Carol Marshall: The Warm Heart of Downieville
- Sonya Z. Meline
- Sep 29
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 30
In the picturesque, close-knit community of Downieville, there are people whose presence simply defines the town's atmosphere. Carol Marshall is one of them. You'll often see her and her husband, David, walking through town, arm-in-arm, ready to greet every person, newcomer or long-time friend, with a genuine smile and kind words. Carol is the epitome of the town's welcoming, generous spirit, a fact made clear through her own life story rooted in this special corner of the mountains.
A Dream of Mountain Life Comes True
Carol’s deep connection to the area began in childhood. Her family would visit her grandfather in Calpine and camp along the river when it was allowed. Downieville always held a special place in her heart; she always wanted to live here.
The opportunity arose in 1989 when Carol was between jobs. She initially came up just to visit and escape the city, thinking she would only stay a few years. However, the mountains had a magnetic pull. After she arrived, she "missed" the city life less and less. She quickly found a job at the Kentucky Mine and realized she wanted to stay permanently.
A Life-Changing Family and Career
The decision to stay was cemented by a truly life-changing event: meeting her husband, David, and his daughters, Molly and Susie. Carol calls this her most special memory, her life "turning around". She suddenly had a "fabulous family all at once". The family history is intertwined with the town, as David's family came to live there when he was about five.
Carol has contributed to the community in several roles over the years:
Kentucky Mine Museum: Her first job was a summer position as a docent, greeting people.
The Ruffled Goose: She worked at this "wonderful gift shop" located in a building downtown.
Sierra County: She eventually got a "real job" with the county in the Department of Child Support Services.
Downieville Museum: She now volunteers as a docent, a role she "absolutely love[s]" because it gives her the chance to meet people.
The Joy of Human Connection
Carol and David are a beloved fixture in Downieville. She truly enjoys these interactions, especially with visitors from "all over the world". She loves hearing their stories, noting that seemingly "normal and ordinary" people have often "accomplished, unbelievable things". Talking to anyone in town, local or visitor, is "never dull".
A particularly memorable moment occurred at the museum when she started chatting with a couple, and the conversation somehow led to the man having worked with Carol's brother-in-law, who had passed away. This surprising connection was very meaningful to her.
The Unique Spirit of Downieville
For Carol, the uniqueness of Downieville lies in its caring and supportive community. She notes that while you may not "particularly care for someone," when they need help, "everybody's there," which makes the community truly special.
Living here has brought her a profound sense of peace. "Living in the mountains, it brings you peace". She also enjoys the simple, comforting aspect of seeing everyone she knows every day in the small community.
When asked for advice for first-time visitors, Carol's message is simple and heartfelt:
"Talk to the locals." She suggests asking them where they like to go, where they suggest visiting, and sharing your stories with them. Visitors are often amazed at how cute the town is and how friendly the people are.
Carol sees tourism as overwhelmingly positive because it allows her to meet new people and helps the local businesses. The only "workaround" or challenge she mentions is the parking situation.
Hopes for the Future
As for the future, Carol loves Downieville just the way it is. She is pleased that the surrounding National Forest prevents it from growing any bigger. Her one hope is to see the community fill out again; she misses the feeling from when she first moved there and noticed that too many houses are now empty.
For Carol Marshall, Downieville is a "perfect place". Her genuine enthusiasm for people and her love for the community make her one of the very best reasons to visit this charming mountain town.
You can find Carol most days volunteering at the Downieville Museum.
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