May 2, 2026, 1 – 2:30 pm Speaker: David and Gayle Woodruff, historians Donnor Summit photo Daring and Dangerous Donner Summit Using a trove of rare and seldom‑seen photographs, local historians and authors David and Gayle Woodruff take you on a fast‑paced and often humorous journey across Donner Summit—one of America’s most storied and heavily traveled mountain corridors. From the heroic three‑day, round‑the‑clock effort to rescue 226 passengers and crew from a snow‑stranded and danger-filled train, to the spirited “Snow Shoveling Bee” that rallied an entire community, this program uncovers the remarkable characters, bold feats, and improbable moments that have shaped this legendary Sierra Summit’s fanciful history. Speaker Bio: David Woodruff, historian David and Gayle Woodruff offer history programs throughout Lake Tahoe, the Carson Valley, and Eastern Sierra, often bringing their characters to life in Chautauqua performances. The Woodruffs have written a series of three books about Highway 395 called Tales Along El Camino Sierra and a book on the Furnace Creek Resort called Magnificent Oasis. We would like to thank our partner, the Washoe County Library System and the Sierra View Library for hosting our off-site lectures. Sierra View Library has been serving communities from Midtown to South Reno since 1987. Located inside the Reno Town Mall, directly across from the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, the library has two entrances. The front entrance allows visitors to stroll by shops and businesses in the mall, while the second entrance is accessible from the rear, south side of the mall. This back entrance has an ADA accessible lift. The address is 4001 S Virginia St, Reno, NV 89502.
