"Banner House" depicts Gold Rush era

Local author has new book being released this weekBy Chuck Butler, Journal Staff Writer Robert B. Elder of Auburn, a fourth-generation Californian and the son of former Auburn Mayor Joseph Elder, draws upon his rich heritage and love of Gold Rush lore in producing his latest novel, ?The Banner House,? released to bookstores this week.Already the author of ?Rattlesnake Dick,? a historic biographical novel of the notorious foothill outlaw, and a controversial post-World War II novel, ?Whom Gods Destroy,? his ?Banner House? deals with the clash of values between the settled and conservative East and the wild, newly-opening West.The settings and incidents of the story bear a close resemblance to the Mother Lode region, which the author has explored in his former works.Elder, 87, is a retired newspaperman and was a former member of the news department of the Auburn Journal before retiring.Elder has traveled the world over, ?the only continent I have not explored is Antarctica, and who would want to go there??His enjoyment of the out of doors is evident in his writings. As well, he draws upon his memory of talks and conversations with old-timers as they recalled the Gold Rush as well as post-Gold Rush days right here in Placer County.?While I do not use these characters in my books per se,? he said, ?I do draw upon their character traits and manner of speech and adapt these to my characters.?The two main characters in ?Banner House,? as well, are from personal experience, a teenage girl and boy who arrive in San Francisco in the middle of the Gold Rush.?My great grandmother and her brother arrived in San Francisco from the East in the middle of the Gold Rush,? he said. His grandfather homesteaded on the Bear River in the 1880s.Elder, who is single, still resides in the family home on Lincoln Way, at the far end of the parking lot adjacent to the Big O Tire store. The city parking lot used to be frontage for the Elder home that sits way back from the street, and now houses a bus station honoring the name of Joseph Elder, Robert Elder?s father.?The home is not air conditioned, but I don?t need it,? he said. ?I keep the second story closed up and only live on the first floor. It?s well insulated, and I love to let the fresh air run through.? Elder experienced considerable success with ?Rattlesnake Dick,? and credits the book with causing two monuments to be built in Dick?s honor. One is located in the Old Auburn Cemetery at his gravesite, the other marks where he met his maker near Raley?s off Foresthill Road.While no new books are in the works at this time, Elder does not discount another work. ?I have tons of clippings and artifacts for research at home just begging me to go though them,? he said. ?Banner House,? in paperback form, is by published the Indiana firm, 1st Library Books, and is available in most area bookstores. The Journal?s Chuck Butler can be reached at chuckb@goldcountrymedia.com