1985 [PDF] - Yosemite

Yosemite’s Time Machine: The Pioneer Cemeteryby" Chet Brooks, Jr.Just about one hundred steps west of the Visitor Center oehind ces" at the west end of the Valley. This is the final resting place ofPark Headquarters, nestled amidst Black Oaks and Incense Cedarsand hidden from the hustle and bust e of daily Valley life, you apple orchard in the Day Use Parking area at Curry Village wasJames C. Lamon who arrived in Yosemite Valley in 1859. Thewill find a very special part of Yosemite -- the Pioneer Cemetery. planted by Lamon, as well as the smaller orchard near the Stables.After two years as a "seasonal" in the Valley, Lamon decidedA walk through this area is ike a step backward in time. Theinscriptions on many of the stones and markers bring insight of a in 1861 that, like many of us, he was "home"; starting with thetime in Yosemite that will never be seen again. All of the people winter of 1861-1862 he elected to remain in the Valley year roundhere were, in their own special ways, true pioneers -- some and thus became the first non.Indian to do solfamous, some forgotten.Time and space do not permit the mention of each of theA simple marker inscribed "A Boy" marks the grave of the first pioneers buried here, and perhaps just as well. Why not plan yourto be buried here. Although no one is certain, he is believed to be own quiet walk through this reminder of the Park’s rich history?John Bennett, who drowned trying to cross the Merced River on Before starting, however, stop by the Visitor Center and pick up athe back of a mule. The date was June 24, 1870.copy of the Guide to the Pioneer Cemeter)z. It contains an excellentThe first non-Indian child born in Yosemite Valley can be found map of the area, as well as a bounty of background material. Thenhere as well. When Florence Hutchings died in 1881, she was only step out the front door, turn right, and take a short walk intoseventeen years old. She is buried near her father, James Mason Yosemite’s past.Hutchings, an Englishman who played a major role in the settingaside of Yosemite Valley as a National Preserve, and succeededGalen Clark in 1880 as Guardian of the Yosemite Grant. He died in A Message from the President1902, after being accidentally thrown from his wagon on the BigOak Flat Road.Yosemite Park and Curry Co.An ordinary looking block of granite, brought from the base ofAims for a Safe CompanyCathedral Spires, stands at the head of the grave of a trulyextraordinary individual- a Yosemite giant name(~ Galen Clark. It is the policy of YP&Co. to provide a safe and healthfulHe carved his own name on this headstone and at his gravesite he workplace for employees and the visiting public that meets theplanted six Sequoia trees, five of which are still alive, part of the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970twenty-two Giant Sequoias in Yosemite Valley. He also dug the old and sound business practices. To help prevent accidents, deaths,well in the cemetery to water the trees, and flowers there. Clark ’njuries and property damage, the Company established a Safetywas a busy man here in Yosemite, serving as Hotelkeeper, YosemiteGuardian (twice!), and postmaster. Told at the age of forty tions in the units.Committee several years ago and conducts routine safety inspec-was dying of "Consumption" (terminal Tuberculosis), he came We have recently been identified as a test site for "Safety andthe mountains, hoping to prolong his life. When Clark passed Occupational Standard I1," an NPS safety and health program.away in 1910, hewas only four months away from his ninetyseventhbirthday...he had lived another fifty-seven years! part of this program will be additional training for supervisors asThis pilot program is being tested in a variety of National Parks;(Author’s note: Perhaps his longevity is not as much of a surprise well as additional documentation standards for safe practices inas it might appear; we all know there is something very special the workplace.about living in Yosemite!)As a part of the program, the Company will be hosting a safetyTwo men named George, Fiske and Anderson, both true pioneers,are here as well. George Fiske was a photographer here in training session will be taught by NPS, MCA and outside safetytraining session in Yosemite the week of November 19. Thisthe 1880’s. His home and studio were located in the Valley near experts and will be attended ~y NPS employees and other concessioners.Many of you will be asked to participate in the trainingthe Four Mile Trail. George Anderson was the first person to climbto the top of Half Dome, in 1875. He climbed the back side of the session.landmark barefoot because he felt he could get a better grip with As President, I fully support the program, actively participate inhis bare toes than with his heavy leather boots! In 1882, he built it, and expect similar participation from all employees. Safety andthe trail to Vernal Fall from Happy Isles.health take precedence over all activities and no job will beFrom the ranks of NPS comes the name Forrest S. Townsley. He attempted until safety is considered and provided for.was Yosemite’s Chief Ranger from 1916 to 1943, beginning what While no set of safety regulations can comprehensively coverrapidly became a Yosemite tradition. His son, John, was born and all possible unsafe practices within the workplace, YP&Co. andraised here and also chose a career with NPS. He was the its employees undertake to promote in every way possible theSuperintendent of Yellowstone National Park at the time of his realization of the individual’s responsibility to prevent accidents.recent and untimely death. Forrest Townsley’s granddaughter, Please take it upon yourself to behave appropriately and do yourGail, is the Manager of White Wolf High Sierra Camp.part to protect yourself, your fellow employees and our guestsLast, but certainly not least, enclosed by a stone and chain from accidents and to mak every day an accident-free day. Yourfence, stands a granite spire taken from one of the "Three Gra-safety is important to us and to you.