LESTER L. BELL (1888-1950)
LESTER L. BELL- buried in Bell family plot- Wards Cemetery (Bodie Cemetery).
LESTER L. BELL (b. January 1888- d. July 5, 1950) Aged 63 years
DEATH TAKES LESTER BELL
Hawthorne (Nev), July 8 - Lester Bell, 63, died Wednesday morning at his home in Hawthorne.
Mr. Bell, who had made his home in “this community” since early this year, had been in failing health for several years.
Born in the famous “mining camp of Bodie,” Mr. Bell spent most of his life there, and was employed at several of the Mines as a Hoist Engineer.
During World War I, Bell moved to “the Coast,” and was employed by Bethlehem Steel.
A few months ago he and Mrs. Bell moved to Hawthorne to make their home, after his daughter and family had moved to Hawthorne to reside.
In addition to his widow, Mr. Bell is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Olive McCoy of Hawthorne and Mrs. Warren Lewis of Yerington, two sons, Robert Bell of Bodie, and Lester Bell jr. (Who is in Arizona on a construction job at the present time.)
Also two brothers, William Bell of Oakland, Calif., and Earl Bell of Bridgeport, Calif., a sister living on the East Coast, and several grandchildren.
(Reno Evening Gazette, 7/8/1950)
LESTER F. BELL (1920-1977)
LESTER F. BELL (1920-1977) Aged 57 years- Son of Lester L. Bell and Louise Bell.
LESTER F. BELL- (1920-1977)-Aged 57 years.——-Son of Lester L. Bell and Louise Bell
Reno Evening Gazette 6/24/1977, Friday
SON OF LESTER L. and LOUISE BELL
A funeral is scheduled for 7:30 pm at Ross Burke & Knoebel Mortuary for Lester Franklyn Bell, a former Reno resident.
Burial will be at 2:00pm on Sunday at the Bodie Cemetery, Bodie, California.
Bell, 57, of Tucson, Arizona died in Tucson. A native of Beaumont, California, he was born June 5, 1920 and raised in Bodie.
He worked at Isbell Construction 20 years in Reno and in Phoenix. He was a veteran of World War II.
Survivors are his wife of Tucson, sons Dr. L. James Bell of Oakland, Calif. and Ted Bell, of McCall Idaho; daughter leslie Hernandez of Reno, sisters Olive Alpers of Smith Valley and Arena Lewis of Yerington; brother Robert Bell of Hawthorne and six grandchildren.
Last “Watchman” of Bodie!
Clarence C. Birks- one of the last “caretakers” of Bodie.
Bodie, California- Ward Cemetery —- CLARENCE C. BIRKS (1897- 1961)
CLARENCE C. BIRKS, was born in 1897 in North Dakota and buried in the Bodie Cemetery in 1961- age 64 years.
1956- California Govenor Goodwin J. Knight, in 1956 signed an Appropriations Bill, passed by the California State Legislature authorizing the purchase of Bodie, California.
Between 1923- 1956, James Stuart Cain had purchased the Buildings and Property as, one by one, Bodietes had sold out and moved away.
Mr. Cain was the Sole Purchaser of the “abandoned properties,” and had aquaried each as they came up for Public Sale.
1958-CLARENCE C. BIRKS, hired by the Cain family, was one of the last “caretakers” of Bodie before it was officially a “California State Historic Park.”
His fenced grave in the Wards Cemetery——-
FATHER- CLARENCE C. BIRKS- 1897-1961- “WATCHMAN 1958-1961”
1964- on September 12, 1964, a formal Dedication Ceremony was held at Bodie, Mono County, to establish Bodie as an “official California historical Landmark——Bodie State Historic Park (Elevation 8375)
1880- discarded Wheel
Bodie, California- huge wheel- once used in the Mining operations in Bodie!
