County seeks input on Ely Stage Stop master plan

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The meeting will be held on Wednesday Jan. 17, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Board of Supervisors Chambers at the Lake County Courthouse, 255 North Forbes St., Lakeport.


According to Eric Seely of the County Administrative Office, the meeting will provide a forum to review proposed development options and designs. County staff will be seeking volunteers to participate as active members of the development committee. Interested members of the public are invited to attend.


Another meeting will be held at a future date to present the final recommendations, project budget, and phases for development.


This project is being made possible through the generous donation of Andrew Beckstoffer of Beckstoffer Vineyards. Currently, the Ely Stage Stop House sits at 7909 Highway 29 in Kelseyville on land owned by Beckstoffer Vineyards.


The proposed project calls for the relocation of the structure to a five-acre parcel on Soda Bay Road, which is located a few miles from the structure's current location, north of the intersection of Soda Bay Road and Highway 29, and features dramatic views of Mt. Konocti. Beckstoffer donated both the historic structure, as well as the five-acre parcel for the proposed new site.


Although its age and condition may make the relocation a challenge, the building's history as a stage stop, hotel, and even a post office promises to add historical character to the proposed museum. The building is considered by some to be the oldest "stick-built" building in Lake County, dating to the late 1850s.


With assistance from the California Department of Forestry, Konocti Conservation Camp, the building was readied for relocation in 2006. The actual move will take place in 2007.


With arrangements set forth in a proposed Memorandum of Understanding between the County and the Lake County Historical Society, the County will be responsible for the physical relocation of the structure and the Historical Society will be responsible for the acquisition of the farm equipment to be exhibited at the museum as well as the day-to-day operation of the museum. During the museum's development phases, the Historical Society also will take the lead on the project.


Once the relocation is complete, the two-story structure will provide a permanent home for the Lake County Historical Society and function as a historical and agricultural visitor center, as well as a starting point for a self-guided historical tour of Lake County. In addition to the structure, the current vision for the project also includes the reconstruction of old barns onto the site, displays of farm equipment, as well as agricultural demonstrations and living history exhibits.


Community participation is a key part of the project with fundraising efforts underway. In addition to monetary contributions, the committee will seek out donations of farm equipment and old barns, the donors of which will be given appropriate recognition.


For more information, contact Eric Seely at the Lake County Administrative Office at (707) 263-2580.