Big Bear, CA
I quiet mountain community full of back country adventure.
Vanderbilt California – San Bernardino County Ghost Town
Vanderbilt, California, was a fleeting but vibrant gold mining town located in the New York Mountains near the California-Nevada border, approximately 40 miles north of Goffs, California, within what is now the Mojave National Preserve. Existing primarily between 1891 and 1895, Vanderbilt epitomized the boom-and-bust cycle typical of late 19th-century Western mining settlements. Named optimistically after the wealthy Vanderbilt family in hopes of mirroring their fortune, the town’s history reflects the rapid excitement and subsequent abandonment that characterized many gold rush communities.
Discovery and Founding (1891–1892)
The story of Vanderbilt begins in January 1891, when a Native American prospector named Robert Black discovered gold ore on the north slope of the New York Mountains. This initial strike sparked interest, and a small mining camp soon formed near Vanderbilt Spring, a vital water source in the arid region. The camp remained modest until the fall of 1892, when additional gold-rich veins were uncovered, triggering a rush to the area. By January 1893, the settlement had grown to approximately 150 residents, living in a makeshift community of 50 tents, supported by two stores, a saloon, three restaurants, a lodging house, a blacksmith shop, and a stable.
The town’s name, “Vanderbilt,” was chosen to evoke the prosperity of the prominent American industrialist family, signaling the miners’ ambitions for wealth. The discovery of gold in the Gold Bronze, Sagamore, and Boomerang mines fueled optimism, drawing prospectors, merchants, and adventurers to the remote desert location.
Peak Prosperity (1893–1894)
Vanderbilt reached its zenith in 1894, with a population estimated at around 400 residents. During this period, the town developed into a bustling hub with a well-defined business district. Historical accounts describe a lively community featuring three saloons, two barbers, a Chinese restaurant, two additional eating houses, two meat markets, a stationery and fruit store, one lodging house, two blacksmiths, and three general stores. William McFarlane, a pioneer from nearby Ivanpah, operated one of these stores, which also housed the post office and a drugstore.
A notable figure associated with Vanderbilt was Virgil Earp, the older brother of Wyatt Earp and a survivor of the infamous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. According to Earp family historians, Virgil owned the town’s only two-story building, a combination hotel and saloon. His wife, Allie Earp, later recalled that the structure also hosted church services and dances, suggesting a semblance of community life amid the rough mining environment.
In 1894, two ten-stamp mills were constructed to process ore from the Gold Bronze and Boomerang mines, marking the height of Vanderbilt’s industrial activity. These mills were essential for crushing ore and extracting gold, and their completion signaled the town’s economic peak. However, this prosperity was short-lived, as geological challenges soon emerged.
Decline and Abandonment (1895–Late 1890s)
Vanderbilt’s downfall began almost as quickly as its rise. Around the same time the mills were completed in 1894, miners struck water in the shafts of the principal mines. Flooding rendered the underground operations unworkable, halting gold extraction and undermining the town’s economic foundation. Without a sustainable source of wealth, residents began to abandon Vanderbilt, seeking opportunities elsewhere.
By 1895, the population had dwindled significantly, and the once-thriving town faded into obscurity. The exact date of its complete abandonment is unclear, but by the late 1890s, Vanderbilt had become a ghost town. Its brief existence left little behind beyond scattered mining relics, such as a metal headframe marking a vertical shaft, and remnants of old plumbing, which hint at its former activity.
Legacy and Modern Context
Today, Vanderbilt lies within the Mojave National Preserve, a protected area that preserves the region’s natural and historical features. The town’s coordinates are approximately 35°19’38.20″N, 115°14’59.14″W, near the modern gambling hub of Primm, Nevada. While no standing structures remain, the site serves as a testament to the transient nature of mining boomtowns in the American West.
Vanderbilt’s history reflects broader themes of the late 19th-century gold rush: speculative ambition, rapid growth fueled by mineral wealth, and abrupt collapse due to environmental and economic realities. Though short-lived, the town contributed to the lore of the Wild West, with its connection to figures like Virgil Earp adding a layer of historical intrigue.
