sunday, March 1. Drop in and see the incredible restoration job on #18 and maybe even donate to the ongoing work to maintain the Slim Princess.

Great look at the restoration work at Scotty's Castle.

We had a great group of folks visit the museum last weekend to wrap up a burden basket workshop hosted by Jessica Bacoch, Nina Bacoch, and the Fort Independence Tribe. For the ECM it was a nice opportunity to bring out a few special baskets to be be examined "up close and personal" and hopefully inspire the basket makers!

It's that time of year again. All of the 2020 calendars are on sale!! 50% OFF.

Silly question to toss out there, but is anyone familiar with the V.A. Club of Lone Pine? This article was from February 27, 1942, and I don't actually know what the "V.A." stands for. I was thinking something to do with veterans?

It's that time of year again! In anticipation of spring ordering we have restocked the sale shelves. New books and souvenirs have been added (at a 25% markdown) and the other sale items have been discounted as much as 40%. So come by and check out our selection of local books, crafts, toys, and custom ECM merchandise! We thank you in advance for supporting the Eastern California Museum!

DNA Identifies Remains as Manzanar Incarceree INYO COUNTY, CA. January 3, 2019 - On October 7, 2019, two hikers discovered human remains near the far side of the Williamson Bowl, above the sixth lake on Mount Williamson. Several attempts were made to recover the remains; however winter weather hampered recovery operations until October 16 when the remains were transported to the Inyo County Coroner. Identification has been determined by the Department of Justice through D...Continue reading

In line with our recent posts on Iren Marik, the Eastern California Museum is pleased to offer several recordings of her concerts for sale. They are available on vinyl records for the low cost of $5. The three recordings are: Concert Program No. 5 - Mozart, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Debussy, and Chopin; Concert Program No. 6 - Bach, Brahms, Debussy, and Chopin; and Concert Program No. 7 - Beethoven, Debussy, Ravel, and Chopin. ... Short biography from the back of No. 7: ‘Both in Europe and in America Iren Marik is considered in the first rank of women pianists, praised for her sensitivity, power and eloquence of interpretation. The special caliber recognized in her playing is the consistently high musical quality, never sacrificed for pianistic effects, the flair for true romanticism, sentiment without sentimentality, and she is especially noted for her interpretation of the music of Chopin, Liszt, Dubussy and Bartok. ‘Born and educated in Budapest, Hungary, she has played in most European capitals, in the United States and in Canada. Now an American citizen, she makes her home in Independence, California, giving recitals in her studio.’ Iren passed away in 1986 after leaving her mark on Independence and the surrounding area with her recitals, piano lessons and continued support of the Deepest Valley Theater. Stop by and pick up a record and enjoy a piece of local history.

Have you heard "Carol of the Bells" on the museum's Regina Music Box? It's not as...lively...as the Muppet version, but it's incredibly lovely! Stop on by to hear it in person!

To go along with the post about Iren Marik, pianist, yesterday, here's the 1965 poster for the Deepest Valley Theatre. (2019.41.21)

This year the museum received a donation of several of Iren Marik's albums, which we are so pleased to have! If you'd like to listen to this talented Hungarian-born pianist who lived in Independence, here's a video of her playing.

Price Drop! We are lowering the price of the 10 remaining Carson and Colorado t-shirts we have in stock to $5 each. Various colors are available but we only have size SMALL. Stop in and pick up a new shirt while supporting your local museum.

Esther Takei wasn't incarcerated at Manzanar, but her story is very interesting and worth the read.

Hope everyone is enjoying the snow! (LEA 6)

The Museum's 2020 Calendar is "Pretty as a Postcard." Order now, or pick one up at the museum, or in Bishop at Spellbinders Books, Hings Donuts, the Bishop Chamber of Commerce, Laws Museum, and in Lone Pine at the Lone Pine Chamber of Commerce and the Museum of Western Film History.

Wonderful and well deserved! NPS Ranger Rose Masters, from Manzanar National Historic Site, has won the 2019 National Freeman Tilden Award! CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Our friend, Ed Flemming, made this wonderful video of SP18 on a run in Colorado--enjoy!

The replica Borax Wagons and the 20-Mule Team on the road once again in Death Valley.

The Welcome Home Party for the Slim Princess was a big success and a great day. Plenty of people got an up-close and personal look at the SP #18 by taking a ride or just watching her steam along the short run of track at the Museum. The Friends of the Museum with help from Owens Valley School students put on a great Tri-Tip Dinner and Silent Auction. A big "THANKS" to all the volunteers from the Carson and Colorado and the Friends who made the day possible.