From the publishers of Folsom Times: When it comes to history, the community of Folsom has a whole lot of it. Most of us locally know the story of how the community and city came about, from Theodore Judah’s vision that rose the community out of the ground during the booming Gold Rush, to the arrival of the railroad, Johnny Cash’s famous visit and more. While the history books and local periodical have documented all of those significant moments in time, there is a there is a hoopla of unique “happenings” that took place throughout the decades as well.
If you look back through the years, you may be amazed of what was considered “headline news” back in the day. Folsom Times has partnered with the staff of Folsom History to bring our community a backwards glance of yesteryear here in the community thanks to the work of Shelby Sorenson and Jovia Low who has spent time digging into the past to bring you this new recurring column that will highlight a collection memorable moments that were the “talk of the town,” back in the day. We hope you enjoy -Folsom Times.
Remembering Folsom Vol. 1: June 3 through June 13
by Shelby Sorensen & Jovia Low of Folsom History
June 3, 1865: Charles Sheldon, former resident of Folsom, returns home safely despite prior belief that he died in the recent Civil War. He had passed through eighteen battles until the time of his capture.
June 3, 1865: Charley Shead starts a soon-to-be-successful line of stages running from Folsom to Placerville, aiding residents in travel convenience and saving fare money.
June 3, 1865: A Folsom cigar manufactory run by Chinese immigrants is in successful operation.
June 4, 1887: The Sacramento & Placerville Railroad is completed, removing the county’s “greatest drawback”, and insuring “speedy communication to the outside world”.
June 4, 1887: Lawn tennis is introduced to Folsom.
June 4, 1887: A “healthy young earthquake” awakes Folsom residents, the first earthquake in years. It lasted 10 seconds and no damage was done.
June 5, 1886: An opera is performing the following Tuesday at Fireman’s Hall, a “rare treat” in Folsom.
June 7, 1918: The first trip of the auto owners club was made on Monday evening, when ten cards took the soldier boys out for an evening’s drive. These boys could hardly express their appreciation for this little outing.
June 9, 1887: Wedding of John Richards and Miss Mamie Hannon; the bride grew up in Folsom, and the groom was a resident of Sacramento.
June 10, 1893: The next event in the social and amusement line will be the basket picnic and dance to be given at Pleasant Ranch, Green Valley, on Friday and Friday evening, June 16th.
June 13, 1896: Folsom Cornet Band gives a series of open-air dances near a the newly improved park.
June 13, 1891: Telephone line between Folsom and Orangevale completed two days prior, and the first message between the points was sent yesterday. The line was “badly needed” for a long time.
Folsom History operates three museums in Folsom’s historic district – the Folsom History Museum, Pioneer Village, and the currently under construction Chinese Heritage Museum. Folsom History highlights Folsom’s unique place in California history through exhibits, digital engagement, educational programming, and hands-on learning experiences. Folsom History Museum is open Thursday through Monday 11am to 4pm and Pioneer Village is open Thursday through Sunday 10am to 3pm. Visit www.folsomhistory.org to learn more including our events like the Sutter Street Walking Tour.
