whiskey flat claim jumper 2012

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February 2012 Whiskey Flat, Calif. FREE Welcome to Whiskey Flat Days! Enjoy the old-fashioned fun as the California Gold Rush town of Kernville returns to its 1860-64 roots when it was “Whiskey Flat” Kern River Courier A lot of visitors wonder, as they enjoy Whiskey Flat Days in the town of New Kernville, exactly where the town of Old Kernville was. They know the original location is out in the lake bed, but exactly where was Whiskey Flat? A clue to where Whiskey Flat was is the old part of the Kern River Valley Cemetery, which was a part of Old Kernville originally and is now part of the town of Wofford Heights. Wofford Heights is adjacent to the former site of Old Kernville. Wofford Heights is named after an old-time rancher by the name of Irven Wofford, who sold off part of his ranch to valley folks who needed new places to live when the lake went in during the early 1950s. Old Kernville was located just to the northeast of Wofford Heights. Look in the lake bed just south of the Old Cemetery and you’ll see foundations. Those were part of Old Kernville. There are still people in New Kernville who can tell you what buildings those foundations belonged to. Many of them serve as docents at the Kern Valley Museum in Kernville, just down from the post office. In years when the lake is higher, you can’t see the foundations at all. They’re covered by the waters of Isabella Lake. But in lower water years, the former location of Old Kernville/Whiskey Flat is visible again. The lake recedes and little sandy flat where Old Kernville was becomes much as it was, withe the placid Kern River bisecting the flat area as it did in the old times. Exactly where was Old Whiskey Flat? Michael Batelaan/Special to the Claim Jumper Cover your ears when the gunfighters come to town during Whiskey Flat Days. But enjoy the festivities, the food, the contests, the music and the fun! Map of the Flat on pg.10-11 Join us in Kernville February 17-20, 2012 INSIDE: Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper Let your mind go back in time, back 150 years when the California was a state only 12 years old, when large por- tions of it were still Spanish land grants. The mighty Kern River splashed unfettered by concrete, dams or controls of any kind, down to a swampy San Joaquin Valley. The swampland down below, a vast area known as Tulare Lake, was full of tule reeds and was home to millions of birds. The people of the day reported seeing clouds of birds in the sky so thick that they blotted out the sun. In those days there was little travel in the San Joaquin Valley itself, because of the almost impassable land. Travel existed mainly in the foothills, where rivers and streams still had to be ford- ed, but riding by horseback or mule- back was much easier. Gold had been discovered at about the same time California had become one of the United States. Gold seekers came from every corner of the world, many by sailing ship into the port of San Francisco. They streamed overland into the interior portions of California. They supplied themselves with provi- sions at Visalia, and then aimed them- selves and their wagons at the Sierra Nevada. Gold was rumored to have been discovered at a place where two side of the Greenhorns. He had heard about a gold strike at the bottom of the gulch he was traveling down. It was some mighty well-paying ore, and there were a lot of miners working in a mine called the Big Blue. So Hamilton found the center of the mining camp, found a plank of wood, set it across his two barrels and started selling his whiskey. Unfortunately, the spot he picked was in the middle of folks who did not care for the evils of spirits. They asked him to move his makeshift bar away from that spot, and he did. The spot he picked was on a little sandy flat next to the river, now more placid than it was higher up in the mountains. The miners started moving their own camps down closer to his estab- lishment. As the ones who enjoyed a tipple now and again gravitated there, a town started to grow. That town was called by several names, but the one that stuck was Whiskey Flat. Four years later, things had changed a lot. A new county, Kern County, had formed. There were houses and hotels in the town, some eating houses and a few stores. There were real streets, a dry goods In the year 1860 a man by the name of Adam Hamilton was one of those who made the trip over the Greenhorn Mountains. He was an American entre- preneur who decided to make himself a bit of money by selling what many of the miners craved after a hard day’s work – a drink of spirits. So he led his burro laden with two barrels of whiskey down the eastern forks of a big river met, a place called the Kern River Valley. They streamed over the Greenhorn Mountains that formed the western boundary of the valley, their wagons slowed on the downhill side by big logs cut for that purpose. They came in mainly through Keyesville and down over the route that is now State Highway 155. See welcome page 2 Michael Batelaan/Kern River Courier Calamity’s Jule, AKA: Julie Brueggeman and Flower Filly Sue, AKA: Sue Rumsower. Meet the the Mayor Candidates Calamity’s Jule, AKA Julie Brueggeman is the program direc- tor for Family Preservation Community Services, the organiza- tion that runs the ETC! center in Wofford Heights. Brueggeman works with children and at risk fam- ilies. The purpose of Every Teen Counts! is to enable children and their families to realize their own potential. ETC! was developed in response to requests from the chil- See mayors page 6 5 19 The frogs are hoppin” at Whiskey Flat 17 Bodfish Bob shares his Cowboy Cooking receipes 9 The fun starts with the Whiskey Flat Calendar of events 6 Step back in time with a visit to the Whiskey Flat encampment Find out a little history on how long the parade has been marching

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Page 1: Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper 2012

February 2012 Whiskey Flat, Calif. FREEWelcome to Whiskey Flat Days!

Enjoy the old-fashioned fun as the California Gold Rush town ofKernville returns to its 1860-64 roots when it was “Whiskey Flat”

Kern River Courier

A lot of visitors wonder, as they enjoy Whiskey Flat Days in the town ofNew Kernville, exactly where the town of Old Kernville was. They know theoriginal location is out in the lake bed, but exactly where was Whiskey Flat?

A clue to where Whiskey Flat was is the old part of the Kern River ValleyCemetery, which was a part of Old Kernville originally and is now part of thetown of Wofford Heights.

Wofford Heights is adjacent to the former site of Old Kernville. WoffordHeights is named after an old-time rancher by the name of Irven Wofford, whosold off part of his ranch to valley folks who needed new places to live whenthe lake went in during the early 1950s.

Old Kernville was located just to the northeast of Wofford Heights. Look inthe lake bed just south of the Old Cemetery and you’ll see foundations. Thosewere part of Old Kernville. There are still people in New Kernville who can tellyou what buildings those foundations belonged to. Many of them serve asdocents at the Kern Valley Museum in Kernville, just down from the post office.

In years when the lake is higher, you can’t see the foundations at all. They’recovered by the waters of Isabella Lake.

But in lower water years, the former location of Old Kernville/Whiskey Flatis visible again. The lake recedes and little sandy flat where Old Kernville wasbecomes much as it was, withe the placid Kern River bisecting the flat area as itdid in the old times.

Exactly where wasOld Whiskey Flat?

Michael Batelaan/Special to the Claim Jumper

Cover your ears when the gunfighters come to town during WhiskeyFlat Days. But enjoy the festivities, the food, the contests, the musicand the fun!

Map of the Flat on pg.10-11Join us inKernvilleFebruary 17-20, 2012

INSIDE:

Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper

Let your mind go back in time, back150 years when the California was astate only 12 years old, when large por-tions of it were still Spanish landgrants. The mighty Kern Riversplashed unfettered by concrete, damsor controls of any kind, down to aswampy San Joaquin Valley. Theswampland down below, a vast areaknown as Tulare Lake, was full of tulereeds and was home to millions ofbirds. The people of the day reportedseeing clouds of birds in the sky sothick that they blotted out the sun.

