Blog
Walt’s Pilgrimage Returns to Mineral King
This summer students from Western Michigan University found themselves in Mineral King as a stop along the way in learning about the life and work of Walt Disney. Though the proposed Disney ski resort project never came to fruition, the area remains a topic of interest for Mineral King lovers and lovers of Disney history. The man behind the course, Dr. Christopher Tremblay, had the idea to turn a road trip of historic points in Walt Disney’s life into a college course, and in 2015, it became a reality. This year marked the 8th “pilgrimage.” From Chicago to Marceline, Kansas
From Coffeepot Canyon to the Coffee Pot Fire: Unveiling the History Behind the Name
Written by Laile Di Silvestro Unless you are amongst those of us who can’t abide the smell of coffee, you might want as little space as possible between your coffee and its pot in the morning. If so, the dictionaries agree with you and have declared coffeepot to be a single word. Assuming the 2024 Coffeepot Fire doesn’t necessitate the use of our “go bags,” it provides an excuse for us to pull out that coffeepot or wonder for a moment what box holds it in what corner of the garage. Nowadays, of course, some espresso aficionados might wonder what
Sarah (Barton) Elliott
The following stories were recorded in the Mineral King Preservation Society office on Wednesday, February 7, 2024. Three Rivers-Mineral King Cattle Tales Compiled by Sarah (Barton) Elliott Barton family lore passed down from Jason and Mary Barton and son Bob Barton and wife Muriel. Retold over the years by my grandparents, Bob and Muriel, and their son (my father) Jim Barton. Cast of characters: Jason Barton (1864-1938) Mary (Allen Griffes) Barton (1864-1960) Milton Montgomery “Mont” Barton (1867-1910) Harriet “Hattie” Ann (DeMasters) Barton (1869-1953) Robert Hardin “Bob” Barton (1899-1977) Muriel (May) Barton (1903-1990) Robert James “Jim” Barton (1924- …) Story #1
The Ghost on Mineral King Road
By Louise Jackson The Sierra Nevada mountains are filled with tales of ghosts and spirits. Several prominent Tulare County citizens told stories of ghosts in the early days, and even John Muir had tales to tell of spirits that guided him in his mountain travels. But there is one local story that persists to this day. It seems there is still a ghost that resides halfway up Mineral King road at what is now called Mitchell Ranch, just below Oriole Creek. The ghost wasn’t always there. After the two-story house was built by the Grunigen family in the late 1800s,
Alan George
On August 26, 2014 MKPS Board Member Louise Jackson and historian Newell Bringhurst interviewed Alan George about his part in the proposed Disney dissension. Alan belonged to the Sierra Club and opposed Disney developing Mineral King for the ski resort.
Brian Reynolds
The following was submitted by Brian Reynolds. More photos from the Hart/Reynolds Family History Collection can be viewed in our online catalog by clicking here. My name is Homer T. Hart. The “T” is for Thomas. I was born near Farmersville, California, in 1898. I was a sickly child, so my parents decided a trip to the mountains might help. My family had been camping in the Mineral King Valley for about ten years. We traveled from Farmersville to Mineral King in wagons drawn by horses and mules, taking three days to get there. In those early days, the Kaweah River Bridge
Nature and Nurture: Mineral King Cabins at 100
It’s something deeper than thought, some feeling in the core, a connection that says ‘This is my heart’s home.’ —Kim Stanley Robinson, The High Sierra: A Love Story (May 2022)
KNP Complex Fire Updates
9/23/21 Good afternoon, This afternoon (9/23/21) I received a call from Chief Norman of the Tulare County Fire Department. Prep work continues on Mineral King Road and crew numbers are increasing. Their goal is to keep the fire north of Mineral King Road; he said if they can do that then we will be in good shape. Chief Norman also said that he will call me again on Saturday with another update; however, if a significant weather event occurs or he sees any major changes he will call me before so I can share any pertinent updates with all of
100 Years Ago… August, 19 1921
Written by Sarah Barton Elliott Today I want to note a special occasion: It is Bob and Muriel Barton’s 100th wedding anniversary. One hundred years ago today, on Friday, August 19, 1921, in Mineral King, Robert Hardin Barton (1899-1977) and Muriel May (1903-1990) said “I do” during a small outdoor ceremony at Bob’s parents’ cabin. One hundred years ago! In reflecting on this, I realize that in the summer of 1921, the world’s citizenry was recovering from a global pandemic. So just like in Mineral King, while so much has changed, there is still so much that is the same.
