I have some leftover photos from the 7th:
The Hulstroms, Bennetts & McBrides at the Historic Holbrooke Hotel in Grass Valley were on their way to dinner – having WAY too much fun!
And, here’s another shot of the Bourne Fountain: The stone used was from the mine after the gold was extracted.
I usually try to stay away from politics, but this tee shirt spotted in Grass Valley says a lot!
Now, on to Sept. 8th with more exploration of California gold country. Today there was a tour of the North Star House (also known as the Foote Mansion) which is roughly a mile south of Grass Valley, in northern California.
As you can see from above, the grounds provided excellent fodder for the photographers!
The building served as the superintendent’s house for the North Star Mine. It was commissioned by Superintendent Arthur De Wint Foote and his wife, Mary Hallock Foote (“Molly”), who was an author and illustrator. Designed in 1905 by the architect Julie Morgan, it was Morgan’s first significant, large-scale, residential project. It is notable for its relationship to the literary career of Molly Foote.
Afterwards the group enjoyed a picnic lunch on the patio.
The afternoon was at “leisure”, but there was plenty to do and see. Possible sights included: the North Star Mine & Powerhouse Museum.
Fearless leader John Hulstrom tried to steal a gold brick (above) but wasn’t quite strong enough. However, he was strong enough to help get get a 30 ft Pelton wheel spinning at the Pelton Wheel museum!
So, if you’re like me, you’re wondering WHAT is a Pelton Wheel? The one at this museum is the world’s largest:
More photos from the museum:
Other sights included the Miners Foundry Cultural Center, the Historic Firehouse No. 1, and the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum.
Here’s John, at the Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum with Old No. 5. John Wayne sat in this cab in several movies. 
An interesting side note we learned on these tours…. How important the mules were. Especially young mules. Acording to Gil, “At a young age they were taken down deep into the mines. They were very well taken care of…. they moved things down in the mines. BUT… many mules never came up! They lived their whole lives… maybe 20 years… down in the mines and never saw daylight again.
“Our guide said the mules were smart. They would pull only 5 carts at a time. If 6 carts were hooked up… they would not budge!”
So, what’s with our Model A photographers? Usually I get LOTS of photos of food. So far, I’ve gotten only one, a first course appetizer at an Italian restaurant:
(It was spicy sausage and fried calamari.)
Photo credits: Hulstrom, Murdoch, Shawl, and Sissons.
Model A Touring Club 