It was a brisk and foggy 44 degree morning as our learners experienced what it was like to be a 49er at Riley’s Farm. Learners traveled from station to station to learn about the rules of supply and demand, mining for gold, panning for gold, working in a boarding house, being a deputy, and general life during the Gold Rush. They were then given an hour to work and earn “money” for an auction that took place at the end of the day. Some of the jobs included being a deputy, working in the gold mine, panning for gold, and working in the boarding house. Learners were given a 49er’s ration of food, which consisted of beef jerky, corn bread, an apple, and lemonade. It was a cold, fun, and educational day for all.