Murals Inspired by Nature – Part III
Written by Jana Botkin When I was part of Exeter’s mural team, we used to discuss whether or not Mineral King was part of Exeter’s history. Two members of the team are part of the Mineral King community, and many times we argued in vain for Mineral King.After I left the team, learned to paint, and then learned to paint murals, the team’s membership changed. So did the opinion that Mineral King was not part of Exeter’s history, and I was chosen to paint a huge Mineral King mural!Many folks participated in transferring the image to the 110’ long wall.
Murals Inspired by Nature – Part II
Written by Jana Botkin My studio is a little shed that we had remodeled in 2001. I didn’t mind its outer appearance, but the big blank door was calling for a mural. I chose the Eagle/Mosquito trail. Over time, I decided I wanted something else on that door. I never did like it will enough to photograph it up close or to even finish it. After we gussied up the studio, it deserved something even better.
Murals Inspired by Nature
Written by Jana Botkin This is the first post in a series by artist Jana Botkin; over the next few weeks join us for a behind the scenes look at her inspiration and process of some of the beautiful murals she has created. Mineral King has had an enormous influence on my art. When I started painting murals, I had to first practice painting larger in the medium I was used to. 24×36” was the largest oil painting I had ever attempted. Our home in Three Rivers had a collection of shabby buildings in need of facelifts, perfect for practicing.
A Walk Together
Written by Tyson Baker “You’re only here for a short visit. Don’t hurry, don’t worry. And be sure to smell the flowers along the way.” – Walter Hagen I read this quote right before my girlfriend Ashley and I left on a backpacking trip up to Mineral King. I thought about how true those words were as we trekked along to Eagle Lake. This was Ashley’s first time in Mineral King and her very first backpacking trip. Though the trip was a quick two days in its entirety, I wasn’t in any hurry and I definitely had no worries on
An Artist’s Inspiration: Part 7
Written by Jana Botkin In digging through my stacks (figuratively speaking, since they are digital) of Mineral King pencil drawings, I came up with some of the commissioned cabin drawings to share with you today. The most common style of architecture on Mineral King cabins is board and batten. One of the examples today is shingle-sided. This is the little Mixter cabin, now owned by Mary Megalli. Jan Fleek asked me to adjust reality a bit, so perhaps this isn’t exactly the way you’d see West Florence behind the cabin. When someone commissions me, they become my boss and I
Summer in Mineral King – 2020
Written by Tyson Baker Summers in California are meant to be spent outside. A good place to start is the valley of Mineral King. I believe the more days you can spend in the sun-guided trails of Mineral King the better. Being surrounded by the granite peaks, towering pines, and freshly flowing streams with beautiful little trout is a sight so beautiful it will leave you speechless. Summer has come quick and, if you are from the central valley, I’m sure you are probably thinking about finding a nice place to go to escape from the summer heat. Mineral King
An Artist’s Inspiration: Part 6
Written by Jana Botkin This is the fifth post in a series by artist Jana Botkin; visit weekly for a glimpse into her process as an artist, previews of her work over the years, and a unique look at some of Mineral King’s most historic cabins. Last time I showed you four different pencil versions of the classic Mineral King scene, Farewell Gap and the Crowley cabin from the bridge. Another popular scene is the Honeymoon Cabin, which now serves as a museum, curated by the MKPS. Have a look at the many ways I’ve drawn it (and please excuse
An Artist’s Inspiration: Part 5
Written by Jana Botkin This is the fifth post in a series by artist Jana Botkin; visit weekly for a glimpse into her process as an artist, previews of her work over the years, and a unique look at some of Mineral King’s most historic cabins. Throughout the years of spending summers in Mineral King, I draw the same scenes over and over. This is because the original drawings sell, and because as time passes, my skill increases. Today’s post might cause you to cringe, or perhaps to laugh. Look at how Farewell Gap has changed in my pencil drawings. Very
An Artist’s Inspiration: Part 4
Written by Jana Botkin This is the fourth post in a series by artist Jana Botkin; visit weekly for a glimpse into her process as an artist, previews of her work over the years, and a unique look at some of Mineral King’s most historic cabins. In 2006 I began painting in oils. That has become my main medium, but any chance to draw in pencil – I’m on it like my cats are on gophers.In 2018 I decided to do a new set of cards of Mineral King. There are so many views that people love, so it was
An Artist’s Inspiration: Part 3
Written by Jana Botkin This is the third post in a series by artist Jana Botkin; visit weekly for a glimpse into her process as an artist, previews of her work over the years, and a unique look at some of Mineral King’s most historic cabins. Back in the olden days, people used to write notes to each other on paper with pen or pencil, put them in envelopes and address them. The US Postal Service would then see that they actually arrived in the mailboxes of the addressees. It was so personal, and almost magical.Because people liked to have
