October 15, 1859
excerpts from "the Dutch Flat Chronicles" by Russell Towle
1994
. . .from the Sacramento Union . . .we learn that the Canal is entirely finished and that the water turned in, but it will not reach Dutch Flat for several days, as it requires time to puddle the ditch well. The miners are preparing for the water, and will soon be tearing down the banks with their hydraulic pipes. Hurrah, the good time has almost come.
The residents of Dutch Flat and vicinity, met on the morning of October 11th for the purpose of evincing their gratification at the completion of the above very important work, and at the same time tendering a complimentary dinner to E. L. Bradley & Co. , the enterprising proprietors. As early as ten o’clock the town began to wear a holiday aspect , and the animated groups of miners with a sprinkling of crinoline on the balconies, a company of small boys decorated with ribbons drawing the hose carriage adorned with evergreens, flags and a bell or two, this with the nearly incessant roar of artillery on the anvil principle, with an occasional selection from La Fille du Regiment by Dutch Flat Brass Band , constituted a very lively and pleasing contrast to the silent ravines, tunnels, rivers and canyons from which the miners had gathered themselves. At the hour of noon the scattered groups formed opposite the Blue Cut Hotel, and, with the "Star Spangled Banner" in the hands of a stalwart standard-bearer, followed by the Band and the various mining companies with their banners, marched through the town, . .and reached a platform and seats in the rear of town. . .
Amongst the numerous mining companies we noticed the following: The Yankee Company whose motto was "Take Courage, there’s a good time coming"; the Badger Company - :"what works long, works well at the last"; The Franklin Company "Strike while the iron is hot"; The American Company, "Long may American River run. Ho! Every one that thirsteth come and drink"; The St. Nicholas Company, "By industry we thrive".; The Ohio Company "First be sure you are right, then go ahead"; The Buckeye Company " emblem a large stag; The Hog Eye Company, emblem a hog, "Root (the emblem) or die". Also the Dutch Flat Eureka Company, Boston Company, The Blue Cut Company - motto. "The Old Pioneer"; the Phoenix, and a number of others. . . .
After speeches the meeting then formed a line and preceded by the Band (who gave their services free, and added greatly to the enjoyment by playing well and willingly) returned to town and separated, apparently in the most pleasant frame of mind imaginable. The whole concluded with a ball at which enjoyment seemed to be the order of the night.