Ebbetts Pass History Association

Learning about Bear Valley is easy if you take advantage of two great resources:
1) Eric Jung's book on Bear Valley
2) Visit the

Ebbetts Pass Museum in the commercial center (open Fri-Sun)

The museum is chock full of pics of the founding days and founding families. As well you will find all kinds of physical artifacts
from the day.

Some official blurbs from Susi Lewis, a board member of the EPHA:

The Purpose of EPHA...

Collect, preserve, catalogue, and display as appropriate, items of historical interest pertaining to the general region from Ebbetts Pass to Angels Camp along Ca St. Route 4, defined herein as the Ebbetts Pass corridor.
Educate and share information with all interested parties on the history of the Ebbetts Pass corridor.
Collect, assemble and/or publish publications deemed necessary for the preservation of the history of the Ebbetts Pass corridor.
Maintain an organization sufficient in finances and membership to carry out these purposes.
Membership: Any person interested in the history of Ebbetts Pass corridor, may apply for membership of any classification described herein and tender the necessary dues to become a member. (See application on our website, or from the Museum)

EPHA : Beginnings

The Ebbetts Pass Historical Association was established in the summer of 2003, by a handful of Bear Valley residents, following many discussions of earnest that we should start something to preserve history of our area and make it available to the public. Our goal at the beginning was not only to capture memories of the High Sierra Hwy 4, but also to gather and preserve the history along the Hwy 4 corridor from Arnold up to the summit. The association became a non-profit incorporation in 2004, with a budding membership of 85 that grew to over 130 in 2005, and over 170 in 2006. Each renewal year brings in a few more members, as well as folks just wanting to donate one time as they pass through. The museum, programs and archiving efforts all come from membership support. Volunteers work to keep the museum/office open regular hours as well as work on the cataloging and archiving projects.

The museum located in the Commercial Center of the Bear Valley Lodge, has a large window display toward the hallway, as well as many photos and artifacts within. Our goal remains to record history and memories for future generations. Many memories of ‘camps’ and developments along the corridor are continually being lost. Only a few are working on gathering information and relics. This is a huge task to turn items of interest into archival form, as well as reproduce for display. We have many items to sort and document as well as preserve in an archival form. Any contributions in time, funds, or expertise are welcome.

Orvis/Schimke Bench History

Many folks simply just donate without being a member, especially to special funds like the Commemorative Bench that was created and dedicated in the honor of Bruce Orvis and Harry Schimke. This bench has its own history: a huge slab of redwood was donated by Johan Hultin a few years back, and local construction workers hauled it down to the community lot next to the Library, under the guidance of Board Director Phil Davis. This same ‘crew’ arranged large boulders in a semi-circle at the front to protect the bench from snow plowing. It sat there for a few months, waiting for International Wood Carver, Keith Gall of Australia to get a visa before winter storms. He did come October 2005, and did a beautiful job on the creation of a long seat with animal carvings at each end. An informal Dedication was held in August 2006, with Bruce and Roma Orvis, Johan and Eileen Hultin, and members of the Schimke family in attendance as well as many of the folks who donated to the cause.

The History of EPHA...

Organized in 2004, EPHA seeks to increase awareness of the history and myriad peoples that have shaped the area. The association has produced three summer and two winter programs serving to both educate the public and honor groups and individuals who have impacted the region. An original effort was made to become a Bear Valley subsidiary of the Alpine County Historical Association, which has an active nucleus on the eastern slope and excellent museum and staff. That plan did not materialize , so the founding members decided to create their own association.

The Ebbetts Pass Historical Association is the result, an organization which includes not only Bear Valley, but the entire Highway 4 corridor from Arnold to the summit. Concentrating on Ebbetts Pass history and its developments, EPHA includes efforts to preserve historic “stops” with names both recognizable and less known including Hermit Valley, Tamarack, Sky High Ranch, Sherman Acres, Gann’s Meadows, Dorrington, Camp Connell, Bear Valley and many more areas no longer on the map.

The beginning of BV - as we now know it- was started by developer/rancher Bruce Orvis back in the 60’s. He has spoken at our programs and this summer 2006, was honored by EPHA along with the late Harry Schimke for making their ski area dreams come true for generations to enjoy. A hand-carved redwood bench in their honor, between the Library and Perry Walther building, was dedicated this summer. A small museum has been established in the Bear Valley Commercial Center.

The museum has pictures and artifacts on display as well as housing archives ready to catalogue. The museum computer has a museum type database to track memberships, donations, and has cataloguing and archiving capabilities. We would like to thank Joel Barnett of Bear Valley Real Estate for his sponsorship of EPHA in providing the first year’s rent as well as TBH for continuing to nurture our endeavor by offering a reasonable rate.

PROJECTS:

Next summer, there will be a General Membership meeting for all to express their hopes and ideas. An election of officers will take place at the General Meeting, or via the Spring/Summer newsletter. Anyone interested in being on the Board needs to send a letter of interest before March 1, for inclusion in the Spring newsletter and the nominating committee.~ A website and email for EPHA is currently in the works, thanks to Merri Donovan of BV Ski Co, who has taken it on as a class project in web design. ~The old original Bear Paw sign is being restored and will once again hang in town as an EPHA project. ~The Toll Station plaque missing from the rock on the frontage road is still an elusive item. We are working on locating it. ~As always, copying picture and preserving items are an ongoing task. ~Our membership is growing and we hope you all renew to keep us in business.. If you joined at the $40 Family level, and did not receive the Wintersports DVD, contact the museum for your copy. Also, extra copies can be purchased for a $20. donation.