In those days there was little travelin the San Joaquin Valley itself, becauseof the almost impassable land. Travelexisted mainly in the foothills, whererivers and streams still had to be ford-ed, but riding by horseback or mule-back was much easier.

Gold had been discovered at aboutthe same time California had becomeone of the United States. Gold seekerscame from every corner of the world,many by sailing ship into the port ofSan Francisco. They streamed overlandinto the interior portions of California.They supplied themselves with provi-sions at Visalia, and then aimed them-selves and their wagons at the SierraNevada. Gold was rumored to havebeen discovered at a place where two

side of the Greenhorns. He had heardabout a gold strike at the bottom of thegulch he was traveling down. It wassome mighty well-paying ore, and therewere a lot of miners working in a minecalled the Big Blue.

So Hamilton found the center ofthe mining camp, found a plank ofwood, set it across his two barrels andstarted selling his whiskey.

Unfortunately, the spot he pickedwas in the middle of folks who did notcare for the evils of spirits. They askedhim to move his makeshift bar awayfrom that spot, and he did.

The spot he picked was on a littlesandy flat next to the river, now moreplacid than it was higher up in themountains.

The miners started moving theirown camps down closer to his estab-lishment. As the ones who enjoyed atipple now and again gravitated there, atown started to grow. That town wascalled by several names, but the onethat stuck was Whiskey Flat.

Four years later, things had changeda lot.

A new county, Kern County, hadformed. There were houses and hotelsin the town, some eating houses and afew stores.

There were real streets, a dry goods

In the year 1860 a man by the nameof Adam Hamilton was one of thosewho made the trip over the GreenhornMountains. He was an American entre-preneur who decided to make himselfa bit of money by selling what many ofthe miners craved after a hard day’swork – a drink of spirits.

So he led his burro laden with twobarrels of whiskey down the eastern

forks of a big river met, a place calledthe Kern River Valley.

They streamed over the GreenhornMountains that formed the westernboundary of the valley, their wagonsslowed on the downhill side by big logscut for that purpose.

They came in mainly throughKeyesville and down over the routethat is now State Highway 155. See welcome page 2

Michael Batelaan/Kern River CourierCalamity’s Jule, AKA: Julie Brueggeman and Flower Filly Sue, AKA: SueRumsower.

Meet the the Mayor CandidatesCalamity’s Jule, AKA Julie

Brueggeman is the program direc-tor for Family PreservationCommunity Services, the organiza-tion that runs the ETC! center inWofford Heights. Brueggemanworks with children and at risk fam-

ilies. The purpose of Every TeenCounts! is to enable children andtheir families to realize their ownpotential. ETC! was developed inresponse to requests from the chil-

See mayors page 6

5

19The frogs are

hoppin” atWhiskey Flat

17Bodfish Bobshares his

Cowboy Cookingreceipes

9The fun starts

with theWhiskey FlatCalendar

of events

6Step back in time

with a visit to theWhiskey Flatencampment

Find out a littlehistory onhow long the

parade has beenmarching

Page 2: Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper 2012

page 2 February 2012 Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper

THE MOTHER LODEANTIQUES & COLLECTiBLES

16 Tobias, Kernville 760-376-3384

store, a feed stable, some saloons, a blacksmithshop and a brewery.

The town was now too civilized to be calledWhiskey Flat any more. So it was renamed.The name that they chose was Kernville.

Kernville in its original location existed foralmost 100 years. It survived the years whenthe gold ran out. The citizenry switched toranching and similar pursuits. Kernville saw thecoming of hydropower plants put in to servethe electricity-hungry city of Los Angeles.

The area was later discovered byHollywood as an ideal place to make Westernmovies, and from time to time stars like TomMix, Roy Rogers and Hopalong Cassidy couldbe seen here. John Wayne came here to shoota scene for the classic “Stagecoach.”

WWII came and went, and then the KernRiver Valley saw something new coming in thatchanged the face of it forever.

Kernville was told its days were numbered.Residents who had grown up here, somewhose families had been here for generations,were told they had to move away. A govern-ment flood control reservoir was coming intothe Kern River Valley. The citizens ofKernville were told they had to move to high-er ground or have their houses by covered bythe rising lake.

Kernville refused to lose almost 100 yearsof history. Many of the citizens of Kernvilledecided to move en masse to higher ground afew miles to the north, onto the formerBurlando Ranch, where they could establish anew Kernville.

By the early 1950s a new Kernville stood.Some of the original buildings from OldKernville were moved there; others were newlybuilt. The people of New Kernville picked uptheir lives and started a new history.

But the citizens couldn’t forget the originaltown’s old history, a colorful Gold Rush pastthat was matched by very few American com-munities.

So the townspeople decided to hold a year-ly celebration in the winters when times wereslower and people could enjoy the full

welcome continued from page 1 Cowboy joke cornerAround here, the cowboys tell cowboy

jokes to each other. Those cattle campsmust get real lonely.

Here’s some of the clean and semi-clean ones we could print.

A TEXAS TALEA cowboy rode into town and stopped

at the saloon for a drink. Unfortunately,the locals always had a habit of picking onnewcomers. When he finished, he foundhis horse had been stolen.

He came back into the bar, flipped hisgun into the air, catching it above his headwithout even looking, and fired a shotinto the ceiling.

"Who stole my horse?" he yelled.No one answered.The newcomer cowboy said, "I'm

gonna have another beer. If my horseain't back outside by the time I'm finished,I'm gonna do what I done back in Texas.And I don't want to have to do what Idone back in Texas!"

There was some shuffling in the backof the room, but the cowboy stared at hisbeer.

The cowboy had another beer, walkedoutside, and his horse was back! He sad-dled up and started to ride out of town.

The bartender wandered out of the barand asked, "Say partner, what happened inTexas?"

The cowboy turned back and said, "Ihad to walk home!"

A BANG UP JOBA tough old cowboy told his grandson

that if he wanted to live a long life, thesecret was to sprinkle a pinch of gunpow-der on his oatmeal every morning.

The grandson did this religiously to theage of 103. When he died, he left 14 chil-dren, 30 grand-children, 45 great-grand-

children, 25 great-great-grandchildren,and a 15-foot-deep crater where the cre-matorium used to be.

HORSE LAUGHA man was driving through Texas one

spring evening. The road was desertedand he had not seen a soul for whatseemed like hours. Suddenly his car start-ed to cough and splutter and the engineslowly died away, leaving him sitting bythe road in total silence.

He popped the hood and looked tosee if there was anything that he could doto get it going again. But he had a limitedknowledge of cars, so all he could do waslook at the engine, feeling despondent.

Suddenly, through the inky shadows,came a deep voice. "It's your fuel pump."

The man jumped up, striking his headon the underside of the hood. "Who saidthat?" he demanded.

There were two horses standing in thefield alongside. The man was amazedwhen the nearest of the two horsesrepeated, "It's your fuel pump. Tap itwith your flashlight, and try it again."

Confused, the man tapped the fuelpump with his flashlight, turned the keyand sure enough, the engine roared intolife.

