Downieville Cleanup Day – First Impressions

Editor,

This past Saturday, we held our annual Downieville Cleanup Day on May 17th.

I reflected on what “First Impressions” mean to me, living and working in Downieville.

I recall coming around Cannon Point at the age of four in the 60’s and seeing Downieville for the very first time.

The little town unveiled itself so quickly as I turned the corner and saw the hamlet below in a valley where two rivers converge.

I was immediately struck by the beauty as I rumbled over a one-lane historic bridge as our family traveled on our way to Sierra City.

For decades, I would travel up and through Downieville with it further capturing a piece of my heart.

It was as if Downieville was from a Hallmark movie, with snow and Christmas trees lining its streets in the wintertime, gold leaves shimmering in Autumn, or the greenery and rushing cool rivers splashing in the spring and summer time. It was a very strong first impression and I honestly, to this day, still get a bit of a thrill when I come around Cannon Point and am greeted by the view of Downieville. I have talked and shared this experience with others, and I am not alone in this feeling. One of the early gold prospectors of Downieville, James Galloway, also wrote and described coming around Cannon Point on his return to Downieville in the 1850s after his daughter was born in the book “Behind Every Hero”. I once met someone who learned I now live in Downieville, and she responded, “Oh, that is such a poetic little town.” I think that is a fair and good description that resonates with me.

Downieville is primarily a community that now relies on tourism for its local economy.

The business is very seasonal and those in business live like squirrels “Gathering their nuts over the peak summer months to survive over the winter”.

So, having our town look sharp and inviting is very important.

A thank you and shout-out to those who participated in this year’s Cleanup Day.

Cherry Simi

Karen Galan

Greg Johnson

Connie Johnson

Mark Mansfield

Ron Otero

Vera Otero

Michael Meline

Sonya Meline

Michael Taylor

Teresa Taylor

Lynn Spaulding

Sue Haddon

Jon Klingelhofer

David O’Donnell

Also a thank you to Autumn’s Butter Me Up Bakery at Sabrina’s for providing the delicious bakery items.

Downieville Improvement Group (DIG) started Downieville Cleanup Day in 2018, so this was our 8th annual event.

If you were not able to participate in this year’s event and own property in Downieville, please consider doing your part in keeping your property well-maintained and presentable for this upcoming season.

First Impressions are lasting, so let’s work together to make our community welcoming and inviting.

Tourism is a team sport.

Thank you,

Michael Taylor

DIG Member and Downieville Cleanup Day Chairperson