Rush of Lunacy - Part 2

Founded in 1811, the port city of Astoria, Oregon was the only home James, Henry, and Willy had ever known. With Ma and Pa, they helped run the family mill; grinding flour for the local community. Sometimes the boys would help Pa cut timber or pull fishing nets along the rocky shoreline, yet the main source of income was providing daily bread to their friends and neighbors.

In many ways it was an idyllic place for three boys to grow up. They had the support of their parents. They had friends and a community who sometimes were a little intrusive, but the nosiness was always lined good intentions. People in Astoria knew the family and watched these boys grow up. The community was “invested." Pa always said

The people of Astoria are the salt of the earth

And it was true. There was a lot of goodness in that town. It was assumed by everyone that the boys would work in the mill; eventually taking over when Ma and Pa retired. They might also occasionally help with the timber harvest, but their real vocation would be to start families and conform to expectations. It seemed all set in stone.

That is until gold was discovered in California. Gold fever struck the boys... hard. They dreamed of making a fortune prospecting in the vastness of California. They dreamed of an adventure and a life of their own. They dreamed of something different than what everyone expected of them.

Taking off for California to prospect for gold was bound to cause a ruckus. It seemed irresponsible to many. Crazy to some. And weird to others.

Astorians work hard and follow the rules.

Henry, as the oldest, was the most responsible of the three brothers. He lived up to the Astorian ideal of working hard and following the rules. It was expected that he would take care of things and be strong and resilient. At the General Store and after Church on Sundays there was often a lot of talk about what he “should be” and what was “best” for him and the family.

Willy was the youngest at just fourteen. He had a reputation of being a ladies’ man. In truth, Willy was a friend to everyone. He was romantic at heart; however, something always seemed to hold him back. He was fearful in an uncomfortable sort of way when it came to girls.

James, the stereotypical middle child, was constantly in trouble. His mind was always running – and often so was his mouth. He was rambunctious, but he had a creative and loving side. Beneath his wild exterior was an unexplored deeply emotional and caring boy.

He also seemed to be the most taken by the idea of leaving home and trying his luck in California. At night, when all the house was quiet, the brothers would lay in bed and talk about what life would be like.

I hear that it sometimes rains gold, James said.

It does not! exclaimed Henry

Yes it does! argued James. The streams and rivers are so full of gold that some of it evaporates with the water. When it rains the gold comes down and covers everything!

The stories about California were wild and far-fetched. Just the stuff to nourish the boys’ dreams about a future of adventure and wealth. In California you could be whoever you wanted. You could create your own destiny. It was an almost mythical place teeming with possibilities. A rush of lunacy was just what the boys needed.