He muttered a short thanks to thehorse and screeched away.

When he reached the next town, heran into the local bar.

"Large whiskey, please!" he said.A rancher sitting at the bar looked at

the man's ashen face and asked,"What's wrong? You look like you've

seen a ghost!" "It's unbelievable," the man said and

recalled the whole tale to the rancher.The rancher took a sip of his beer and

looked thoughtful. "A horse, you say?

Was it by any chance a white horse?" The man replied to the affirmative.

"Yes it was! Am I crazy?" "No, you ain't crazy. In fact, you're

very lucky," said the rancher, "becausethe black horse don't know nothingabout cars!"

COWBOY DELICACYA big Texan cowboy stopped at a

local restaurant following a day ofdrinking and roaming around in Mexico.While sipping his tequila, he noticed asizzling, scrumptious-looking platterbeing served at the next table. Not onlydid it look good, the smell was wonder-ful. He asked the waiter, "What is thatyou just served?"

The waiter replied, "Ah senor, youhave excellent taste! Those are RockyMountain Oysters from the bull fightthis morning, a delicacy!"

The cowboy, though momentarilydaunted, said, "What the heck, I'm onvacation down here! Bring me anorder!"

The waiter replied, "I am so sorry,senor. There is only one serving per daybecause there is only one bull fight eachmorning. If you come early tomorrowand place your order, we will be sure tosave you this delicacy!"

The next morning, the cowboyreturned, placed his order, and then thatevening he was served the one and onlyspecial delicacy of the day. After hedowned the delicious meal, he called tothe waiter and said, "They were deli-cious, but they were much, much small-er than the ones I saw you serve yester-day!"

The waiter shrugged his shouldersand replied, "Si, Senor. Sometimes thebull wins."

Page 3: Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper 2012

Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper February 2012 page 3

24 Sirretta StreetKernville, CA760-376-2345

■ Full Hook-Ups

■ Shaded Campsites

■ 30/50 Amp Service

■ Tents Welcome

■ Table & Fire Ring/Grill

■ Hot Showers (Included)

■ Air Compressor Station

■ Dump Station

■ Ice & Firewood For Sale

■ Laundry Available

■ Year Round CampingYou can find us between Ewings Rapid and theKernville Bridge with over 1,000' of Private Shoreline!

Every site is equipped with water and electric (mostinclude sewer)... no generators here!

Our downtown location is easy and convenient for ourguests to explore the restaurants and shops.

Come visit us today to take a look around and bookyour next vacation to the Kern River Valley!

www.campkernville.com“Now Taking Online Reservations”

Monthly (Long term) Sites are AvailableCirclePark

RiverViewRV Park ■■

Bridge

Kernville Road

N

Sir

retta

St

■Ewings

Drag yer wagon to

760-376-6158

121 Piute(On Circle Park)

What in the worldis this riches to ragpublication?

The publication you’re holding is called the Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper. It’spublished once year, especially for the Whiskey Flat Days festival. For a fewdays in February, Kernville residents pretend it’s the 1860-1864 era of theGold Rush, when the town went by its original name, Whiskey Flat. TheWhiskey Flat Claim Jumper is put out by the folks who publish the Kern RiverCourier, a weekly newspaper in Wofford Heights. If you like this Claim Jumper,be sure to check out the Courier. It’s a free newspaper, available for pickup allover the valley every week. Or if you want the convenience of getting theCourier in your mail, you may want to subscribe. Get the Kern River Courier inyour mailbox every week and find out what’s happening here in the beautifulKern River Valley. It’s only $36 a year, less than $3 a month.

Here’s a list of some of the Courier folks and friends who contributed tothis year’s Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper. (If your name isn’t here, forgive us!)

Mike Devich, Michael Batelaan, Mike Ludiker, Sara Wakeman, Val Minoux,Murdoc Douglas, Chuck Barbee, Bodfish Bob, Melody Batelaan, the folks atthe Kernville Chamber of Commerce, and too many others to list.

If you’d like to make a comment on the Claim Jumper or get a hold of us atthe Courier, here’s our contact information:

Mail: P.O. Box 1145, Wofford Heights, CA 93285. Phone: (760) 376-2860.Fax: (760) 376-2862. E-mail: [email protected]

Page 4: Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper 2012

page 4 February 2012 Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper

KERNVILLE APOTHECARYHAS FOR SALE A FULL ASSORTMENT OFGENUINE FAMILY MEDICINES,

Selected with the utmost care.Also, an extensive supply of

PATENT MED IC INES ,LEECHES, PERFUMERY,AND FANCY ARTICLES,Such as comprise the usual Stock of anApothecary of general accepted size.

known also as

The Drug Store111 Piute Drive

376 - 2 2 1 6

Bob PowersBOOKSB o o k s b y t h e l a t eBob Powers , LocalHistorian and Author

A nine-volume historicalaccount of the Kern River Valley. All nine books are presently in print, beautifully printed and bound and willbe available in Circle Park during Whiskey Flat Days.

South Fork Country, North Fork Country, Hot Springs Country,

Kern River Country, Indian Country, Desert Country,High Country and This Old House.are $30.00 each

See Marge in Circle Park February 17, 18, 19 and 20during Whiskey Flat Days. Or place your order by mail to:

Marge Powers P.O. Box 204 Kernville, Ca 932387 6 0 - 3 7 6 - 2 3 2 9

Visit our booth in Circle Parkduring Whiskey Flat Days

"NUUI CUNNI""Our House"

Native American Intertribal Cultural Center & MuseumLocated at one of the most beautiful settings on Isabella Lake

at French Gulch Recreation Area 2600 Hwy. 155

OPEN ALL YEAR 'ROUNDTuesday-Saturday…9 a.m.-4 p.m

Winter Hours May Vary

FARMERS' MARKET, (Saturdays)

NATIVE PLANT GARDEN,PRAYER GARDEN & So much more…

Bring the entire family! The Coffee is always on!

760.549.0800Sponsored by the Kern River Paiute Council under a special Use Permit with the U.S.

Forest Service on a nondiscriminatory basis.

23531 Sierra Way, Kernville OPEN~Fri. & Sat. 6:00AM-11:00PM ~ Sun. -Thur. 600:am-9:00pm Deli~7:30am-8:00pm Daily

760-376-2555

Come see us atthe top of the hillin Kernville$1.00 Mustard Dogs$1.00 Pizza Buns$1.00 Corn Dogs$1.00 French Fries$1.00 Ice Cream Scoops$2.00 Chili Dogs$2.00 Chili Fries$4.50 Breakfast Burritos$5.00 Lunch Specials all weekend!

11:am - 1:00pm Daily

Full Liquor, Beer& Wine Selection

Gas &Propane available

There are many reasons to come back and visit us all year!Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper

There’s always somethin’ for a flat-lander like yourself to do when ya comeup here to our rarified mountain air. If ’nya like gettin’ outside, there’s campin’and fishin’ and huntin’ and all that stuff.If ’n ya like pokin’ around stores, we gotthat too. We got eatin’ houses and placesto stay and all kinds of civilization here.

But then once in a while we like tokick our heels up and have some fun.Flatlanders like that too, so here’s a listwe threw together so’s that you can seeall the fun we have around here.