1880’s Bodie THEN- Bodie NOW- discarded old Wheel , once used in one of the several mining operations in Bodie-
The huge size of this one “part,” once used and an essential mechanism - puts the lengths the “Investors” went to extract ore out of the mines located so remote and risky. The industrial design, and engineering of the mining equipment was unique to each Stamp Mill.
Manufactured most likely in a foundry in San Francisco - then transported by wagon- the transportation alone was a risky endeavor.
Today, its story is one of “wonder” of its use and disuse and “finally the old wheels antiquation.”
1880-Covered I.O.O.F. Staircase
“Covered Staircase”- back of the I.O.O.F. Meeting Hall.
Backdoor “Covered Staircase” 1880-Bodie THEN- Bodie NOW—— 140 years later!!
The backside of the IOOF Meeting Hall tells it’s own unique Bodie Story-
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodge No. 279- used the upper floor or “second floor” of the HENRY WARD BUILDING.
The “first floor” was used by Henry Ward, who had built the the building in 1880 to house his “Undertaking & Furniture Business.”
The IOOF Meeting Hall entrance was a “covered staircase,” located at the back of the WARDS FURNITURE STORE.
The outdoor staircase was “enclosed and covered,” because of Bodie snow-levels. An “uncover staircase” would have collapsed under the weight of the snow, or be destroyed by rain or wind- storm-damage
The backdoor, “covered staircase” entrance was protected from “storm damage,” allowing usage of the Meeting Hall year round- no matter the disaster caused by the resulting snow-drift heights.
1912 Gregory Home-Bodie THEN Bodie NOW- Window Reflections
Bodie Window Reflections- of Gregory House!
1912-Bodie THEN- Gregory House - Green Street. Bodie NOW… Gregory House across the street from the Schoolhouse.
~~~ March 12, 1912….CATHERINE COOK GREGORY- Aged 58 years. - buried in the Bodie Wards Cemetery.~~~
Bodie, California- U. S. Federal Census - 995 citizens.
Catherine Gregory, Wife of Nathan Gregory, name appears on the 1900 U. S. Federal Census with four children.
Grave of Nathan Hall Gregory died April 26, 1926.
~~~~~NATHAN HALL GREGORY- (b. November 19, 1841) died April 9, 1926, aged 81 years. buried in Bodie Wards Cemetery.
Nathan Gregory operated a Cattle Ranch between Bodie and Aurora.
Life’s work well done. He Rests in Peace
Bodie Firehouse THEN-1932 Bodie NOW 95- Years Later!
Bodie THEN- Firehouse rebuilt in 1930’s by the California Conservation Corps.
~~~Bodie THEN- 1930 FIREHOUSE- Bodie NOW- Firehouse 95 years later….
Bodie, California 1930 U. S. Federal Census- 228 citizens.
The Firehouse in Bodie was “rebuilt” in the 1930’s by the California Conservation Corp.
Before the devastating 1932 FIRE- Volunteer Fire Companies had battled a number of “smaller Mining” Fires.
The Biggest and most devastating - being the July 25, 1892 North Main Street Fire. It started in a restaurant owned by Mrs. James Perry.
Efforts to fight the Fire were “delayed due to a “valve closed inadvertently.”
The flames consumed over 60 buildings in the “downtown Bodie.”
Lack of water, also plagued those who battled the June 23, 1932 FIRE. The poorly maintained screens at the reservoir led to rocks and debris clogging the pipes.
Approximately 40 buildings were destroyed, including the BANK OF BODIE, the POSTOFFICE, the Occidential Hotel, United States Hotel, the SAWDUST SALOON.
The STANDARD MILL had escaped the flames, along with the School, Miners’ Union Hall, the CRANE & EDWARDS STORE and the Hydro-electric building!!
Bodie THEN-1945- Bodie NOW- Mary Burkham
VIEW of Bodie and Standard Mill from BURKHAM family plot- BODIE CEMETERY.
Bodie THEN-1945 …. Bodie NOW- 2025 … 80 Years later!!
