Weaverville in Trinity County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Race Track – Airport – Golf Course
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 2, 2012
1. Race Track – Airport – Golf Course Marker
Inscription.
Race Track – Airport – Golf Course. . Once known as China Graveyard Ridge, by late August, 1871, Alex Love developed a racetrack on this site 550 yards in length. This popular quarter mile track saw the names of horses like “Hayfork Kitty” and “Hollywood” owned by John Van Matre. Mart Van Matre was famous on this track with his winning horses. Charlie Daniels, a local Indian, was popular with his palomino. Horse fanciers and enthusiasts came out for decades to watch the races. By the 1920’s racing had been discontinued. The April 18, 1928, Journal anounced [sic] the opening of a 400X1800 airport on the site of the old race track. The first Trinity pilot was Weaverville’s own Moon Lee, landing during a celebration on the previous Sunday. The airport was used until the present field was completed in 1953. Lumberman and visionary Vic Rose bought the property in 1954. In 1975, Rose and Felix Claveron reached a deal to begin the golf course, which opened February 4, 1976. . This historical marker was erected in 2007 by Native Sons of the Golden West, Mt. Bally Parlor #87 and E Clampus Vitus, Trinitarianus Chapter No. 62. It is in Weaverville in Trinity County California
Once known as China Graveyard Ridge, by late August, 1871, Alex Love developed a racetrack on this site 550 yards in length. This popular quarter mile track saw the names of horses like “Hayfork Kitty” and “Hollywood” owned by John Van Matre. Mart Van Matre was famous on this track with his winning horses. Charlie Daniels, a local Indian, was popular with his palomino. Horse fanciers and enthusiasts came out for decades to watch the races. By the 1920’s racing had been discontinued. The April 18, 1928, Journal anounced [sic] the opening of a 400X1800 airport on the site of the old race track. The first Trinity pilot was Weaverville’s own Moon Lee, landing during a celebration on the previous Sunday. The airport was used until the present field was completed in 1953. Lumberman and visionary Vic Rose bought the property in 1954. In 1975, Rose and Felix Claveron reached a deal to begin the golf course, which opened February 4, 1976.
Erected 2007 by Native Sons of the Golden West, Mt. Bally Parlor #87 and E Clampus Vitus, Trinitarianus Chapter No. 62.
Location. 40° 43.209′ N, 122° 55.826′ W. Marker is in Weaverville, California, in Trinity County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Golf Course Drive and Fairway Drive. This marker is located behind the Clubhouse/Restaurant next to the flag pole. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 160 Golf Course Drove, Weaverville CA 96093, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 9, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 678 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on June 9, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.