It is a wonder sometimes, how I can be so generally unaware of a terrific opportunity on my doorstep. Our Gold River Villager group recently visited the Murer House in Folsom. These day trips are organized by one of our members who expands our horizons in various directions. This day we gathered at the home of Giuseppe “Joe” Murer in Folsom.

In 1906 Joe emigrated from Italy to San Francisco to help with the rebuilding of San Francisco after the earthquake. Two years later he came to Folsom. His story is the ultimate emigrant tale of a man dedicated to making a better life for himself and his community. He constructed many buildings on Sutter Street including the Fire House, Post Office and refurbished the Folsom Hotel. He served as Fire Chief for the Volunteer Fire Department. In 1925 he built his home, just off of Folsom Blvd., based on architecture from his native Italy.

Joe’s home is protected as part of Historical Folsom and The Murer House Foundation has pledged “to educate and preserve the community’s understanding of the site”. There is an extensive historic photo gallery of Joe, and the chronological development of Folsom during his time. The 900-sq.-ft. home is a wonderful example of his handiwork. Tours of the museum are on first Saturday of the month from 10 AM to 2 PM. Admission is free.

After our tour, Cindy Baker, Chair of the foundation and adopted granddaughter of Mr. Murer, taught us how to make Limoncello, Italy’s favorite Lemon Liquor. This delicious liquor is easy to make with lemons, 95- proof Everclear and simple syrup. We peeled the lemons and received detailed instructions on how to filter and bottle. The hardest part is waiting at least one month for the infusion to take place. Next we did a tasting comparing the Limoncello made in class to one purchased – there was no contest – the Murer house recipe was absolutely the winner.

The class was very well organized and Cindy was an enthusiastic teacher. She explained that Murer House is “A Little Bit of Italy in Folsom”. Classes center on Italian flavors from cheese making to the “how to” of Minestrone soup. Italian speaking classes are available. There are numerous special events throughout the year and court for bocce ball. It is best to check the web site for more information.

Gold River Villagers is a social organization with the goal “to acquaint Villagers with one another and foster similar interests”. This adventure was just one of the events of the group. Both day and evening activities are organized to foster friendships among members. Membership is open to Gold River Community Association residents only.

Contact [email protected]. Alona Thomas hobby is food and all the fun and love it brings. [email protected]