MARCH: In March this year is theKeyesville Classic mountain bike races.If ’n they can get all the gold miners upthere Keyesville way to stand aside for awhile, mountain bikers come from allover to ride their trusty metal steeds upand down the considerable hills they gotover there. A group outta Bakersfieldputs that on. Go to http://ssfta.com/on one of them new-fangled computers.Also in March we’re gonna have aLiving Green festival in WoffordHeights so’s we can all learn how to livewithout foulin’ our own nest, so tospeak. Go to krvr.org to learn about thatone. And at the end of March, there’sthe Isabella Lake Fishing Derby thatalsocomes up March. If ’n you get regis-tered and you catch a trout with thisyear’s tag on it, you can win your shareof $200,000 in cash money! Up to$20,000! Wonder how much that worksout to per pound? It’ll buy ya a lot ofchips at the poker table, that’s for sure!Get a hold of http://www..isabellafish-ingderby.com/ to find out more

APRIL: April’s a beautiful month uphere. Lots o’ stuff going on. There is the

Kern River Festival, when they racethose kayaks up and down the river.They have rafts too, but they only go inone direction -- if ’n you don’t count fly-ing into the air and turning upside down.The Kern Valley River Council puts iton. Go to t ohttp://www.kernfestival.org/ or call(818) 340-3083. Comin’ up towards theend of April will be the annual TroutFestival at the Hatchery, where theygive you a free hot dog and let you havesome fun there in the shade and learn allabout fishing. To find out the date, butyou can call the Kernville Chamber ofCommerce at (760) 376-2629 when itgets closer and they’ll give you the skin-ny.

MAY: The Kern Valley SpringNature Festival used be called theBioregions Festival and it’s a pretty bigdeal. You can learn about all kinds ofstuff havin’ to do with nature, like allabout plants and animals and rocks andwhat a beautiful place we live in. Theyhold it here in Kernville and Weldon --two places. The first Saturday in May,the 1st, is the Sirretta St. Swap Meet inKernville where a whole big old longstreet holds a gigantic yard sale!Definitely worth coming to. The nextweekend, is the Classic Car Show inthe park on the river. They close off thewhole street. The Kern Valley RotaryClub puts it on. Good times and rockand roll! Then we got the Kern River

Valley Historical Society’s HistoryDays . I’m gettin’ tired just writin’ aboutthis one. It’s a great big deal held at theKern Valley Museum in Kernville andit’s a lotta work, let me tell ya. They holdall kinds of demonstrations and showsand stuff about what life was like onceupon a time here in the Kern RiverValley. If ya like findin’ out about theolden times, this one’s for you. Then onMemorial Day Weekend, the Kern RiverValley Art Association will put on theirbig ol’ Spring Fine Arts and CraftsFestival in Circle Park. They’ve beendoin’ it for 45 years now!

Wow! Then summer starts, and manthere’s a lot of events. In June there’s afree fishing day and they hold a fishingderby just for kids. There’s a day calledWhitewater Wednesday when peoplecan get introduced to whitewater raftingand get all wet.

In July is the fireworks show for ourgreat nation’s independence and a raceof those new-fangled water bikes orwhatever they call ‘em -- they go realfast.

August is when they run those rubberduckies down the river and bet on ‘emand raise money for the Kern ValleyExchange Club, which uses it for com-munity projects. And there’s the fall artshow by the Kern River Valley ArtAssociation. And a bunch more.

Throughout the fall there’s so muchgoing on here. Then come the holidaysand then Whiskey Flat Days and we startit all over again.

Come and join us up here anytimeyou feel a hankerin’ to taste some freshmountain air and get out of the rat race.We’ll save a stool for you at your favoritejoint.

File photo courtesy Kern River Courier

There’s lots to do here in the Kern River Valley. When the warmer weather comes,out come the personal watercraft like the one above. We’d call it a Jet Ski, but wethink it’s another brand, and them lawyers get mad at us and cuss up a blue streakif we misuse their trademark.

Page 5: Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper 2012

Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper February 2012 page 5

NELDA’SDINER

5120 LAKE ISABELLA BLVD.LAKE ISABELLA, CA 93240

379-8448

CHERYL’SDINER

11030 KERNVILLE ROADKERNVILLE, CA 93238

376-6131

BREAKFAST • LUNCH • DINNER

SERVING UP HOME COOKED FOOD FOR OVER 200 YEARS

HOURS:6am to 9pm

Whiskey Flat Weekend

HOURS:7am to 9pm

Whiskey Flat Weekend

Bed & Breakfast

Classic Country Lodging onthe Kern River

Riverview Bungalow, Country Cottageor Fully Appointed Suites.

Full Kitchens and BBQ’s available

13745 Sierra Way, Kernville, CA 93238Reservation: 760-376-3733

Fax: 760-376-6513Toll Free: 877-241-4100

www.kernvalley.com/whisperingpinese-mail: the [email protected]

Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper

The Whiskey Flat Days Paradestarted about the fifth year of the fes-tival in 1961. John E. McNally wasmaster of ceremonies that year, andhe announced the parade for manyyears before he passed away in 2007.Lloree Knowles, a local real estateagent, organized the first parade andwas chairman for many years.

Over the years the parade hasgrown to become possibly the high-light of Whiskey Flat Days. Each yearmany thousands of visitors and localsline both sides of Kernville Road andother locations in Kernville to see themany floats, equestrians, marching re-enactors and clowns make their wayalong the parade route.

The parade starts at the corner ofKernville Road and Sierra Way, readyto cross the bridge and enter theCircle Park area. From there theparade turns left on Kern River Driveand goes along Riverside Park. Then itturns right on Kernville Road againaround Riverside One-Stop and upKernville Road to Tobias, the streeton the east side of Circle Park. Thenup to Piute Drive to Big Blue Roadand another right turn to WhitneyDrive.

There are lots of blank roundsgoing off, so owners of dogs and littlechildren beware.

The Grand Marshals of the paradeare a Who’s Who of the valley and thecounty. In 2008 the Grand Marshal wasKernville’s 92-year-old Tom Johnson,who is a whitewater legend and whohelped develop the fiberglass kayak. Hestarted the annual Kern River Festival inthe 1960s. In 2009 it was Jim Scott and

Robin Mangarin, news anchors onKGET-TV in Bakersfield. And last yearKay Walker and Helen Witt shared thehonor.

Here are other Grand Marshals

from the past few years.•2007: Jack White, Donna Begay,

Chuck Barbee, and Amanda Rankin•2006: Cotton Rosser•2005: John E. and Shirley McNally,

and special guests Rebecca and EricGiddens.

•2004: Smokey Bear•2003: George and Darlene Randall•2002: Ray Vega

Whiskey Flat Days Grand Parade history

Michael Batelaan/Whiskey Flat Flaim Jumper

The Whiskey Flat Days Grand Parade takes place on the Saturday morning of Whiskey Flat Days

Page 6: Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper 2012

page 6 February 2012 Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper

Sportsman Inn

`Gary Craig , Owner

Where theWhiskey

nevergoes Flat!