Vanderbilt, California, encapsulates the ephemeral nature of mining settlements in the American frontier. From its founding in 1891 to its peak in 1894 and its decline by 1895, the town’s trajectory mirrors countless others that rose and fell with the fortunes of the earth. Though little remains of Vanderbilt today, its story endures as a snapshot of a bygone era, preserved in historical records and the stark desert landscape it once briefly animated.
Town Summary
| Town Name | Vanderbilt |
| Location | San Bernardino County, California |
| Latitude, Longitude | 35.327222, -115.249722 |
| Population | 500 |
| Elevation | 4350 Feet |
| Newspaper | The Shaft |
| Post Office | February 1893 – 1910 |
Vanderbilt Trail Map
Further Reading
Bisbee Daily Review Newspaper
The Bisbee Daily Review, a cornerstone of Arizonas journalistic history, emerged in 1901 and served the mining community of Bisbee until 1971. This paper traces its evolution from its origins as the Weekly Orb in 1896 through multiple title changes, political
shifts, and corporate influences, particularly the Phelps-Dodge Corporations control. By examining its role in reporting mining news, shaping public opinion, and navigating labor conflicts, this study highlights the newspapers significance in reflecting Bisbees
socio-economic dynamics. Drawing on archival records and secondary sources, the analysis underscores the Reviews transformation into a weekly publication and its eventual merger into modern periodicals, illustrating its enduring legacy in Cochise Countys media
landscape.
Introduction
Introducing the historical context and significance of the Bisbee Daily Review In the rugged mining town of Bisbee, Arizona, the Bisbee Daily Review emerged as a vital institution, chronicling the pulse of a community driven by copper extraction. Founded in 1901, the newspaper evolved from earlier publications, navigating a turbulent landscape of editorial changes, political affiliations, and corporate dominance. Its pages captured the aspirations and struggles of a mining hub, from labor disputes to community events, making it a primary source for understanding Arizona’s early 20th-century history. This paper explores the Review’s origins, its role under the Phelps-Dodge Corporation’s influence, its coverage of significant events like the 1917 Bisbee Deportation, and its eventual transition into contemporary publications, arguing that it was both a product and shaper of Bisbee’s socio-economic identity.
Origins and Early Evolution (1896–1901)
Tracing the newspaper’s roots and initial transformations The Bisbee Daily Review’s lineage began in 1896 with the Weekly Orb, an independent paper serving Bisbee’s burgeoning mining community. Under editors Alvan W. Howe and G.M. Porter, it transitioned into the Arizona Daily Orb in 1898, reflecting the town’s growing economic ambitions. The publication underwent rapid masthead changes, becoming the Cochise Review and Arizona Daily Orb in 1900, adopting a Republican stance, and later the Cochise Review and Bisbee Daily Herald. These shifts mirrored Bisbee’s dynamic political and economic landscape, as mining interests vied for influence.
By August 1901, the Cochise Review briefly aligned with Democratic principles, but stability arrived when William Kelly purchased it in November 1901. Kelly’s acquisition marked a pivotal moment, as the paper transitioned from a weekly to a daily format by mid-1902, renaming itself the Bisbee Daily Review. Promising “mining news from every county in Arizona” and billing itself as published in “the best mining city on earth,” the Review positioned itself as an authoritative voice for the region’s copper industry.
Corporate Influence and the Phelps-Dodge Era (1903–1971)
Analyzing the impact of Phelps-Dodge’s control on editorial content In 1903, William Kelly and his father, “Major” George Kelly, formed the Consolidated Printing Company, acquiring all dailies in Arizona’s southeastern mining districts. Their partnership with Walter Douglas of the Phelps-Dodge Corporation, a dominant force in Bisbee’s Copper Queen mine, tied the Review to corporate interests. By 1909, Phelps-Dodge began purchasing these newspapers, and by 1925, it owned the Review outright. Historian James Byrkit argues that Phelps-Dodge’s control “intimidated editors” and stifled criticism, ensuring “nothing reflecting unfavorably on the company would appear in newsprint”.
This corporate grip shaped the Review’s coverage, particularly during labor conflicts. The 1917 Bisbee Deportation, where Phelps-Dodge orchestrated the forced removal of striking miners, saw the Review praising citizen actions against strikers, reflecting its alignment with corporate interests \citep{uarizona}. Despite this bias, the newspaper remained a vital source of local news, offering insights into community life, from social events to economic developments.
