Join us on Friday, July 3 for a tour of three historic places along Green Valley Road in El Dorado County. We’ll be visiting:
- Jayhawk Cemetery in Rescue, established in 1895
- Zentgraf House, built in 1871 and the associated winery (ruins)
- St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery in Cameron Park, established in 1882
Details:
The Green Valley Road Cemetery Tour will likely* include a rare opportunity to experience the historic Zentgraf House and winery on Deer Valley Road. The rammed earth house dates to 1871 and is in close-to-original condition. It was a residence and an early community gathering place. The walls are famously hinged at the top. They swing up for dancing and parties. Only three families have owned the house and winery in its 155-year life. The most recent owner, Bob, purchased it last year, got it placed on the National Register of Historic Places, and first opened it for the Historical Society’s Historic Vintner Tour last July. With any luck the prior owners will be present and share some stories about living in the house. If you get a chance, greet these families and thank them for their stewardship.
* Late Friday night a car went off the road and into the front of the house, making contact with one post. There’s no obvious structural damage, but the insurance adjuster might prohibit visitation until further inspections and/or repairs are complete. Hopefully we will be able to at least walk the property and visit the winery. Plan B is a visit to Mormon Island Cemetery further west on Green Valley Road.
Tour agenda and directions
9:20 – arrive at Jayhawk cemetery to check in. 4551 Deer Valley Road, Rescue. Directions: 1.6 miles north of Green Valley Road, on the right. Google has Jayhawk Cemetery in Rescue at 4551 Deer Valley Road. Apple has it at 4221 Meadow Circle, which is the short cemetery loop road off Deer Valley. When you arrive, pull into the cemetery. Park in back.
9:30 – 10:30 – Tour Jayhawk Cemetery, learn its history and meet notable characters.
10:30 – 10:45 – Drive from Jayhawk to “St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery,” 2620 Hastings Drive, Rescue. Directions: Exit Jayhawk Cemetery the way you came in. Turn left on Deer Valley Road to Green Valley Road. Turn right and go 2.8 miles to Hastings Drive, which is .2 miles past the Cameron Park Drive stop light. Turn right on Hastings. St Michaels Cemetery is 450 feet up Hastings on the left. Park on the street next to the cemetery fence. Hastings is a shortcut street so cars whiz by fast. Be careful. ADA parking: pull into cemetery.
10:45 – 11:15 – Presentation on St. Michael’s Church and Cemetery, its most prominent residents, the Zentgraf family, and a brief discussion of the amazing Zentgraf family monument.
11:15 – 11:30 – Depart St. Michaels for the Zentgraf House, 2441 Deer Valley Road. Park in mowed field on left, (south) side of house. Directions: Go back to Green Valley Road, turn right for 1.9 miles, then right on Deer Valley Road for .6 miles. Zentgraf House is on left. Follow signs to park in field on right.
11:30 – 12:30 – Explore Zentgraf House. Winery (ruins) will also be open and is across Deer Valley Road. Be careful when crossing the road. Zoom Zoom. Thank the owner, Bob, for his stewardship and for allowing us in.
A note on Deer Valley Road
The three destinations for this day are close together. Two are located on Deer Valley Road, one of El Dorado County’s beautiful and historic back roads. Deer Valley Road runs roughly parallel to Green Valley road and connects with it in both Rescue and El Dorado Hills.
We will traverse the Rescue intersection getting to and from Jayhawk Cemetery, then later turn off Green Valley Road onto Deer Valley at the El Dorado Hills intersection.
Tour is suitable for all ages.
Bring:
Cemetery questions, sturdy shoes, hat, water.