James Mason Hutchings Archives

I Am NOT a Historian

I have, in the past (most recent past), allowed myself to be called a “Historian.” But, no, I am NOT a Historian.

Galen Clark – Guardian of Yosemite (1814-1910)

December 3, 2016 Jeff_kreider

Galen Clark is probably Yosemite’s most influential person. He gave Yosemite his heart and soul constantly for over 50 years; more time than any two other, more famous characters of Yosemite’s first years. So why isn’t he better known?

James Mason Hutchings – Revisited

November 24, 2016 Jeff_kreider

James Hutchings was probably the biggest promoter of Yosemite in the early days. He was hardly in the forefront of Yosemite’s evolution, but he was there and with recurring frequency. I posted a mini-biography on him last January.

Remembering the Old Yosemite Village

October 13, 2016 Jeff_kreider

I took a friend through the valley and Wawona for her first visit since 1956. A lot of changes have occurred in the last 60 years.

John Muir and Yosemite

April 21, 2016 Jeff_kreider

John Muir was many things to many movements. By far, his most lasting contribution was to flora. He identified countless species of trees and flowers never before cataloged. He traveled to six of the seven continents (missing only Antarctica, as it had no trees). But our focus is on how he influenced and worked in and for, as he called it, The Yosemite.

James Mason Hutchings: 1824-1902

January 28, 2016 Jeff_kreider

James Hutchings was probably the biggest promoter of Yosemite in the early days. He was hardly in the forefront of Yosemite’s evolution, but he was there and with recurring frequency.

Yosemite of Yesteryear – Part 1 Upper & Lower House, Leidig's and Peregory's

January 27, 2016 Jeff_kreider

Originally, Yosemite was visited by arriving on horseback or (later) by stagecoach. This series of posts will reveal details of the early buildings in and around the valley; where they were, who ran them, what was around them.