BOWER CAVE WILL BE THE SUBJECT OF THE FIRST “FIRESIDE CHAT” AT THE MARIPOSA MUSEUM AND HISTORY CENTER ON FEB. 14. Caroline Wenger Korn presents "Ootin (Bower Cave) An Endangered Treasure," as free museum programs resume on Sunday, Feb. 14 at 2 p.m .

The unique beauty of this special feature was noted by early pioneers, but it has been revered since earlier days by native peoples who called the cave “Ootin,” a doorway between earth and a spiritual world.

This is the first "Fireside Talk" in the Mariposa Museum's 2010 schedule.

Wenger Korn's family, who were guardians of Bower Cave for about 100 years, owned the surrounding land between 1860 and 1945. She describes the cavern lake as being "shades of emerald green . . . surrounded by mossy banks and, in the spring, columbines and ferns." The large house that her ancestors built as an inn for travelers, was a short distance from the cave entrance.

She will speak on the Indian and pioneer history, while sharing photos of the unique limestone formations and other features of the cavern.

At the height of the gold rush, a wood floor and a band platform in the cavern made it a popular place for dances.

Bower Cave was also a rest stop on the Old Yosemite Road where visitors in carriages, buggies and stage coaches would pause to visit the fascinating area.

Early writers and explorers wrote about the geology and beauty of this unique spot. John Muir called it a, "delightful marble palace, filled with sunshine through its wide open mouth . . ."

Wenger Korn has worked hard for the protection and preservation of the cave area. Her childhood memories of the cave and the surrounding area, and her extensive research of its history and have given her a strong desire to see it protected and reopened for visitors to enjoy.

The area is now protected as part of the Stanislas National Forest, but the forest service lacks funding to make public access possible. Wenger Korn hopes that will change. At the present time the the cave is fenced and gated to protect it from vandalism, and to prevent injury to people trying to enter the cavern.

She would also like to see an interpretive center for this natural feature, with an emphasis on its significance for the native peoples of the area.

This would not be the first time Wegner Korn has helped to preserve local history. She also worked with the community of Cathey’s Valley to successfully preserve and restore an 1879 schoolhouse that is now used as a historical educational center.

Admission is free for the event. Mariposa Museum and History Center is located at 5119 Jessie Street. Refreshments will be served. For more information contact the museum office 966-2924.