High-Quality Exploring
Written by Tyson Baker High-quality exploring is being able to fully enjoy the land while leaving it better for future generations to come. It is more than just a phrase, it’s a way of life. You may even say it’s a whole movement! Our mission as outdoor enthusiasts should be to promote respectful and responsible exploring in order to protect the complex, ever-changing, and ultimately priceless environment. This includes sharing the values and ethics of accountable traveling with newcomers. I’m guilty! For many years I have done my best to preserve the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, but I
An Artist’s Inspiration: Part 2
Written by Jana Botkin This is the second post in a series by artist Jana Botkin; visit weekly for a glimpse into her process as an artist, previews of her work over the years, and a unique look at some of Mineral King’s most historic cabins. Because my pencil drawings of Mineral King cabins began back in the last century before scanners and digital photography, I don’t have many examples of the early drawings.For this, I am grateful. Sometimes I ask people for those early drawings, wanting to correct and repair and improve them. Very few people have actually taken
An 1891 Trip to the Summit of Mineral King’s Saw Tooth Peak
Written by Jay O’Connell Philip Winser was a member of the Kaweah Co-Operative Colony. He had supported the socialist community experiment from Kent, England, finally joining the colony in February of 1891. After booking passage on the Cunarder Cephalonia from Liverpool to Boston, and a train ride across America, he made his was to Visalia and boarded the biweekly stage for Kaweah, unaware he was joining an endeavor that was limping along on it last days of viability. During the last year of the Kaweah Colony’s existence, after Sequoia National Park had been created and subsequently enlarged, effectively nullifying the
An Artist’s Inspiration
This post is the first of seven in a series by artist Jana Botkin, visit weekly for a glimpse into her process as an artist, previews of her work over the years, and a unique look at some of Mineral King’s most historic cabins. By Jana Botkin Cabin Art began when I drew the Botkin cabin in East Mineral King as a Christmas gift for Michael in 1985 before we were married. He told me there were 60 other cabin owners who would probably pay me to draw their cabins. He was right.This is that first drawing. I will always feel
A Quarantine Guide for the Outdoor Enthusiast
Written by Tyson Baker Take me back to the mountains, to the California Sierra Nevada. Where various trails brought a smile to my face, and the trees brought joy to my soul. Take me to a place where I can explore the great outdoors without having to shelter in place. Take me to a place other than home, for I am home when I am in the unknown. How can we safely adventure when all the National Parks are closed, most trails have shut down, and we have been ordered to shelter in place? To be honest, the whole quarantine thing
Crystalized – Hard Labor and Poetry
Written by Laile Di Silvestro, Historical Archaeologist, MA During National Poetry Month, it is only fitting that we honor one of the poets inspired by Mineral King. William Oliver Everson (1912-1994) was a highly acclaimed poet who received numerous honors and awards, including a 1949 Guggenheim Fellowship. He published thirty-five volumes of poetry, and had the distinction of being shaped by Mineral King while also materially shaping Mineral King. This is his story. It was a gloomy afternoon in Fresno, and the twenty-one year old William Oliver Everson was not alone in being unhappy. On that first day of November in 1933, a Wednesday,
“A Quick Trip Through the Snow to Mineral King in 1880”
The following appeared in the Mineral King Chronicle in the Spring – Summer edition of 2000. Compiled by Joe Doctor. For you Mineral King buffs, here is the complete story of the famous rescue party that went to Mineral King after the big snow slide in April of 1880 which wiped out the Empire Mine bunkhouse, the tram leading from the mine to the mill at the foot of the mountains, and other structures as well as Tom Fowler’s fortune. My notes say the story was probably written by M.C. Butz and appeared in the Visalia Daily Times on April
Good Adventures & Handmade Pie
Written by Tyson Baker I left Visalia and headed towards Mineral King for a spontaneous backpacking trip with two friends of mine, Bruno and Connor. The adventure began with loading up a tiny Toyota Prius with all of our gear piled in the back and heading east up Highway 198. The car ride was filled with jokes and conversation about the adventure we were about to embark upon. Entering the gate to Mineral King gave us a sense of relief from the real world. It offered the chance to get away from work, social media, and the rush of everyday
Welcome to our MKPS Blog
We have decided to create a space where we can share longer stories, histories, adventures, and more from a variety of voices that love Mineral King and the surrounding area. We hope to add art, photography, poetry, historic tales with the hopes of expressing and sharing the beauty and passion found in the hills and valleys of the Sierra Nevada. If you are interested in contributing to our blog please contact MKPS Director, Lisa Monteiro at lisa@mineralking.org or by calling (559) 561-1000.