Biographies

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

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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

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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,

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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