How dangerous were Grass Valley’s gold mines? How many miners died? And what was the impact on families left behind? Many have asked these questions over the years and no one has given a definitive answer until now.
On Sunday, October 19 at 2 pm, historian Jerry Martini will present his exhaustive study, “Mining Fatalities in the Grass Valley Gold Mining District, 1851 – 1950” at the North Star House, 12075 Auburn Road, Grass Valley. Tickets are available for $10 at www.thenorthstarhouse.org or at the door while they last.
In completing his study, Martini has drawn on a wide range of sources, including earlier compilations, government reports, historic newspapers, mortuary and cemetery records, genealogical websites and online sources including Findagrave.org.
The result is the most complete picture of local mine safety and an important update to information presented at local museums and state parks.
And Martini’s study reveals more than statistics. He also tells the human stories of widows and orphans who lost their breadwinner in America’s industrial era and of a community which regularly coped with tragedy.
To Martini, a Grass Valley native whose father was a miner, it’s a personal story. He calls himself “lucky to have been born and raised in Grass Valley.” He also says he was lucky to see his father walking home every night from the mine.
At the presentation The History Mill, a research cooperative, will release its first publication, Martini’s study in a 60-page booklet giving both the statistics and stories. The booklet will sell for $10 with all proceeds going to support restoration work at North Star House.
The North Star House Conservancy, which is hosting Martini’s talk, is dedicated to preserving the house designed by architect Julia Morgan as an historic and cultural gathering space. The History Mill is a group of citizen historians who meet weekly at the house to research, document and tell stories of the region once known as The Northern Mines and including the richest gold districts in California.
For more information about the event see the North Star House website or call 530-477-7126. For information about The History Mill, including meeting times and projects, call Derek Cheeseman at 650-339-2173.
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