Throughout his career James Hague, owner of the North Star mine, helped to develop the talents of younger men. When the North Star became a consistently profitable operation, he hired young engineering graduates to come to Grass Valley and develop their talents for gold mining. More post-graduate school then kindergarten, the North Star launched many stellar careers.
On Sunday, March 17, at 1:00 pm, historian Gage McKinney will tell the stories of some of these well-educated young men who had their first professional job in Grass Valley. They honed their engineering and management skills under the tutelage of mine manager Arthur D. Foote, who they universally revered. They displayed their social aplomb and conversational skills at tea with illustrator and writer Mary Foote, who they never forgot.
The young men who McKinney will describe went on to remarkable careers as mine owners, investment bankers and chemical engineers. Their stories help demonstrate why Grass Valley was one of the most exceptional mining settlements in the world, a rural place of surprising sophistication, leaving a cultural legacy enjoyed in Nevada County to this day. And North Star House was at the center.
During the talk, McKinney will outline the common intellectual and scientific heritage of 20th century mining engineers and 21st century environmental engineers.
McKinney will be elaborating on stories found in his book MacBoyle’s Gold, which will be on sale at the event. Gold mine owner Errol MacBoyle was one of the most successful of Mr. Hague’s “kindergarteners.” A portion of sales will go to the North Star Historic Conservancy. Tickets are $12 online/ $15 at the door. Light refreshments will be served.
North Star House, designed by famed architect Julia Morgan, is at 12075 Auburn Road, Grass Valley, not far from the Nevada County Fairgrounds. Navigation apps are misleading. Follow McCourtney Road south just past the fairgrounds to Auburn Road, and then continue south on Auburn Road about a mile until a sign on the left to North Star House.
What: Historian Gage McKinney will talk at North Star House
Where: North Star House, designed by Julia Morgan, 12075 Auburn Road (off McCourtney Road), Grass Valley
When: Sunday, March 17, 1 pm
Who: McKinney will talk about the educating of mining engineers in Nevada County in the early 20th century and the impact on the community.
Admission: $15 at the door, $12 online at thenorthstarhouse.org. Light refreshments.