We returned to this 158 year old ranch to honor a woman whose bequests will make a huge difference in our community- Shirley Taylor.
As a past volunteer with the Lake Tahoe Historical Society, we were invited to attend a very special presentation. "Miles Celio called to let us know that Shirley’s estate is settled and he is having a small check distribution event at the Ranch. He, Chris, and Tom will also be giving tours. He and Tom will be sharing Shirley’s role in preserving the history of the ranch since many of the recipients of her estate know little or nothing of why she generously gave to their organizations."The ranch was established by Carlos Guiseppi Celio who arrived in Tahoe in 1857, and stayed because it looked like his home in Switzerland. In the late 1880s, C.G. Celio & Sons was formed, covering many aspects of the family agricultural and commercial operations. A sawmill, cattle ranches and a motel at Meyers, near Lake Tahoe, were the cornerstones of the operation.I had the honor of meeting Shirley Taylor (far right) at an Alpine County Historical Society presentation titled, The Celios: A Pioneering Family and I was thoroughly impressed with the history and sweetness of all the Celios I met there. Shirley was C.G.'s great granddaughter (her mom, Hazel Taylor, was a Celio).The afternoon began with Miles explaining Shirley's legacy and sharing some of the family history.Presentations were made with an enormous amount of gratitude.The Lake Tahoe Historical Society was there in full force.We then broke off into groups for touring the historic buildings, but not before I got a photo with the Celio cousins!Our tour began in the barn with Tom.Next stop was the slaughterhouse with Miles.At one point the Celio stake in Lake Tahoe was about 4,000 acres, making them one of the largest landowners. They ran 500 head of beef cattle from Meyers into Meiss, Big and Freel Meadows. During the fall cowboys drove the cattle on horseback to the West Slope of El Dorado County. It was a five-day journey.Our final stop was at Norm & Ann's 1921 cabin, with the history lesson being presented by Chris.It was as if we'd traveled back in time. As Chris stated a few times, "The Celios kept everything!"In yesterday's post, I shared Burton Frasher's postcards. It was a unique surprise to find one on the wall in this old cabin. Somehow, the sentiment "The End of the Trail" seemed too perfect not to make it the last image shared. Though this really isn't the end of the trail for Shirley. The gifts she has given will allow numerous non profits to provide for generations to come. I didn't really know her but I am honored to have been a part of this historic event. Way to be awesome, Shirley! Wow.
posted under |
0 comments:
Post a Comment