A TYPICAL & FABULOUS GROUP OF VISITORS

In the Summer of 1909, an array of tourists boarded a Pullman palace car at Grand Central Station in New York City to take a cross country trip to some of America’s and Canada’s most scenic locations. The adventurers’ route took them to the splendor of the Canadian Rockies at Banff National Park, the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition in Seattle, the wonders of Yellowstone National Park and finally onto the varied landscapes of California. Of course, one of their California stops was the world-famous Big Trees Grove resort in Felton. 

 

Here is how one of the party, John R. Van Dine, described not only their visit, but also some of his fellow travelers.

The twenty-seven members of the "California Company" of tourists

"The twenty-seven-mile side trip from San Jose brings us into Big Tree Station, where we alight to view the great redwood trees of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The Cathedral Group average 300 feet in height, the circumference of the entire group being 110 feet. We had our photos — twenty-seven of us— taken under the branches thereof. General Fremont is a pretty big fellow, standing without boots, 280 feet high, circumference 71 feet. Our party of 27 members stood within its trunk, its holding capacity being 75 persons."

 

"The Giant is well named. It stands 306 feet high, circumference 70 feet. It formerly towered 381 feet prior to its top being broken. The General Grant is 325 feet tall, 55 feet around the waist. There are several trees 200 feet high, having a reach of 150 feet to the first limb. These figures were taken verbatim from our courteous and versatile guide on the grounds. One fallen monarch is named Bryan, and following the general custom, the entire party was photographed standing on the prostrate Bryan."

 

"There is a McKinley tree, said to be the straightest tree in the grove; also a Roosevelt tree. There are several trees of huge dimensions reserved for celebrities, one in honor of the present Chief Executive, and upon his visit to the grove it will be christened Taft."*

 

As with many railroad travelers to Big Trees Grove resort, afterwards, this group also stayed in the luxurious surroundings of

the original Del Monte Hotel in Monterey.

"We now number 27 members, known as the 'California Company,' Plan Four, the Rev. J. J. Foust being our personal conductor."

 

"The following comprise the genial members of our happy company and the occupants of the 'Chesterton,' our special car, which we term our moving flat. Would you like an introduction?

 

    The Rev. J. J. Foust is a genial guide and leader and we are particularly pleased to follow him on dangerous paths leading to dazzling mountain tops or to banquet halls, where the tables are laden with luscious viands.

 

    Rev. M. W. Womer is noted as the athletic parson. At a 'pillow battle' or in assisting a lady to an upper berth he is supreme.

 

    Mr. George C. Johnson is a gallant, with a weakness for the gentler sex.

 

    Rev. S. T. Jackson is a happy combination of philosopher and protector to lonely females on the trip. His injunction to 'keep sweet' acted as a balm to the weary tourists.

 

    Mrs. B. Moore is jolly as a miss of sixteen summers.

 

    Miss Margaret Moore is a devoted sister to her brother Alexander.

 

    Alexander Moore is a devoted brother to his sister Margaret.

 

    The Misses Mary and Martha McCombs are amiable and jolly and they are alluded to as the Biblical 'Mary and Martha.' There was lacking a brother Lazarus, but a little bird whispered that on the sisters' next trip to the West a brother-in- law will appear on the scene. Aha !

 

    Mr. and Mrs. James V. Austin — always sedate and uncomplaining.

 

    Miss Minnie J. Harper — ever smiling and contented.

 

    Miss Kathryn Taylor is a splendid entertainer, always drawing a 'full house.' Moreover, she has an especial fondness for missionaries.

 

    Mr. and Mrs. B. Atkinson — always serene as the noonday sun.

 

    Miss Helen S. Atkinson, charming herself, is ever on the lookout for the beautiful in Nature. She has a camera.

 

    Master Benjamin Atkinson is known as the boy traveler from New Jersey.

 

    Miss Minnie L. Hursh — unobtrusive, yet having a kind word for everyone.

 

    Miss Margaret C. Houston — retiring and smiling in manner; a profound thinker.

 

    Mrs. Susan R. Leach— ever beaming with intense interest at Nature's wonders; a true and appreciative lover of Nature.

 

    Miss H. H. Stevenson — always full of Western humor; she hails from Ohio and is proud of it.

 

    Mrs. C. M. Knight — ever calm and optimistic by day and by night.

 

    Mrs. L. L. Hunter, accompanied by her charming daughters, Leila May and Dorothy, also son Livingston, constitute the 'model family.'

 

    Mrs. John R. Van Dine — unostentatious in manner and, like her illustrious (ahem!) husband, is ever on time to dine.

 

    Last but not least is our faithful porter, Joe, who contributed much to our comfort during the trip. Joe was nearly lost to us at Ogden, and rumor has it a black-eyed damsel was the cause of it all."

 

This detailed and endearing description of an average, but fabulous, group of Big Trees Grove visitors is a true gem. 

 

Thank you, Mr. Van Dine. 

 

* There is no evidence that President William Howard Taft ever visited Big Trees Grove or that any tree was ever named in his honor.

 

Source: The Wonders of the Golden West, by John R. Van Dine, J. S. Ogilvie Publishing Company: New York, 1909.