History is fascinating stuff!

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on the historical significance of Lotta Crabtree, an influential American entertainer of the late 19th century, and her contributions, including the donation of Lotta's Fountain in San Francisco in 1875. The fountain became a vital meeting point after the 1906 earthquake. Additionally, the discussion touches on the "Death Valley Days" television series, which aired 452 episodes over 18 seasons, featuring historical narratives often embellished for entertainment. Ruth Woodman, a notable historian, played a key role in the show's research and writing.

PREREQUISITES
  • Knowledge of American entertainment history, specifically the late 19th century.
  • Familiarity with the significance of Lotta's Fountain in San Francisco.
  • Understanding of the "Death Valley Days" television series and its historical context.
  • Awareness of the role of historians in media production, particularly Ruth Woodman's contributions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the life and career of Lotta Crabtree, focusing on her impact on American theater.
  • Explore the historical accuracy of the "Death Valley Days" series and its portrayal of American history.
  • Investigate the architectural and cultural significance of Lotta's Fountain in San Francisco.
  • Learn about the contributions of Ruth Woodman and other historians in shaping historical narratives in media.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for historians, entertainment industry professionals, and anyone interested in the intersection of history and media representation, particularly in American culture.

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Bellows Falls, Vermont 1907

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There was a Death Valley Days episode on something similar, "Lotta Crabtree," which portrayed the early life of Lotta Crabtree, a renowned American actress and entertainer of the late 19th century. Born in 1847, Crabtree gained fame as a child performer in Northern California's gold mining camps and became one of the wealthiest and most beloved entertainers of her time.

In 1875, she commissioned and donated Lotta's Fountain to San Francisco. This iron fountain, located at the intersection of Geary, Market, and Kearny Streets, became a significant meeting place, incredibly after it survived the 1906 earthquake and served as a rendezvous point for survivors.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lotta_Crabtree
 
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Forgot all about 'Death Valley Days' series. I may have watched some as a kid but can't remember any of them. Ordered season 1 from the library. They have seasons 1-4 and season 13. Odd they don't have more of them. They usually have most or all of a run on DVD for popular TV series.
 
I don't remember any of the dramas but I sure recall Ronald Reagan selling Twenty Mule Team Borax. Six year old me thought that was so funny.
 
I saw them too when I was a kid. there's 18 seasons worth of episodes. they made 452 episodes. Tubitv had the first 8 seasons. I found others on youtube. Before TV it ran on the radio since the 1930s.

The history is mostly accurate in some and wildly exaggerated in others.

The early episodes featured the old ranger as the host. Much of the show research was done by a woman historian, Ruth Woodman, the chief show writer. A lot of actors got their start on the show.
 
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