[Current, 1941 political discussion omitted. - MF]
Our Redwood Story
A request from a reader of the Knave for information concerning the days when redwoods were cut on our hills and sent to the mills has brought me a number of interesting interviews, Dr. John S. Engs tells me he received the following information from a Mr. Closson, who then lived with his wife in a house on the crest of the ridge at the base of Redwood Peak. "He was the owner of a rather large tract of land adjoining. On this tract grew many second-growth redwood trees. Back of his house was a fruit orchard which had been planted in a deep depression of the hilltop. He told me that in early days the area covered by his orchard had been a mill pond. The water had been impounded by a dam at the lower end. Many years ago the dam broke, releasing the water. He said, "I have many fine second-growth trees on my place, and some day they will be worth money." At that time his place was a popular Sunday rendezvous for hikers and horseback riders throughout the year. For the small sum of 25 cents Mrs. Closson served a bountiful luncheon of bread and butter, ham and eggs and coffee. For those bringing their own food she would furnish hot tea or coffee. I used to ride to their place nearly every Sunday morning for several years following the earthquake,["Closson" is the "J. T. Classen" mentioned in this article: DIMOND THE BEAUTIFUL - The San Francisco Call, 13 Apr 1896, Mon Page 5, and confirmed by his daughter Clara, AKA Mrs. Fred Barker in this article: The Knave - Oakland Tribune - 19 Oct 1941, Sun - Page 17, look for "More on Our Redwoods". See Clara Classen & Fred Barker's names on Redwood Peak. - MF]
