On November 10, 1931, a historic day was held in Bieber with the Golden Spike Ceremony connecting the Western Pacific and Great Northern Railroads. While intensive planning was done, one thing never considered, it turned out to be an extremely cold blustery day. Some attendees pondered which was worse the long winded speeches by dignitaries or the cold northerly winds. After Western Pacific Chairman Arthur C. James had driven in the golden spike, the crowds quickly dismantled the temporary wooden grandstand of make a huge bon fire.
It should be duly that on the twentieth anniversary Lucius Clegg and Charles Beebe of the Virginia & Truckee fame, did a re-enactment ceremony of the driving of a golden spike at Bieber.
Among my late parents’ collection of mementos was a gold-painted spike, which I have always believed (I think Dad told me) was something Dad acquired at this ceremony. I’ve no idea who might have been giving them out. My brother and I gave it to the Big Valley Museum, where I hope it is on display.