History History is fascinating stuff!

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The discussion highlights the historical significance of Lotta Crabtree, an influential American actress and entertainer from the late 19th century, known for her performances in gold mining camps and her wealth. In 1875, she donated Lotta's Fountain in San Francisco, which became a notable landmark, especially after surviving the 1906 earthquake. The conversation also touches on the "Death Valley Days" television series, which aired numerous episodes and featured historical narratives, some accurate and others exaggerated. The series, originally a radio program since the 1930s, was hosted by an old ranger and involved significant contributions from historian Ruth Woodman. Many actors launched their careers through this show, which remains a nostalgic topic for viewers who recall its early episodes and memorable advertising moments.
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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
 
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. Theres 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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