KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – In 2012 an authentic stagecoach was acquired by the Lake County Historical Society to showcase the Ely Stage Stop and Country Museum, Lake County’s newest museum.

The coach was purchased from Tony Oliveira, owner of First and Main Museum & Antiques.

The newly acquired stagecoach is early 1900s vintage and made the run between Lakeport and Hopland. It was refurbished in Lakeport in the 1960s.

As Lake County never had railroad service, the stage lines provided a vital service for its residents and visitors alike.

The Lake County Historical Society is fortunate to have acquired such a dynamic piece of the county’s colorful past.

In 2003 the same stagecoach served as the centerpiece for the Lake County Historical Society display at the California State Fair in Sacramento, taking the silver prize. The award can be viewed at the Lake County Visitor Information Center in Lucerne.

Visitors at the 2012 Kelseyville Pear Festival were afforded viewings of the stagecoach in the Pear Pavilion.

Prior to winter weather threats the stagecoach was on display at the Ely Stage Stop and Country Museum.

Once the first display barn is completed at the Ely Stage Stop and Country Museum, the stagecoach will again be on display for the public.

Oliveira’s mall and museum, located at First and Main streets in Upper Lake, features early West cowboy bridles, boots, buggies, gambling and saloon items, and California paintings. It’s open most Fridays through Mondays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy a personal tour with Oliveira by calling 707-275-9408 for an appointment.

Be sure to visit the Ely Stage Stop and Country Museum, Lake County Historical Society’s and the County of Lake’s newest museum.

The museum address is 9921 Soda Bay Road (Highway 281) in Kelseyville, near the Clear Lake Riviera.

Current hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday.

Linda Drake is a docent at the Ely Stage Stop and Country Museum in Kelseyville, Calif.