A TALE OF GOLD & LORE: THE RAMSHACKLE MINING COMMUNITY OF FRENCH GULCH.

Filmed on location.

On this episode of Exploring Shasta County history, we examine the origins and history of a ramshackle 1849 gold mining community in northern California called French Gulch. We explore the area and townsite and get an exclusive look inside an 1800s residential building which is still standing in town, featuring Eric Hall.

RESOURCES:

1852 California State Census

French Gulch - The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, March 12, 1853

From French Gulch - The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, March 26, 1853

French Gulch - The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, April 16, 1853

From French Gulch - The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, April 23, 1853

From French Gulch - The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, May 14, 1853

A Rich Lead - Shasta Quartz - The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, July 23, 1853

Mining On French Gulch - The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, July 30, 1853

Salmon On Clear Creek - The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, July 30, 1853

The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, September 3, 1853

The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, October 30, 1853

Big Licks - The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, November 19, 1853

Dissolution - The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, November 26, 1853

District Court for the 9th Judicial District - Shasta County, December 3, 1853

Tricks Of A Grizzly - The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, December 17, 1853

Mining News - The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, May 6, 1854

Election of Board of Directors for the Washington Quartz Company - The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, February 17, 1855

Another Horrible Murder - The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, April 7, 1855

Bishop Alamanni - The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, June 9, 1855

Sheriff's Sale - The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, June 9, 1855

Congregation of French Gulch Church - The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, June 30, 1855

Attempted Assassination - The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, June 30, 1855

District Court - The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, June 30, 1855

The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, August 28, 1858

Notice - The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, September 4, 1858

Board Of Supervisors - The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, September 11, 1858

Dissolution - The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, July 27, 1861

Brill's Saloon (advertisement) - The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, August 29, 1863

Officers of the Western Star Division, No. 88, S., of T., French Gulch (notice) – The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, December 10, 1864

French Gulch Mining District - The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, July 15, 1865

Letter From French Gulch - The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, July 29, 1865

Honeycomb - The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, November 4, 1865

French Gulch - The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, December 5, 1869

A Letter From French Gulch - The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, February 12, 1870

I.O.G.T. - The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, August 27, 1870

French Gulch Mining District - The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, December 20, 1884

Gone To His Rest - The Republican Free Press newspaper of Shasta, January 8, 1887

French Gulch - The Free Press newspaper of Redding, June 22, 1895

A Shasta County Bullion Producer Re-Opened - The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, July 1, 1899

Mines Booming In French Gulch District - The Courier-Free Press newspaper of Redding, July 10, 1906

John Syme Dies In French Gulch written - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, February 19, 1907

Invitation For Bids - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, May 21, 1907

French Gulch Has A New Teacher - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, January 31, 1908

One Italian Murdered and Another Fatally Wounded - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, April 2, 1909

Ed King of French Gulch Dies at Bay - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, September 21, 1909

Rich Ore in Milkmaid - The Morning Union newspaper of Grass Valley, May 8, 1912

Odd Fellows To Dedicate New Hall - The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, November 21, 1913

William Franck Sells Interest to Volney Fox - The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, November 21, 1913

Second Oldest Mining Town In Shasta County Has Lure written by Hamilton L. Hintz  - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, December 28, 1929

French Gulch - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, January 12, 1937

My Playhouse Was A Concord Coach, an anthology of newspaper clippings and documents relating to those who made California history during the years 1822-1888, by Mae Hélène Bacon Boggs. Published by Howell-North Press ©1942

Dredges Bring Activities to French Gulch written by Earle B. Luby - The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, March 6, 1947

Shasta County, California A History by Rosena Giles, published by Biobooks, ©1949.

French Gulch Road Planned - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, March 22, 1949

French Gulch Opens Library - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, March 2, 1950

Early Miners Gave French Gulch Name - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, June 10, 1950

$9,000 Fire Menaces French Gulch - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, April 13, 1955

French Gulch IOOF Lodge Marks 100th Anniversary - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, July 18, 1958

You’ll Find 3-Foot Walls, Old Mines, Roses and Memories in French Gulch - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, August 20, 1960 (Van Ness Home pic)

Flames Destroy Historic House in French Gulch - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, February 17, 1961

Town Has Pioneer Store written by William Asbury - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, June 4, 1965

Place Names of Shasta County by Gertrude A. Steger revision by Helen Hinckley Jones, ©1966 by La Siesta Press, Glendale, California

