Sunday, March 30, 2008

EL DORADO COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM

Since I have been posting about the history of the Shafsky family and our Placerville bed and breakfast, I thought I should mention a great place for research.  The County Musuem.
 
Next to the El Dorado County Fair Grounds is where you can find the El Dorado County Museum
104 Placerville Drive
Placerville, CA 95667
Phone: (530) 621-5865
Email: museum@co.el-dorado.ca.us

Take an informative tour, wander among the historical artifacts, or research a family ancestor. The El Dorado County Historical Museum is the place to learn about the fascinating history of El Dorado County, one of California’s original and most historic counties.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

More Shafsky Family history

On May 24, 1873, Aaron Yara Shafsky was born in Kishinev, Moldavia, near Odessa above the Black Sea. He arrived in California in 1889 with his brothers and changed his name to Albert Shafsky. Together, they started a dry goods business in Fort Bragg, California, first selling their merchandise to the men at the nearby lumber camps, and then establishing their first store in Fort Bragg in 1892.

While brothers Harry and Samuel Shafsky operated the store, Albert with horses and wagon traveled all over the coast, taking orders, selling goods and establishing the name of the Shafsky Brothers. In 1898, Albert was naturalized as a citizen of the United States in the Superior Court of the City and County of San Francisco and married ("Kitty") Dora May Smith. They had five children, three born here in Placerville.

Albert Shafsky left Fort Bragg in 1901 and settled in Placerville, where he opened a department store downtown, first in the Douglas Building, then moving in 1909 to a new building on the old Kunkler lot on the Plaza. The store was known for having the first glass show windows and a milliner who made ladies' hats.

Albert was a Placerville City Council Member from 1906-1910 and Mayor of Placerville from 1906-1908. A copy of the Shafsky genealogy was kindly donated to the Inn by the Shafsky family, and guests are welcome to read more about this fascinating family while staying at the bed and breakfast. These as well as many other interesting books are available in our ever-expanding book collection.

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Trains close to Placerville and our bed and breakfast

Located just a short drive from our Placerville bed and breakfast is one of the nicest museums in California and one of the best railroad displays anywhere. 
Old town Sacramento is home to the California State Railroad Museum and it is a favorite haunt of ours when we are not being innkeepers. 
From their site "Widely regarded as North America’s most popular railroad museum, there is something here for everyone! Throughout the year, experience lavishly restored trains, engaging exhibits, and unique special events. Every weekend April-September, ride behind a steam locomotive on the Museum’s Sacramento Southern Railroad. What's happening at the Museum? Click here!"

Friday, March 14, 2008

More cool history ads


Cool ad.

Shafsky history



Some interesting tidbits I have found about the family and the Department Store on historic Main Street, Placerville.


Thursday, March 13, 2008

Trains in Placerville, CA

As some of you know, I love trains--and we have a room at the Albert Shafsky House Bed and Breakfast called the Gandy Dancer that is filled with locomotive related items.

One of the treasures in our area is the El Dorado Western Railway Foundation and all the work the volunteers have done to preserve a bit of railroad history in our section of gold county.

For instance the Diamond & Caldor Shay #4 is he only surviving locomotive of the Diamond & Caldor Railway, Shay #4 is the focal point of El Dorado Western Railway Foundation. They have invested thousands of man hours in its restoration. Many more hours and dollars will be needed to finish this project. Please visit their website for more information.

Monday, March 10, 2008

Upcoming events in or near Placerville

March 15 Third Saturday Night Art Walk
Art galleries and merchants stay open late to host changing art show. Wine, hors d’oeuvres, demonstrations, and entertainment. Sponsored by local galleries and merchants. 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Historic Main Street, Placerville. Free to the public. www.placerville-downtown.org For more information contact: Placerville Downtown Association (530) 642-0177

March 14, 15,16; 21,22; 28,29 30
Imagination Theater presents "Little Women"
Evening performance times vary, call theater for specific time Imagination Theater, El Dorado Fairgrounds, 100 Placerville Dr, Placerville $16 for adult, 13 for Senior, $9 for children For more information contact: Box Office (hours are 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Tuesday - Friday) (530) 642-0404

March 29 & 30
El Dorado Winery Association's 17th Annual Passport Weekends 2008
The two weekends are March 29 - 30 and April 05 - 06 Twenty wineries located in El Dorado County. Must have already pre-purchased your tickets….visit the website listed for more information www.eldoradowines.org For more information contact: El Dorado Winery Association (800) 306-3956

April 5 The 30th Annual Bon Voyage Ball 2008
All proceeds to benefit the Rotary Community Projects. This is a great evening to get dressed up, have a wonderful dinner, dancing, and participate in many drawings for great prizes. The theme is April in Paris. Raffle win a trip for 2 to ParisMusic by Aftershock, catered by Old Town Grill. No host bar, Hors d'oeuvers & Cocktails 6:00 p.m., Dinner 7:30 p.m. and Dancing 8:00 p.m. El Dorado County Fairgrounds, 100 Placerville Drive, Placerville. Dinner/Dancing Ticket $60, Drawing Ticket $100, Couple'e Special 2 dinner tickets & 1 drawing ticket $200 www.placervillerotary.org For more information contact: Placerville Rotary Club, Syd O;Brien (530) 622-1694

April 5 & 6
El Dorado Winery Association's 17th Annual Passport Weekends 2008
The two weekends are March 29 - 30 and April 05 - 06 Twenty wineries located in El Dorado County. Must have already pre-purchased your tickets….visit the website listed for more information www.eldoradowines.org For more information contact: El Dorado Winery Association (800) 306-3956

April 19 Third Saturday Art Walk
Art galleries and merchants stay open late to host changing art show. Wine, hors d’oeuvres, demonstrations, and entertainment. Sponsored by local galleries and merchants. 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Historic Main Street, Placerville. Free to the public. www.placerville-downtown.org For more information contact: Placerville Downtown Association (530) 642-0177

Sunday, March 02, 2008

March Madness--2 for 1 at our B&B

Stay with us in Placerville this March (Sun-Thurs) and the second night is FREE!