DowntownKernville, CA

(760) 376-2556

Bringing goodnutrition, healthy food,

& catering to folksall round the valley.

The Beyond Juice Deli is the only HealthyFast Food Alternative in the valley!Breakfasts , made to order salads

& sandwiches, daily soups, smoothies,fresh juices, & specials too!

Von’s Shopping Center 760-379-1792“Next to DMV” 5520 G3 Lake Isabella Blvd. Lake Isabella

Monday - Friday 6:30am-5pmPlease check our store for weekend hours.

eathealthykrv.com

Whiskey Flat Smoothie Special!Chocolate Covered Strawberries

WANTED

KELLEE SCOTTInsurance Agent

License #0833364

Phone: (760) 376-8703Fax: (760) 376-8603

27 Big Blue Rd.Kernville, CA

‘KICK’EM UP KEL’2004 WHISKEYFLAT MAYOR

We Be a’Protect’n • Wagons • Homesteads

• Butts & Concerns

dren and community of the Kern River Valleyto provide a safe place for teens to belong. Itis staffed by trained adults that are comfort-able working with children that are goingthrough the awkward adolescent stage. It isfree to all aged 12-18. ETC! wants to be avalue to our community and to teach our kidsto give back to their community. The centerprovides a safe atmosphere to learn independ-ent living skills, play fun games, have comput-er access, meet others, have camaraderie, takecooking classes, eat healthy snacks, and havepositive behavior acknowledged. FPCS is acounty wide organization that is a voluntaryprogram to work within the child's communi-ty to help the child do well in school, at homeand in the community.

Flower Filly Sue, AKA Sue Rumsower isthe owner of Petal Pusher Plus in Kernvilleand is supporting the Kern County Sheriff'sActivities League, known as "SAL". SAL relieson members of law enforcement and thecommunity to volunteer time to mentor andwork with the kids who participate. Throughregular contact with law enforcement as men-tors, coaches and positive role models, SALworks as a deterrent to a criminal lifestyle andpromotes leadership and goal setting througha variety of activities. Her husband is nick-named "48" because he has gambled in 48states. She left Keysville because her head-strong son was getting in with the wrongcrowd, the Kernville High Country Outlaws,who nicknamed him "Nevada Kid." becauseof all the banks he robbed in Nevada! Nowher son has a good gal in Whiskey Flat and hasa whole passel of youngins. Flower Filly Suesaid, "As their grandmother, I cannot let themfollow in the footsteps of their grandfatherthe gambler, so that's why I am running forWhiskey Flat Mayor: to make sure our babiesand grandbabies don't grow up to be outlaws!"Flower Filly Sue promises that she'll plantplenty of seeds and make the Kern Valleybloom from Keysville to McNally's. After allshe is the flower lady..

mayors continued from page 1

The indian camp will show youthe Native American experience, afire pit cooking authentic foods,Native American games, crafts, andartifacts from the past!

Experience theWhiskey FlathistoricalEncampment

Find out what it was like in the1800’s. There is a chuck wagon

with cookin’ and coffe, ax throwing,period tool demonstrations and

more!

Page 7: Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper 2012

Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper February 2012 page 7

11317 Kernville Rd. Kernville 760-376-2426

Stop payin’high prices fer yer

Moonshine!Archie’s can hep yuns

build your own still!White

Lightnin Comes

OutThere

PutYour

Corn InHere☞

Providing Seniors withCompanionship, Securityand Peace of Mind. We Encourage ourResidents to be

Kern Village32 Burlando Rd. Kernville, CA

760-376-6733LIC#157200475

The Burlington13 Sycamore Dr. Wofford Hgts, CA

760-376-6474LIC#155801223

Active in Family,Community and EventParticipation. A Touch ofthe Resort Atmospherein the Kern River Valley.

Openingsnow

available

The Burlington & Kern VillageASSISTED LIVING

~ GROUPS REPRESENTED ~Lone Star Productions, MikeWoodwardNative American Indians, Dave"Laughing Horse" RobinsonOld West Mounted Lawmen'sAssociation, Mike ThomasBreckinridge Buckskinners, DeeDeeMoore, Director3rd Texas Cavalry, Fort Tejon, DougMroczekSmall Engine Historians, PerrySteinhoff1st North Carolina Cavalry, Cpt.Dan HoganBuffalo Bill, Bruce KrattLawDawgs, Rob LambertKern River Feed, Roger McLaughlinKernville Farrier, Ronnie Crowder

~ CREW ~Producer/Director: Mike Woodward Whiskey Flat Camp Director: DaveRyskampIndian & Mountain Man CampDirector: Dave 'Laughing Horse'RobinsonWhiskey Flat Camp Manager:Francis MooreMountain Man Camp Manager:DeeDee Moore Miner and Sawmill Camp manager:Perry SteinhoffSafety Officer: Francis MooreStory Telling Coordinator: DaveRyskampWeapons Check Coordinators: DaveRyskamp, Francis Moore, DeanMarshall

~ OLD WEST CAMPRESIDENTS ~

Mike Woodward (Gun Fight

Coordinator) Nathan Eddy "Crazy Fox" (GunfightCoordinator) Dave Ryskamp (Land Claims/StoryTell'n) John Wilson (Town folk) Rob Lambert (Deputy/Miner)Billy Lambert (Town folk)Glen Lambert (Miner)Monica Lambert (Town folk)Sandra DeSpiganovitz (Town folk)Stephanie Alvary (Town folk)Erin Woodward (School Marm) Randy Henderson (Blacksmith)Jeannie Hawkins (Gypsy/SheepWagon)Billy Lambert (Chuck wagon Cook) John Olinger ( Cook)Francis Moore (WF Camp Sheriff)Bruce Kratt (Buffalo Bill) Doug Mroczek (Justice of the Peace) Mike Jackson (Mortician) Cheri Newsome (Fallen Doves) Dean Marshall "Buffalo Robe"(Mountain Man Camp)Kat Marshall "Buffalo Slayer"(Mountain Man Camp)Ed Wortsman (Miner)J.R. "Bob" Kastrup (Miner)Eileen Bissmeyer (Fiddler/Townfolk) Terry Boon (1840 Trader Mercantile)

~ NATIVE AMERICANINDIAN CAMP~

Dave 'Laughing Horse' Robinson(Coordinator)Kate DeVries (Campmember/Videographer)Ruth Berkemeier (Adawehi)Charlie Pruitt (Broken Feather)

Encampment Cast & CreditsLone Star Productions

The Whiskey Flat Encampment is ahistorical education and experience. Theatmosphere at the encampment will bepresented in the 1800's dress and man-nerism. The encampment will haveongoing eventsthroughout theday. Men,women andyouth will beactive in thereenactments ofthe era. TheBreckenr idg eBuckskinners,an 1820-1840r e e n a c t m e n tclub, will pro-vide living histo-ry of the furtrade era. Thiswill includetrader's demon-strations andgames includingt o m a h a w kthrowing, axthrowing, camplife demonstra-tions, leathercraft work, peri-od tool demon-strations, trap-ping (simulated)and trappingdemonstrations.

