KLAM-ITY KOURIER (Willow Creek), June '74:
Klam-Ity Kountry mourns the death of one of its favorite old-timers, Mrs. Adelaide "Dell" Strand of Salyer, who died on June 8, 1974, at the Crestwood Convalescent Home in Redding. Dell had been troubled with blood clots in her lungs and had to be taken to the clinic in Woodland on May 23 where she remained under treatment until June 8th. A Salyer resident for the past 28 years, she is survived by her husband John G. Strand, four daughters, Mrs. Doris Alkire and Mrs. Helen Stier of Redding, Mrs. Lois Willson of San Lorenzo and Mrs. Joan Stoner of Sacramento, by 15 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She also had two sisters, Mrs. Cora O'Bryant of Aptos and Mrs. Mabel Anderson of San Francisco.

Dell was born on the Ziegler Ranch in Salyer in 1900. Her father, a lumberjack was Cyrus Ziegler, brother of "uncle Hiram", who still lives in Salyer today. She left this area when she was five years old, though she did come back to it off and on, all during her life. Dell attended schools in Rio Dell, Shively, and the one room school house in Salyer, which was then located on the property of the U.S. Forest Service grounds are on now. Dell, who was extremely talented and enjoyed working with her hands, learned to be a power machine operator and worked in the clothing industry for many years. Enjoying any kind of handywork, she sewed, tatted, crocheted, embroidered, knit, and fashioned flowers out of different materials like feathers, yarns, etc. She also loved to cook, can, and keep house. In an interview on her 50th anniversary, Dell said, "At one time we thought about selling our place, but then and we looked around remembered that every single shrub, tree, play and flower, plus a lot of things in the house had, at one time or another, been gifts we received from our dear friends. And that was that. We just couldn't part with it!"

Dell met John in 1916. On July 18, 1920, John and Dell were married in Eureka. On July 18th next they would have celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary. The Strands built their present blockhouse home in 1957, a place that is surrounded by thousands of iris and other flowers, a place that has been an attraction to passing-through tourists and neighbors alike for many summers. Dell was a member of the Quincy chapter of the Order of Eastern Star, the Trinity Valley Grange and the VFW Auxiliary in Willow Creek. A member of the Salyer Wayside Chapel, Dell was paid a final tribute by her friends and loved ones during the funeral services held at the Salyer Wayside Chapel with the Rev. Frank Bibbins officiating Interment fol-.....

KLAM-ITY KOURIER (Willow Creek), no date
THIS PICTURE was taken in 1892. It was the first old school house in Orleans. Pictured is Miss Doughtry, teacher, and her pupils. In the back row from left to right are Albert Sanderson, Walter Dodge, Alexander (last name unknown), Oscar Brundine, Henry James Wilder, Bessie Ferris, Emily Wilder, Nancy Wilder, Bessie Hall, Emma Knudsen, Dolly Wilder, Arthur Markussen, Peter Brundine, Tommy Ullathorn, Arnold Smith, Henry Wilder, George Ferris, George Tripp, Frankie Ullathorn and David Wilder. In the front row are Alice Reece, Jessie Ferris, Elsie Wilder, two un-identified Happy Camp girls, next to Lizzie Knudsen, George Reece, two unknown persons, then Lewis Nelson, Ally Smith, Winnie Ottley and Gus Brundine. Wooden benches were used for seats and slates for writing and arithmetic problems. Many of the children walked carrying their lunches as far as six miles one way. Nearly all in the picture are deceased (date of article unknown) except ally Smith, now 87, of Happy Camp, Elsie Wilder 88 now, of Agpaa, her brother Henry Wilder, 90, of Northridge, and Bessie Ferris Strauss who is in her 90's of Mendocino. Frankie Ullathorn had visited Orleans several years ago. His present whereabout are unknown. The two story building was at that time the Court House. Orleans was the County Seat of Klamath County. Shown in the picture behind the courthouse is the jail and at the right are branches of a tree where at least two hangings took place when the men were found guilty of murder. Upstairs in the two story building Henry J. Evans had his printing press and published a newspaper in 1870. The building was used for the school house after Klamath County was wiped from its existence on the map in 1881 by a terrible flood and its territory divided between Siskiyou and Humboldt Counties.

