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Upcoming Events
General Meeting: Stovepipe Wells , CA, January, 2012 ~ 2:00 p.m.
Current News
| November, 2011 |
| Echo Canyon 4X4 Tour Vieo hits YouTube!
Tour Leader and '49er Chuck Boyle has posted an 11 minute long video of the 2011 Echo Canyon 4X4 Tour. Ride along with the group as they tackle the rugged dry falls in the canyon, stop for lunch at the top, and cruise down the other side as they cross into Nevada!
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| September, 2011 |
| Gold Creek Films, East Creek Productions and DreamQuest Productions
are Proud to Present the Premier of WEIRD TALES FIVE: THE STRANGE CASE OF RHYOLITE, NEVADA
 In a remote corner of central Nevada on the edge of Death Valley stand the haunting remains of a town that was was built to last. Founded in 1904 on a prospector's discovery of gold and the investments of eastern industrialists it soon became a magnet for those seeking quick riches and unscrupulous promoters. It was supposed to be different from other boomtowns as its population swelled to nearly 10,000 but in less than two years it had dwindled to only 600, and soon was abandoned. Yet its ruins are not those of rickety wood shacks but reinforced concrete and the remnants of three story buildings. It was hoped to be the “Chicago” of the West and its very name, “Rhyolite” was taken from a cheerful rosy colored rock found in abundance at the site. The rock itself reflected the hopeful optimism of the people who lived there.
But in 1908 everything changed. That year began with the violent murder of a young girl, Mona Bell, whose life was cut short at age 20. It shook the town to its core and a series of events followed which would begin to spell the end of the good times in Rhyolite. A lonely grave on the edge of town far from the regular cemetery is said to be that of Mona Bell’s. Today the grave is a tourist attraction and there are rumors of visitations by a mysterious group of dancers who annually celebrate Mona's life and death. What happened to Rhyolite? Who was Mona Bell? And why is there a strange grave that attracts an unusual cult performing strange rituals? This is the Strange Case of Rhyolite, Nevada! Hosted by Ted Faye
Produced by Gold Creek Films with East Creek Productions and Dreamquest Productions.
Fifth in the Award Winning “Weird Tales” Series: www.weirdtalesseries.com |
2011 "Pioneer Patchwork Quilt" Raffle in Full Swing!
This year’s quilt for the raffle benefiting the “Death Valley Rocks” program is the prettiest one yet!
 '49er Maureen Henry brought us 15 squares to the 2010 Encampment. Donnis Logsdon, winner of the 2009 raffle quilt, contributed the 16th square to complete a 65 inch square quilt in vibrant colors. Each of the squares is an historical pattern that Maureen researched for the "Pioneer Patchwork Quilt". July Fowler of Lone Pine machine quilted it and Virginia Stockman designed the layout and completed the binding.
The winning ticket will be drawn at the Ol’ Dinah stage just before the Desert Night Music program on Saturday night, November 12 th. You do not need to be present to win. Tickets will be on sale at the membership booths throughout the Encampment.
All proceeds will benefi the Death Valley National Park “ROCKS” program to bring inner city children to visit a national park and stay overnight under the stars. Tickets are $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00. For tickets or more information, contact Virginia Stockman at (760) 878-2337
Read more about the ROCKS Program... |
2010 Encampment a Success!
Thousands of Death Valley admirers gathered in Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells last week to take part in the 61st Annual Death Valley '49ers Encampment.
Fair weather, great music and quality art work were the most talked about topics at the Encampment this year. Tepid 75 degree days allowed participants to comfortably enjoy all of the outdoor activities and the star-filled night skies were perfect for a late night dip in the warm Furnace Creek swimming pool.
Entertainers Dave Stamey and Sourdough Slim returned this year to share their wonderful music. Newcomer Belinda Gail was a big hit with the audiences. She sang her heart out all week, what a trooper! And of course, the Encampment just wouldn't be the same without the classic harmonies of Chaparral. They even treated us to a gospel tune accompanied by past Master of Ceremonies Dick Hilleary.
The Invitational Western Art Show showcased a variety of very talented artist. Every booth wowed viewers as they stopped in. We can't wait to see what new pieces each artist will bring next year!
Most importantly, our Annual Art Auction raised needed funds for our Education and Scholarship Programs. Thank you to all who bid on artwork.
Consider joining us next year!
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2010 Encampment to Host Film Premier!
GOLD CREEK FILMS WILL PREMIER WEIRD TALES 4: THE GHOSTS OF DEATH VALLEY JUNCTION. (Stovepipe Wells Wed, Nov 10 at 2:30; Furnace Creek Visitor Center Fri, Nov 12 at 9am; Sat , Nov 13 at 9am & 3pm)
For nearly 50 years Marta Beckett has lived and danced in the ghost town of Death Valley Junction. But even she admits that she isn’t the only resident. Once a railroad junction and an industrial hub for the Pacific Coast Borax Company the Junction was also home to thieves, prostitutes and outlaws. Is it possible that some of them never left? Join filmmaker Ted Faye as he uncovers Death Valley Junction’s strange history. |
| August 26 , 2010 |
Stovepipe Wells Restaurant and Saloon Damaged by Fire
Early Thursday morning (August 26, 2010) Park Rangers were dispatched to Stovepipe Wells Village to respond to a structural fire involving the concession operated restaurant and saloon. Damage was contained to the back of the building which included an employee mess hall, storage area and parts of the kitchen. It is unclear at this time when food services will resume.
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New Website Launched!
Welcome to the new and improved Death Valley '49ers website. We hope you find it full of the information you need to make your trip to the annual Encampment an easy and fun experience. Some of our new features include:
- A fantastic Blog!
- An off-site photo album full of great photos from our members and enthusiastic fans across the country.
- An interactive Calendar showing Death Valley related events throughout the year.
- Information about the State Registered Landmarks that we have dedicated.
- An expanded News section.
Have fun viewing all we have to offer and please tell your friends about the Death Valley '49ers!
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Good Morning America Death Valley segment!
A short travel piece on Death Valley will air this Sunday morning (April 11th) on the ABC Good Morning America show. For those interested in seeing this, it will be shown, depending on the local networks, between 7-8 am or 8-9 am.
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Press Releases
March 26, 2010
Scoping Notice Lower Wildrose Road Repair Environmental Assessment
Comments are currently being accepted on a National Park Service proposal to rehabilitate five miles of the Emigrant Canyon Road, commonly referred to as Lower Wildrose Road.
Death Valley '49ers in the News
April, 2010
Good Morning America Death Valley segment!
A short travel piece on Death Valley will air this Sunday morning (April 11th) on the ABC Good Morning America show. For those interested in seeing this, it will be shown, depending on the local networks, between 7-8 am or 8-9 am.
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