Cultural and Editorial Features
Exploring the newspaper’s content and community role The Bisbee Daily Review was more than a corporate mouthpiece; it was a cultural institution. From 1940 to 1955, its Sunday editions featured black-and-white comic sections, transitioning to color from 1955 to 1959. Published as the Bisbee Sunday Review from 1925 to 1933, these editions fostered community engagement. The paper’s focus on mining news, alongside coverage of births, marriages, and obituaries, made it a repository of Bisbee’s social history.
Its archives, spanning 1901 to 1922 with over 54,617 searchable pages, reveal a commitment to documenting local life. Advertisements, such as those for the Bank of Bisbee in 1913, highlight economic aspirations, while notices for fraternal organizations like the Order of Eastern Star underscore community ties.
Transition and Legacy (1971–Present)
Detailing the Review’s decline and merger into modern publications The Review’s daily publication ended in 1971 when William Epler purchased it from Phelps-Dodge, reverting it to a weekly format. In 1974, the Wick family acquired the paper, merging it with the Daily Herald Dispatch in 1976. This consolidation birthed two enduring periodicals: the Sierra Vista Herald and Bisbee Daily Review, published in Sierra Vista, and the Bisbee Daily Review and Sierra Vista Herald, published in Bisbee. These publications continue to serve Cochise County, maintaining the Review’s legacy of community-focused journalism.
The Wick family’s stewardship, under Wick Communications, emphasized adaptability, with expansions in Sierra Vista’s facilities reflecting the evolving media landscape. The Review’s archives, available through the Library of Congress and Newspapers.com, remain invaluable for researchers, offering digitized access to Bisbee’s past.
Conclusion
Summarizing the Review’s historical significance The Bisbee Daily Review encapsulates the interplay of journalism, corporate power, and community identity in Arizona’s mining heartland. From its roots as the Weekly Orb to its role as a Phelps-Dodge-controlled daily, it mirrored Bisbee’s economic and social evolution. Its coverage of events like the Bisbee Deportation reveals the tensions between labor and capital, while its comic sections and local notices highlight its role as a community anchor. Though no longer a standalone daily, its legacy endures in the Sierra Vista Herald and Bisbee Daily Review, preserving Bisbee’s story for future generations. This historical analysis affirms the Review’s dual role as a reflection of and influence on the town’s complex history.
Rhyolite Nevada – Nye County Ghost Town
Rhyolite is a ghost town location just outside of the Eastern edge of Death Valley National monument in Nye country, Nevada. Founded in 1904 by Frank “Shorty” Harris when he discovered quartz with load of “Free Gold”, Rhyolite started as a gold mining camp in the surrounding Bullfrog mining district. As with many discovery’s during this time period, news quickly circulated and the Bullfrog mining district was formed.
Assays of $3000 per ton were reported by the mining press of the day, and the fall and winter saw many people converge on the area despite the weather conditions. Tonopah and Goldfield saw hundreds head south in the spring of 1905, and the migration caused “a string of dust a hundred miles long”.
The townsite of Rhyolite was found in a draw close to the most important mines in February, 1905. To start, the town was a mining camp with tents and canvas walled building. Fuel shortages caused the populous to burn sage brush and greasewood as fuel for their stoves to cook and keep warm. Food and fuel were teamed into the area on daily stages and water was bought over from Beatty for $5 per barrel.
However, as was common with gold rush towns, Rhyolite quickly developed all of the modern amenities of day, including newspapers, schools, hospitals and electrical power. Six thousand people called the town home in 1907. Luxuries unimaginable just two years before include, hotel rooms with private baths, and opera house, dozens of saloons, four banks, and a butcher shop were brought to the town by three different trains.
Decline and Abandonment
Rhyolite’s prosperity was short-lived. Several factors converged to precipitate its decline. The high-grade ore began to dwindle by 1908, and an independent study commissioned by investors in the Montgomery Shoshone Mine deemed it overvalued, causing stock values to plummet. The 1906 San Francisco earthquake diverted capital to California and disrupted rail service, while the financial panic of 1907 tightened funding for mine development. By 1909, the mine was operating at a loss, closing permanently in March 1911.
