columbia booksellers & stationers

Over the last decade or so, I have stopped in the bookstore on each of my several trips to visits close friends in Columbia. The store is set up to be contemporary with the town's setting; it sorta feels normal to be in the store when in the town. It sells a lot of books and "stuff" that go along with the Columbia theme. Further, the owner is open to searching for items the buyer may want even if they don't relate to the times of Columbia's history. I've found people welcome to look around to their hearts' contents; no rush to "buy or get out of the way." This atmosphere gives you time to see the little things tucked away on shelves and in corners. Even if you don't buy something, the owner is eager to talk with you about the town, his shop and other shops around him. It's a lesson just being in there with him.

This is a very interesting place to browse in. If you're really interested in Columbia's history and other gold rush history, you can find many books and items at this shop.

We highly recommend the Columbia Booksellers & Stationers store in the lovely Columbia State Historic Park in the Sierra Nevada (along Highway 49 & 108). My wife and I are regular visitors and customers to the Columbia Booksellers since it is such a GEM, a bookstore with such an atmosphere that it is easy to think yourself back into the 1850 era. Floyd and Danette Oydegaard, dressed in their authentic 1850s style clothing, are the owners and they make every visitor feel much at home. One can easily spend an hour just browsing not only to find an extensive assortment of books on the California Gold Rush, but so many other related books and pamphlets, not to mention wide ranging collectibles and artifacts of the exciting Gold Rush. I have sometimes the feeling when I enter the Columbia Booksellers that I am visiting an exciting museum where everything is priced reasonably for sale. Imagine Charles Dickens's "The Old Curiosity Shop" and you get the idea! Interested? Then visit their website at www.columbiagazette.comOne more thing: Floyd Oydegaard is a first rate historian who can fascinate you with a historic description of Columbia and California during the 19th Century (he has authored several books on the subject). An ardent re-enactor and actor he is frequently sought out for his expertise.His lovely wife, Danette, a retired teacher and the founder of the Columbia Girls & Boys Academy is equally involved in the history activities of Columbia. It is a delight to hear her share episodes of Columbia's past.In conclusion, for anyone both young and old who is interested in books and history, this is a 'MUST' stop while visiting Columbia. You will find yourself coming back time and time again (like we do)!Edward & Jane Rozdal