July 2019 Fiddlers

KELSEYVILLE — Fifteen musicians gathered for a jam session at the Ely Stage Stop and Country Museum in Kelseyville on Sunday, to play old time fiddle tunes to a barn-full of people.

According to Marilyn Holdenreid, president of the Lake County Historical Society, the fiddlers’ jam has been taking place on the first Sunday of each month for the last five years. Twenty volunteers from the society showed up to set up of chairs, the barbecue, the decorations, and the making of the big-hit raffle baskets, and presentation of food goods for sale.

LCHS, which became a county organization in 1955, opened the Ely Stage Stop and Country Museum in 2011. The society’s mission is to “preserve Lake County’s past, present and future,” according to the website.

Dr. John Parker, Vice President of LCHS spoke about how the Fiddlers’ Jam came to be at the Ely Stage Stop. “We built the barn in 2012 from scratch. A couple of years later, the local chapter of the California State Old Time Fiddler’s Association was looking for a convenient spot for the group to have regular monthly jam sessions. They learned of our barn and asked if they could use it for a couple hours a month. We said ‘fine’, and it all started from there. Within a couple of months, people began coming to listen to the music and we have grown from there.”

Parker announced the raffle and also read excerpts to the crowd from the “Diary of John McKee, who was the secretary to Indian agent Redick McKee. Redick came to Lake County in 1852 to enter into a treaty with the Pomo indians to make the Clearlake Basin a reservation. He was sent by President Milard Fillmore. Just a few months after the Bloody Island Massacre.” The crowd listened intently to the historical excerpts.

Bert Hutt, who plays the guitar and the bodhrán, an Irish frame drum, substituted for Don Coffin [who was getting married and will be back in August], leading the musicians and announcing the songs.

Musicians played their own instruments which consisted of concertinas, guitars, banjos, an Irish drum, a washboard, the stringed instrument Swedish Nyckelharpa, and of course fiddles. “Songs played included, St. Anne’s Reel, Soldier’s Joy,” said Andi Skelton, fiddle teacher and founder of the Konocti Fiddle Club. “We play Irish style, Cajun, Americana, and Scottish, among others.”

Each musician picks a song, round-robin style. Two of Sunday’s musicians were Rafael Contrereras, 16, who has been playing the fiddle for nine years, and his brother Christian, 13, who has been playing the guitar for seven years.

When the musicians played “Yankee Doddle Dandy” the audience burst into song, clapped and tapped their toes. The tune was actor Jimmy Cagney’s [1899-1986] signature tune and it would not be hard to imagine his ghost singing along with the audience, while dancing in the aisles. 

Lisa Wilson, owner of Clear Lake Campground who hosts a fiddle camp there, danced with Alan Fletcher, KPFZ radio host, in the tight aisle at the back of the barn. “I love the Fiddlers’ Jam” she said. “I love that it’s free. I love that the community can come here and hear their neighbors singing and playing music.”

The hard, noon day sun beat down on the five acres of rolling hills. Along with a multitude of electric fans, there was a hefty breeze blowing through the barn, making it comfortable for the standing room only crowd.

Carmon Brittain, who plays the washboard, said, “Nothing keeps people from coming to the jam session. Even if it’s snowing we get a great crowd.”

Cheyanne Parker, a LCHS member, and hobby taxidermist who turns “roadkill into beautiful pieces,” served up popcorn for the crowd. Kris Price, among others, served cookies and pie.

Part of the standing room only crowd, was Carlos Valdez, 12, his brother Manuel, 13 and their grandfather Moses. The boys were visiting their grandfather from Boise, Idaho. “I’ve taken them around the lake to experience the lake. I brought them here. Took them to the roller rink, which I didn’t know existed, which I think is great. Took them across the lake, and to Middletown. You know, this is really a very wonderful place.”

Snapping his fingers to the music, the youngest Valdez, said, “This [the fiddlers’ jam] is really interesting. Don’t usually hear this kind of music nowadays, so it’s intriguing.”

Kathy Jackson of Hidden Valley Lake, has been to the jam three times. “It’s awesome. I’m happy to be around happy smiling people. I can’t stop smiling. I’ll be back!”