As mining activity waned, unemployed miners left for opportunities elsewhere. Businesses failed, and the population dropped to 675 by the 1910 census. All three banks closed that year, followed by the last newspaper in 1912, the post office in 1913, and the final train departure in 1914. In 1916, the Nevada-California Power Company cut electricity and removed its lines, leaving Rhyolite nearly abandoned. By 1920, only 14 residents remained, and the town was fully deserted by 1924 after its last resident’s death. Many buildings were dismantled for materials, relocated to nearby Beatty, or left to crumble in the desert.The San Francisco earthquake of 1906 and a financial panic of 1907 dried up capital investment which doomed the town along with many others in the region. Rhyolite ceased to be and closed in 1911.
Current Status
Today, Rhyolite is a well-preserved ghost town managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) as the Rhyolite Historic Area. Its ruins, including the Cook Bank Building, train depot, and Tom Kelly’s Bottle House, attract visitors and photographers, earning it a reputation as one of the West’s most photographed ghost towns. The bottle house, restored by Paramount Pictures in 1925 for the film The Air Mail and later by locals, remains a standout feature. The nearby Goldwell Open Air Museum, established in 1984 by Belgian artist Albert Szukalski, adds an artistic dimension with sculptures like “The Last Supper,” a haunting plaster rendition of Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece.
Rhyolite has also appeared in films and literature, including a mention in Ian Fleming’s James Bond novel Diamonds Are Forever. While vandalism and graffiti have marred some structures, efforts to preserve its historical integrity continue. The site is accessible via a paved road off State Route 374, about 4 miles west of Beatty, offering free public access year-round.
Rhyolite is a wonderful place to visit when you are running Titus Canyon and Leadfield trail.
Geological Context
Rhyolite sits within the Bullfrog Hills, part of the southwestern Nevada volcanic field. The area’s geology features rhyolitic lava flows, formed 13.3 to 7.6 million years ago, overlying Paleozoic sedimentary rocks. These flows, fractured into fault blocks by tectonic activity, host the mineralized veins that spurred the gold rush. The town’s name reflects this geological heritage, derived from the light-colored, felsic volcanic rock dominant in the region.
Rhyolite Town Summary
| Name | Rhyolite |
| Location | Nye County |
| Newspaper | Rhyolite Herald May 25, 1905-Apr 26, 1907; Oct 11, 1907-June 22, 1912; Mar 1909 Special Ed Rhyolite Daily Bulletin Sept 23, 1907 – May 31, 1909 Death Valley Prospector Nov – Dec 1907 |
Rhyolite Map
Rhyolite Points of Interest
 Bullfrog Goldfield RailroadThe Bullfrog and Goldfield Railroad, often referred to as the B&G Railroad, played a significant role in the late 19th and early 20th-century mining boom… |
 Cook Bank BuildingThe Cook Bank Building is the most iconic image and popular images of the Rhyolite ghost town, in Nye County, Nevada. When John S. Cook… |
 Las Vegas and Tonopah RailroadThe Las Vegas and Tonopah Railroad was a standard gauge railroad which operated along 197 miles between the town of Las Vegas and Goldfield, NV.… |
 Overbury BuildingThe Overbury building is a general office building built by John Overbury, in Rhyolite, Nye County Nevada in 1906. The building was one of two… |
 Porter Brothers StoreThe Porter Brothers store is a ruined storefront on the main street in the ghost town of Rhyolite, Nye County, Nevada. The Porter Brothers were… |
Rhyolite Train DepotThe town of Rhyolite boasted three train services using the Rhyolite Train Depot which is completed in June, 1908. The depot services the Las Vegas… |
Rhyolite Newspapers
 Bullfrog MinerThe Bullfrog Miner newspapers published in 1907 The Bullfrog Miner was a weekly newspaper that served the burgeoning mining communities of the Bullfrog Mining District… |
Death Valley ProspectorThe Death Valley Prospector was a short-lived newspaper published in Rhyolite, Nevada, during the height of the Bullfrog Mining District’s gold rush in the early… |
Rhyolite Daily BulletinThe Rhyolite Daily Bulletin was a newspaper published in Rhyolite, Nevada, during the peak of the Bullfrog Mining District’s gold rush in the early 20th… |
The Rhyolite Herald NewspaperThe Rhyolite Herald newspaper was a weekly publication that served as a vital chronicle of life in Rhyolite, Nevada, a booming gold rush town in… |
Rhyolite Personalities
 Frank “Shorty” HarrisFrank Harris was a prospector, desert rat and perhaps the best known character in western mining history. He looked the part, often travelling the desert… |