Sleepy Church Awakens written by Jane Borgen - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, July 19, 1966

Notice of Sale of Old French Gulch School - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, February 20, 1967

French Gulch Theater Guild Organizes; Elect Officers - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, July 22, 1967

French Gulch May Get A Theater - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, May 10, 1967

Old Fashioned Soda Fountain Opens - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, May 25, 1968

French Gulch Day to be Urged - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, September 9, 1968

Five Partners Take Over Old French Gulch Hotel - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, September 5, 1969

French Gulch's Historic Hotel Still Going Strong written by Marc Beauchamp - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, May 15, 1970

Area Offers Concerts, Theater written by Mike Harris - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, August 21, 1970

U.S., Appointments of U.S. Postmasters, 1832-1971

Oil Stove Caused French Gulch Fire - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, January 18, 1973

Balma To Run Mail To French Gulch - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, September 13, 1973

French Gulch: the Aura of the Old Days is Still With Her - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, September 19, 1973

Take a Walk Down French Gulch’s Main Street - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, September 20, 1973

Mines and Mineral Resources of Shasta County, California – County Report 6 – by Philip A. Lydon and J.C. O’ Brien ©1974 by California Division of Mines and Geology

French Gulch Bands Together During Rampaging Flood - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, January 17, 1974

Old Mining Town of French Gulch Undergoing Changes - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, April 29, 1975

Old Church Greets French Gulch Visitors written by Kathy Beasley - The Record Searchiight newspaper of Redding, August 18, 1977

Between The Lines the Catholic Church in Shasta County, California, 1853-1977, compiled by Veronica Satorius ©1978 Published by Graphic Arts Center, Portland, Oregon. Pages: 414

French Gulch: A Town That Refused to Die written by Dave Waddell - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, August 12, 1981

Life Takes its Sweet Time in Scenic French Gulch written by Jon Lewis - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, August 9, 1995

Glory Days Gone, But French Gulch Still Attracts written by Kennedy Smith - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, August 14, 1996

Church Blaze Saddens Town written by Anne Hart  - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, November 2, 1998

French Gulch Historical Marker in French Gulch

Jail Term Given In Church Arson written by Kimberly Bolander - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, August 28, 1999

Anniversary of Arson Brings Hope for Rebirth written by Jim Schultz, November 19, 1999

Trial Is Delayed for Arson Suspect - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, January 8, 2000

Arson Defendant Set to Plead Monday - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, March 25, 2000

Man Pleads No Contest in Fire written by Maline Hazle - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, March 28, 2000

Wind Fans Blaze Near Community written by Gigi Sanchez - The Record Searchlight newspaper of August 10, 2001

Branch on Power Line Caused Blaze written by Gigi Sanchez - The Record Searchlight newspaper of August 11, 2001

A Celebrated Producer of Gold: the Washington Mine by Jeremy Tuggle - The  Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, November 11, 2016

A California Historical Landmark: Battle Creek Bridge.

Filmed on location: December 27, 2025. 

Battle Creek marks the county line for Shasta and Tehama Counties in northern California. Come learn about this bridge which spans two counties and was built in 1911. It is owned by Shasta County and Tehama County, California.

RESOURCES: 

Biggest Power Ditch Is on Battle Creek - The Daily People’s Cause newspaper of Red Bluff, September 4, 1911

Battle Creek Bridge Falls into Stream - Loss $15,000 - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, September 5, 1911

Battle Creek Bridge to Cost About $8,000 - The Daily People’s Cause newspaper of Red Bluff, September 8, 1911

The Battle Creek Bridge Is Needed - The Red Bluff News newspaper of Red Bluff, September 15, 1911

Lift Bridge Now Belongs to County - The Daily People’s Cause newspaper of Red Bluff, September 19, 1911

Contract Let for Battle Creek Span - The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, September 22, 1911

Go to Battle Creek Bridge - The Daily People’s Cause Cause newspaper of Red Bluff, October 20, 1911

Battle Creek Bridge Accepted by the Board - The Daily People’s Cause newspaper of Red Bluff, November 27, 1911

First Labeled as a Townsite Which Dwindled into a Subdivision Called Santa Claus.

Filmed on location.

