Get to know Redemption Creek
Redemption Creek
Renamed in 1898. Previously known as Shipley Point when L.M. Shipley discovered gold in 1864. A tent city went up as word got out about the opening of a mine. The town became more established as more mines opened and grew to a peak population of 2,000. The mines closed one by one until all mining shut down in 1935.
Ida Hanssler has dreamed about this mining ghost town her whole life. She is a direct descendant of Otto Hanssler, who owned and operated the hotel in the historic town. He gradually bought up other properties as the mines closed and people left town, leaving the property to his son. While her parents and siblings work to make the family’s hotel and other businesses successful in the next town over the mountain, Ida is working to bring new awareness to their community’s history–her family’s history. With her dreams on the line, Ida discovers life doesn’t always go the way we expect. She has one staunch opponent that refuses to sell the last privately held property in Redemption Creek to the Hansslers. Ida faces a larger setback when she finds teenagers vandalizing the hotel. With a little help from unexpected places, can Ida manage to make her ghost town come alive again?
Hanssler Hotel
The original hotel built by Otto Hanssler in 1865. It was open from 1865-1935.
Despite its importance to her family history, Ida hasn’t started working on the hotel’s restoration. She knows it will be a lot of work. She already fixed up a couple other buildings so she can start making money and building her reputation with tours. The hotel is next on her list, but before she can start working she discovers local teens vandalizing the building. Will this setback be more than her pocketbook can handle?
Community Church
A small church serving the people of Redemption Creek. Led by Reverend Frank Allen.
The church was the first building that Ida Hanssler restored on her quest to bring new life into Redemption Creek. The symbolism wasn’t lost on her as she worked to bring a new shine to all of the beautiful wooden benches and the hand carved altar. Uncovering the church records was a bonus Ida wasn’t expecting. It turned into the inspiration to have a church tour complete with a sermon from 1886.
Post’s Mercantile
Run by Alfred and Charity Post.
The hub of the town, the mercantile has all the basic supplies a miner might need in a mountain town. They run the mail service, know all about who is renting rooms, selling property, and who was bragging about finding gold. This building was kept in good order longer than most buildings in the area. Their closing in the 1930’s signaled to the remaining residents it was finally time to move somewhere else. It is among the last buildings the Hanssler’s purchased.
Buck’s Saloon
Owned and operated by George “Buck” Hammond
A hot spot among the men of the community. Buck Hammond keeps the gaming tables honest and the whiskey full strength. This cowboy-turned businessman is often at odds with the church community, as well as Otto Hanssler, who runs a different kind of restaurant and bar in his hotel. Don’t count this man out when it comes to the running of Redemption Creek. He may have a surprise or two for those who think he can be shut down without a fight.