GOOD FENCES MAKE GOOD NEIGHBORS

In 1902 Milo Hopkins began a ten year lease with Henry Cowell for property adjacent to Big Trees Grove. Hopkins built a Club House which served as the centerpiece of a new resort which became known as Cowell’s Big Trees. The new resort became the primary competition for the Welch family. Just a year later the rivalry between the Welch family and Milo Hopkins was already the stuff of local legend. In the scenario which follows, the mistakenly identified W.R. Welch was most likely Stanly Welch*.   

 

Author's Personal Colleciton

“There is a comedy going on in the red woods of Santa Cruz County just now which is well calculated to add to the gayety of nations. It seems that nature laid the basis for contention when she located there the forest that is known throughout Central California as the big trees. The cupidity of man added the elements necessary to the completion of the comedy.”

“It seems that in process of time the famous grove of Sempervirons giants passed into the possession of W.R. Welch. Mr. Welch evidently knows a good thing when he sees it.  He also has his share of the almighty dollar chasing propensity, which is said to be one of the besetting sins of the American, wherever you find him.”

“Having bought his property, Mr. Welch reasoned that it ought to produce an income.  It was near the railroad, and many people from the trains evinced a desire to see the trees. This gave Mr. Welch the idea he needed, and he proceeded to build a high fence around his place. The fence obscured the view and made it incumbent on the tourist who would view the trees to first separate himself from 25 cents and give the same to Mr. Welch.”

“For a time all went well. The quarters disappeared into Mr. Welch’s pocket with satisfactory regularity, and life was glad.  But a change came. In making his purchase Mr. Welch had neglected to buy some adjoining land which had a few trees upon it.”

“This property was bought by M.C. Hopkins, who was also willing to make money. But Mr. Hopkins did not take kindly to the idea of an entrance fee. He thought it better to build a clubhouse and furnish his guests with pleasant surroundings while they looked at the trees. He reasoned that he would not make less, even though he made it directly.”

“Mr. Hopkins did well, but Mr. Welch did not. The customers of the latter went to the former and sat on the porch of the club-house and looked at Mr. Welch’s trees.  It should be stated that Mr. Welch had neglected to fence the side of his premises next to his neighbor. This he proceeded to do at once. A fence 12 feet high was erected and once more Mr. Welch was happy, for the tourists began to patronize him again.” 

Author's Personal Collection

“His triumph was shortlived. No sooner was the view cut off from the porch of the club-house that Mr. Hopkins began to think. His thoughts presently resulted in the arrival of carpenters.  These men erected a handsome pavilion 25 feet high, with steps leading up to it and comfortable seats on its platform. Tourists can sit on the platform and have an unobstructed view of the wonders of nature as displayed in Mr. Welch’s back yard.”

“Meanwhile everybody in the vicinity of the big trees is waiting for Mr. Welch’s next move and wondering what it will be."

Learn more about the colorful Welch-Hopkins feud in my book, Historic Tales of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – Big Trees Grove.

* Note: Stanly Welch was one of four sons of Joseph Warren Welch who first purchased the grove in 1867.  Joseph Warren Welch died in 1875.

Source:  “Big Trees an Attraction,” (from the San Jose Mercury), The Tennessean, January 2, 1903.