Donner Party survivor experiences to be shared with Carson City Leisure Hour Club
The Carson City Leisure Hour Club continues its 127th year with a living history presentation of "Those That Survived" at their monthly dinner meeting on Thursday, Jan. 25 at the Plaza Event Center.
Regional authors and Chautauqua presenters David and Gayle Woodruff assume the characters of Donner Party organizer and survivors, James and Margret Reed. They will recount the gripping tale of the courageous and heroic efforts of themselves and others, who saved the lives of 45 of the 81 destitute soles, who were trapped by severe, early season snowstorms in the Sierra Nevada during the winter of 1846-47.
David and Gayle Woodruff have lived in the Lake Tahoe and Eastern Sierra area for most of their lives. They are the authors of eight books on Eastern Sierra history, including the popular Tales Along El Camino Sierra series, and are also presenters of a variety of local history programs. When not researching or writing, you’ll probably find them out hiking in their beloved Sierra Nevada Mountains.
The Leisure Hour Club, established in September of 1896, is Carson City’s oldest continuously meeting social organization. The organization is focused on its goal of promoting knowledge on important issues, science, music and literature. Its motto of "Let knowledge grow from more to more" comes from Tennyson’s poem In Memoriam.
Information for individuals interested in joining can be obtained by contacting the club at 775-302-8820 or email: lhcreservations@gmail.com. Dinner meeting reservations are required and must be made by 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 21.