Isn't it amazing to see the difference between then and now? Today, there is one teacher at the Junction School in Somes Bar with nine pupils. There is also a teacher's aide besides Mrs. Downey, a teacher, who comes from Ukonom Ranger Station to help out at school for a few hours a day. Seven of the children live 1/4 mile from the school and they ride the school bus from and to school plus they have hot meals free at school. Many great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and grandchildren of people who are pictured in this Orleans school house picture now attend school at Orleans and Somes Bar. (Photo by Mabel Nitsche)

PAGE 6 KLAM-ITY KOURIER Wednesday, March 7, 1973
We are indebted to Jack and Mae Fritz of 226 W. Washington Street in Eureka, who submitted these interesting photographs to the Klam-Ity Kourier in hopes that someone else may be able to recognize some of the people pictured. Mae was raised in Salyer on the Ziegler Ranch and Jack was born in Happy Camp but raised in Hoopa.

Three Indian Princesses: Dorothy Moon, Elvera Eyerson, and Marilyn Colegrove.
Bluff Creek Bridge.

PAGE 6 KLAMITH KOURIER Wednesday, April 30, 1969
Mr. And Mrs. Sam Ferguson celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on March 29 at the home of their daughter and son-in-law, Mr. And Mrs. Al Arnesen of Salyer, Looking back on a life time of wedded bliss, the smiling couple enjoyed each other's company as much as they ever did. They were happy to be surrounded by their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren (and one great-great-grandchild) and enjoyed the party given in their honor. Co-hostesses were the Mesdames Gary Carpenter, Joe Stuart and Jack Seely of Willow Creek.

Nothing would do but Mrs. Ferguson baked the famous traditional fruit cake for the big day, just as she had done 60 years ago when they were first married. It was made according to a secret family recipe and was delightful! A gaily decorated Buffet table was set up on Arnesen's lovely home and it was practically overflowing with the many kinds of delicious foods and dishes the family had provided. Family members from near and far attended and enjoyed the jubilants as well as seeing one another again.

In addition to the numerous local family members, out-of-town guests were the Ferguson's son, Dale Ferguson of Santa Ana; their granddaughter, Carolyn Jackson, her husband and her son-laws, also from Santa Anna; the Ferguson's grandson, Jimmy Ferguson, presently in the U.S. Navy and stationed in San Diego; Miss LaVerne Larson of Arcata, who was a school teacher in 1927 and boarded with the Fergusons at the time; Mrs. Margaret Lee, Ruth Ferguson's sister and her daughter, Hazel Anderson, of Rancho Cordova; granddaughter, Carol Stenen, and her children of Burney; Mr. And Mrs. John Anderson and their baby which made great-great-grandparents out of Sam and Ruth; a dear friend from Northridge, California, could not attend but phoned and sent a lovely gift.

The pastor of the Salyer Wayside Chapel, a long-time friend and the Ferguson's minister, Rev. Frank Bibbins, gave the benediction before the company partook of the fine meal. Mrs. Ferguson has two sisters, Mrs. Margaret Lee, mentioned above, and Mrs. Frank Prindle of Salyer. Ruth and Margaret both have celebrated 60 years of marriage now! And Francis is not far behind them with her 56 years of marriage.

Approximately 50 guests attended the gala affair. The "bride" of a diamond anniversary, smilingly cut the beautiful "wedding" cake after the buffet dinner. The many guests surrounding them and wishing them well will never forget the beautiful sight of the jubilants eating their "first" piece of wedding cake together.

