How the States Got Their Shapes......"culture clash"

Well, the episode of History Channel's "How the States Got Their Shapes" featuring the State of Jefferson premiered this week. The episode was titled "Culture Clash" and the State of Jefferson was the first topic included in the programming.

It was fun being a part of the episode, although most of our interview ended up, no doubt, on the cutting room floor! Those of us in Yreka waiting for our "turn" didn't get a chance to meet Brian Unger, the host. He was sick with laryngitis so he couldn't conduct the interviews and between the rain and a series of other issues, we were lucky to have the episode even make it to the air! Michelle Fain, who edits and publishes JEFFERSON BACKROADS and Claudia East, author of the Arcadia book on Yreka, were also featured in the interviews.

If I have a negative comment to make, it would be that they didn't spend enough time on the PRESENT State of Jefferson and what is going on these days to promote the concept. They kept it much more focused on the historical events of 1941. But most people probably don't realize that people here in the far reaches of California and southern Oregon really DO favor the establishment of a new state!

I've included the link to hulu.com where the full episode of "Culture Clash"/"How the States Got Their Shapes" can be found.

About History Channel's "How the States Got Their Shapes"

Earlier this spring I had the opportunity to participate in some interviews with the production company, Half Yard Productions, in their survey of The State of Jefferson, for the History Channel's series "How the States Got Their Shapes!"

It was a rainy day and we spent more time waiting for things to happen than seeing things happen. But it was an adventure and certainly time well spent. The episode featuring The State of Jefferson is scheduled to run this month (July).....have heard that some people have seen clips of the upcoming show. That means it must be coming up soon.

As to the State of Jefferson, however, it's interesting to note the growing interest in this region.

There have been more and more people logging on to check it out, asking questions, researching its history. And there is a growing group of people who, locally, are seeking to move the question of the State of Jefferson to more than a question -- they are seeking to get the concept on the ballot, or at least into the public's eye!! We'll have to wait and see what happens.

In another interview, conducted by Serena Travis at Good Morning Scott Valley, I was again asked about the notion of the State of Jefferson. It seems to be a topic of interest to more and more locals as well as out-of-towners. For more check out www.goodmorningscottvalley.com.

A Featured Recipe from HISTORIC INNS & EATERIES

I thought I'd share with you all one of the recipes that we've included in our newest State of Jefferson book, HISTORIC INNS & EATERIES IN THE STATE OF JEFFERSON, coauthored with Bernita L. Tickner. The recipe is for Stilton Cheese and Onion Soup!

This book was an adventure that took over a year, all the while, gathering photos, history, and then, RECIPES! The recipe came to us courtesy of The Winchester Inn, in Ashland, Oregon.

Originally a hospital, the inn is now a delightful addition to the many B & Bs featured in Ashland. For more about the Winchester, check out our new book. It features 30 locations from all over the "great" State of Jefferson (that includes northern CA and southern OR), including photos and regional and specific history.

I'm also including two photos, courtesy The Winchester: how it appeared as a hospital and how it looks now.

The Winchester

Inn, Restaurant &Wine Bar

Stilton Cheese and Onion Soup

Ingredients

¼ lb of butter

1 cup flour

2 onions julienne,

1 bunch leeks, chopped and washed

2 bottles Hefeweisen beer

3 cups chicken stock

1 pint heavy cream

1 cup Stilton cheese, crumbled

Salt and pepper to taste

Melt butter and whisk in flour to make a roux. Stir with a wooden spoon until dark tan in color, stir in beer, reserve mixture.

Cook onion and leeks in 4oz of butter until soft over medium low heat. (approx 15 minutes), add chicken stock and slowly bring to boil, stirring often. Season with salt and pepper whisk in reserved roux, stir in cheese, and then finish with the heavy cream. Season again if needed. Thin with more beer or chicken stock is necessary.

Serves 8

The Christmas Holiday Comes to Fort Jones

Looking for a place to savor a Christmas Holiday Parade?

Fort Jones, in the heart of the State of Jefferson, will have its annual Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 11. The parade will wend its way down Main Street, past the Scott Valley Bank, the Hardware Store and Artists' Guild Shop, and the Fort Jones Museum.

It is a great day for kids and adults. In addition to the parade, there will be a craft fair, a pancake breakfast early in the day, and the local shops will be open for business, too. Santa will make an appearance in the parade as will floats, horses, groups on foot, and vintage automobiles. For more on the parade, call 468-5320.

Christmas time in and around the region is one of holiday spirit and community involvement. Local churches have collected shoeboxes for distribution around the world; food baskets have been collected by students and locals, and craft fairs and homemade gifts/local products are available all over.

Bernita Tickner and I have a new book to add to the mix, too: HISTORIC INNS AND EATERIES IN THE STATE OF JEFFERSON. For more information, check my website, gailjenner.com, OR email me at gail@gailjenner.com. The book features 30 locations in northern CA and southern OR as well as a chapter of wonderful recipes from those sites. It is a great gift idea for any Jefferson stater OR anyone who loves to travel the region. There are well over 100 photos, many from private collections, as well as local history.

Until the next time, I wish you a splendid Christmas season!

Published Map of the Proposed State of Jefferson in 1941

I recently purchased this old map clipping that appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle. Stanton Delaplane, a young writer, went on to win the Pulitzer Prize for his series of articles written about the young State of Jefferson "movement." He traveled the area and talked to locals about their lack of voice and their frustrations.

The note on this map reads: "Yreka, California: Here's one for the geography book - the first (and last?) map of the proposed new State of Jefferson carved out of four northern California counties and one southern Oregon county. Lassen County is newcomer offering to bring into the commonwealth the only active volcano in continental United States. In the glare of huge bonfires, boarded and belted miners barricaded Highway 99, dramatically advertising the 'rebellion' of Curry County, Oregon; Del Norte, Siskiyou and Modoc Counties, California, against State governments which will not smooth bumps, grades and curves out of the Happy Camp and Somes Bar road, which could tap huge copper depositis in the area. The road is 150 miles and in good condition would open up exploitation of a mountain of copper 100 miles long, rich timber lands and valuable areas, in the interests of national defense, say the 'seccessionists.'"

A fascinating note that brings more to light on the history of the 1941 State of Jefferson movement that was, of course, 'halted' when Pearl Harbor was bombed.

But the dream has never died! The mythical, magical State of Jefferson still remains.