BIG FOOT VALLEY WAS RUGGED. It took tough people to tame it. Difficulties breed character.
Peter Coffin's Grand Parents on both his Mother's and Father's side were only a few of those that persevered against the elements and odds of winning the battles of pioneering. But the Coffin, Mitchie &Davis families were only three in one small corner of the valley. Peter Coffin tells the story.
In 1938 a young lady named Linda Kelso graduated from Clayton High School. She married one of Clayton’s most robust adventurists, Burton Stewart. Linda herself hailed from the very farm her parents farmed in Big Foot Valley and precisely where the All Big Foot Valley reunions were held. It seems most fitting that this Historic page be dedicated to the Kelso and Klawunder families.
Harold Klawunder 1908 - 2008.
A nicely written 3 page story of the Nessly family. Page 1
Nessly Page 2
Nessly Page 3
Another side of the Nessly saga.
A handwritten map of Big Foot valley, by Jack Lewis appears to be 100 % accurate except for the spelling of Kate Coffin's name.
A clipping from the local Deer Park tribune by Evelyn Johnson.
Cecil Tobeck's short rendition of the Tobeck family History.
In 2002 the remaining residents of Big Foot Valley gathered old and young for a get together of present and former residents. The photos below recorded the results of months of preperation. Those that organized the reunion were not disapointed. The old settlers were hosted by Robin and Shorty Jenkins on the old Kelso Homedstead. Later occupied by Hays and Elva Lewis and their 14 children and now owned by the Jenkins family. Now here's the show. Those shown in this picture alone are left to right, Joe & Margie Malek, Janet Cole, George Herigstad, Gesele Macy, Norene Littlefield, Rose & Jerry Shrock & Buck & Chuck Nessly.
Dave Rehms, Cecil Tobeck, Eddie Olson, Linda Tobeck, Carl Lyndh, Harold Klawunder, Margie Malek, Richard Renner & Larry Lewis.
Karen Riener, Lonnie Jenkins, Doug Knight, Billy Barnes & John Frye & Rhonda Jenkins with a good view of Carmean Peak in the distance.
Bobbi, Chuck, Bill & Buck Nessly.
Jack Lewis, Ella Jenkins, Bobbie and Chuck Nessly. Where ever there's a chow line, you'll find Jack Lewis.
Robin and Shorty Jenkins. Hosted the BFV reunion
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PAGE 1 of 2 A two page short lifes story as narrated to Wally Parker by Harold Klawunder him self. Harold passed away in 2008 at the ripe old age of 100 even.
Harold Klawunder Page 2.
I wonder if the family was aware of the Coyote dens a few hundred yards to the east at the base of Bayne's mountain. There was a good sized horizonal cleft at the base of a good sized rock wall a couple feet high. The ground was covered with coyote dung. You could crawl on your belly and the further in it narrowed to an opening to where it was difficult to squeeze through, It got narrow enough that even a young lad knew enough not to push his luck any further. It was said that a certain gentleman farmer has built his place very close by. A good Coyote just doesn't stand a chance at a little peace and quiet.
The Davis homesteader family story. Delores (Wessling) Davis and her late husband Guy Davis lived on this farm their entire married life. She resides there even now with her son Larry Davis.
Page 1 A human interest story by Rose Schrock following the Big Foot reunion held in 2002. Rose Schrock attended the reunion and is pictured in the picturial below.
Page 2 Schrock
Page 3 Schrock
Although this old house is not recognized as located in Big Foot Valley, it certainly was around when Big Foot was wearing knickers.
A 1933 Title map of BFV.
Doug Knight and Shirley Lewis Picard. This is what is called WHOLE HOG
CARL LINDH. He's # 1
Mr. Harry Ness, Cecil & Linda Tobeck.
Doris Barnes, Edie Colvin, Dave Rehms & Rose Schrock. Please see Rose Schrock's letter # 5 down on right
Marilyn Lindh, Eldin Herigstad, Doris Barnes & Darlene Holcomb
Mr. & Mrs. Glen Barnes, Son of Doris and George Barnes. Glen's Grandparents Settled in Big Foot Valley just as the Valley was sprouting wings. Glen's father graduated from Clayton High in 1932 & not long after took over the family farm. George and Doris raised livestock and 5 kids. Here's one of them.
A commemorative Big Foot Valley feast in the foot hills of Carmean's Peak. Hosted by L - R Robin & Shorty Jenkins, Sue Rehms, Carl Lindh, Cecil & Linda Tobeck, Harold Klawunder, Richard Renner, Joe Malek, Larry Lewis & Margie Malek.
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