Perhaps you live in the present-day subdivision of Santa Claus, but don't know the history of the area and that is why your checking out this episode of Exploring Shasta County History, or perhaps you have a real interest in our local history, whatever the case may be this subdivision was originally laid out as a town site located just off of the old Buckeye Road (now Lake Boulevard). It came to fruition at the hands of Frederick A. Carmona and Orr M. Chenoweth, local Redding residents who had dreams of establishing a town site in the 1930s. Come learn about the history of Santa Claus, first labeled as a townsite which dwindled into a subdivision. It's my Christmas episode you don't want to miss as we're approaching the holiday season. Like, share, and comment on the video as well.

The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, February 25, 1938

The Sacramento Bee newspaper of Sacramento, June 8, 1938

Big Time in Boomtown - The San Francisco Chronical newspaper of San Francisco, July 1, 1938

Motoring Trip Reveals Scenes Near Shasta Dam - The Sacramento Bee newspaper of Sacramento, August 10, 1938 

A Melting Appeal - The San Francisco Chronicle newspaper of San Francisco, August 20, 1938

Deed Book 5, Page 32, Recording Date: September 13, 1938. Document No: 05-032 Grantor: Santa Claus Subdivision Unit No. 1, 2 pages.

Declaration of Tract Registrations for Santa Claus Subdivision Unit No. 1 Shasta County, California. By Fred A. Carmona and Orr M. Chenoweth. R. 3611, dated: September 13, 1938, pages 136-170 on file at the Shasta County Recorder's Office in Redding, California.

Santa - The San Francisco News newspaper of San Francisco, November 2, 1938

Chamber Heads Hear Protest on Buckeye Road - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, October 26, 1938

City Lots - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, January 8, 1939

More Squatters Get Notices to Move from D.A. - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, April 15, 1939

The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, June 20, 1939

Farm-City Road for Dam Area to Be Discussed -The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, June 27, 1939

Special Announcement Santa Claus Subdivision - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, October 17, 1939

The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, October 20, 1939

The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, November 5, 1939

The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, March 27, 1940

Two Blazes Caught - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, June 12, 1941

Couple Married in Santa Claus - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, November 16, 1941

Legal Notice - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, February 25, 1943

Fire Burns Brush in Santa Claus Area - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, July 30, 1943

The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, January 19, 1945

The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, November 6, 1945

County Records - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, April 1, 1948

Found in Cabin - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, February 28, 1949

The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, June 4, 1949

Chamber Committee Examines New Pipe, Santa Claus - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, November 16, 1954

Four-Lane Road Provision Urged - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, May 10, 1955

Planners to Consider Subdivision - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, May 12, 1955

Sewage Problems May Slow Projects - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, May 13, 1955 

Yes, Burton, There Is a Santa Claus Town - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, January 1, 1959

The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, December 7, 1963

Legal Notice - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, January 10, 1964

Redding Realty advertisement - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, April 6, 1964

The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, October 6, 1965

The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, October 8, 1965

Fred A. Carmona Appliance Store Founder, Dies - The Redding Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, December 17, 1970

Orr M. Chenoweth, 60-Year Redding Attorney Dies - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, December 28, 1970

RAISING CANE'S REDDING, CALIFORNIA RESTAURANT GRAND OPENING, 12-4-2025. FEATURING ASHLEY PARKER ANGEL OF O-TOWN.

Raising Cane's Grand Opening Celebration featuring Ashley Parker Angel of O-Town the famous boy band group of the early 2000's, renowned actor, singer and songwriter. That's right he made an appearance in his hometown today for the grand opening of this fast-food restaurant. I was there on the scene and got to hang out with him for a bit. Check it out here..

Before Coleman National Fish Hatchery Existed.

Before Coleman National Fish Hatchery existed who held title to this land? How was it obtained by the former owner? Who built the large country style barn at the entrance to the present-day fish hatchery, what happens on this site today? Find out more in my newest video from Exploring Shasta County History.

Filmed on location.

