Buckland Station is located near Fort Churchill.
Local Chautauquan DebiLynn Smith will portray Buckland Station cofounder Eliza Buckland at the Dangberg Historic Home Ranch Park in Minden.
The station was a Pony Express stop near Fort Churchill.
This Chautauqua presentation is 10 a.m. Sept. 6 and is free for all to attend.
While upon the trail West, Eliza and her sister were set out of her father's wagon when he could no longer feed them. Eliza fought horrific odds to keep her sister and herself alive. Hiring on as a camp cook, and then as a cook for a boarding house, Eliza bore the stress and rigors of life on the wagon trail and in early Western towns. Her life changed dramatically when she met Mr. Buckland at the crossing of the Carson River in Nevada Territory.
DebiLynn Smith grew up in Bridgeport and attended college in Susanville. Smith portrayed her first Chautauqua at the age of 13, portraying a young Laura Ingalls Wilder. She portrays many ladies of prominence who were pioneers on the eastern slopes of the Sierras, as well as in early Nevada.
Through DebiLynn Smith's business, Voices of the Past, she has performed for local historical societies, Dangberg Historic Park, Piper's Opera House, The Odeon Saloon, festivals, and private events.
"We are eager to meet one of Ms. Smith's newest characters, and to learn more about early Nevada near Fort Churchill," said Kim Harris, the park's events manager.
Visitors are urged to bring their own seating and leave pets at home, as only certified service animals are allowed. Guests may bring a picnic to enjoy as no food or beverages will be sold at these events. All events are held outdoors. For more information on these events, or on visiting Dangberg Historic Park, please visit Dangberg.org.
