Sierra Chautauqua,
A Century of Camp Sierra

Introducing Camp Sierra's History Book. Randy McFarland's 216-page addition to Fresno County and Sierra Nevada history, chronicling Camp Sierra's colorful but mostly-forgotten past. You'll learn about pre-historic Native Americans in what is now Camp Sierra; the hotel and resort Carlson, plus the sawmill that became a ghost town; the roads and rails leading to Camp Sierra; and much, much more, including what "Chautaqua" was all about. Make the camp's intriguing story part of your family history. 

J. Randall McFarland has authored, co-authored or edited eight books on Fresno County, the central Sierra Nevada, and San Joaquin Valley. The latest of these is Sierra Chautauqua- A Century of Camp Sierra. Along with being an accomplished author, Randy has been a frequent speaker and informant on valley history and has served on various local historical committees. McFarland and his wife, Laurel Jacobsen, shared a mountain cabin in Camp Sierra for 20 years where they were actively involved in Camp Sierra and nearby Big Creek Canyon community, where Randy briefly resided as a child. Through his time at Camp Sierra, McFarland was inspired by Camp Sierra's centennial in 2017 to compile Sierra Chautauqua.

J Randall McFarland has written a unique and detailed history, entitles Sierra Chautauqua, A Century of Camp Sierra, about an extraordinary place in the Sierra Nevada to all who know it. ...History buffs, like me, long for, and are grateful, for Randy McFarland's dedicated commitment to preserving the past and presenting it to us in his particular and enjoyable writing style. Camp Sierra is a special place to all who know it, and a well-kept secret from those that don't. McFarland's Sierra Chautauqua, the history of Camp Sierra, now provides us all with a clear historic perspective on this remarkable location. Enjoy the reading, and looking at the pictures, while imagining yourself sitting on the Camp Sierra Store porch, taking pleasure in life as it was meant to be. 

- Fresno County poet and writer Stephen Barile