Historical Chautauqua schedule covers the Whittells, Donner Party, Eastern Sierra History and more

David and Gayle Woodruff offer history programs throughout Lake Tahoe, the Carson Valley, and Eastern Sierra covering several topics, many times bringing their characters to life in a Chautauqua performance.

This Saturday, June 1, they will be at Western Days in South Lake Tahoe in the museum complex. The event is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the Woodruffs take the stage at 1 p.m., assuming the characters of fictive characters Clive and Vivian Sterling, who worked at a Washoe Valley divorce Ranch in the 1940s, ‘50s, and ‘60s, in a living history presentation, “The Reno Cure.”

They’ll reflect on the importance and the many nuances of the Divorce Industry to Reno and Nevada, and what life was like at one of the infamous “Divorce Ranches.” Bring your own lawn chair if possible as there will be limited chairs (plenty of standing room though).

On June 7 at the Dangberg Home Historic Ranch, Minden, the Woodruffs become Lake Tahoe’s enigmatic Elias ‘Lucky’ Baldwin and his daughter Anita at 10 a.m. “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 a number of 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.

June 9 at the Minden Mill, it is “Reflections of Bonanza.” Ride with them back to those golden days of yesteryear when Ben, Adam, Hoss, and Little Joe stood for honesty and decency...and owned about 1/3 of the Lake Tahoe Basin (at least according to the television show). Using seldom-seen images and extensive research, the Woodruffs bring the Cartwrights and their socially edge-cutting ways back to life in an informative, amusing, and entertaining 55-minute slide-show presentation. This is a very fun program and features a “surprise” ending. Advance reservations are required for the free program and the link to sign up will be available June 5.

June 11 at the Carson City Senior Center, Carson City at 1:30 p.m. - A Chautauqua presentation, "Those that Survived." A gripping tale of James Reed and his wife Margret, who were the original organizers of the infamous Donner Party of 1846. This living history program relives the heroic efforts of James, who led courageous volunteers through that terrible Sierra winter to rescue his family and many others, and his wife Margret, who with sheer strength and determination kept their children alive. This compelling, true story of the 45 survivors of the forlorn Donner Party and their rescuers will keep you on the edge of your seat, as it comes to life in this riveting, living history performance. Free. No reservations are needed.

June 16 at the Minden Mill at 1 p.m., “Obscure History of the Eastern Sierra…Part One.” The Eastern Sierra’s history is deep, rich and varied. The “premier” subjects are well-known and have been extensively covered in numerous books, documentaries, and films. But several unique and lesser-known tales from our region are often overlooked and unappreciated. Using vintage photos and extensive research, they'll recount a few of these esoteric anecdotes, in a 55-minute slide-show presentation. From the real birthplace of Levi Jeans to the Hermit of Emerald Bay…the veracious narratives are legion. Reservations are required for the free program and the link to sign up will be available on June 12.

June 25 at 6:30 p.m. at Lakeview Commons for the kickoff to the 2024 season of Lake Tahoe Historical Society's History Talks at the Beach. The Woodruffs become Elias ‘Lucky’ Baldwin and his daughter Anita again for a one-hour free performance.

June 29 at the Gatekeeper’s Museum in Tahoe City at 1 p.m. - A Chautauqua presentation, “George and Elia Whittell, the Accidental Conservationists.” George and Elia Whittell were one of the wealthiest couples on the West Coast during the 1920s through 1950s. They kept an African Lion for a pet, owned over 25 miles of Lake Tahoe waterfront, built one of the most beautiful estates on Lake Tahoe’s shore, hosted high-stakes poker games with the rich and famous, and unintentionally conserved a large portion of Lake Tahoe lands for the public to enjoy today. $10 and $9 for seniors at the door.

June 30 at the Minden Mill at 1 p.m. - A Chautauqua Performance. “Those That Survived” Local authors and historians David & Gayle Woodruff assume the characters of James Reed and his wife Margret, who were the original organizers of the infamous Donner Party of 1846. This living history program relives the heroic efforts of James, who led courageous volunteers through that terrible Sierra winter to rescue his family and many others, and his wife Margret, who with sheer strength and determination kept their children alive. This compelling, true story of the 45 survivors of the forlorn Donner Party and their rescuers will keep you on the edge of your seat, as it comes to life in this riveting, living history performance. Advance reservations are required for the free program and the link to sign up will be available June 26.

July 6 at the Riverside Hotel (Artist’s Loft) Reno at 2 p.m. - A Living History Performance, “The Reno Cure.” (This is part of Reno Artown). 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. Free. No advance reservations needed.

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