Indian Health Project Dead
Mrs. Wilma Harding and Mrs. Lorraine Peard will no longer be acting in the capacity of Indian Health Technicians as the Federal Government has not renewed the contract funding the nine projects in California with the California State Department of Public Health. In a letter to Charles Moon, chairman of the Tribal Council, Irwin E. Rautenberg, Assistant Chief, Administrative Bureau of Maternal and Child Health, stated that he was able to add the additional $400 requested by Moon to the budget so that the girls will have a week to finish any work left.

As of April 25, the Indian Health Project is without funds to operate. Chairman Moon said that Dr. Rautenberg is keeping him posted on developments regarding refunding. This cut-back has affected all nine California Projects.

KIDS KLATTER
by Kraig Johnston
Okey! First of all, let me ask a simple question' How many of you have wanted to go swimming already this year? Creeks and rivers look terribly inviting this time of year, don't they?

Now-let me answer the question: Lots of you have wanted to go swimming lately, right? Well, DON'T! Maybe you think I sound like Grandpa Moses, but wait for the river to go down and then have fun. Don't let it get your life!

And now for something different-my P.O.T.B. This week my "Pat on the Back" goes to many people. These people who have taken time off from their affairs to come into the classes in our school to tell us of foreign lands they have visited and other important facts that help us understand this world of today. Sometimes they can tell us more than the teachers (no offense, please!) Some remember and some have taken pictures of places, people and countries they have seen. So, as far as I can see, these people get it this week. BRAVEO and thank you very much!

Baseball season is upon us and it is going mad. I might have some scores for you next week. About 80 kids are playing ball in Willow Creek this spring, more than ever before. I have kind of a problem burning in the baseball scores a week before the games are played, but that is when the newspaper had its deadline. But I'll try to do my best.
Advertisement in the newspaper: "For Sale-My son's collection of rock and roll records, cheap. If a boy's voice answers the phone, hang up and call later!"

THIS PHOTO SHOWS the local (Hoopa)baseball team of 1914. In the back row are Anderson Miskit, Leslie W. Swanson, Sherman Norton, Julius Marshall, Gene Johnson, George Nixon, and in the front row are Amos Holmes, Lafayette Davis, Eddie Hayden, Ernest Marshall and William Quimby.

Who recognizes "Bean Boy"? The disturbed expression on his face was captured by a photographer in 1901 after Wes had just consumed his favorite dish, beans...but too many of them...they gave him a stomach ache. A few years later, bean boy was a prominent community leader, and to this day, Mr. Hotelling enjoys a good dish of homecooked beans.

And now I will leave you with the reminder that tomorrow is the last day you can enter the Mother's Day Contest with your letter entitled "Why I like My Mother". Two five dollar bills are waiting to get into some kids pocket! So, sit down RIGHT NOW and write a 50 word essay, more or less, and don't forget to include your name, address and age! Mail your letter to Kraig Johnson, c/o The Klamith Kourier, P.O. Box 355, Willow Creek.

ANOTHER KLAMITY PHOTO KORNER, no date
Reminiscent of the Orleans Old Timers Picnic is this 1913 photograph that shows a bunch of beauties ready to start a picnic at Sharber's Slough in Salyer. Gene Fountain set the camera and posed with the group hen the shutter clicked. From left to right you will recognize John Noble, Bell Martin Sweem, now deceased Karolyn Koon Henderson (Teresa Bussell's of Salyer), Grandpa Fountain, mother (Susie Baker Fountain, Humboldt Historian JF), Neta Dartt Bussell Margaret Martin Miller and (now Mrs. Clem Bussell of Annie Benson Martin. Look Willow Creek's Patterson at the gorgeous dresses and Road), Alice Flower Warren, hats the ladies wore on hot (the mother of don Warren days then! (JF: Real problems with this text...typed as printed.)

PAGE 4 KLAM-ITY KOURIER Wednesday, August 2, 1972

A lot of local history was left behind when Guglielmo Gambi passed away this past June 18. He is perhaps best remembered for his traveling the county selling fruit trees and for the wonderful peaches he raised in his orchards in Willow Creek and sold to local markets. Peaches are best remembered but he also supplied many markets with fresh apples, grapes and other fruits.