 James Crysanthus Phelan – Rhyolite ShopkeeperJames Crysanthus Phelan James Crysanthus Phelan was a business man and early pioneer of the desert southwest, who like many others followed the boom towns… |
 John S CookJohn S Cook overseeing bars of gold bullion. Photo Goldfield Historical Society John S Cook is the founder and builder of the Cook Bank Building… |
 Walter Edward Perry Scott – “Death Valley Scotty”Walter Edward Perry Scott (September 20, 1872 – January 5, 1954), also known as "Death Valley Scotty", was a miner, prospector and conman who operated… |
Further Reading
 Nevada Ghost Towns and Mining CampsNevada Ghost Towns and Mining Camps - By Stanley W. Paher Nevada Ghost Towns and Mining Camps is a wonderful book written by Stanley W.… |
Resources
- Nevada Ghost Towns and Mining Camps, Stanley W Paher
- Wikipedia
Aurora Daily Times Newspaper
The Aurora Daily Times newspaper was a short-lived but significant newspaper published in Aurora, Nevada, during the early 1860s, a period marked by the region’s silver mining boom. Aurora, located in what was then the Nevada Territory, was a bustling mining town, and the newspaper served as a vital source of local news, mining updates, and community information. This report explores the historical context, publication details, content, and legacy of the Aurora Daily Times, drawing on available archival information.
Historical Context
Aurora was founded in 1860 following the discovery of silver and gold in the Esmeralda Mining District. By 1863, the town had grown into a significant hub with thousands of residents, driven by the Comstock Lode and nearby mining activities. The Nevada Territory, established in 1861, was a region of rapid development, with newspapers playing a critical role in disseminating information about mining claims, politics, and social events. The Aurora Daily Times emerged during this dynamic period, catering to a community eager for news in a remote and rugged frontier.
Publication Details
The Aurora Daily Times was published daily, except Sundays, and operated under two distinct periods, as documented by the Library of Congress and other sources:
- First Run (1863–1864):
- Start Date: May 1, 1863
- End Date: Approximately April 1864
- Publisher: R.E. Draper
- Frequency: Daily (except Sundays)
- Description: This period is referenced in Library of Congress records, with the earliest known issue dated November 27, 1863 (Vol. 2, No. 135). The newspaper was published in Aurora, Nevada Territory, and served the local mining community.
- Second Run (1864):
- Start Date: July 1864
- End Date: November 7, 1864
- Publishers: G.O. Kies and R. Ferral
- Frequency: Daily (except Sundays)
- Description: This later run was a continuation or revival of the newspaper, with a known issue dated October 7, 1864 (Vol. 3, No. 9). It ceased publication with the November 7, 1864 issue.
The newspaper was printed in Aurora, Nevada Territory, and its issues are preserved on microfilm, available through Bay Microfilm. The Library of Congress notes that copies may be held by other libraries, accessible via the “Libraries That Have It” tab in their catalog.
Content and Role
As a daily newspaper in a mining town, the Aurora Daily Times likely covered a range of topics relevant to its readers, including:
- Mining News: Updates on local mining claims, discoveries, and production, which were central to Aurora’s economy.
- Local Events: Announcements of community gatherings, business openings, and social activities.
- Politics: Coverage of territorial politics, including debates over Nevada’s path to statehood (achieved in 1864).
- Advertisements: Promotions for local businesses, such as saloons, general stores, and assay offices.
- National and Regional News: Reports on broader events, including the Civil War and developments in the Nevada Territory.
Newspapers like the Aurora Daily Times were essential for fostering community identity and providing practical information in isolated mining towns. The Aurora Daily Times would have competed with other local papers, such as the Esmeralda Daily Union (1864–1865), and may have shared resources or readership with the Aurora Weekly Times, a related publication that succeeded it in 1864.
Archival Availability
The Aurora Daily Times is preserved in limited form, with specific issues available on microfilm. The Nevada State Library, Archives, and Public Records holds microfilm copies of issues from November 27 to December 12, 1863, and additional issues from July 11 and October 7, 1864. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Libraries also list holdings for these dates, indicating their availability for research.