Resources: 

1850 U.S. Census 

Supervisors Notice - The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, February 9, 1856

The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, July 16, 1859

Births - The Appeal-Democrat newspaper of Marysville, August 17, 1859 

The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, October 13, 1860

1860 U.S. Census 

Births - The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, September 10, 1864 

Births - The Sacramento Bee newspaper of Sacramento, September 13, 1864

1866, California U.S. Voter Register 

Pre-Emptions Approved - The Marysville Daily Appeal newspaper of Marysville, June 19, 1866

Land Patents - The Marysville Daily Appeal newspaper of Marysville, September 22, 1866

The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, August 4, 1866

J. Winsel in the Pacific Coast Directory, 1867

Battle Creek - The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, June 8, 1867

The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, July 11, 1868

The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, May 8, 1869

Mulberry - The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, July 31, 1869

1870 U.S. Census 

Board of Supervisors - February Term - The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, February 12, 1870

The Shasta Courier newspapers newspaper of Shasta, February 12, 1870

Born - The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, February 19, 1870

Encounter With Grizzlies - The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, November 25, 1871

Equalization - The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, July 27, 1872

1880 U.S. Census

The Republican Free Press newspaper of Redding, April 28, 1883

Subscribers - The Republican Free Press newspaper of Redding, May 5, 1883

The Republican Free Press newspaper of Redding, June 30, 1883

The Republican Free Press newspaper of Redding, July 14, 1883

The Republican Free Press newspaper of Redding, September 1, 1883

The Republican Free Press newspaper of Redding, September 5, 1885

The Republican Free Press newspaper of Redding, September 12, 1885

Shasta County at the Fair - The Republican Free Press newspaper of Redding, June 26, 1886

The Republican Free Press newspaper of Redding, December 18, 1886

The Republican Free Press newspaper of Redding, February 18, 1888

The Republican Free Press newspaper of Redding, June 23, 1888

The Republican Free Press newspaper of Redding, October 27, 1888

The Republican Free Press newspaper of Redding, October 19, 1889

The Republican Free Press newspaper of Redding, December 28, 1889

The Republican Free Press newspaper of Redding, October 21, 1893

Death of Mrs. Winsell - The Free Press newspaper of Redding, December 30, 1893

1900 U.S. Census

Sudden Death of Mrs. H.W. Brooks - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, March 5, 1901

An Old Citizen Very Ill - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, November 9, 1906, October 22, 1901

The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, July 21, 1903

Mrs. Thatcher Died Tuesday - The Courier-Free Press newspaper Redding, August 15, 1905

Another Pioneer Gone To His Rest - The Searchlight newspaper of California, November 10, 1906

Pioneer Passes To His Rest - The Courier-Free Press newspaper of Redding, November 10, 1906

An Old-Timer Is Dead - The Sacramento Daily Union newspaper of Sacramento, November 11, 1906

Funeral of Dr. Winsell - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, November 12, 1906

California Death Index 1905-1939; James Fletcher Winsell (1825-1906)

Mrs. Winsell Is Called Beyond - The Courier-Free Press newspaper of Redding, July 28, 1917

George Winsell Dies After Long Illness - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, June 10, 1924

George A. Winsell Answers Final Call - The Courier-Free Press newspaper of Redding, June 10, 1924

Mrs. L. Ed Baker’s Suffering Ended - The Courier -Free Press newspaper of Redding, December 18, 1925

Directory of Deceased American Doctors (1804-1929)

Trails of 49’ In Shasta - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, February 26, 1930

The Courier-Free Press newspaper of Redding, February 28, 1930

Fact Or Fiction? - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, April 2, 1930

Death Claims Mrs. Shanahan - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, May 17, 1943

Former County Resident Dies - The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, March 29, 1945

Highlights of Early Masonry In Shasta County Are Told written by Rosena A. Giles, The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, May 13, 1948

Echoes From the Past written by Rosena A. Giles, The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, July 19, 1951

Ella Winsell - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, July 18, 1960

Coleman Fish Hatchery Keeps Salmon, Steelhead Thriving - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, January 16, 2011

REDDING’S (OLD) SWIMMING HOLE’S.

Filmed on location.

Where was the first swimming hole located in Redding, California, what was it called, and how long did it last? What came after it? Are there still relics one could see at these places which gives us a glimpse into the past? When was the first regatta held in Redding and what was its predecessor? Find out in my newest video to date from Exploring Shasta County History, titled “Redding’s (Old) Swimming Holes”. It’s a history you’ll want to dive into…

 

RESOURCES: 

Fatal Accident - The Republican Free Press newspaper of Redding, July 15, 1893

The Republican Free Press newspaper of Redding, July 18, 1896

The Swimming Season - The Free Press newspaper of Redding, 

Pleasure Resort - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, May 6, 1903

Nearly Broke Arm While Swimming - The Free Press newspaper of Redding, August 1, 1905

Wheel Ditch Leased - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, October 11, 1905

City Trustees Are After A Water Cube - The Free Press newspaper of Redding, January 17, 1906

