Dear folks: If you have always wanted to see the Historic Wildermuth House, well here is your chance. This is something healthy your family can do prior to your 4th of July celebration. Hope you can join us. Steve
Independence Day Soiree
When: July 4, 2009 • 8:00 AM-2:00 PM
Where: Campo Seco Staging Area (Directions below)
What: On the old Mokelumne Hill-Campo Seco Road, east of the once bustling mining town of Campo Seco, stands one of the best preserved stone block houses in the Mother Lode. The Wildermuth House is an excellent example of the stonemasonry work of William Watt. The home was built for John H. Wildermuth in 1861, using hand-dressed sandstone blocks quarried from the hillside nearby. Join us for a rare glimpse into the everyday life of one pioneer family. We will discuss how the pioneers located and captured water for their homesteads. The hike is an easy grade and 1.3 miles round trip. (See agenda below)
Bring: A bag lunch, canteen (minimum 1/2 gallon), sunscreen and insect repellent. Please wear good walking shoes and a sun hat (long pants are recommended).
Registration: Advanced registration is required as space is limited. Please RSVP beginning June 23 to Steve Diers at sdiers@ebmud.com or (209) 772-8260.
Minors: Participants under 18 must have written permission from a parent or guardian and those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Note: You may encounter poison oak. Please take the appropriate precautions. There is no charge for this event. No pets or alcohol permitted.
Directions:
· From Highway 12 in Valley Springs go north 1 block at the four-way stop.
· Turn right on Daphne Street (Daphne Street becomes Paloma Road). Go 2.5 miles.
· Turn left on Campo Seco Road and go 0.7 miles.
· The Campo Seco Staging Area will be on the right.
Agenda:
The hike is 1.33 mile round trip. The elevation difference is 50 feet over 2/3 mile.
Look for clues of history of the area near the Campo Seco Staging Area
Discuss how the pioneers located water for their homesteads- measuring flow & divining demonstration
View the stone coral and discuss how homesteaders changed the physical landscape
Implement shed
Wildermuth Family History
Wildermuth House Construction
What was life like for the Wildermuths in the early 1860s
Tour the Wildermuth House Interior
Was this a roadhouse/waystation
20th Century
Lunch
Tour cellar
Tour the Wildermuth Stone Granary
See the location where the stone for the house & granary was quarried
Look for cultivated plants the Wildermuths brought to the area as clues to the location of their first house
Look for clues left by Native American inhabiting this area prior to the Gold Rush
Steve Diers
EBMUD
Ranger/Naturalist II
Mokelumne Watershed Unit
Natural Resources Department
Phone: (209) 772-8260 – Fax: (209) 772-1047
Email: sdiers@ebmud.com
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