November 20, 2017 – On Wednesday evening, November 15, 2017 the Board of Directors of the North Star Historic Conservancy (NCHC) hosted their annual “State of the Star” gathering at the historic North Star House at 12075 Auburn Road.
The meeting welcomed and honored 2017 Annual Sponsors and Supporters with drinks and a light meal. Attendees were then provided with a recap of this year’s progress on the rehabilitation of the iconic Julia Morgan designed North Star House.
Fourteen Sponsors were presented with very special plaques crafted by volunteer Charlie Brock. The wood used is from the North Star House’s original 1905, full dimension 2×4 cedar studs, which were cut and milled on site, over 112 years ago. The trees from which these awards were crafted, estimated to be 300 to 400 years old, were presented to express the NSHC’s gratitude and appreciation for the depth of commitment of our annual Sponsors: B & C True Value Hardware, Byers Leaf Guard, C & D Contractors, Charles Hart, EA, Charles and Mary Brock, Coldwell Banker Grass Roots Realty, David Wright Architect, Lincoln & Long Engineering, Mimi Simmons, Century 21 Cornerstone Realty, The Real Graphic Source, Sierra Solar Systems, SPD Markets, Telestream, and Peters’ Well Drilling.
The North Star House, designed in 1905 by the renowned California Arts and Crafts architect, Julia Morgan, is listed on the National and State Registers of Historic Places. The house is located on a portion of the former North Star mine, a 14 acre site one mile from downtown Grass Valley. It was built as the residence of North Star Mine Superintendent Arthur De Wint Foote and his wife, author and illustrator, Mary Hallock Foote. After the closure of the mine, The North Star House served as a Christian School for At-Risk Youth and was later abandoned.
In 2002, the North Star House and grounds were donated by landowner Sandy Sanderson, to the Nevada County Land Trust. The NSHC was subsequently formed in 2006 to tackle the mission of preserving and restoring the North Star House and historic grounds. The primary goal of the NSHC was to transform this historic gem into a cultural event center. With the support of the community through volunteer labor, donated funds and materials, the North Star House was saved for future generations to enjoy. A Master Plan depicting the property’s transition to an event center fully accessible for public use is now being implemented. After achieving these goals, the North Star Historic Conservancy took full ownership of the House and grounds in August 2015.
The North Star House is now available to the public through tours and private rentals. If you wish further information, to donate funds, to volunteer or to potentially rent the premises for a private event, please contact www.thenorthstarhouse.org or telephone (530) 477-7126.