Hidden facts in ‘Willow Creek’ story
Thank you for the great article on our Memorial Day observances
at the Willow Creek Cemetery, and for the great pictures too. I
appreciate the three-page article and many beautiful pictures. The
article was very accurate on a tough subject.
Hidden facts in ‘Willow Creek’ story
Thank you for the great article on our Memorial Day observances at the Willow Creek Cemetery, and for the great pictures too. I appreciate the three-page article and many beautiful pictures. The article was very accurate on a tough subject.
However, there was an inaccuracy that hid important pioneer facts. Elizabeth Bacon came to Bear Valley with her three Shell kids (John, Debbie, and Susan) and one Bacon kid to the site found by Dr. Powers, John Shell and Henry Melendy. Later, Elizabeth Bacon had three more kids in Bear Valley for a total of seven.
Henry Melendy married Debbie Shell and homesteaded at the head of Bear Valley. Their son, George, was the father of the Melendy girls and grandfather of Sara May. His great-granddaughter, Jeanette Chaves, lives by George’s old house. Henry and Debbie Melendy’s youngest son, Henry (II), married the school teacher, Anna Guidinger, and they lived on the homestead. Two of their sons, Walter (my dad) and John (Deb Norman’s dad), are buried in the Willow Creek Cemetery.
The Melendy’s have observed a memorial day since Dr. Powers was killed in the 1880s. In the 1930s, others were included and the observances linked to the national Memorial Day.
Descendants of Elizabeth Bacon buried in the cemetery include Melendys, Shells, Meyers and Bacons. Burials since the cemetery was reopened in the 1970s include the Melendy girls’ husbands, Ralph Elliott and Kingsley Berberick King. Some recent burials include John, Carla, and son Jim Shields.
Thanks again for your article.
Cynthia Melendy
San Leandro
History hamstrings future
I hope that the San Juan Bautista Historical Resources Board read the story about the Taylor Ranch located above the photo of the Chalmers Farmhouse (Pinnacle, May 21). If the HRB spent their time organizing and raising funds to purchase these historic structures like other counties have done, the properties could possibly be part of a San Juan Land Trust.
At one time I felt the HRB would create the balance needed to protect the history and charm of this unique town but it has become a role of policing and rigid enforcement that is no longer positive or productive. San Juan crumbles while big box outlets and chain restaurants to the north step in and take the business that used to pass through this town. Historic structures sit empty with yellow tape and fencing around them.
Business and property owners are responsible for the cost of maintaining the historic integrity of these structures. For many the burden of that price tag is unbearable.
I hope that the “City of History” can find a solution that combines historic preservation with realistic compromise. The future of San Juan should not be crippled by the history of San Juan.
Donna Hagins
San Juan Bautista
Honor veterans
In reply to Mary Zanger’s letter of Saturday, May 20, I would like to say that it wasn’t the “Woman in Black,” “Hollister in Black,” “Code Pink,” “Raging Grammies,” or like groups that earned any of these people the luxury and privilege to stand on the corner and protest. And yes, Mary, we do honor the sons and daughters who march off to war. We honor them by showing our patriotism, support and gratitude. They are the ones that have earned you the right to stand on that street corner.
Think about that when you fly the American Flag!
Sharon Hawkins
Hollister
A ‘thanks’ to Hazel Hawkins
Thank you hazel Hawkins Hospital, Mabie Northside and Southside Skilled Nursing Facilities! Over the last year, I lost both my husband and my mother. Throughout their illnesses I spent considerable time at these facilities. I observed many aspects of day-to-day operation from facilities maintenance to nursing care. I am most appreciative to everyone for their commitment, dedication and compassion. It takes a team. Thank you to all.
Carol Peterson
Hollister
