from my perspective . . .

This first story is about 3 friends who, in the last few years, have become very dear to me.

Esther (Buchner), Betty (Jenner) & Dorothy (Campbell)
July, 2011

Esther and Betty went all through grammar school and high school together. Dorothy joined them during high school days and the three graduated from Etna High School in the 1940's.

Old brick Etna High School Building

Esther & Dorothy in 1943
in front of Scott Valley Bank

Perhaps meeting a trio who have been friends for many, many, many years holds such a special place in my heart as I still correspond with my two best friends from school days in Ohio. We went all through elementary, junior high and high school together!

There is nothing sweeter than being able to pick up a conversation (no matter how many years in between) with someone you share common her-story with!

In fact, just a few weeks ago I got an email from a childhood friend who lived just up the road from us. She found me through some genealogy I have on my website. She wrote "your Mother was my favorite teacher in all my schools and because of her I took art in Jr high & many art classes in high school. I used to take art classes in your basement studio during the summers".

Boy, did that bring back some memories!

Back to the story at hand:
I met Esther (sister of Buddy Buchner) while accompanying Eb to one of the annual Etna High School Reunions held here at the park. The Buchner family home is just across and down the street from my home now!

1960 photo:
Lawrence & Sadie (parents) and their children Buddy, Esther and Obie
in front of original home which later burned down, but was rebuilt

I also met Dorothy at one of the Etna High School Reunions and learned that she lived in the old two-story (now Denny) house that sits directly behind my old red barn. Between Esther and Dorothy and Dorothy's brother David, I have learned a lot of history about my barn (more on that another time!).

Old Geney house on Main Street,
then the Campbell residence,
now the Denny house

The Etna High School Reunion also offered up my friendship with Betty. What a hoot she is! I suspect that if she once again lived in the Valley that we could get into BIG trouble together . . .

Betty had told me that 'her people' were the Kapplers of Etna Brewery fame. I found this old photo and emailed it to her and she was thrilled to see 'the old house' again.

We would call this a 'mansion'!!!
It was in what is now the vacant lot
between the Fire Dept. and Corrigan's.
Soooooooo sad it was torn down.
I would LOVE to know the story behind that event.

I had also emailed this old Main Street, Etna photo to Betty and learned more.

I presumed that E. W. Herzog mentioned under the photo was a man. However, upon seeing it, Betty exclaimed:
"E. W. Herzog was my Auntie!"

Betty explained that 'Auntie' Emma Wagner Herzog and her husband owned the Blake Hotel and lived upstairs. He died at a young age, but she never remarried. Emma had an old car (still in the Jenner family), one I believe Doug had on display at the car show at Dotty's earlier this summer.

Emma later moved back to the Wagner Ranch and took care of her parents.

And surprise, surprise . . . last night when we went to Dotty's to meet friends for dinner, there on the wall was a wonderful painting of the Wagner's Ranch!!!

In joy!

Che'usa
July 23, 2011

Photos courtesy of:
Buchner Family Collection
Kolb Family Collection
Bernita Tickner Family Collection
Jenner Family Collection
and others

Thanks for
continuing
to shop locally!

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