Cants Mixed Up With Big Wheel - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, July 21, 1906

The Courier-Free Press newspaper of Redding, August 19, 1907

Perished While Swimming But Did Not Drown - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, July 20, 1915

Permission To Tunnel Under the City - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, March 7, 1916

Condemnation Suit - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, May 9, 1916

Compromise Affected - The Courier-Free Press newspaper of Redding, May 22, 1916

The Courier-Free Press newspaper of Redding, May 31, 1916

The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, June 2, 1916

Anderson-Cottonwood Diverting Dam Started - The Chico Record newspaper of Chico, August 4, 1916

Redding Is Missing Bet By Not Having A Swimming Resort - The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, June 13, 1919

Thanksgiving Bath Planned By Lovers of Swimming Hole - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, November 25, 1919

The Water Will Be Fine, They All Say - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, January 20, 1923

All Set Ready to Go to the River - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, January 20, 1923

Redding Will Hold Water Carnival In Old Swimming Hole - The Courie-Free Press newspaper of Redding, May 22, 1923

The Courier-Free Press newspaper of Redding, August 1, 1923

See the Committee - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, August 7, 1923

Swimming Resort Is Popular Place - The Courier-Free Press newspaper of Redding, September 4, 1923

Moving Roadway at Swimming Resort Will Make Place for Construction of Grandstand - The Courier-Free Press newspaper of Redding, April 12, 1924

Weather Ideal for Huge Chamber of Commerce Benefit Dance at River - The Courier-Free Press newspaper of Redding, April 30, 1924

At the Swimming Hole - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, May 22, 1924

Redding to Have Great Water Carnival - The Courier-Free Press newspaper of Redding, July 2, 1924

Sciots Will Stage Gigantic Attraction On Aug., 30, 31, Sept., 1 - The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, July 3, 1924

Redding's Dream of a Water Carnival on the River Will be Stage by Sciots - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, July 3, 1924

Sciots Boots Water Sports - The Courier-Free Press newspaper of Redding, July 8, 1924

Sciots Offer $1,800 In Great Water Carnival Queen Contest Prizes - The Courier-Free Press newspaper of Redding, July 9, 1924

Golf and Trap Shooting Will Be Among Sports at Carnival - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, July 12, 1924

Sciot Cameraman Will Photograph Community Resort This Afternoon - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, July 13, 1924

Big Crows Turn Out at River for Pictures for Water Carnival - The Courier-Free Press newspaper of Redding, July 14, 1924

Sciots Set New Social Mark While Entertaining Guess of the Valley - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, August 1, 1924

Our Swimming Hole - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, August 7, 1924

The Courier-Free Press newspaper of Redding, August 16, 1924

Carnival Water Sports Show Wealth of Local Material - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, September 2, 1924

Sciot Water Carnival Ends - An Aquatic, Fun  and Financial Success - The Courier-Free Press newspaper of Redding, September 4, 1924

Chamber Donates $500 for Swimming Resort - The Courier-Free Press newspaper of Redding, April 22, 1925

Redding’s Water Carnival Brings Statewide Recognition to Resort, The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, April 1925

Water Carnival Has Cash Balance of $2,000 as Nest Egg for Next Year - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, August 4, 1925

City Trustees Vote to Hire Woman Supervisor and Lifeguard at Swimming Resort - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, June 30, 1925 

Swimming Resort Will Be Same of Regular Sunday Sports Program - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, July 4, 1925

The Courier-Free Press newspaper of Redding, July 18, 1925

Big Crowd at Swimming Hole Meet - The Courier-Free Press newspaper of Redding, July 20, 1925

Swimmers Slow to Enter the Big Water Carnival - The Courier-Free Press newspaper of Redding, July 24, 1925

Water Carnival Queen Contest Closes Next Thursday at 6 O' Clock - The Courier-Free Press newspaper of Redding, July 25, 1925

The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, July 29, 1925

Five Girls from Bay Clubs Will Swim at Carnival - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, July 30, 1925

Greatest of All Water Carnivals and Pageants Opens in a Blaze of Glory - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, August 2, 1925

Water Carnival Hits High Spot for Crowds - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, August 2, 1925

Red Bluff Liked Water Carnival - The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, August 5, 1925

Water Carnival Is Praised by Smith - The Courier-Free Press newspaper of Redding, August 5, 1925

$1,000 Water Carnival Profit Anticipated by Chamber of Commerce - The Courier-Free Press newspaper of Redding, August 5, 1925