During the last song, the tempo of the music sped up and the fiddlers fiddled faster and faster. So fast that  it almost seemed like smoke would arise from their fiddle bows. The crowd  went crazy clapping and stomping their feet in a frenzied beat.

When it was allover, the amped up crowd helped break down and stack the chairs, soon to return on the first Sunday in August to enjoy the jam fest once again.

Appreciation Expressed on behalf of Ely Stage Stop

The Ely Stage Stop & Country Museum historic building, considered to be one of the oldest “stick built” buildings in Lake County, was moved from its prior location on Highway 29 in 2007. After the move, Lake County’s Public Service Department took on the task of installing the building on the site, bringing in utilities, restoring the inside and constructing the entrance, driveway, and parking area. Since then much progress has been made in transforming the property into the vision under which the original project was conceived. It is time to recap the progress made and show special appreciation to those individuals or businesses whose contributions have helped us grow into one of the most important educational and historical centers in Lake County.

Much research, creativity and effort was required to restore the main house into the showcase it has become today, from wallpaper selections to construction of the beautiful wrap-around porch. What resulted is a beautiful museum with ever-changing displays for the public to enjoy. The house has been used for a variety of fund-raising events such as a Farm-to-Table Dinner in 2012, the annual June Picnic on the Porch in 2013 and 2014 (with a repeat planned for this year) and a Whiskey In America tasting in 2014.

The annual Art and Science Camp, sponsored by the Children’s Museum of Art and Science, has been co-hosted by the Stage Stop and the Taylor Observatory in Kelseyville for the last three years. The living history presentations by Stage Stop docents are always a hit with the fourth through sixth grade students. The Camp returns for a fourth year in May.

Excitement really grew as the first barn construction got under way. The completed structure affords a refuge for our stage coach, various wagons, and other equipment needing protection from the elements. Gracing the barn is our Carpenter’s Star quilt block, donated anonymously through the Lake County Quilt Trail Project. The block was temporarily mounted on the wrap-around-porch, but it now has a permanent home on the barn. The carpenter theme highlights the many hours of manual labor volunteers have donated to make this first barn possible.

The barn has also become a popular event venue. The Stage Stop partners with the Northern California Old Time Fiddlers Association on the first Sunday of each month for Fiddlers’ Jam Sessions. Lake County has a bounty of talented musicians and the barn has proven to be the perfect venue to celebrate these local musicians and the American music heritage from the Ely Stage Stop Victorian Era. Our community has passionately embraced this cultural opportunity.

On the fourth Saturday of each month local historians come to the main house from noon to 2 p.m. to visit with guests and answer questions regarding different aspects of Lake County history. As these visits are recorded, the stories of Lake County’s history are being preserved.

Sturdy picnic tables afford picnicking on the grounds in fair weather. An historic1890‘s cable car and “Wiley” signal light reside at the Ely Stage Stop & Country Museum for the public’s enjoyment. When you drive by 9921 State Hwy 281 (better known as Soda Bay Road) you will know exactly where to find the Ely Stage Stop & Country Museum. The long awaited signage was erected in May of 2014. Bearing the striking Ely logo, the sign greets visitors and lures passers-by regardless of which direction they are traveling.

The current project being undertaken is the all-volunteer building of a working blacksmith shop which will serve as another interpretive and living history exhibit. Phase one of that complex is shaping up now next to the first barn.

All of this progress could not have been made without the support of so many local people and businesses through donations of money, materials, time or hard work. The Lake County Historical Society wishes to extend special appreciation to the following:

Jim Adams, Eric Andre, Jim Bengard, Rob Brown, Kelly Cox, Randy Craig and Erica Lundquist,
Steve Devoto, John Everett, Charlotte Griswold, Carson Holdenried, Marilyn and Myron Holdenried, Gene Kirkendall, Richard Kuehn, Barbra and William Lane, Pat and Ven Marshall, Tony Oliviera, Elizabeth Paddock, Jerry Raub, Alex Reid, the Seeley Family, Josephine and Gerry Shaul, Jr., Wilda Shock, Sam Slayden, Eric Stephensen, Sid Stokes, Justine Stottsberry, Beverly and Dave Thomas, Sharron and Brock Zoller

