Living History ~ Stories of Lake County
Local historians came to the Ely Stage Stop to visit with guests and answer questions regarding different aspects of Lake County history. These visits were recorded so that the stories of Lake County’s history are preserved for future generations. Videos by Steve Hendricks. Visit this page regularly for new videos.
Please note, when playing some of these videos, you may have to increase the volume on your computer or device to get the best audio experience.
Gene Paleno, author and illustrator living in Witter Springs, focuses on the Bloody Island Massacre of 1850. His book, newly published at the time, is Lake County History: A Mystical Adventure in Time. Paleno happily signed copies of his book for visitors.
Dr. John Parker presents ‘The Kelsey Brothers: A California Disaster’ describing the history of the Native American massacre in Lake County and what led to it.
Terry Knight, outdoor columnist for the Record-Bee, entertains museum visitors with stories of Lake County History.
Charlotte Baker and her daughter Shari James, former residents of the Ely Stage Stop and S-Bar-S Ranch, share stories of ranch life in the 1950’s and 1960’s. They recount what it was like to manage the ranch doing their years in the house.
Dr. Harry Lyons, Professor Emeritus at Yuba College, delivers a fun presentation with songs and jokes while comparing Clear Lake (which isn’t clear) and the Hudson River (which isn’t a river).
Phil Smoley, Lake County Historical Society Board Member and Civil War aficionado, speaks about how the Civil War helped to save Clear Lake.
Part 1 of 2. John Parker, PhD, local Archaeological Researcher, focuses on Lake County’s Geology, Prehistory and History, and demonstrates obsidian chipping.
Part 2 of 2. Dr. Parker continues his talk on Lake County’s Geology, Prehistory and History, providing insights into the archaeologic process.
Floraine Chalk has lived all her life on the same Kelseyville ranch as her parents, Louise and Elvin Saderlund. Besides running the prune orchard on the family ranch, her father owned and operated many businesses in Kelseyville and the surrounding areas.
Gene Paleno, author and illustrator from Witter Springs, focuses on the Civil War years between 1860 and 1870, when Lake County was trying to resolve conflicts over designation of its county seat. Paleno’s book, History of Lake County. The chapter titled Voting with a Pistol is based on diaries kept by Lucas Willey. It seems guns were used to decide elections in those days.
Skip Rohner, a Lake County farmer well known for his many years with the pear industry, helped raise pears with his father, Hans Rohner. After he left the service in 1955, he partnered with his father packing and selling pears under the “Color-ful” label.
Bob Prather talks about Adam's Springs and the Loch Lomond areas of Lake County, as well as the lumber industry and the narrow gauge railroad that served it. Mr. Prather’s uncle, W.W. Prather, and his lumber company are featured in the book. Click on image to play video.