Sunrise light on a grove of tufa towers emerging from the water of Mono Lake with soft green and dusty-red wild grasses in the foreground, Canada geese in the shallow water with reflections of the rocky towers, and desert hills in the distance.

New book: “Mono Lake Basin” by local authors

Sunrise light on a grove of tufa towers emerging from the water of Mono Lake with soft green and dusty-red wild grasses in the foreground, Canada geese in the shallow water with reflections of the rocky towers, and desert hills in the distance.

We are excited to announce the arrival of new book Mono Lake Basin by David Carle and Don Banta, two local authors.

"Mono Lake Basin" is the new book by local authors David Carle and Don Banta as part of the popular "Images of America" series by Arcadia Publishing.
Mono Lake Basin, the new book by local residents David Carle and Don Banta, is a part of the "Images of America" series by Arcadia Publishing.

The book itself tells the story of the Mono Lake Basin through vintage pictures and captions from before Lee Vining was named Lee Vining, and residents of the town of Lakeview lived along the dirt road that is now Highway 395. From mining, to logging, to farming, fishing, and skiing as well as images of Lee Vining’s legacy families, local Native Americans, Mark Twain Days, the building of the Los Angeles Aqueduct, and the saving of Mono Lake, this book is a fun look into the history of the area. It’s a great book for people who know this area, because you can see historical buildings and landmarks still visible in the town and surrounding area, today. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the colorful history of this tiny town.

At the local book signing, from the left, Bill and Serena Banta, Tim and Stephanie Banta, Rita Banta. Sitting, David Carle and Don Banta.
At the local book signing, from the left, Bill and Serena Banta, Tim and Stephanie Banta, Rita Banta. Sitting, David Carle and Don Banta.

Don Banta is a 75-year Lee Vining resident, and David Carle was a Mono Lake State Park Ranger for 19 years. Together they worked with archival materials from local families, the Mono Basin Historical Society, and the Mono Lake Committee to show the lake, its environs, and its history through stirring imagery, including the lengthy court battle over the lake and its tributary streams.

The book is for sale at the Mono Lake Committee Information Center & Bookstore and in the online bookstore for $21.99. There are some autographed copies of the book available, and there is also a neat little postcard pack with 15 images from the book, available for $7.99.

Mono Lake Committee Executive Director Geoff McQuilkin introduced authors Don Banta, and David Carle at the book signing. Photo by Arya Degenhardt.
Mono Lake Committee Executive Director Geoff McQuilkin introduced authors Don Banta and David Carle at the book signing. Photos by Arya Degenhardt.

Laura Walker, the Committee’s Book & Map Buyer, put together a lovely book signing event to celebrate the release here in Lee Vining. The well-attended event included a talk by the authors, complete with fun commentary and historical memories from the crowd.

It’s not too late to get a copy of this book for your favorite Mono Basin enthusiast for the holidays. Order online or call (760) 647-6595 to place an order soon!