This cache is part of a series of caches dedicated to the reminiscence and admiration of Roseville’s early dwellers. It is part of a series called CACHE OUT IN ROSEVILLE
Long before there was a railroad and long before there was a Roseville, there was THE LAND. And what a land it was! Contemporary descriptions told of mile after mile of waving grasslands. Towering over this sea of grass were thick groves of valley oaks. Covering the plains were golden poppies, buttercups, mustard, wild pansies. Bluebells, lupine and Johnny Jump-ups. “It was,” noted one observer, “as if Mother Nature herself had painted this wondrous scene.”
Throughout this beautiful countryside meandered several sparkling major streams. Along their shady banks grew wild roses for which Roseville was reportedly named. Wild game such as deer, antelope, valley elk, and an occasional California grizzly roamed over the lush grasslands, while California quail and other game birds frequented the thickets and brushlands.
Today, only a few signs of this wonderland remain – scattered groves of valley oak, small patches of California poppies, lupines blooming in the spring, and an occasional wild rose clinging to the banks of area streams. (“The Story of Roseville, California: Milestones & Memories – 1850 – 2000) by Leonard M. Davis
The above aerial photograph, circa 1950, shows the still open countryside. These were the grounds of the Kaseberg Ranch established in 1863 by James Kaseberg, a native of Germany. He had given up the freighting business to raise sheep right on these lands ….. a 50,000 acre sheep ranch specializing in 40,000 imported Merino sheep from France. In the 1850’s a brick ranch house was built, and in the 1890’s a white Victorian mansion was built on a hill next to the ranch house. This mansion housed the family. The two historical structures can be seen in the photograph. These two structures are still in use on the property. They have been incorporated into the Diamond K Estates as their office and club for residents – thus preserving their historic value.
You used to be able to park by the side of the road and just walk down the hill to the cache. Now you'll need to park a little further away. The house in the picture is located across the street at Diamond K Estates.