A Golden Way to say “Thanks, Mom” – at Empire Mine’s Mother’s Day Springtime Event

By Courtney Ferguson

“Smithie” Bill Blount shares a little history
 with Clara and her mom, Mielle Rose
in Empire Mine’s popular blacksmith shop.
Photo by Dreamspinner Productions

Graceful fountains, glorious rose gardens and lavish, turn-of-the-century costumes make Empire Mine State Historic Park a magical place to celebrate Mother’s Day. Historic Bourn Cottage will be open, and docents portraying Mr. and Mrs. William Bourn, Jr. will extend an extra-warm welcome to visiting mothers, grandmothers – and their families. Many other colorful, historical characters will be portrayed as well, as part of the mine’s Living History Program. Grandmothers will enjoy free admission, and all mothers will receive a handcrafted, complimentary gift when they visit the blacksmith shop in the old mine yard. Children are also welcome to pot a plant as an extra surprise.
“Our Mother’s Day Springtime Event combines history and nostalgia – with a touch of romance from a bygone era,” said State Park Ranger Greg Sherr. “Much of Northern California’s Gold Rush history was made right here when Empire Mine ranked as one of the oldest, largest and most prosperous hard-rock gold mines in North America.”

Tasty food, beverages and ice cream from local vendors will be available for purchase, including traditional Cornish pasties served by Park volunteers.
Here’s the irony. In the early 1900s, during its days of gold, grit and glory, women were rarely seen near the mine. “Times have certainly changed, and today we welcome women from all over the world,” Sherr added. “Our Mother’s Day Springtime Event is a lovely way to celebrate our local history as well as our mothers – and everyone’s invited.”



Know and Go:
Date: Sunday, May 11th 2014
Times: Activities from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Park open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Empire Mine State Historic Park
10791 E. Empire Street
Grass Valley, CA 95945