[thechat] Donner party

[Shirley Kaiser, SKDesigns]

At 07:12 AM 5/18/2002, you typed:
>At 11:46 AM 5/17/2002 -0700, Shirley wrote:
>
> >2 - California history - the Donner party ended up turning to cannibalism
> >to survive. <http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/donner/>
>
>I've always wanted to go to one of those restaurants where they take your
>name, then call it out when your table is ready - and leave the name,
>"Donner."
>
>I wonder how many people will look around with trepidation when they hear,
>"Donner party - your table is ready!"

Good one, Kath. <chuckle>

Interesting to hear that at least a few people outside of California have
heard of the Donner party. I was born and raised in California and went to
school here, so of course I learned California history in addition to US
history, world history, etc. But I really haven't known what parts of
California history are also common knowledge or taught in other states
beyond things like the Gold Rush and other "major" events that played a
more significant role in shaping the U.S.

I guess I shouldn't be surprised that a true story of hardship and
cannibalism would be a well-traveled story. ;-) There was another story on
PBS this past year that I hadn't before about cannibalism on a ship that
had gotten into trouble, too, and the ship's captain was in a lot of
trouble over it, too.

I also don't live far from Donner Pass where you'll also find the gorgeous
mirror-like Donner Lake and the Donner Party's museum and area where
everything happened. It's less than 2 hours from where I live and close to
Lake Tahoe. It's a very beautiful area in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. I've
stopped at the museum a few times with friends or relatives visiting and
have found it interesting to see. Mostly, though, I just enjoy the
breathtaking scenery and being in the mountains (especially since I live in
the valley below them).

Warmly,
Shirley

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Shirley E. Kaiser, M.A.,  SKDesigns  mailto:skaiser1 at skdesigns.com
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