Bodie, California U. S. Census- 90 Citizens.
MARY L. BURKHAM- died 17 January 1945, Aged 85 years. Buried WARDS CEMETERY.
Mrs. Mary L. O’Donnell Burkham, born ( 14 February 1860) in New York, came to Nevada at an early age.
Solomon and Mary Burkham had four children.
Cecil Burkham, born 22 September 1878. (died 22 September 1972) married Miss Josephine Seiller from Bodie.
Harlan Burkham, born July 1883 in Lundy, California (died in 1914 in Jerome, Arizona) married Miss Maude Metzer, also of Bodie, in 1904 the Bodie Methodist Church. (They divorced in 1909)
ELeanor “Nellie” Burkham, born in Bodie July 1888, died October 17, 1926 (in Los Angeles. Married Grant Holcomb.
“Kate or Miss Kathryn Burkham, born December 1892 in Bodie, died in 1912- Age 20 years. (unmarried)
The Before 1945- the Burkham graves tell “a Bodie story” of family and children. Two of the sons marrying “Bodie girls.”
The Metzer, Seiler and Burkham families- contributing to the vast History, have a “silent legacy”
Today- 80 years later-their efforts and contributions have stood the “Test of Time”….in a town “abandoned but not forgotten.”
Bodey Memorial Plaque- 1957
Snowshoe Thompson Chapter- E Clampus Vitus- first plaque for W. S. Bodey.
LET HIM REPOSE IN PEACE AMID THESE EVERLASTING HILLS
Snowshoe Thompson Chapter - E Clampus Vitus- October 5, 1957
The man for whom the town was named for- only has a “Memorial Plaque and Stone Marker.”
Bodie was purchased by the State of California in 1956, from the “J. S. Cain Company,”- the James Stewart heirs.
A year later, October 5, 1957- Snowshoe Thompson Chapter- E Clampus Vitus placed the plaque and memorial in Ward Cemetery.
Mining Equipment need to build the Mining District
1879-1881-The size of the “wheels” required “in the mining ore.” Wagons- mule teams transporting it up to Bodie Mining Camp.
The huge scale, “size and weight” of the industrial mechanical parts that went into constructing the Mining Operations in Bodie. (1879-1881)
The manufacturing of the industrial Mining Equipment, generally was done, and came from the San Francisco Foundries.
Next came the transport to Bodie- the “Freighters,” taking it the last fifteen Miles from Bridgeport to Bodie was slow and required skilled knowledge of the dangerous dirt route to the high mountain elevation in unfavorable weather conditions. Most months of the Winter, Spring months were totally impassable.
Snow drifts, and wind-chilling temperatures making the wagon- mule teams unable to travel, without death from exposure.
Installation was another “engineering operation” —-the BODIE MINERS’ UNION had organized to “pursue the exploration” with the finalized plan in bringing “Gold Ore” out of the Mountain, with the latest technology in equipment to hoist it out of the ground.
Rusted old Car- left to the imagination!!
~~~~Rusted old vehicle- left behind in Bodie, California.
The “Mining History of Bodie,” includes the Machinery, the Miners, and Transportation.
Among the “Left behind and Abandoned” were vehicles. The “odd parts” are all that remain of the metal heap of a automobile.
Over a 100 years of decay are piled together. No identification- only the assemble of shapes tells the story of “it had wheels, seats had springs, a steering wheel, and perhaps a front window.”
By 1920, Bodie had begun to experience the influence of motor vehicles, marking a shift from the mule or horse-drawn, buck board-wagons.
Early automobiles, though still a novelty, started to appear among the rough-hewn structures of the mining town, reflecting both the progress of technology. Dirt roads carved through the rugged landscape became a canvas for these new machines, which offered a glimpse into a “modernizing world” beyond the work and hardships of mining life.