The IndianCamp will takeplace from noon to 5 p.m. on Friday andSaturday and from 10 a.m. to noon onSunday. It will include authentic crafts

such as dream catchers, beading, andTule weaving, Native American gameslike double ball and stick ball, archery,flint knapping, Native American foodpreparation, a drum circle with singingand dancing, Native American culturaldisplays using artifacts from ancestors,

actual building ofhuts from naturalnative resources,display and infor-mation of thelocal native plantsused by localN a t i v eAmericans, openfire pit used forcooking, workinghides, makingdeer rattles, localNative Americanstory teller.

Come join thefun while step-ping back in timeto watch demon-strations of thedays of the WildWest as realNative Americansand Cowboyslived, in peace andharmony withnature. The KernRiver Valley is aplace of beautyand full of wealthin many forms.The history of lifein this lush valley

brings knowledge that is fast becominglost to those unfortunate to miss thisgolden opportunity and experience.

Encampment events

Encampment ScheduleFriday: Noon to sundownSaturday: Immediately fol-lowing the Parade to sun-downSunday: 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.Its an educational encampmentwith authentic demonstrationsof life in the Old West! OnFriday and Saturday at 2 and 4p.m., and Sunday at 11 a.m.you’ll see history and gun-fights. All day there will be aWells Fargo station and eatery,Chuck wagon cook'n and cof-fee, a horse trader and livery.There’ll be horse shoe'n andhorse doctor'n, the WhiskeyFlats Saloon, a Justice of thePeace, a Saddle maker andleather craft, a Bath house,Beautifier and Hygienist, story-tellers of the Old West, miningand sawmill demonstrationsand a Civil War Confederatecamp!

Page 8: Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper 2012

page 8 February 2012 Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper

Restaurant HoursFriday Prime Rib Special 4:30 to 9:00pm

Saturday: 4:30 to 9:00pmSunday: 4:30 to 8:00pm

Reservations Suggested

� �� �

ComeJoin Us

ThisWhiskey

Flat

STEAKSGIANT

RIVERKERN

Home of the40oz.

Porterhouse

15 miles north of Kernville on Mtn.99

For Reservations 760-376-2430

Don’t forget your Valentine Tuesday February 14th --

Opening February 10thThe week before

Whiskey Flat Weekend!Yes we areopen4:30 to

8:00pm

HamburgerStand & Bar

Open

Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 to 5:00pmWhiskey Flat Weekend

Closed again until April

www.mcnallysfairviewlodge.comFollow us on facebook

Make yourreservations

now!

FURNITUREsTORE

6415 LAKE ISABELLA BLVD • LAKE ISABELLA379-2868

Celebratin’23

years

OPENSUNDAY ~ THURSDAY

9:00AM ~ 5:00PM

Friday9:00AM ~ 4:00PM

Closed Saturdays

OUr gals will helprefurbish your

bunkhouse

� �PUBLiC NOTICE!Remember, when lookin’ fer fine furnishins

Ya won’t find a Bargain in a Barn!

ThE

made by craftsmen & artists of distinction

Sports MemorabiliaCoins & Jewelry Now Buying

Gold & Silver!Now is the time to look

through your Jewelry Boxes,we buy your gold, sterling

silver and Scrap.

6429 Lake Isabella Blvd.Lake Isabella

In the Post Office Center

760-379-5200

Come inand see us!

Watch BatteriesFaxes & Copies

PPHHYYLLLLIISS MM.. HHII XXAATTTTOORRNNEEYY AA TT LLAA WW

JJUUSSTTIICCEE!!

““WWEE’’RREE JJUUSSTT

SSTTUUBBBBOORRNN AASS

MMUULLEESS ‘‘BBOOUUTT TTHHAATT””

�P.O. Box 1940 • Kernville, CA 93238

776600--337766--33776611

Yes! I want to receive a one year mail subscription to the KernRiver Courier, 52 issues, for just $36.00.Name__________________________________________________

Mailing Address__________________________________________

City____________________________________________________

State ____________________ Zip ___________________________

Kern River CourierP.O. Box 1145, Wofford Heights, CA 93285ph: 760-376-2860 fx: 760-376-2862

Complete and mail subscription form, check or money order for $36.00 to:

EXTRA!EXTRA!Mail subscriptions

to the

“Everything Oldis News Again!”

Page 9: Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper 2012

Calendar of EventsWhiskey Flat Days

Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper February 2012 page 9

Thursday February 16High NoonEpitaph Contest JudgingAlta One Credit Union-forms available at Kernville Chamberand at Alta One, Kernville. All epitaphs will be judged Thursdaynoon and placed in Boot Hill, at the Kernville Alta One CreditUnion on Big Blue Road on Friday. Contest sponsored by PatTurnham Realty.

5 p.m.Cowboy AuctionAt Ewing's on the Kern, Kernville. Open: 5 p.m. Sign Ups: 6p.m. Auction: 7 p.m. Contact Tony Cain at 760-378-3408. Thisis always a popular event!

Friday February 177 a.m.Breakfast All 'Round the ValleyFind your favorite eatery. In Kernville, there is Cheryl's Diner,Cracked Egg Café, El Rio, Jacalito's, Big Blue Bear, and breakfastitems are available at Sierra Gateway and Primo's.

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Kern River Valley Art Association Arts & Crafts at KernvilleOddfellows Hall, corner of Tobias and Scodie.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Kern Valley MuseumOpen on Big Blue Road next to the Post Office. HistoricalSociety, mining info, Indian exhibits, artifacts and photos fromyesteryear when Kernville was Whiskey Flat, 1857.

10 a.m.Annual Kern Valley Women's ClubLuncheonAt the Elk's Lodge in Wofford Heights. Doors open at 10 a.m.Presale tickets only, admission $15. Call the KV Women's Clubat 760-376-4578.

High NoonGolden Gulch opens.Circle Park, Frontage Road, Riverside Park. Crafts, handmadejewelry, info booths, art and more! Food vendors are non-profitorganizations: Kern Valley FFA, Sweet Adelines, TubatulabalIndians, Rotary Club of KRV, Elks Lodge, and Mt. View BaptistYouth Group. Whiskey Flat Headquarters and Info is on thecorner of Kernville Road and Tobias Street selling Whiskey Flatshirts and memorabilia. Pick up your Claim Jumper, WhiskeyFlat Miner and the most "up-to-date" Schedule of Events!

Contest Applications available At Kernville Chamber info booth:Costume Contest: Sponsored by the Pizza BarnPet Parade Contest: Sponsored by All Creatures Feed andSupply.Whiskerino Contest: Sponsored by Valerie's Hair SalonPie, Jam & Jelly Contest: Sponsored by Cheryl's Diner(yummy!)

Noon to SundownWhiskey Flat EncampmentsCowboy and Mountain Man Encampments, on Scodie Avenueacross from the Rodeo Grounds. Life in the Old West! Save theleather on yer boots and catch the Western Express RailwayTrain in town and ride to the encampments. Watch hold-ups andgunfights, horse shoein' and horse doctorin', turn of the centu-ry saw mill demonstrations, and Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show.There's cowboy cookin', a Whiskey Flats Saloon, and Old WestMercantile Shoppe, shot gun weddings, saddle makin' andleather craft, and more! Story tellers, Dave Ryskamp, Dave"Horse" Robinson, and Nathan Eddy will tell stories about min-ers, cowboys and outlaws. Open til sundown.