Braito’s Marina, Clear Lake Lava Rock, Clear Lake Redi-Mix, Clear Lake Trowel & Trellis, County of Lake, Foods, Etc., Kelly Moore Paints in Marin, Kelseyville Lumber, Kelseyville Scrap Metal, Konocti Conservation Camp CC#27, Lake County Chamber of Commerce, Lake County News, Lake County Quilt Trail Project, Lake County Record-Bee, Mt. Konocti Growers, Plaza Paints, RAH Outdoor Signs, Ray’s Food Place, Red & White Store, Rent-a-Center, Riviera Foods, Safeway in Clearlake, T & T Storage, Tri County Scrap Metals LLC, UCC Rental

Thanks also to the many anonymous and other unnamed donors who have contributed to this ongoing project to preserve Lake County history. We could not have accomplished so much without all of you.

Ely Stage Stop to Close for Lake County Historical Society Holiday Dinner

_sIGP9299The Ely Stage Stop and Country Museum, operated by the Lake County Historical Society, will be closed Sunday, November 16, so that docents and potential visitors can attend the LCHS Thanksgiving dinner meeting that day.  A traditional “turkey and all the trimmings” dinner will be enjoyed by attendees. Bernie Butcher of the Tallman Hotel and Blue Wing Saloon in Upper Lake will present a program on the history of Upper Lake. The second beautiful Ely picnic table will be raffled off so that will be the last chance to buy tickets.  Chris Skarada, last year’s winner, may be there to pull the winning ticket this year.

The meeting starts at 1:30 p.m. at the Live Oak Senior Center, located at 12502 Foothill Blvd. near the Oaks Plaza Park. Dinner tickets are $15 each for LCHS members and $18 each for non-members. For more information about the dinner contact Bonnie Skee at 707-262-1432 or Jackie Ridgel at 707-279-4062.

The Ely Stage Stop and Country Museum will be open as usual on Saturday, November 15, and then resume it’s Saturday/Sunday schedule the following weekend. The museum is located at 9921 Soda Bay Road (Hwy 281) in Kelseyville (near Clearlake Riviera). Normal hours of operation are 11:00 AM to 03:00 PM each Saturday and Sunday. Fiddlers’ Jams occur the first Sunday of every month. Contact number for questions about volunteer work, donations of old wood for barn construction, or docent applications is (707)533-9990.

Visit www.elystagestop.com or www.lakecountyhistory.org or check out the stage stop on Facebook at www.facebook.com/elystagestop.

Whisky in America presented at Ely Stage Stop

Whiskey setupAttendees of the April 12th Ely Stage Stop and Country Museum’s latest fundraiser, Whisky in America, had a spirited good time. Tartan kilt clad docent Rob Sansom poured seven distinct whiskies provided by Stephen Beal, Keeper of the Quaich, Senior Master of Whisky for DIAGEO, the world’s largest producer of whisky. Distilleries represented were George Dickel, Bulleit Bourbon and Rye, Johnnie Walker, Bushmills Irish and Barterhouse. Rosey Martin of Rosey Cooks, local Caterer and Kitchen Magician, presented savory small bites that accompanied the whisky selections perfectly. Included in her selections were a Cheese Sampler, Grown up Mac and Cheese, Chicken-Waffle Sliders, Guinness Beef Stew and Irish Coffee Pot de Creme.

Whiskey RepresenttiveAs guests savored the whiskies and food pairings, Beal spoke of the history of whisky in America, describing the broad spectrum of aromas, textures and tastes. He described the various grains, distillation pots, and oak casks used in the production of whisky. Participants learned how bottle shapes and labels evolved in functionality. The Keepers of the Quaich is an exclusive, international community of members recognized for their outstanding commitment to Scotch Whisky. The mission of the Keepers of the Quaich is to promote the values and image of Scotch Whisky as the world’s finest and most prestigious distilled spirit. Beal certainly did that for Ely’s guests that evening.