Researchers can access these microfilms at institutions like the Nevada State Library, which offers microfilm readers and the ability to save images to flash drives. Some historical Nevada newspapers, though not explicitly the Aurora Daily Times, are available through the Nevada State Library’s electronic newspaper databases or the Library of Congress’s Chronicling America project. However, the Aurora Daily Times is not currently digitized in Chronicling America’s online collection, limiting access to physical or microfilm copies.
Challenges and Limitations
The Aurora Daily Times faced challenges typical of frontier newspapers:
- Short Lifespan: Both runs of the newspaper were brief, likely due to financial instability, competition, or the decline of Aurora’s mining boom by the mid-1860s.
- Preservation Issues: Only a handful of issues survive, making comprehensive analysis difficult.
- Limited Digitization: Unlike some Nevada newspapers, the Aurora Daily Times is not fully digitized, restricting access for remote researchers.
Additionally, Aurora’s remote location and the transient nature of its population may have impacted the newspaper’s sustainability. By the late 1860s, Aurora’s prominence waned as mining activity shifted elsewhere, contributing to the newspaper’s demise.
Legacy
The Aurora Daily Times represents a snapshot of life in a Nevada mining town during the Civil War era. Its brief existence reflects the volatile nature of frontier journalism, where newspapers often emerged and folded with the fortunes of their communities. The newspaper’s surviving issues offer valuable insights for historians and genealogists studying Aurora’s history, the Esmeralda Mining District, and the broader Nevada Territory.
For genealogical research, the Aurora Daily Times is a potential source of obituaries, marriage announcements, and other personal records, though its limited run and lack of digitization pose challenges. Researchers are advised to consult microfilm collections at the Nevada State Library or UNLV Libraries and to cross-reference with other regional newspapers, such as the Reese River Reveille or Esmeralda Daily Union, for a fuller picture of the period.
Conclusion
The Aurora Daily Times newspaper was a product of Aurora, Nevada’s brief but vibrant mining boom in the early 1860s. Published in two short runs (1863–1864 and 1864), it served as a critical source of news and information for a frontier community. Despite its limited surviving issues and lack of digitization, the newspaper remains a valuable historical artifact, accessible through microfilm at select institutions. Its story underscores the challenges and significance of journalism in Nevada’s formative years, offering a window into the social, economic, and political life of a now-faded mining town.
Sources
- Library of Congress, Chronicling America: Aurora Daily Times (1863–1864).
- Nevada State Library, Archives, and Public Records: Newspapers, Periodicals, & Microfilm.
- UNLV University Libraries: Nevada Newspapers by Title.
- Nevada Historical Society and Destination4x4.com: Nevada Historical Newspapers.
- GenealogyBank: Aurora, Nevada Newspaper Archive.
The Masonic Pioneer
The Masonic Pioneer was a short-lived but significant publication that emerged during the early 20th-century mining boom in the Masonic Mining District of Mono County, California. Published in the small settlement of Masonic, the newspaper served as a vital source of information for a remote community driven by the pursuit of gold and silver. This report explores the historical context, publication details, content, and legacy of the Masonic Pioneer, shedding light on its role in documenting the social and economic life of a fleeting yet vibrant mining town.
Historical Context
The Masonic Mining District, located in Mono County near the Nevada state line, was established in the early 1900s following the discovery of gold in 1900 by Joseph Green, a 16-year-old from Bodie, who staked the Jump Up Joe Mine. The district, encompassing Upper Town (formerly Lorena), Middle Town, and Lower Town, grew rapidly as prospectors and entrepreneurs flocked to the area. By 1907, the population reached approximately 1,000 residents, supported by key infrastructure like boarding houses, saloons, a hotel, and telephone service installed in 1905. The district’s most productive mines, such as the Pittsburg-Liberty and Jump Up Joe, fueled economic activity, with high-grade ore discoveries reported as late as 1911. Despite its promise, the Masonic Mining District experienced a decline by the early 1910s as ore deposits became inconsistent, and the region lacked permanent institutions like churches or fraternal organizations, including Masonic lodges, despite the town’s name.