For those many readers who did not know Guglielmo we are sure you will appreciate why his friends gave him the nickname "GG". After all can you imagine having to say Guglielmo every time you wanted to get "GG's" attention?
In the following sketch of Guglielmo's life we will refer to him as "GG".
Born in 1883 in Firenze, Italy (Florence;, "GG" was one of five children born to his railroad working father and homemaker mother. He leaves a sister, Mrs. Roberti, who lives in Arcata; a sister in Buenose Aires, S.A.; a brother in Lucca, Italy. Another brother who lived in South America passed away. AT THE AGE OF 16 (1899) "GG" left Italy for San Francisco.His first job took him to the Sacramento Valley where he picked beans. In those days malaria was not uncommon in the valley and "GG" was one of those unfortunate enough to get it. After recovering he left the Sacramento Valley and headed for Eureka.

A PORTRAIT of "GG" Gambi with his wife Enriquetta and their second son, Peter born 1908. Their first son, Mario, was born in 1907 and their daughter Norma in 1919. The photo was taken by the Dan Sant studio, 310 F Street, Eureka.
This was about 1900. He had no specific reason for heading for this area-he simply was looking for opportunity. His first job was on the railroad between Eureka and Arcata. At this time he was also going to school, studying to become a citizen. To become an American citizen was a very strong goal in "GG's" life. This was accomplished.
The Scotia Lumber Mill was his next place of employment during 1903-1904.

ARCATA-In late 1904 he made his move as a private businessman. He bought the grocery inventory owned by Mr. Adorni and took over the lease on the building owned by the Tillys. His store was located on the north side of the plaza in the approximate location of the Alibi bar today.

EXPANDS--1907. "GG's" next move was to buy some land on the east side of the plaza (present location of the Dinner Bell). [JF, 1995: I remember the Dinner Bell on the east side of the plaza when we moved here in 1967. It is no longer there.] His property extended from G through to F Street. He guilt a fruit-vegetable and grocery store on the G street side and created living quarters in back (later upstairs) for his family.

In 1907 his first son, Mario, was born on February 17. The following year peter was born; and in 1919, the third child of "GG" and Enriquetta Gambi was born, a daughter, Norma.

"GG" was no exception to many present day citizens of the area who develop health problems and thus seek drier climates. In 1917 and 18 he began looking around for property principally to the east.
BUYS RANCH-In 1919 he bought a 67 acre ranch owned by Mr. Kelsey located east of Willow Creek where the present fruit orchards are located.

The purchase of this property has an interesting sidelight which is probably not that uncommon in many of todays land deals. Seems that the local judge had already put a deposit on the property "GG" had hoped by buy. One day the judge's wife, who shopped regularly at "GG's" market, was in to buy groceries. In conversation "GG" mentioned that he and the boys had been on a picnic and killed a rattlesnake. The judge's wife asked where, and "GG" mentioned China Slide Creek (just happened to run through the property her husband had put the deposit on.) Apparently this was enough for the wife. It wasn't too many days after that the judge questioned "GG" about this encounter on China Slide Creek where he and the boys had killed a rattler. The wife must have made up her mind, for the judge offered the option to "GG" who complied with his wishes and made the purchase.

1920--BEGAN PLANTING TREES with the intention to establish fruit orchards. The trees were mostly peaches of the market variety, with some applies and quite a few grapes, mostly Black Muscat and Concord. "GG" also planted several Chestnut trees which were more of an experiment on his part than a cash crop.

AURELIO FABBRI, father of Jim, Peter, Angelo, and Erma, was a significant influence on "GG". Jim Fabbri is a rancher of sorts himself now in Willow Creek. Fabbri actually taught "GG" many of the things he needed to know to create and take care of a fruit orchard. Fabbri worked with "GG" for abut 10 years. It took almost five years to get most of the orchard planted. Clearing, buying of good trees, etc., took much time.

