The California Chapter of the Lincoln Highway Association will hold our summer meeting at the beautifully historic Rainbow Lodge on the old Lincoln Highway in the scenic Sierra Nevada Mountains. The chapter has rented the lodge for the day!
The lodge, originally called the Rainbow Tavern and Trout Farm, was built in 1927 and opened to the traveling public all year round. It is nestled in the forest of the Sierra Nevadas on a scenic portion of the Lincoln Highway, overlooking the Yuba River.
We will have a barbecue lunch out in the back patio with a view of the river, and hold the meeting and presentation inside in the Presentation Room after lunch.
We are limited to fifty (50) participants, so to attend, you will need to mail a payment for $35 per person, postmarked by June 14. The fee covers the lunch and a share of the lodge rental cost for the day.
Schedule
10:00 am — Meet and greet
Enjoy the beautiful Sierra Nevada surroundings and the historic Rainbow Lodge itself.
11:30 am — Barbecue lunch
Served on the deck (or in Yuba Room if weather does not allow outdoor seating)
Menu:
Beef hamburgers served with all the fixings, including lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions and cheese, served with potato chips
Knockwurst and bratwurst
Veggie burgers (must be requested in advance)
Homemade potato salad and cole slaw
Fresh watermelon for dessert
Sodas, coffee, tea
No liquor or beer will be served
1:00 pm — Meeting
3:00 pm — Presentation
Donner History Along the Lincoln Highway
Reservations
This meeting will be popular, so reserve your spot as soon as possible. Please mail the following information:
Names of each participant in your party
Mailing address
Phone number
Email address
Whether you want a veggie burger instead of a hamburger
A check payable to Lincoln Highway California Chapter, in the amount of $35 for each participant in your party
Mail info and checks postmarked by June 14, 2019 to:
Lincoln Highway California Chapter 1136 Capri Drive Campbell, CA 95008-6007
Rainbow Lodge History by the Donner Summit Historical Society
Rainbow Tavern, as it was then known, was built in 1927 by Herstle Jones who also built Nyack Lodge. He was the brother of Oscar Jones who built the Soda Springs Hotel. Rainbow Lodge served as a way stop for summer travelers over the Sierra Nevada mountains offering meals, rooms, and cabins as well as a trout farm. Visitors could catch their fish and have the dining hall prepare them for supper. Once Old Highway 40 (the Lincoln Highway) was plowed in the winter, Rainbow Tavern became a winter destination and way station as well. A rope tow was built out back and skiers were welcomed. Later, skiers who were more adventurous were taken up to the Sugar Bowl ski area. There were also two gas stations located at the Rainbow Tavern for needy travelers.
A video covering the highlights of the 2018 Lincoln Highway Conference in Iselin, New Jersey is now up on YouTube, courtesy of Prairie Rivers of Iowa. The video contains footage of various talks, banquets, and tours.
Ernie Schirmer’s talk on early 20th Century road construction is available as a separate video.
Lunch at 12:00 noon Meeting at 1:00 pm Open to the public
Agenda:
Officer & committee reports
Updates: website, 2019 Military Convoy Tour, LH signs and markers, White Rock Road, Truckee, 2019 Conference, Stone Arch Bridge, Clear Creek, LH California Brochure
Rochelle, Illinois hosts the 21st annual Lincoln Highway Heritage Festival this summer, from August 17–19. The festival will feature musical performances, carnival rides, raffles, food court, beer garden, pancake breakfasts, car show, parade, local crafts and shops, and kids’ zone.
Updates: website, speakers, LH signs and markers, LH California Brochure, 2019 Military Convoy Tour update, Altamont Summit Garage Clean-Up, 11th Street Bridge Tracy
Rochelle, Illinois hosts the 21st annual