As part of our Empire Mine excursion, we opted to tour the
Bourn Cottage. The owner of the mines, William Bourn, Jr., had this "cottage" built near the mine and lived both here and at his home in San Francisco. As part of the tour, actors play the parts of the principal characters, including
Sarah Kidder (
first female railroad president in the world), who was often at the cottage. The formal gardens are breathtaking, even in the fall - they must be spectacular in the spring and summer! This mansion was so close to the mine that special diamond-shaped windowpanes and heavy leather curtains were used to help soften the deafening sound of the stamp mills crushing the rock. Mrs. Bourn was happy to spend time here because electricity was installed in the house (from the mine) long before it arrived in San Francisco. The period costumes and actors made the tour of this house something special!
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| The Bourn Cottage (more like a mansion....). |
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| Reflecting pool - once a swimming pool. |
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| The water in the fountains was dyed a pretty shade of blue. |
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| The menfolk with Sarah Kidder - watch it guys, she's packin' heat! |
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| Bubba is stitting on the biggest wisteria vine we ever saw.... |
