Historical presentations at Boathouse Theater, Minden Mill and Carson Senior Center

Enjoy history through a series of presentations and Chautauquas by local historians and authors, David and Gayle Woodruff.

On September 15 at the Minden Mill, it will be “Obscure History of the Eastern Sierra … Part Two” at 1 p.m. In “part two” of this series, the Woodruffs continue a reflective look at some of the Eastern Sierra’s deep, rich, and “little known” history. The “premier” subjects of the region are well-known and have been extensively covered in numerous books, documentaries, and films. However, several unique and lesser-known tales are often overlooked and unappreciated. Using vintage photos and extensive research, the Woodruffs recount a few of these esoteric anecdotes, in a 55-minute slide-show presentation. From the bizarre story of Melvin Dummar, Howard Hughes, and the Mormon Will, to the Sierra-Tahoe “Knights of the Lash,” the unique true tales are interesting, entertaining, and amusing. Seating is limited for the free 55-minute slide show and reservations are required. https://www.exploretock.com/minden-mill-distillery/event/501885/obscure-history-of-the-eastern-sierr... to sign up.

Following that on September 22, again at the Minden Mill at 1 p.m., it will be “Celebration in the Desert - the Spectacular 1949 Encampment.” In 1949, California was celebrating 100 years of statehood. Discussions among state leaders led to the improbable decision to hold the state’s “official” birthday party in the remote reaches of Death Valley. Jimmy Stewart was the MC, the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra played an original score, Governor Earl Warren presided, Chill Wills, Monty Montana, and Burl Ives (and scores of others) entertained...and 80,000 people attended what some have regarded as the original Woodstock. Using firsthand accounts and rare photos, Death Valley historians David & Gayle Woodruff recount the fanciful tales of how such an unlikely pageant came about in such a faraway location. Seating is limited for the free 55-minute slide show and reservations are required. Contact the Woodruffs at woodruffdavidc@gmail.com for the reservation code on September 18.

On September 25 at the Boathouse Theater at Valhalla Tahoe at South Lake Tahoe at 7:30 p.m.: Lucky Baldwin and His Daughter Anita…An Unconventional Success a Chautauqua presentation. A Chautauqua performance by local historians, Gayle & David Woodruff. “Lucky,” was one of the greatest pioneers of California business. Earning a fortune in speculating on mining stocks of the Great Comstock Lode, Baldwin owned over 8,000 acres of Lake Tahoe, including some of the Lake’s only remaining old-growth forest (Tallac Historic Site and Fallen Leaf Lake). Nicknamed “Lucky” due to his extraordinary good fortune in many business deals, he also survived being shot two different times by jilted lovers. His daughter Anita inherited his shrewd business acumen, overseeing the development of the family’s 45,000 acres in Southern California into the towns of Arcadia and Monrovia, and building the famous Santa Anita Racetrack. The event is free of charge

September 29 at the Minden Mill at 1 p.m.: The Reno Cure...A Living History Presentation on the history of Reno’s divorce industry in the 1930s-1960s. Reno has long been known as “The Biggest Little City.” But it wasn’t just the introduction of legalized gambling in 1931 that brought the town its fame. For the first half of the 20th century, hundreds of thousands of people came to the Truckee River town, to get a “quickie” dissolution to their marriage. Local historians David & Gayle Woodruff assume the Reno Divorce Ranch characters of Clive and Vivian Sterling, as they recount the unique, interesting, and often amusing history of the Reno Divorce Industry and its Divorce Ranches. Contact the Woodruffs at woodruffdavidc@gmail.com for the reservation code.

October 8 at the Carson City Senior Center 1:30 p.m. Memories of Bonanza Ride with us back to those golden days of yesteryear,...when Ben, Adam, Hoss, and Little Joe stood for honesty, decency...and owned about 1/3 of the Lake Tahoe Basin. Using seldom-seen images and extensive research, local authors and historians David and Gayle Woodruff bring the Cartwrights and their social edge-cutting ways back to life in an informative, amusing, and entertaining 55-minute slide show presentation, plus, a surprise ending! Free-no reservations needed,