March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate and honor women who have made significant contributions to society. In Plumas County, California, two women stand out for their impact on the community: Minnie Lee Vest and Carol Franchetti.
Minnie Lee Vest married Charles Lee of the Warner Valley Lee family in 1910. Charles was the foreman of the Red River Lumber Company’s dairy near Westwood. He died at age 30, and Minnie moved to Chester, opening a little restaurant, Travelers Inn. With the earnings she bought property on Chester’s Main Street, and in 1922 began building the Adirondack styled Lee Lodge, with small cabins and a café. On July 3, 1934, Lee Lodge burned to the ground after a fire started in the well house behind the lodge and the tank house fell
over onto the main building. Photo courtesy of Chester/Lake Almanor Museum.
Women of Chester Inspire Courage and Perserverance
Minnie Lee Vest was a trailblazer in the early 1900s, opening the Traveler’s Inn, and later building Lee’s Lodge and the Rainbow Lodge and Auto Court in Chester, California, and flipping homes before it was even a term. Minnie endured the loss of husbands and the destruction of her first hotel by fire. Then, with courage and perserverance she constructed the Rainbow Lodge with its cafe, gas station and garage. And, Minnie was also known for her volunteerism, including founding and helping to fund the first fire department in the area.
Carol Franchetti, a transplant from another area, arrived at Prattville along the shores of Lake Almanor in 1971 and fell in love with the community. She opened Carol’s Prattville Café and persevered through lean years, serving comfort food and warm smiles to locals and guests for over 50 years.
Like Minnie, Carol is community-minded and gives back in many ways. Treasurer of the Almanor Basin Food Pantry she is present on Saturdays to disperse food and orchestrates monthly community suppers. She also fundraised for those affected by the Dixie Fire in 2021, raising over $35,000 to support local entrepreneurs struggling amidst the disaster. Carol is also a director on the Lake Almanor Area Chamber of Commerce, looking out for the betterment and well-being of her community.
Carol’s journey had some tough days in the beginning; $25.00 in gross sales was her largest day that first year! April 2021 begins her 50th season. Photo courtesy of Jan Davies.
Carol’s accomplishments do not stop there. She mentored many junior chefs and servers over the years and pursued a certificate in Restaurant Management, graduating as a certified ‘Chef de Cuisine’ from the Culinary Institute of America. She co-founded the Almanor Culinary Academy and taught there for three years, continuing as an instructor at Feather River College when the Academy closed down. She is also a registered proctor and instructor for the ServSafe food safety program.
At 64 years young, Carol received a Liberal Arts Degree from Feather River College, fulfilling a dream she had aspired to for many years. She continues to drive forward, adding a bakery to the café in 2021 with an enticing selection of espressos, teas, and delicious pastries.
Carol’s food, baking, and commitment to her community are extraordinary. She is a force of nature with an infectious smile and a no-nonsense attitude. Her hands and creative mind craft wonderful food, and her life journey is an inspiration for all. It is apparent that she and Minnie have a lot in common, and their impact on the community will continue to be felt for years to come.
Women of the Almanor Foundation
The foundation also honors the women serving our mission to foster the development of a vibrant, sustainable, rural community. Thank you Directors: Judy Chynoweth, Julie Childers, Carla Parsons, Joyce Ruschaupt, and our awesome staff: Susan Bryner, and Melissa Lopez.
Read more of Minnie Lee Vest’s story at https://plumascounty.org/blog/regional-history/plumas-county-women-in-history/