Children's ActivitiesRiverside Park:by the Wild and Scenic Kern RiverFree face painting by New Life Assembly of God Church.Amazing Bounce, with bounce houses, rock wall, and obstaclecourses. Mechanical bull rides. Small charge for rides.

5 p.m.Schoeppner Carnival openson Kernville Road, across from Pizza Barn, by the Forest ServiceWork Center. Great adult and children's rides and games. Chillsand thrills. Save 50% on presale tickets: sales throughout theValley until February 17! Open until 10 p.m.

Dinner is servedAll around town at all your favorite restaurants.

6 to 9 p.m.Street DanceOn Piute Drive. Music by "Obsidian."

7 p.m.Whiskey Flat MelodramaMrs. Wiggs and the Cabbage Patch. Kernville Elementary SchoolAuditorium, $7/adults, $5/kids under 12.For any questions, please call Dawn Jordan at 760-376-2105.

7 p.m.Mayor candidates roaming town!Hay Pardner! Be on the lookout! The race is on! Winnerannounced Sunday at 3 p.m.

Saturday February 187 to 10 a.m."Breakfast"$7 a plate, tickets at the door. Kern River Masonic Lodge, 562James Road, Kernville. Turn uphill past Sierra Gateway Market.Always a favorite breakfast: get there early!

8:30 a.m.VIP Parade breakfastKernville Chamber.

9 a.m.Golden Gulch opensCircle Park, Frontage Road, Riverside Park. Crafts, handmadejewelry, info booths, art and more! Food vendors are non-profitorganizations: Kern Valley FFA, Sweet Adelines, TubatulabalIndians, Rotary Club of KRV, Elks Lodge, and Mt. View BaptistYouth Group. Whiskey Flat Headquarters and Info is on the cor-ner of Kernville Road and Tobias Street selling Whiskey Flatshirts and memorabilia. Pick up your Claim Jumper, WhiskeyFlat Miner and the most "up-to-date" Schedule of Events!

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Arts & Crafts showKern River Valley Art Association Arts & Crafts at KernvilleOddfellows Hall, corner of Tobias and Scodie.

Children's ActivitiesRiverside Park:By the Wild and Scenic Kern RiverFree face painting by New Life Assembly of God Church.Amazing Bounce, with bounce houses, rock wall, and obstaclecourses. Mechanical bull rides. Small charge for rides.

10 a.m.2012 WFD Parade Line UpOn Sierra Way.

Schoeppner Carnival opensOn Kernville Road, across from Pizza Barn, by the ForestService Work Center. Great adult and children's rides and games.Chills and thrills. Open until 10 p.m.

Trout Hatchery OpensMuseum and Visitor Center 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sierra Way, onemile north of Kernville. Free admission.

Kern Valley Museum OpensOn Big Blue Road next to the Post Office. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Historical Society, mining info, Indian exhibits, artifacts and pho-tos from yesteryear when Kernville was Whiskey Flat, 1857.

Advice from an outlaw: Be wary of newfriends, except dogs!

11 a.m.Whiskey Flat Days ParadeDon't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Outlaws. 155th anniver-sary of the Town of Whiskey Flat, a.k.a. Kernville. Sierra Way atKernville Road. Awards given at 2:30 p.m. at Circle Park CenterStage. Get yer spot early!Parade Schedule: National Anthem, 2012 Grand Marshal, JeanFuller, Senator, 18th District, 2011 Whiskey Flat HonoraryMayor, "Mean River Gene and Whitewater Whitman", 2012WFD Mayor candidates, Susan Rumsower, "Flower Filly Sue"and Julie Brueggeman, "Calamity's Jule", Special VIP guests anddelightful parade floats! Parade announcer, Geoff Emery,KUZZ Radio.Parade route: From Sierra Way and Kernville Road, south.

Across the bridge to Kern River Drive by Riverside Park.Around Riverside One Stop and up to Kernville Road to Tobias.Then Piute Drive to Big Blue Road and end at Kernville UnitedMethodist Church, Big Blue Road and Sirretta Street.

High NoonWhiskey Flat EncampmentsImmediately following the Parade. Cowboy and Mountain ManEncampments, on Scodie Avenue across from the RodeoGrounds. Life in the Old West! Save the leather on yer boots andcatch the Western Express Railway Train in town and ride to theencampments. Watch hold-ups and gunfights, horse shoein' andhorse doctorin', turn of the century saw mill demonstrations,and Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. There's cowboy cookin', aWhiskey Flats Saloon, and Old West Mercantile Shoppe, shotgun weddings, saddle makin' and leather craft, and more! Storytellers, Dave Ryskamp, Dave "Horse" Robinson, and NathanEddy will tell stories about miners, cowboys and outlaws. Opentil sundown.

12:30 p.m.Concerts by the River BeginMusic in Riverside Park. Free admission.12:30 Les Bourgeois1:00 Fight Like This2:00 Allasso3:00 Banned From Here4:00 Jest Reason

1 p.m.Line DancingBy "TLC" -Totally Loves Country. Circle Park Center Stage. FreeAdmission,

Concert by the River With Fight Like This.

Advice from an outlaw: When loved onescome home, exit by the back door!

Whiskey Flat Days RodeoMcNally's Rodeo Arena. Cotton Rosser's Flying-U Rodeo spon-sored by Bud Light. Open Team Roping, Bull Riding, Hide Race,Open Barrel Race, Junior Barrel Race, Calf Scramble, SheepRiding, and more. Entertainment!!

Advice from an outlaw: Be quick! And ifyou can't be quick, at least be faster thanthe other guys!

2 p.m."First Heat" of the Frog Jumpin'Contest held at Piute Drive by Center Stage. Watch "Pie alaToad" and "Sir Richtoad" compete, along with many more frogs.Bet on the Jumpin'est Frogs in the West! Finals Sunday at 11:30a.m. Free admission.

Concert by the RiverWith Allasso.

Check out the Whiskey Flat Encampments on Scodie acrossfrom the Rodeo Grounds.

2:30 p.m.Parade awardsAt the announcer's stand in Circle Park.

3 p.m.Concert by the RiverWith Banned from Here.

4 p.m.Concert by the RiverContinues with Jest Reason.

7 p.m.Whiskey Flat MelodramaMrs. Wiggs and the Cabbage Patch. Kernville ElementarySchool Auditorium, $7/adults, $5/kids under 12.For any questions, please call Dawn Jordan at 760-376-2105.

Advice from an outlaw: Delight in thesimple joys of a free ride!

Sunday & Monday EventsContinue on page 12

Page 10: Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper 2012

S

EW

N

☞1 Restrooms

Parking

Circle ParkGolden Gulch

Riverside ParkKiddie AmusmentsRest Area

Frontage RoadArts & Crafts

Kernville ChamberCommunity Build.