Phil & ChuckThe Ely Stage Stop was a perfect venue to highlight whiskies popular during the Victorian and Stage Coach eras. As a fundraiser, the event was a huge success. The event sold out and then some, with twenty eight folks in attendance. Funds raised will be used to help support the construction of a new working blacksmith shop on the property.

Seating for Ely Stage Stop events is always limited so remember to get a ticket early when the next event is announced. It would be a shame to miss it!

The museum is located at 9921 Soda Bay Road (Hwy 281) in Kelseyville (near Clearlake Riviera). Normal hours of operation are 11:00 AM to 03:00 PM each Saturday and Sunday. Contact number for questions about volunteer work, donations of old wood for barn construction, or docent applications is (707)533-9990.

Visit www.elystagestop.com or www.lakecountyhistory.org or check out the stage stop on Facebook at www.facebook.com/elystagestop.

Fiddlers keep jamming at the Ely Stage Stop

Old-time-fiddlersStart the New Year fiddling around at the Ely Stage Stop!  The Old Time Fiddlers Association continues its monthly First Sundays Fiddlers Jam sessions hosted by the Ely Stage Stop and Country Museum on Sunday, January 5th. Fiddlers will meet in the Ely barn to perform their wonderful Americana music.

This is a free, family friendly event for all to enjoy, so bring young and old alike.  Enjoy the music with hot beverages and tasty treats.  Bring your own wine and sip it in Ely Stage Stop wine glasses that will be available for purchase. Clap your hands, tap your toes or get up and dance!

The fun begins at the museum at 11:00 a.m. with the Fiddlers playing from 1 p.m. through 3 p.m. Donations will be happily accepted to benefit the Ely Stage Stop and The Old Time Fiddlers Association. Note that rain will cancel the event during the winter months.

The stage stop is located at 9921 Soda Bay Road (Hwy 281) in Kelseyville (near Clearlake Riviera, just north of Hwy 29-Kit’s Corner). Current hours of operation are 11:00 a.m. to 03:00 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday. Visit www.elystagestop.com or www.lakecountyhistory.org, check out the stage stop on Facebook at www.facebook.com/elystagestop, or call the museum at 707-533-9990.

More Fiddlin’ around at the Ely Stage Stop – Sunday, December 1st

Start the holidays with sounds of joy! The Old Time Fiddlers Association continues their monthly First Sundays Fiddlers Jam sessions at the Ely Stage Stop and Country Museum. On Sunday, December 1st they’ll be performing beautiful Americana music with a sprinkling of holiday cheer to get you in the spirit!

This is a free, family friendly event for all to enjoy, young and old alike. Join us for hot beverages, tasty treats and toe tapping music! We’ll even make room for those who wish to get up and dance! Bring your own wine and sip it in Ely Stage Stop wine glasses that will be available for purchase.

The jam will be a great way to wrap up your Thanksgiving weekend, so come on out!
The fun begins at the museum at 11:00 a.m. with the Fiddlers playing from 1 p.m. through 3 p.m. Donations will be happily accepted to benefit the Ely Stage Stop and The Old Time Fiddlers Association.

The stage stop is located at 9921 Soda Bay Road (Hwy 281) in Kelseyville (near Clearlake Riviera, just north of Hwy 29-Kit’s Corner). Current hours of operation are 11:00 a.m. to 03:00 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday. Visit our websites at elystagestop.com or lakecountyhistory.org or visit us at www.facebook\elystagestop. You can also call the museum at 707-533-9990 during museum hours.

Ely Stage Stop Kicks off First Sundays Fiddlers JAM

IMG_20131103_143058_481Celebrate our American music heritage by joining the Old Time Fiddlers Association for their first of many jam sessions at the Ely Stage Stop and Country Museum. Starting on November 3, jam sessions will be held on the first Sunday of the month. Enjoy the music of the Fiddlers and view our latest exhibits at the Stage Stop.

November will feature artwork in a variety of designs using the French beaded and beadweaving techniques, popular in the Victorian era, and created by Ellen’s Beaded Designs. Select pieces will be available for purchase with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the museum.