Official of Amateur Athletic Union High in His Praise for Redding's Water Carnival - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, August 8, 1925

Water Carnival Pleases Sport Executive - The Courier-Free Newspaper of Redding, August 8, 1925

Redding's Water Carnival Fame Hits New York City - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, September 3, 1925

Water Carnival Loss Approximately $250 - The Courier-Free Press newspaper of Redding, December 2, 1925

Chamber of Commerce Gets Busy on New Highway Route - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, December 3, 1925

Women's National Championship to Be Carnival Success - The Courier-Free Press newspaper of Redding, April 28, 1926

Chamber Votes to Hold Annual Water Carnival - The Courier-Free Press newspaper of Redding, May 5, 1926

Water Carnival Will Be Sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, May 6, 1926

Chamber of Commerce Refuses to Sponsor 1926 Water Carnival - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, June 14, 1926

Redding In the Swim - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, July 20, 1926

Redding Water Frolic Draws Hundreds; Fireworks Feature - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, July 25, 1926

Fifteen Saved by Guards at River Resort - The Courier-Free Press newspaper of Redding, September 4, 1926

Water Carnival Gets Worldwide Publicity - The Courier-Free Press newspaper of Redding, December 16, 1926

Water Carnival Will be Staged by the Firemen - The Courier-Free Press newspaper of Redding, February 3, 1927

Highwater Damaged Children's Den at Swimming Resort - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, May 14, 1927

Automobile and Two Occupants Plunge into River - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, June 14, 1927

Large Crowd Attends Pre-Carnaval Frolic at the River Resort - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, July 19, 1927

Preparations Made for Swim Season in Redding; Dressing Rooms Plan Studied - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, May 20, 1930

Around the Town - The Courier-Free Press newspaper of Redding, July 1, 1930

Chamber Wants City to Buy Benton Land for Swimmin' Hole - The Courier-Free Press newspaper of Redding, August 6, 1930

New Raft for Lake Redding Swim Resort - The Courier-Free Press newspaper of Redding, August 9, 1930

New Raft Is Installed in Sacramento River for Redding Swimmers - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, August 10, 1930

Council Buys Tract for Municipal Swim Resort Across River - The Courier-Free Press newspaper of Redding, August 14, 1930

Eleanor Garratti Goes Under Knife - The Courier-Free Press newspaper of Redding, August 28, 1930

Homer Heck Arrested as Being Nuisance at Swimming Beach - The Courier-Free Press newspaper of Redding, August 29, 1930

Spent Night in Jail - The Courier-Free Press newspaper of Redding, August 29, 1930

Swimming Hole to be Improved - The Courier-Free Press newspaper of Redding, May 21, 1930

The Courier-Free Press newspaper of Redding, March 25, 1931

Do You Remember? - The Courier-Free Press newspaper of Redding, April 9, 1931

Harriett Saeltzer Wins Swimming Event - The Courier-Free Press newspaper of Redding, June 13, 1931

Tillotson Says Diestelhorst Does Not Own River Island - The Courier-Free Press newspaper of Redding, April 4, 1933

Redding Water Carnival to be Revived July 15, 16 - The Courier-Free Press newspaper of Redding, May 3, 1933

Regatta Group's Report Submitted to Chamber Board - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, May 4, 1933

Regatta's Swimming Features Announced - The Courier-Free Press newspaper of Redding, June 3, 1933

Swim Plan for Regatta July 15-16, is Complete - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, June 3, 1933

Site for Lake Redding Regatta Leased by Chamber - The Courier-Free Press newspaper of Redding, June 6, 1933

Racers Signed to Enter Events of Redding Regatta - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, July 7, 1933

Superior Judge Ross Supports Regatta Event - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, July 11, 1933

Crowd Thrilled by Spills in Outboard Motor Races of Lake Redding Regatta - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, July 18, 1933

Medals Complete for Regatta Swim Events Saturday - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, July 11, 1933

Carnival Dance Is Feature of Redding Regatta - The Courier-Free Press newspaper of Redding, July 12, 1933

Harry W. Glover Gives Support to Redding Regatta - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, July 15, 1933

Lights, Flags, Cover City for Regatta Today - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, July 15, 1933

$20,000 Is Estimate of Diestelhorst Land Value - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, January 12, 1934

Committee On Lake Redding Regatta Named - The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, March 8, 1934