All told there were about 2,000 trees and grape vines. Many are still there. Mario and Pete have most of the original orchards. Lots were sold for summer and permanent residents in most of the grape vineyard. Many vines remain on these private lots.

"GG" bought trees and vines from nurseries all around. He would talk to produce market owners in San Francisco to find out where good varieties of marketable fruit came from. Then he'd write to a nursery in that area requesting trees. He was always trying new varieties-a trait that Mario still has today. He is always attempting to raise a better marketable peach, thought he has hundreds of good trees already.

SELLS STORE-In 1925 "GG" sold his store on G street to the Brizard Corporation and the family made its move to Willow Creek. They then completed the Gambi Orchard which totaled 25 acres of the 67.

"GG" was recognized as having the first real orchard in Northern California north of Calpella (near Ukiah).

MOTEL-In 1928 a motel was started with 13 units. It was the first in the area. They also had a small grocery store and opened a restaurant which was to become famous all over northwest California. On Sunday they served a special Italian dinner with "GG" and his wife handling the cooking.

He also began selling his fruits to merchants in Blue Lake, Korbel, Arcata, and Eureka.
In 1948 a trailer court was started and the subdivision on the river side of the highway was created. It was the year before in 1947 that "GG" retired and Mario and Pete took over. "GG" moved to Arcata and lived above the Dinner Bell and had a small orchard-nursery in back and raised a few patented figs. He traveled a lot and lived in San Francisco in his later years. He was 89 when he passed away last month.

Mario, in thinking back on the orchard, remembered when there were no sprays (there was no need). They had no curly leaf or brown rot until the 1940's. Ear wigs didn't show up until the 1950's. As Mario says, "Now they'll pack your house away."

IN HIS ORCHARD AND VINEYARDS 1 mile east of Willow Creek "GG" poses during the later years with Bina Froman (Anchor Restaurant, Eureka) and Eleanor Stodder.

GUGLIELMO (better known as "GG" to his friends) GAMBI stands behind the counter of his grocery store on G Street, Arcata. It was located at the present Dinner Bell Restaurant site. "GG" was best known for his fresh fruits and vegetables. The front of the store had outdoor fruit-produce racks similar to what tourists might see in many villages of European countries today. The store was built in 1907.

THE UNION, Thurs. March 29, 1984
Gold Bluffs Beach history
The building of Davison Road to Fern Canyon

Editor's Note: This short history of the Fern Canyon area, Gold Bluffs mining operations and the building of the Davison Road was written by Orick correspondent Thelma Hufford after concerns were voiced over the possible closure of the road recently. Although the state Parks and Recreation Commission is considering restriction of vehicular beach access, road closure is not being considered. Of the story, Mrs. Hufford said, "All this rambling was picked out from old letters, talkers with oldtimers, and clippings form newspapers and magazines."

By Thelma Hufford, Orick correspondent
There were no roads or trails in 1850 when the Gold Bluffs gold rush started. Those miners who became rich quick walked or rented mules at Trinidad and followed a trail they made up the coast. In places it was dangerous at high tide. There were mining companies such as Shore Mining Co., Independent Gold Bluffs Mining Co., and Pacific Mining Co., which lasted two years and extracted $25,000 in gold.
In the 1880s John Chapman had gold mining operations on the lower bluffs and had moderate success. Chapman called it Union Golf Bluffs Placer Mine. Jim Brown was head packer for them for two years.
Above Fern Canyon, on the upper bluffs, Edson Adams, a banker from Oakland, owns the Golf Bluffs Mine. Quite a settlement was built, and a picture at Prairie Creek State Park shows the buildings that once stood there.

Both the Golf Bluffs Mine and the Union Gold Bluffs Mine needed hay for the mules that packed the saddle bags filled with black sand that had been shoveled into piles at low tide.
Two trails were used from the Golf Bluffs to Elk Prairie by mules carrying hay to the beach.

