Historic Jackson Rediscovered The 41 st annual Home Tour, sponsored by the American Association of University Women Amador Branch, will take place in the historic Gold Rush town of Jackson. The theme of this year s home tour is Jackson Rediscovered. The tour will be Saturday April 20 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Featured are four unique or restored historic homes, the newly-restored National Hotel, and the Kennedy Mine Office. Other diversions include an art show, wine tasting, and an afternoon tea. Docents will guide ticket-holders through several historic sites including California s longest-running hotel and the restored administrative building of the Kennedy Mine. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore some of California s historic treasures and enjoy the charming beauty and character of one of California s original gold rush towns. Jackson, originally called Bottileas, started out as a gold rush camp around a natural spring where the miners would get water. Once known for its bordellos and gambling hangouts, Jackson was a hot-spot that attracted miners, politicians, and outlaws alike. More than that, however, Jackson was an important site for trade and offered all types of goods and services. The Jackson area contains some of the earliest, best-preserved historic homes this side of the Sierras. The National Hotel was built in 1852 in front of the natural spring around which Jackson grew and was called the Louisiana House. It is the longest continuously running hotel in California. When a fire in 1862 destroyed it, it was rebuilt and given its current name. The National Hotel is considered haunted, including a ghost in the form of a naked lady. Both staff and visitors have experienced unexplained sounds of children giggling, and door closing when no one is near. Over the years, famous people have stayed at the National Hotel, including John Wayne who stayed in Room 201 in 1960..
The Gate House is a regal 1902 Victorian mansion amidst an acre of pristine gardens that include fountains, a pool and a secluded cottage built in 1868. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Until recently the Gate House was a romantic bed and breakfast, but now serves as a private home. The home is filled with antiques representative of the period. There is an imported Italian marble fireplace and expansive porch. Bella Blue, an elegant home built in 1898 that includes a traditional men s parlor, a ladies parlor, formal dining room, and charming brick courtyard. This home is available to rent as a vacation home.
The Windrose House is a Victorian farmhouse built in 1897. There is an acre of landscaped gardens, including a pond and a gazebo, and it backs up to the Kennedy Mine. This home is available to rent as a vacation home. Kling House is a modern, artful blend of Federal and Italianate architecture. Lush landscaping surrounds the multi-story residence.
The Kennedy Mine Office, built in 1908, is a majestic 3-story building that housed the administrative activities of one of California s most productive gold mines. The building has been partially restored to its 1942 condition, including the Retort room, the Assay room, and boarding rooms restored by the local chapter of Questers. Ottimista, a modern Tuscan-style home on 30 acres with olive grove and vineyard will be the site of wine tasting.
Proceeds from the tour provide scholarships for local girls and women. Tickets are $22 in advance and $25 on the day of the tour and will be available starting March 15 at the following Amador County outlets: Ione Clark s Corner Jackson Main Street Designs Pine Grove Pine Cone Drug Plymouth Amador 360 (formerly Amador Wine Shipping) Sutter Creek Bubble Gum Book Store Tickets will be available on tour day at 159 Main Street Jackson from 10:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Tickets by mail order may be purchased until April 10. Mail checks to AAUW Home Tour, c/o Sarah Hart, 19974 Jesus Maria Road, Mokelumne Hill, CA 95245. Visit www.aauwamador.org or www.touramador.com for more information about the Home Tour, including a list of restaurants in Jackson that will offer lunch specials on tour day. To be on the Home Tour mailing list or for more information about the Home Tour or AAUW, contact Lani Chapman at (209)245-6052 or chapman@volcano.net.