Fireworks Display Planned for Lake Redding Regatta - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, June 23, 1939

Regatta Banners Wave on Market Street Wednesday - The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, June 27, 1935

Fireworks in Daylight to Mark Regatta - The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, June 27, 1935

Noted Professional Divers to Race in Lake Redding Fete - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, July 10, 1935

Dedication of Swimming Pool Will Mark Opening of 1935 Redding Regatta - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, July 11, 1935

The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, July 13, 1935

The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, July 13, 1935

Swimming Pool Formal Opening Starts Regatta - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, July 14, 1935

Third Annual Lake Redding Regatta Pronounced a Complete Success - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, July 16, 1935

Five National Champions to Compete Here in July Show - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, June 26, 1936

Concrete Stairs At City Resort Caves - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, December 21, 1937

Swimming Resort Repairs to Start - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, February 12, 1938

Work Is Started On Swimming Resort - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, February 23, 1938

Resort Concession Goes to Mrs. Sutton - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, June 1, 1938

Junior Chamber Opens 1939 Regatta Talk - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, July 26, 1938

National Stars to Swim Here - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, June 3, 1939

The Redding Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, July 14, 1939

Completion of Repairs on City’s Swimming Resort at Lake Redding Will Be in Time For 1940 Season - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, May 26, 1940 

Municipal Swimming Resort Ready as Guards on Duty - The Courier-Free Press newspaper of Redding, June 12, 1940

Swimming Starts at Redding Water Resort; Lifeguards Go on Duty - The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, June 13, 1940

The Searchlight newspaper of Redding, July 20, 1941

Lake Redding’s Still Chilly, But the Water’s Getting Warmer - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, August 10, 1944

City Protests Water Too Cold - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, April 10, 1946

The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, June 18, 1946

70 Boat Racers Here Sunday for Lake Redding Ragatta - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, June 2, 1949

City Opens Its $150,000 Pool - The Shasta Courier newspaper of Shasta, June 9, 1949

Outboard Divers Tune Up for Lake Redding Ragatta - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, June 6, 1952

The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, July 28, 1953

Island In River Causes Court Fight written by Judge Albert F. Ross - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, January 2, 1965

The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, September 29, 1965

The Old Swimming Hole Has Shrunk written by Judge Albert F. Ross - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, October 21, 1971

Marion Dimmick Dies at 83 - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, March 4, 1980

Bridge Brings Change to Riverside written by Adrienne Packer - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, June 26, 1996

Snapshot In Time - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, August 11, 2002

KESWICK DAM

Above: this photograph of Keswick Dam was taken by Jervie Henry Eastman in 1946. Source: California State Archives.

The construction of this dam started in 1941 and was completed by the Guy F. Atkinson Company and with the assistance of the W.E. Kier Construction Company, in 1950, as a concrete gravity dam with embankment wings which was built nine miles downstream from Shasta Dam on the Sacramento River. Keswick Dam was one of the many pieces of the Central Valley Project which created an after bay of Lake Shasta, called Keswick Reservoir. It has the capacity of holding 23,800 cubic feet of water and is owned and operated by the Bureau of Reclamation. Height: 157 feet, Length of Crest: 1,046 feet, Spillway Capacity: 250,000 cubic feet.

Keswick Dam Powehouse and Spillway in 1949. Source: California State Archives.

RESOURCES: 

Second Dam Plan - The Record Searchligjt newspaper of Redding, November 2, 1940

Dam, Power Plant Proposed For Keswick - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, January 24, 1941

Keswick Dam Approved By House Group - The Sesrchlight newspaper of Redding, May 2, 1941

Keswick Dam to be Built; Bids Sought - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, June 16, 1941

Keswick Dam Towers Built - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, October 17, 1941

Atkinson & Kier to Begin Pouring Concrete On Keswick Dam Nov 10 - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, October 31, 1941

Keswick Dam Starts; R.R. Work Rushed -  The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, December 31, 1941

Keswick Dam to be 75% Completed - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, January 9, 1943

Work Starts On Two Projects For Completing Keswick Dam - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, April 1, 1949

Keswick Dam Goes Into Full Operation - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, March 31, 1950

Keswick Dam Generator Explodes - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, March 3, 1971

Keswick Gets New Transformer - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, February 24, 1979

Keswick Dam Road Closures Are Scheduled - The Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, September 8, 1979

Water Storage - The Sacramento Bee newspaper of Sacramento, December 31, 1980