By this time, which was 1882, Andrew Harris had homesteaded Elk Prairie, and trouble started. The mining companies had been harvesting hay to feed their mules. Adams and his miners tried to run Harris off and Adams even filed a lawsuit. One winter, Harris' barn full of hay was burned down by miners. Later, Harris went broke and sold out to Boyce. Boyce later sold to the state.
It was in the 1890s that Frank Hufford was hired by a mining company to build the road from Highway 101 (then a country road). Later called Davison Road, Hufford built it with horses, wagons, scrapers and 15 men. He never got paid after the work was done.
Then there is the tunnel story. Arthur Davison said it was opened in 1898. The tunnel was through to the coast. It was 600 feet long and six feet square.

The tunnel was built to bring water from Prairie Creek to the headwaters of Butler Creek. A reservoir was built on the west side of the creek. It was used for five years but was not successful. The opening, Fay Aldrich said, was on the Prairie Creek side on Joe Stockel place near the apple tree on Highway 101.

Edson Adams Mining Co. At Upper Bluffs imported miners from Cornwall, England, who were expert tunnel builders and who knew how to set up timbers in a tunnel.
The road along Golf Bluffs Beach was built by California Barrell Co. right after World War II, according to the loggers who were cutting spruce for Cal-Barrel and according to old-timers who were living at Gold Bluffs.

In the 1930s Cal-Barrel was logging spruce west of Highway 101 and north of Orick. Fallers cut down the trees, sawed them into 12 foot lengths, and dragged them to the logging roads to be trucked out to the highway and Arcata.
One of these logging roads, some of it plank, went in from old Enos Bravo's place. Others went in from May Creek, Robinson Road and one that Elwood Brewer calls the Huggins Road.

Davison Road was the only road with access to the beach at Espa Lagoon. After World War II, Cal-Barrel built the road along the Gold Bluffs up to Ossagon Creek and dragged logs down to the beach road to be trucked out on Davison Road.
Louise Ellis tells of the time in 1953 when they lived at the beach near Fern Canyon. They fished for surf fish, perch and night fish. They and another fisherman, Pete Spence, and sometimes Jim Marks, hauled their catch in trucks to Paladini, Alioto Consolidated and Lazio's in Eureka.

To drive on the beach sand they had "beach buggies" which were old cars with big, used truck tires bolted to the wheels. Sometimes Josie Marks, a Yurok Indian married to Jim, went to Fern Canyon to gather five-finger fern stems for her basket weaving. A few other also did.

The Ellises and Ed Chapman had a few cattle out there. More people began coming to the beach on the road. When Ellis and Chapman found a beef cow killed by rustlers, with its ham and back-strap cut off and the rest left, they stopped grazing there and Chapman moved his cattle out.

The Ellises moved to the old Coast Guard barracks at Espa Lagoon and tried to buy the property. At the same time, Pacific Lumber Co., which owned the land along the beach, wanted to take over mining claims that Brewer, Ellis, Moore, Blackwell, Kiesling and a few others (Louise and Elwood couldn't remember them all) had at the Gold Bluffs.
To get paid for their claims they all filed a suit and went to court in San Francisco where each got $1000 from Pacific Lumber. After that, Pacific Lumber sold its beach property, along with Fern Canyon, to the state Department of Parks and Recreation.

The barracks at Espa Lagoon was built by the Coast Guard during World War II. There used to be a big barn-like building there with cabins in back, once owned by a gold mining outfit. The Coast Guard enlarged and improved the building.

When Louise and Charley Ellis tried to buy the property, they wrote many letters to Philip Terrel, the owner, in New York. The name of Singer has often been reported as the owner of the property at Gold Bluffs, Louise said, but no Singer ever did. The Terrell brothers married some Singer sisters-and they were not connected to the sewing machine family at all.

Accompanying images can be downloaded and placed into the text in your word processing program. Joyce Farruggia of the Blackberry Bramble Network prepared the material for online presentation.
Share freely for educational and other non-profit purposes. You may not profit from this work.

(c) 1996 to Joyce Farruggia, the Blackberry Bramble Network, and the Ziegler family.