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The ‘Old Guard’ on the North Shore

Dan and Joan Hauserman
Our Turn

We want to thank the many locals who came to help us celebrate the 40th anniversary of Cobblestone last month.

Thanks to the chamber of commerce members, to the many Tahoe merchants who attended but a special thanks to some of the “old guard” who have made such a difference in the enhancement and enjoyment of our area. To Don and Shirley Williams who so beautifully developed Moana, Tahoe Tavern and Chinquapin, to Sandy Poulson who with her late husband Wayne, had the vision to bring national recognition to Squaw Valley and to Mindy Bechdolt Belding whose family contributed so much to early Tahoe with the golf course and several Tahoe City buildings.

Just as the current Tahoe Beautification Committee has enhanced Tahoe City with so many civic improvements such as landscaping, sidewalks, and the additions to the Commons, the “Old Guard” (pre-1980) also contributed.



One of the ways was also for the Commons Beach, and the other was for our North Lake Tahoe sewer system.

Back in the early ’60s when we learned that the beach was deeded to the people of Tahoe City by President Grant in the 1800s, a Commons Committee was formed and the beach, which had been used mostly as a dump and a racetrack for motorcycles, was transformed. The old dirt road that went through the area was eliminated, the restrooms building was added through a donation from a will, and the free design of Bill Collins, the beach was cleared of debris, a parking lot area was added, and we had a real beach for all to enjoy.



It was critical that we have a sewer system, since we were all on septic tanks and when we were told by our state representative that the State Finance Committee was going to vote on the $30 million funding we needed, and it was likely that we might lose because of opposition, we closed most of our businesses and marched on Sacramento in the “honey bucket brigade.”

The legislators were surprised to see the buses draped in black with “Death to Tahoe” and “Leave your sewage at home!” signs, and trucks carrying outhouses. After appearing in the Senate hearing, we won. Our sewer system was installed and the waters of the Truckee River and Lake Tahoe were saved!

Yes, the old guard and the newcomers worked together and much was accomplished. Lately, it seems that the newspaper articles are mostly negative, and in some ways divide the businesses with one area against another, such as Northstar and Tahoe City. It would be refreshing to see more positive articles in the paper pointing out how all of north Lake Tahoe is working together.

Thanks so much for supporting Cobblestone all through the years.

Dan and Joan Hauserman built The Cobblestone in Tahoe City.


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