Insights and Historical Notes

from the historical fiction novel Robbing the Pillars and Raid of Souls

The development of this novel required a great deal of research. Historical figures, locations and events discussed in the book range from the familiar to consigned to oblivion. Personally, little-known facts and forgotten moments in history fascinate me. On this page I will post short articles expounding on unique persons or notable episodes – covering both unvarnished truths and where the fiction deviates from recorded fact.

The Secret Room

This little nugget of secrecy ignited a mood, a mystery, and a story of hidden agendas . . .

The “Legislature of a Thousand Drinks” – Who were these guys?

In my historical novel, ROBBING THE PILLARS, Judge Dandridge bemoans the damage done to California’s reputation by the notorious “Legislature of 1000 drinks.” Despite their crudeness, more passion and purity of focus existed in California’s “legislature of a thousand drinks” than the most sophisticated and well-financed groups of legislators that followed. This moniker became indelibly attached to the first state legislature held in a make-shift capital of old San Jose.

The History of the Silver Moon Tavern

From the novel Robbing the Pillars
The Silver Moon Tavern is a fictitious establishment set in a framework of the historic mining town of Nevada City. The descriptions of the early town and circumstances surrounding the emergence of the first establishments, are accurate portrayals of the types of development for the time period. The Silver Moon is a favorite haunt of my lead characters, so here I include for the reader – part of the story.