KELSEYVILLE >> The Lake County Historical Society (LCHS) will hold its June barbecue meeting on Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Ely Stage Stop & Country Museum at 9921 State Highway 281 (Soda Bay Road).
Phil Smoley will speak about the mysterious death of Lake County heiress Harry “Hallie” Floyd. In 1903, 30-year-old Harry Floyd married Milos Gopcevic, a San Francisco cable car grip who claimed to be of European royal descent. Three months later she was dead, and her new husband inherited nearly everything. Officially, she died of an illness. Her family claimed she was murdered. The outcome of the trial changed Lake County’s history forever.
Smoley will explore the background of the bizarre chapter of Lake County history and try to get to the bottom of how Floyd died. Smoley is a 35-year resident of Lake County, a former president and current director of the LCHS, in addition to being a founder of the Lake County Historical Round Table and a local real estate broker.
The LCHS will supply hamburgers, hot dogs, buns, plates, utensils, napkins, bottled water and soft drinks. Please bring a dish to share. If the dish needs to be cold keep it on ice.
There is no charge for LCHS members; admission for guests is $5 at the door. If guests join the LCHS at the barbecue, the $5 will apply to their memberships.
For more information contact Bonnie Skee at 262-1432 or Jackie Ridgel at 279-4062.
The LCHS website, http://www.lakecountyhistory.org/, has information about the society’s programs and activities.
