Measure U: Birth of a new fire district boundary

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Ernie Branscomb and Estelle Fennell during Redway Barbecue.

I have deep roots in the South Fork of the Eel River. Members of my family go back to 1857. I had the opportunity to listen to many stories about the people of one of  the valleys, Long Valley in Laytonville.

The valley was scattered widely with small farms like Ol’ MacDonald’s farm. Every farm had a variety of animals, cows chickens, pigs ducks, etc., and, of course the required dogs. Every farm had a large garden with the variety of vegetables, and a lot of root crops to make it through the winter. My Grandfather was the manager of one of the largest ranches in the valley. It was owned by his uncles who owned a large sausage factory in San Francisco.

The ranch had the only tractor in the valley, they also had plows, hay rakes, a bailer and other attachments. He was very generous in helping his neighbors and of course they were always more than glad to help him.

Because the valley was so sparsely populated, they all had to work together on any major project. When a farmer’s sheep or cattle needed to be rounded-up, the whole valley joined in. The same with crop harvesting, bringing in the hay, picking the fruit trees, and so forth.

Pete Genolio on ’37 LaFrance in Benbow

Barn raising was always done as a joint effort. Every able-bodied person in the valley would join-in to help put up a barn. It was always the largest project that they would take on.

The aftermath of a Barn Raising required a follow-up with a huge potluck party. My grandfathers and grandmothers never talked about how much work it was, but always remembered all the great barns they built, and especially the great parties when the work was done.

If you want to share in that great feeling, help Friends of the Garberville Fire Dept. build a new expanded fire district. Vote yes on “Measure U”. We need your help! Start planning the party.

Ernie Branscomb

https://friendsofgfpd.com/faqs/

Rescue drill