Ely's, California facts for kids

Ely's was once a small community in Lake County, California. It was located about 7 miles (11 kilometers) east of a town called Kelseyville. Ely's was not a large town, and it only existed for a short time.

What Was Ely's?

Ely's was a very small settlement, which means it was a place where people lived and worked, but it never grew into a big town or city. Many small settlements like Ely's popped up in California during the late 1800s. They often formed around a specific business or a natural resource.

A Brief History of Ely's

The most important part of Ely's was its post office. A post office is where mail is sorted and sent out. The post office at Ely's was open from 1887 to 1890. This means it only operated for three years.

Who Was Benjamin Ely?

The settlement of Ely's was named after a man named Benjamin Ely. He was the very first postmaster there. A postmaster is the person in charge of a post office. They make sure that letters and packages get to the right people. In the late 1800s, post offices were very important. They were often the main way people communicated across long distances.

Where Was Ely's Located?

Ely's was in Lake County, California. Lake County is known for its beautiful Clear Lake, which is the largest natural freshwater lake entirely within California. The area around Ely's would have been rural, with farms and natural landscapes.

Why Did Ely's Disappear?

Many small settlements like Ely's did not last long. They often disappeared for several reasons. Sometimes, the main reason for their existence, like a specific mine or a logging camp, would close down. Other times, new roads or railroads would bypass them, making it harder for people to get there or for businesses to thrive. Since the post office at Ely's only lasted three years, it suggests that the community did not grow enough to support itself, or perhaps people moved away to other, larger towns nearby.