Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Wawona Yesterdays

Book: Wawona Yesterdays
Basic Information : Synopsis : Characters : Thoughts : EvaluationGood Quotes : Table of Contents : References

Basic Information:
Author:  Shirley Sargent
Edition:  eBook from Yosemite.ca.us site
Read: June 13, 2017
56 pages
Genre:  History, Outdoor
Rated: 4 out of 5

Synopsis:
Yosemite’s foremost historian, Shirley Sargent, got her start by publishing a small book about the history of Yosemite’s Wawona. She talks about the first Europeans to come to Yosemite and then the first Europeans settlers in the Wawona area, from Galen Clark through the Washburn’s enterprises. She includes the Army’s stay as early rangers at Camp A.E. Woods. Also there are biographies of some of the early settlers.


Cast of Characters:
  • Galen Clark
  • The Washburn’s
  • “Pike”
  • Steve Cunningham
  • Thomas Hill

Thoughts:
Over the years I had skimmed this book, but not read it. As I was preparing for a hike in the area, I thought it was time to read it to have a better understanding of the area. Well worth the read of this short, but informative book. Pretty much bare-bones except for the biographies.

Evaluation:
 If you want to know the history of Yosemite, one of the first people whom you consult is Shirley Sargent. Her first book on Yosemite was about the Wawona area. This is appropriate as this is when Europeans first settled in Yosemite. She talks about the people of the area and the development of it. She does not indulge in “making up” what people thinks, but only what she has researched out. If you are interested in Yosemite and its history, there is very few places you can spend your time better.

 


Good Quotes:
  • First Line: Until recently, the established date for the discovery of Yosemite Valley by the Mariposa Battalion was March 25, 1851.
  • Last Line: Exhibits, self-guiding pamphlets and tape recordings in each building assure visitors of sharing the history of Yosemite and its human builders.
Table of Contents:
  • Map of Wawona and Vicinity
  • A Short History of Yosemite National Park
  • Wawona’s First Settler
  • The Washburns
  • Homesteaders
  • Indians
  • Camp A. E. Wood
  • Arboretum
  • Roads and Trails
  • Stages and Drivers
  • Culture
  • “Pike”
  • Steve Cunningham
  • Thomas Hill
  • Famous Visitors
  • First Ranger
  • Stella Lake
  • Logging
  • CCC Camp
  • Camp Hoyle
  • Wildlife
  • The Cemetery
  • Chilnualna Falls
  • Pioneer Yosemite History Center
  • Sources
  • Bibliography
  • Index
  • Photo Credits
  • Chronology

References:

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