Publication Details
The Masonic Pioneer was first published on November 8, 1905, by George A. Montrose, who also served as the editor and publisher, alongside his wife, Myrtle E. Montrose. The newspaper was based in Lorena (Upper Town), the original settlement in the Masonic Mining District. While the exact duration of its publication is uncertain, evidence suggests it operated for approximately two to three years, ceasing by around 1907 or 1908. After the Masonic Pioneer folded, local news from the Masonic area continued to appear in the Bridgeport Chronicle-Union, another newspaper managed by Montrose. The Masonic Pioneer was a typical frontier newspaper, likely published weekly or biweekly, focusing on local events, mining developments, and advertisements tailored to the community’s needs.
Content and Purpose
The Masonic Pioneer served as a critical communication tool for the residents of the Masonic Mining District. Its content reflected the priorities of a mining community, including:
- Mining News: The newspaper reported on developments in the district’s mines, such as the Pittsburg-Liberty and Jump Up Joe, which were the most consistent bullion producers. For example, it covered significant discoveries, like a 1905 find at the Pittsburg-Liberty where a tunnel wall revealed a two-foot-wide vein assaying at $200 per ton, and a 1911 strike of a vein worth $1,000 per ton.
- Local Events: The Masonic Pioneer documented social activities, such as a dance in Lower Town on September 12, 1908, attended by over 50 couples and accompanied by the Bodie Orchestra. These reports highlighted the community’s efforts to maintain social cohesion in a rugged environment.
- Advertisements: George Montrose, a multifaceted entrepreneur who served as president of the Myrtle & Julia Mine and dealt in insurance and real estate, used the newspaper to promote his ventures. A notable advertisement humorously urged readers to “Wake Up! Tell your wife the good news and hide for Masonic. See that fellow Montrose—The Masonic town site man,” reflecting his role in selling town lots.
- Economic Opportunities: The newspaper advertised high wages for miners, with the Bridgeport Chronicle-Union noting in December 1906 that mining jobs paid $4.00 to $4.50 for eight-hour shifts, an attractive rate for the time.
The Masonic Pioneer aimed to boost community morale, attract investment, and promote the economic potential of the Masonic Mining District. Its coverage of mining successes and local happenings fostered a sense of optimism during the district’s peak years.
George Montrose and the Newspaper’s Role
George Montrose was a central figure in the Masonic community, not only as the publisher of the Masonic Pioneer but also as a key player in the region’s economic life. His involvement in the Myrtle & Julia Mine and real estate sales underscored his entrepreneurial spirit. The newspaper served as a platform for Montrose to advertise his businesses and encourage settlement in Masonic, aligning with the broader boosterism common in frontier newspapers. Despite the absence of formal fraternal organizations like Masonic lodges in the district—contrary to what the town’s name might suggest—the Masonic Pioneer filled a gap by providing a unifying voice for a transient population.
Decline and Legacy
The Masonic Pioneer ceased publication as the Masonic Mining District’s fortunes waned. By 1911, the inconsistent nature of ore deposits led to a decline in mining activity, and the population dwindled. The newspaper’s short lifespan reflects the ephemeral nature of mining boomtowns, where economic viability determined a community’s survival. After its closure, the Bridgeport Chronicle-Union continued to report Masonic news, preserving some continuity in local journalism.
The Masonic Pioneer remains a valuable historical artifact for understanding the social and economic dynamics of earlyhypertension California’s Gold Rush era. It offers insights into the aspirations and challenges of a remote mining community, where the lack of established institutions like schools (the first opened in 1911) and churches underscored the reliance on informal networks, such as newspapers, for community cohesion. The Masonic Pioneer is preserved in historical records, notably through the Library of Congress’s Chronicling America database, which documents its existence and contributions to the historical narrative of Mono County.
Conclusion
The Masonic Pioneer was a fleeting but impactful publication that captured the spirit of the Masonic Mining District during its brief period of prosperity. Under the stewardship of George and Myrtle Montrose, it served as a chronicle of mining achievements, social events, and economic opportunities, reflecting the optimism and challenges of a Gold Rush-era boomtown. Though it lasted only a few years, the newspaper’s documentation of life in Masonic provides a window into the transient, rugged world of early 20th-century California mining communities, highlighting the role of local journalism in fostering community identity and resilience.
Sources
- Western Mining History: Masonic, California
- Library of Congress Chronicling America: Masonic Pioneer