Hot cider and kettle corn will be available. Bring your own wine and sip it in Ely Stage Stop wine glasses that will be available for purchase.

The fun begins at 11:00 a.m. with the Fiddlers playing from 1 p.m. through 3 p.m.
Donations will be happily accepted to benefit the Ely Stage Stop and The Old Time Fiddlers Association.

The stage stop is located at 9921 Soda Bay Road (Hwy 281) in Kelseyville (near Clearlake Riviera, just north of Hwy 29-Kit’s Corner). Current hours of operation are 11:00 a.m. to 03:00 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday. Visit www.elystagestop.com or www.lakecountyhistory.org , check out the stage stop on Facebook at www.facebook.com/elystagestop , or call 707-533-9990 during museum hours.

Help Ely Stage Stop Care for Lake County’s History

RobertHendersonGunThe double barrel, black powder shotgun pictured here was carried across the plains by Robert Henderson as he traveled to Lake County with a wagon train.  The 1850’s William Moore & Company gun was recently donated to the Ely Stage Stop Museum by Robert’s great-grand daughter, Carolyn Henderson-Rohner (also pictured).

The museum is run by Lake County Historical Society volunteers who are dedicated to caring for these important pieces of Lake County history.  The museum and these pieces of our past are maintained so the public can learn about Lake County’s early days. But the museum needs your help.  Many items are needed by the volunteers to do their job in preserving and interpreting the past. Be a part of preserving Lake County’s past for the enjoyment of and education about Lake County’s future.

Ely Stage Stop Wish List

Miscellaneous: Small old fashioned side tables for porch | Old wash tubs for ice and cold drinks on the porch (holes in them is OK) | Antique dining table

Office Supplies: Copy paper | Banker’s boxes | Bookshelf | Vertical storage

Gardening tools & equipment: Rakes | Shovels | Hoes | Trowels | Push brooms | Gas-powered weed eater | Hoses & nozzles | Garden gloves and leather work gloves | Tractor, a resident tractor to live at Ely permanently | Mower for the tractor, to live at Ely permanently | Wheelbarrows | Industrial fans for the barn

Shop Tools: Acetylene/oxygen torch set (with tanks) | Work bench | Vise | Tool box | Hand tools | Step ladder – 6 ft. | Extension cord – 100 ft. 12/3 | Propane bottle – 5 gal | Tape measures – 25 ft., 50 ft.

Wood: Old wood is needed for siding on the barns that will be constructed at Ely. If someone donates a barn or out building, Ely volunteers can help take it down in exchange for the wood.

If you have any of these items that need a new home please contact the museum at 707-533-9990 or send an email to elystagestop@gmail.com. Remember that donations to the Ely Stage Stop are tax deductible. Stop by the museum at 9921 Soda Bay Road (Hwy 281) in Kelseyville (near Clearlake Riviera, just north of Hwy 29-Kit’s Corner). Current hours of operation are 11:00 AM to 03:00 PM each Saturday and Sunday. Visit our websites at elystagestop.com or lakecountyhistory.org or visit us  at www.facebook.com\elystagestop.

Pottery and Quilts on display at Ely Stage Stop

quilt1Docents at the Ely Stage Stop and Country Museum have created beautiful new visitor displays for summer’s end. Pam Hendricks, museum docent and member of Konocti Quilters, has loaned a selection of mini quilts, wall hangings, and lap size quilts from her collection. Vintage American pottery from docent Bonnie Skee’s collection is also on display featuring McCoy, Hull, Roseville, and Weller pieces manufactured in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s.

Vases-1   flowers

Take the opportunity to view both displays through October in the main house in the Lake County Historical Society’s and the County of Lake’s newest museum. View the Carpenter’s Star quilt block that has recently been moved from its porch location to the new red barn on the property.

The museum address is 9921 Soda Bay Road (Hwy 281) in Kelseyville (near Clearlake Riviera). Current hours of operation are 11:00 AM to 03:00 PM each Saturday and Sunday. Visit our websites at elystagestop.com or lakecountyhistory.org or visit us at www.facebook\elystagestop.

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