FROM: Larry Carpenter, California NPEA
PST
The Folsom Welcome Ceremony began On-Time at the Folsom History Museum, Sutter Street, Folsom. Hosted by the Folsom Historical Society. This began at 2:00 PM on the steps of the Museum with the public, NPEA Members, and the members of the Folsom Historical Society in attendance. Folsom after the first 6 week so Pony Express Operations was the Terminus of the Overland Route of the Central Overland California and Pikes Peak Express Company. The mail was then put on the Cars of the Sacramento Railroad for the trip to the waterfront in Sacramento and the waiting steamboat for the trip to San Francisco.
I acted as MC and introduced Anthony Ikeda Kolar, Director of the Folsom History Museum, who gave a brief history of the Palmer Day Bldg which houses the Museum and which in 1860-1861, was the Pony Express Agency and Remount Station in Folsom. Our proceedings were interrupted by shouts of “Rider Coming.” The incoming Rider in a clatter and a flash rode up Sutter Street, some 15 to 20 minutes early. We quickly Swore in the Outgoing Rider, after she stepped into the saddle and onto the mochila, ready to ride. NPEA National President Lyle Ladner did the Honors and Administered the Pony Express Oath to her, and with cheers and whoops she and her horse disappeared up the street under Escort of the Folsom Police. We then continued with history and I introduced Aaron Mahr, Superintendent of the Intermountain Region of the National Park Service. Aaron told of the role the National Park Service has in administering the National Trails, and the necessity of us all to do our part in “Finding Our Parks.” This is the Centennial of the National Park Service and an opportunity for us to call attention to the fact that the Pony Express Trail is part of the National Trails System, as a designated Historic Trail.
Long Liver the Pony Express. On to St Joseph!
Larry Carpenter, Corresponding Secretary, National Pony Express Association.