"Mark Twain" Coming to 2nd Annual Patrons Fête

Take a step back in time at an elegant garden party in the town that's grown up since the Gold Rush.

It's time for the 2nd Annual Patrons Fête, a sit-down $100-a-plate dinner on the grounds of the Coloma Country Inn, 345 High Street, on June 4, 2006. The gala features appearances by "Mark Twain" and famous figures from Coloma's past, plus magic and musicians, horse-drawn carriages rides, strolling musicians, twilight boating, exquisite food and libation, prizes, and more. Seating is limited; tables of eight available for $750 ($60 of each ticket price is tax deductible); attire is dressy. For reservations call 530.622.6198.

All proceeds from this event go toward the restoration of the Thomas Hansford Williams House, a project to preserve an irreplaceable piece of Gold Rush history. Bob Edwards, an active member of many local philanthropic endeavors said, "I think it's important to preserve the buildings in Coloma, because once they're gone, they're gone forever." He also called last year's Patrons Fête "the nicest fundraiser I've been to."

McAvoy Layne, who will join in the evening's festivities, has been preserving the wit and wisdom of Mark Twain for over thirteen years in performances from Russia to Lake Tahoe. He is the author of the biography, "Hooked on Twain," and winner of the Nevada Award for Excellence in School and Library Service. He portrays the Ghost of Mark Twain in A&E's biography of Mark Twain and in the Discovery Channel's Cronkite Award-winning documentary, "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn."

The Patrons Fête is sponsored by PG&E, Davis & Amaral Mortgage Consultants, David Girard Vineyards, and Joan and Gael Barsotti.

To download a PDF flyer for the event, click here. You can find an article about the 2005 Fête here.

The Williams House

One of the oldest buildings in Coloma, the Williams House was built in the 1850s by California's seventh Attorney General Thomas Hansford Williams and subsequent residents included the famous poet Edwin Markham and California's first Park Ranger Ezra Smith. In addition to its historical significance, the building also boasts unique architectural features, including walls made of hand-hewn timbers.

A $200,000 "Save America's Treasures" grant for the restoration of the Thomas Hansford Williams House was awarded through the U.S. Department of Interior's National Parks Service. The grant requires a one-to-one dollar match by the Gold Discovery Park Association. In addition to the Patrons Fête, the Association will acquire matching funds through the pursuit of additional grants and donations.

Acquired by California Parks in the late 1990s, the Williams House is the most severely threatened structure at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. The restoration will effectively halt deterioration, remove all hazards, and make the house seismically sound and secure for public access, study and enjoyment. Upon restoration completion, the Williams House will be part of Park tours throughout the year. During the restoration process, students, scholars and the public will be invited to witness the on-going restoration activities.