The town grew up a gold mining spot called Soldier’s Gulch, starting in 1848. Soon the new settlers tagged it Volcano because of the strange appearance of the crater-like valley. By 1853, there were thousands of people living here. During the boom times up to 1856, several fireproof stone buildings were erected to house the businesses that served the miners and emigrants buying supplies. The AAUW Home Tour takes visitors into four historic sites that have survived until this day and to the cemeteries of its pioneers.

Volcano Amphitheatre

A large stone building that spanned two lots was originally constructed by the Frye brothers with limestone from the quarry out of the nearby Masonic cave hill. Only the façade of that building remains today and serves as the front entrance of the Volcano Amphitheatre. AAUW will present a wine tasting here on tour day.

The Cobblestone Theatre was originally built in 1856 as a Tobacco and Cigar Emporium. Since 1974, The Volcano Theatre Company has been performing here.

The historic Volcano Masonic Lodge began with members meeting in a limestone cave in preparation for their charter application. In 1857, they moved into the present location on the second floor of the Hale and Adams building built in 1856. The tour will offer a rare view of the Mason’s Meeting Hall, still illuminated by gaslights and complete with mid 19^th century artifacts.

At the Volcano Catholic and Pioneer Methodist (Protestant) cemeteries, Historian Carolyn Fregulia, will provide a “glimpse of Volcano history at the cemeteries”.

The Armory Hall was built about 1912 by the Volcano community on the same land as the first hall circa 1853. The building was tagged “The Armory” after the Volcano Blue militia rented it to store muskets and ammunition. AAUW will present an Art Show here on Tour day.

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