By Shelby Danley
Members of the Cal Vada History Foundation spent a few hours on Monday morning preparing and tidying up the historic Louieville buildings at the Modoc County Fairgrounds! Every year, these buildings are opened up to the public for viewing during the County Fair; a tradition that’s been happening for years now.
Louieville was originally started by Cal Vada member Candy Maiden’s uncle, Louie Vermillion. He was a rotary member in Surprise Valley, delivered propane all over and happened to also be extremely fascinated by the history of the valley! He was fond of the old buildings he would come across on deliveries, and would coordinate with the owners and Fair Board to have them transferred to what we know as the Louieville site as sort of a “historic collection” for the community. Some of the buildings on the site are over 100 years old, the newest being the church which includes all of the original pews. The Saloon building was the Owl Creek School, the Slaughterhouse building was the actual slaughterhouse from Fort Bidwell and some were cabins.
For the past 3 years the Cal Vada group has worked hard to maintain the sites and vintage wagons to keep them open for the community’s enjoyment! The Cal Vada Historic Foundation is a newer group to Surprise Valley dedicated to maintaining the history of the valley and also Northern Nevada. They are able to do so through local time and financial donations wherever possible, as well as grants. “We love this history and we want to keep it alive and share the wonderful past with everyone” said Candy Maidens, “people can stop by the museum as well, we’re open until September & close for the winter. Any research we can help with or knowledge needed we would love to help”.
As the Modoc County Fair begins next week, the dedication of the Cal Vada History Foundation shines through in their meticulous care of Louieville, as these historic buildings offer a real connection to the rich past of Surprise Valley and beyond.
