Days of Gold review - Journal of the California Council of the Social Studies

Working from their initial success with They Came Singing: Songs from California History. . . . Calicanto Associates has scored another big hit. This latest compilation is a diverse collection of songs and chants from the Gold Rush era. Beginning with "Getting to the Gold Fields," the recordings all come with lyrics and short historical explanation. Teachers can select traditional well-known songs such as "Oh California," Sweet Betsy from Pike", and "Buffalo Gals,." The really interesting part is titled "A Mix of Cultures" and features song selections of the California Indians, Californios and early Black settlers. Of special interest is "Cuatro Milpas," a Mexican lament retelling how Californios lost their ranchero land. In another section, songs honoring gold seekers from Hawaii, Australia and China - Pacific emigrants, are contrasted with musical selections of French, German and Italian "49ers."
The musical composition and performance on the CD are of an excellent quality. Your students will surely enjoy listening to, or singing, songs from this historically valuable collection - a must for every fourth grade teacher! It is important to remember that one of the most effective methods of developing historical empathy in students is to allow them to do "living history" and of the best way to do this is to let them become "49ers," performing Gold Rush songs.
Teachers will also find Days of Gold an effective tool in teaching appreciation of different cultures. As they listen to the lyrics and grasp the vary rhythms of each song, students can't help but build an understanding of cultural values and traditions.

Al Rocca, Social Studies Review, Journal of the California Council of the Social Studies Spring/Summer, 2000, Volume 39 #2