Travel Essays · Chapter
To Introduce Mr. Kelmar explained
The narrator describes the many deserted mining towns in California, particularly around Mount Saint Helena, and his interest in squatting in one such place, Pine Flat.
What happens
The narrator describes the many deserted mining towns in California, particularly around Mount Saint Helena, and his interest in squatting in one such place, Pine Flat. He introduces Mr. Kelmar, a Russian Jewish storekeeper who holds great economic power over the local settlers. Kelmar steers the narrator away from Pine Flat and instead recommends Silverado, an abandoned mining town up the mountain, and offers to introduce him to Rufe Hanson, the hunter who lives there. The narrator accepts a ride with the Kelmars to the Toll House to meet the Hansons.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Inequality
Kelmar's role as a 'king' over indebted settlers illustrates the power dynamics and economic inequality in rural California.
Travel and Discovery
The narrator's exploration of deserted mining towns and his plan to squat in Silverado embody the spirit of travel and discovery.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Kelmar
The storekeeper and the narrator's principal adviser; a Russian Jew with a projecting under lip, who holds economic sway over the local settlers.
- Mrs. Hanson
Mentioned as part of the Hanson family; Kelmar's wife is also referenced as supporting his statements.
- Rufe Hanson
The hunter who lives in Silverado; described as having been consumptive but now strong, and recommended by Kelmar to take care of the narrator.
- Foss
The great Foss, a driver on the Geysers road, mentioned as a possible source for bringing meat.
Key passages
“One thing in this new country very particularly strikes a stranger, and that is the number of antiquities. Already there have been many cycles of population succeeding each other, and passing away and leaving behind them relics.”
A newcomer to California is struck by the many abandoned towns and relics left by successive waves of settlers.
Introduces the theme of deserted mining towns as modern antiquities.
“Kelmar was the storekeeper, a Russian Jew, good-natured, in a very thriving way of business, and, on equal terms, one of the most serviceable of men.”
Kelmar, a Russian Jewish storekeeper, was friendly and successful in business, and very helpful when treated as an equal.
First description of Mr. Kelmar, highlighting his character and background.
“Credit is offered, is pressed on the new customer, and when once he is beyond his depth, the tune changes, and he is from thenceforth a white slave.”
Storekeepers offer and push credit on new customers, but once the customer is in debt, the storekeeper becomes a tyrant, and the customer is effectively enslaved.
Describes the exploitative credit system that gives Kelmar power over the settlers.