Despite their limited number, vehicles in Bodie represented a shift toward increased mobility and connectivity, hinting at the inevitable changes that would shape Bodie town legacy.
Julia Hayden Boone-died 1881.
Reflecting on the past- a glimpse- front Window of BOONE & WRIGHT STORE and WAREHOUSE (built 1879) Bodie, California.
A reflection, a timeless glimpse into Bodie’s past- front window of BOONE STORE & WAREHOUSE.
Built in 1879, was one of several “general stores” in Bodie. It was owned by partners, Harvey Boone and James W. Wright.
Mrs. Julia Hayden Boone, Harvey Boone’ first wife, died October 20, 1881, aged 38 years. (buried in Bodie’s WARDS CEMETERY)
Sacred Memory of Mrs. J. E. Boone —— BORN March 6, 1843———Died October 20, 1881
Mrs. Haydens obituary stating- She leaves Three little ones, “the Eldest Three and half years old, Next Eighteen Months, and the Youngest but 10 days old. (Cause of death- Childbirth Complications!)
Miller’s ~~kitchen sink!!
Inside of the Tom Miller’s “two-room home”- the kitchen sink and “kerosene hanging lamp.”
The old white porcelain “kitchen sink" and the hanging “kerosene lamp” tells the story of “life in Bodie.”
~~Second room of Tom Miller’s home- just enough room for a bed.
David Victor Cain- Ella Cody Cain
Built in 1873-home of David Victor Cain, son of James Stewart Cain.
David Victor Cain
Built in 1873, this was the home of David Victor Cain, son of James Stewart Cain.
In 1904- David V. Cain married Ella M. Cody.
Ella Cody was born June 9, 1872, in Bodie, “famed Eastern California Mining camp. The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. M. J. Cody.
Mr. M. J. Cody was the first Land Office Receiver in this area of the West. In 1888 was elected Sheriff of Mono County.
Ella Cain was the author of THE STORY OF BODIE, copyright 1956, and THE STORY OF EARLY MONO COUNTY, copyright 1961.
Ella Cody Cain died January 25, 1966, aged 83 years.
Purchase of Bodie, California
Bodie State Historic Park - and the JAMES STEWART CAIN COMPANY preservation efforts.
PURCHASE OF BODIE by the California State Legislature….
California Governor Goodwin J. Knight, in 1956 signed an “Appropriations Bill,” passed by the California State Legislature authorizing the purchase of Bodie, California.
It was purchased from the Cain Family heirs-descendants of James Stuart Cain.
James Stewart Cain purchased buildings and abandoned properties as, one by one, Bodietes sold out and moved away. He was the “sole purchaser of the abandoned properties,” and acquired each as they came available. Bodie’s population had dwindled with a population of 698 citizens in 1910. Bodie was deserted, its buildings falling down into decay, from the harsh winds and snowstorms.
James Stewart Cains heirs had continued as the JAMES S. CAIN COMPANY, marking a significant turning point in the Bodie’s ownership history.
Under their stewardship, the Cain family aimed to preserve the remnants of the once-thriving mining town. As the major landowner, caretakers were hired to protect and watch-over the town for unwanted visitors
JAMES S. CAIN COMPANY efforts included keeping Bodie and its buildings from looter’s and vandalism, and “enhancing the overall towns- Wild-Wild West appeal,” which helped spark interest in Bodie's unique place in mining history.
James Stewart Cain and his heirs commitment to maintaining the integrity of the Bodie, played a crucial role in its eventual designation as a California State Historic Park, ensuring that Future Generations would have the opportunity to explore and discover about the intriguing stories etched into Bodie's Mines and buildings.
BODIE HOTEL
~~BODIE HOTEL MEALS AT ALL HOURS- inside the WHEATON & LUHRS STORE- Main Street Bodie.
WHEATON & LUHRS
In the early 1880’s, George H. Weaton and Nicholas Luhrs 1880’s built a “merchandise store” on Main Street.
