Humbugs
and Heroes Contest
for Phi Theta Kappa Chapters
The
Nevada/California contest winners:
Beta Theta Kappa (first place) |
Alpha Beta (second place).
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| Bidwell Bar
Now submerged under Lake Oroville,
Bidwell Bar was one of the first gold-mining sites in California,
bringing thousands of prospectors (some heroes and others
humbugs) to the Oroville area in search of both gold and glory. |
Calico silver mines
Although it was silver and
borax rather than gold, Calico definitely represents the human
thirst for riches. By 1881, Calico would provide $86 million
in silver, $45 million, and a population of 1,200, spread
out over 500. In 1907 silver prices dropped Calico was deserted
as quickly as it rose and became a “ghost town.”
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The
National contest wiiners:
Beta Beta Zeta |
Alpha Xi Beta
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| Mark Twain's House
Born Samuel Clemens,
the author Mark Twain embodies the thematic of Gods, Gold
and Glory on many levels. The end of the 19th century in America
was a time of theocratic debate, governmental graft and empire
building. Religion was a controversial topic. Darwin’s
Species’ was published in 1859 and its important echoed
through the remainder of the century. Twain attended Park
Church in Elmira and while he was a dutiful congregant it
was widely known that he often played pool during service
(the pool table is still at the church). Twain struggled to
balance a love of science and a commitment to god. The massive
amount of political graft at the end of the 19th century led
Twain to nickname the era, The Guilded Age. He was a tireless
satirist. The United States at the end of in the 1890s was
heavily involved in imperial pursuits. War with Spain (in
Cuba) and imperialism throughout the Caribbean dominated national
debate. Mark Twain became one of the leading anti-imperialist
voices of his era. Twice president of the American Anti-Imperial
league Twain was diligent in his opposition to empirical expansion.
While leaders like Teddy Roosevelt opined ways to increase
our glory through capitalistic big stick diplomacy, Twain
lobbied actively to remove the United States from places like
The Philippines and Puerto Rico.Here in Elmira we are proud
of Twain. This study is where he produced some of his most
famous literary works. It is his work as a conscientious American
that resonates with many. |
Moulin Rouge Casino
The Moulin Rouge Hotel in
Las Vegas was built in 1955, during segregation times.The
black population and entertainers such as Sammy Davis Jr,
were only allowed to work and perform on the Strip hotels,
but not allowed to gamble or stay.The wealth of town (gold)
belonged to the Caucasians; the glory of black entertainers
was confined to performance days. Ironically Will Schwartz;
a Caucasian built the Moulin Rouge. Later, Sarann Knight-Preddy,
the first African American with a gaming license (gods), owned
the hotel. The hotel is no longer there, but it is still the
talk of the town. |
Beta
Theta Omicron couldn't enter but toured San Mateo
County historial sites for our own photos.
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Skyline
College contest winner:
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| Portola Discovery Site
In July 1769 Gaspar
de Portolá led 63 men overland from San Diego to claim
land for the Spanish and thus advance wealth, Christianity,
and, of course, glory. Late in October, exhausted, hungry,
and sick, the men advanced along the coast to a site 1 mile
from Skyline College.
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Alpine Inn
Casa de Tableta was
built by Felix Buelna; a former mayor of San Jose who settled
upon 95 acres of land in San Mateo County in the 1850’s.
Casa de Tableta served as a gambling hall, bar saloon and
meeting place for Mexican-Californios. It was strategically
located on a trail used by both rancheros and American settlers
crossing the peninsula to the coast. The prime location allowed
the business to profit on the heavy traffic flow. This establishment
made Felix Buelna one of the first entrepreneurs and profiteers
of the gold rush age in San Mateo County. It continues today
as a roadhouse saloon on 3915 Alpine Road, Portola Valley,
CA. -Richard Chiang |
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