The sign on the façade, displayed their names.
Later, after Nicholas Luhrs died, “the façade was covered over” with a new wooded sign- BODIE HOTEL- MEALS AT ALL HOURS. There were overlapping signs, until the BODIE HOTEL SIGN was taken down.
Then the old building’s “White Paint had faded,” revealed a different name- WHEATON & HOLLIS. There was never anyone “named Hollis” associated it.
From 1885-1886- “the building” was the U. S. Land Office. Michael J. Cody worked there after his appointment by President Cleveland.
In 1898, J. S. Cain bought “the BODIE HOTEL” building.
In 1910- it was the offices for the “Hydroelectric Company,” a Substation for Distribution of the town’s electricity from Lundy Canyon.
In the late 1920’s- after the CLINTON-WEST Mining Company arrived- and the buildings use was a “hotel/boarding house.”
Saving the Methodist Church
Summer of 1943
SAM LEON’S BAR hosted a “Dance” to SAVE THE METHODIST CHURCH, raising $65 of the $100 needed to keep thebuilding out of Foreclosure. The adjoining building, the Joe Harhner Barbershop. (Last Barber to work in Bodie.)
BODIE’S METHODIST CHURCH was in “Foreclosure.” A sum of of $100 was needed to “prevent a Foreclosure Sale.”
E. J. Clinton, head of a mining company in Bodie in the late 1920s, restored the Church with his own funding, and often preached “Sermons in the Church.”
In the Summer of 1943, Victor Cain, (oldest son of J. S. Cain,) and Victor’s wife Ella Cain, prevailed upon “the Chinese owner of the town’s only Saloon,” Sam Leon “to Host a Dance” in his establishment. With the Funds derived from the “Dance” going to “Save the Methodist Church.”
SAM LEON’S BAR was opened in 1937, after losing U. S. HOTEL in the 1932 FIRE. (The building had previously been a restaurant, operated by the Hise family.)
A total of $65 was raised. The remaining $35 was gathered from Donations.
Bodie’s CATHOLIC CHURCH, also built in 1882, burned in a 1928 Fire.
The METHODIST CHURCH is the only Church still standing in Bodie.
BODIE WATER COMPANY
-February 4, 1880 -BODIE WATER COMPANY
It was in early 1880 (February 4, 1880), when the citizens of Bodie banded together to create the BODIE WATER COMPANY.
The “funds raised through shares,” paid for the excavation of the 250,000 gallon Reservoir, located above town on the edge of the Mining District.
Originally, the “excess water” from the nearby Mono Mine, was used for Bodie’s Fire Protection. Later, the great Lent Shaft was used to keep the reservoir full.
Old Fire Wagon- once used by CHAMPION HOSE COMPANY NO 1. or NEPTUNE HOSE COMPANY NO. 2
Eight hydrants were placed along Main Street. Next, two volunteer Fire Companies were established; CHAMPION HOSE COMPANY NO. 1 and NEPTUNE HOSE COMPANY NO. 2.
On February 4, 1880 the BODIE WATER COMPANY demonstrated the new system. The Directors of the BODIE WATER COMPANY, turned the valve, charging the Hydrants.
The CHAMPION HOSE COMPANY NO. 1 and NEPTUNE HOSE COMPANY NO. 2 were both present to to “test the water pressure.”
MICHAEL J. CODEY July 24, 1905
BODIE MINERS’ UNION FLAG- Michael J. Cody- Pioneer member died July 24, 1905.
Over The Great Divide. M. J. Cody Obeys The Call
Today, we write upon the page of Mono’s departed Pioneers, the name of one with a heart fully worthy, of the name of MICHAEL JOSEPH CODY.
On the afternoon of the 13th July, Cody was struck “on the head by a rock thrown from a blast which resulted in a fractured skull.” Two operations were performed, but Meningitis proved the Victor.
Michael Cody, at the age of 55 years and 26 days, surrounded by those he loved and blessed with all the Rites of that Church of which he was a devout member, passed away at 7:30 P.M., July 24, 1905.
Born on the shore of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin on the 28th day of June 1850, Mr. Cody early took the advice of Horace Greeley, and “journeyed westward to the Bonanza Camp Virginia City” Hearing of the wonders of the famous Bodie he soon arrived to make it his lifetime home.
A giant in stature, a Man of strong personality, fearless for right in the years since 1876, when first he arrived in this county, his name has been linked with each and every Forward Movement.
In September 1881, he was married to Miss Kate Shaughnessy of Bodie. Six children were the fruits of this union. Today they gathered at the bedside for the Last Farewell.
In 1877, he was one of the organizers of the BODIE MINERS’ UNION, and retained his membership until about a year ago, when he became a member of the “Bodie Labor Union” of which organization he was President at the time of his death.
Mr. Cody was always one of the leaders of the Democratic party in this Section, and as a reward was appointed, during the Cleveland administration, as Receiver for the Land Office then located in Bodie.
In 1888, he was elected Sheriff of Mono, which Office he held for two terms. He was a Past Master of Bodie Lodge, No. 279, A.O.U.W. and was buried under the auspices of that Order.
Mr. Cody leaves a wife, three daughters – Mrs. David V. Cain, Miss May Cody and little Katie – three sons – Edmund, Mervyn and Ralph and two brothers, one in Cripple Creek and the other in San Jose, and a nephew – Charles H. Miller of Bodie, who was constantly with him during his last hours.
The body was taken to Bodie early Tuesday morning and buried on Bodie’s hill-side the following day.
Personally we had known the deceased for over twenty years and knew him always as a Man.
No greater praise can be said of any one than that. True to the principles of manhood and his God, true as a husband and father, steadfast as a friend.
No Weeping Willow will droop above his grave, the green grass and the purling Stream tempers not the dusty Breeze,
but the redolent Sage will shade the mound, and the flitting Lizard, and chattering Chipmunk will call in Vain for their old Companion.
Bridgeport Chronicle-Union, 7/28/1905
“UNKNOWN LOCATIONS”
1879- Mine Explosion- Mining Accidents and “buried UNKNOWN”
Mining Explosions, Mining Accidents- resulted in “unmarked graves.”- and are no longer locatable.
FEBRUARY 6, 1879
Ford Rogers Ryon, “slipped on ice and fell 450 feet down” the BODIE MINE shaft. (buried -”unmarked grave”-UNKNOWN LOCATION)
June 10, 1879
W.J. O’Brien, died “in the Explosion of a Powder Magazine.” (buried in “unmarked grave”-UNKNOWN LOCATION)
March 1879
J. J. Welch bought the TOWER RESTAURANT, and renamed it NEVADA RESTAURANT and CHOP HOUSE.
SEPTEMBER 6, 1879
DAILY FREE PRESS first edition. Owned by H.Z. Osborn & Company. DAILY FREE PRESS publishes First Edition
SEPTEMBER 8, 1879
Eleanor Dumont “Madame Mustache” died. A respected women, who owned Gambling Houses through the West.
Her body was was found, “about two miles out of town with a Bottle of Poison.” (buried in an “unmarked grave”-UNKNOWN LOCATION)
OCTOBER 9, 1879
J.R. Cassidy, H. Richards, Sam Martin, Manuel Garcia and Joseph Broodier were killed, “when the brakes failed on the Tioga Mine Cage. All five miners’, “plummeted 520 feet to their death.” (all five Miners’ buried in individual “unmarked graves”-UNKNOWN LOCATION)
OCTOBER 16, 1879
Bodie Masonic Lodge No. 252 chartered—-Built a Meeting-Hall for meetings, and Community Events, and “acquired land for Burials.” (Masonic Section of Bodie Cemetery - Marked graves locations.)