History Museum

US Forest ServiceInformation

Parade Route& Registration

Train Route & Stops

Carnival GroundsGames & Rides

Rodeo GroundsWild West DazeRodeo

Kernville School

Cowboy &Native AmericanEncampment

☞9Kernville RoadTobias

Street

Kern

River

Sierra Drive

ValleyView

Sierr

aW

ayBuen

aV

istaD

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LegendK

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Sponsored by

The KERNVILLE CHAMBER of COMMERCEP.O. BOX 379 • 11447 KERNVILLE ROADKERNVILLE, CALIFORNIA 93238-0397

760-376-2629 • Fax: 760-376-4371www.kernvillechamber.org

WWHHIISSKKEEYY FFLLAATT DDAAYYSSWWHHIISSKKEEYY FFLLAATT DDAAYYSS&& WWHHIISSKKEEYY FFLLAATT WWIILLDD WWEESSTT DDAAZZEE RROODDEEOO

Always Presidents Day Weekend

WWeellccoommee ttooWWeellccoommee ttoo

WHISKEY FLATWalking Tour, Train & Parade Route

WHISKEY FLATWalking Tour, Train & Parade Route

Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper February 2012 Page 11Page 10 February 2012 Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper

☞2

☞3

☞4

☞5

☞6

☞7

☞8

☞9

☞10

☞11

☞12

☞13

☞14

☞ To: Golf Course,Old Cemetary,Wofford Heights,Lake Isabella& Hwy 178Bakersfield

☞ To: Airport, Camp 9,around the lake, Hwy 178, Weldon, Onyx, Walker Pass &Hwy 14

☞6☞13

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To: Riverkern, Fairview, Johnsondale & Kern River campgrounds.

☞1☞ 1

0

☞2

☞10

© 2012 Kern River Courier/ Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper all rights reserved.

© 2012 Kern River Courier/ Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper all rights reserved.

The next ‘Stop on yourReal Estate destination

40 TOBIAS, KERNVILLE6925 WOFFORD BLVD., WOFFORD HEIGHTS

760.376.HOMEWWW.KERNRIVERVALLEYHOMES.COM

Gold Mine, Cattle Ranch or City Dwelling Give us a call & we will be there!

Page 11: Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper 2012

S

EW

N

☞1 Restrooms

Parking

Circle ParkGolden Gulch

Riverside ParkKiddie AmusmentsRest Area

Frontage RoadArts & Crafts

Kernville ChamberCommunity Build.

History Museum

US Forest ServiceInformation

Parade Route& Registration

Train Route & Stops

Carnival GroundsGames & Rides

Rodeo GroundsWild West DazeRodeo

Kernville School

Cowboy &Native AmericanEncampment

☞9Kernville RoadTobias

Street

Kern

River

Sierra Drive

ValleyView

Sierr

aW

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Legend

Ker

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Sponsored by

The KERNVILLE CHAMBER of COMMERCEP.O. BOX 379 • 11447 KERNVILLE ROADKERNVILLE, CALIFORNIA 93238-0397

760-376-2629 • Fax: 760-376-4371www.kernvillechamber.org

WWHHIISSKKEEYY FFLLAATT DDAAYYSSWWHHIISSKKEEYY FFLLAATT DDAAYYSS&& WWHHIISSKKEEYY FFLLAATT WWIILLDD WWEESSTT DDAAZZEE RROODDEEOO

Always Presidents Day Weekend

WWeellccoommee ttooWWeellccoommee ttoo

WHISKEY FLATWalking Tour, Train & Parade Route

WHISKEY FLATWalking Tour, Train & Parade Route

Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper February 2012 Page 11Page 10 February 2012 Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper

☞2

☞3

☞4

☞5

☞6

☞7

☞8

☞9

☞10

☞11

☞12

☞13

☞14

☞ To: Golf Course,Old Cemetary,Wofford Heights,Lake Isabella& Hwy 178Bakersfield

☞ To: Airport, Camp 9,around the lake, Hwy 178, Weldon, Onyx, Walker Pass &Hwy 14

☞6☞13

☞3☞9

☞4

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To: Riverkern, Fairview, Johnsondale & Kern River campgrounds.

☞1☞ 1

0

☞2

☞10

© 2012 Kern River Courier/ Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper all rights reserved.

© 2012 Kern River Courier/ Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper all rights reserved.

The next ‘Stop on yourReal Estate destination

40 TOBIAS, KERNVILLE6925 WOFFORD BLVD., WOFFORD HEIGHTS

760.376.HOMEWWW.KERNRIVERVALLEYHOMES.COM

Gold Mine, Cattle Ranch or City Dwelling Give us a call & we will be there!

Page 12: Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper 2012

page 12 February 2012 Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper

Calendar of EventsWhiskey Flat Days

Sunday & Monday EventsEvents Continued from page 9

Sunday February 197 a.m.Breakfast All 'Round the ValleyFind your favorite eatery. In Kernville, there is Cheryl's Diner,Cracked Egg Café, El Rio, Jacalito's, Big Blue Bear, and break-fast items are available at Sierra Gateway and Primo's.

9 a.m.Golden Gulch opensCircle Park, Frontage Road, Riverside Park. Crafts, handmadejewelry, info booths, art and more! Food vendors are non-prof-it organizations: Kern Valley FFA, Sweet Adelines, TubatulabalIndians, Rotary Club of KRV, Elks Lodge, and Mt. View BaptistYouth Group. Whiskey Flat Headquarters and Info is on thecorner of Kernville Road and Tobias Street selling Whiskey Flatshirts and memorabilia. Pick up your Claim Jumper, WhiskeyFlat Miner and the most "up-to-date" Schedule of Events!

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Arts & Crafts ShowKern River Valley Art Association Arts & Crafts at KernvilleOddfellows Hall, corner of Tobias and Scodie.

Children's ActivitiesRiverside Park:by the Wild and Scenic Kern RiverFree face painting by New Life Assembly of God Church.Amazing Bounce, with bounce houses, rock wall, and obstaclecourses. Mechanical bull rides. Small charge for rides.

Advice from an outlaw: Hide yer loot!

9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.Whiskey Flat EncampmentsCowboy and Mountain Man Encampments, on Scodie Avenueacross from the Rodeo Grounds. Life in the Old West! Old WestChurch Service today at 10 a.m. Save the leather on yer bootsand catch the Western Express Railway Train in town and rideto the encampments. Watch hold-ups and gunfights, horseshoein' and horse doctorin', turn of the century saw mill demon-strations, and Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. There's cowboycookin', a Whiskey Flats Saloon, and Old West MercantileShoppe, shot gun weddings, saddle makin' and leather craft, andmore! Story tellers, Dave Ryskamp, Dave "Horse" Robinson,and Nathan Eddy will tell stories about miners, cowboys andoutlaws. Open til noon today.

Have you heard the Mayor candidatesspeechifyin' yet?

10 a.m.Schoeppner Carnival opensOn Kernville Road, across from Pizza Barn, by the ForestService Work Center. Great adult and children's rides and games.Chills and thrills. Open until 10 p.m.

Trout Hatchery OpensMuseum and Visitor Center 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sierra Way, onemile north of Kernville. Free admission.

Kern Valley Museum OpensOn Big Blue Road next to the Post Office. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Historical Society, mining info, Indian exhibits, artifacts andphotos from yesteryear when Kernville was Whiskey Flat, 1857.

11 a.m.Concert by the River BeginMusic in Riverside Park, free admission.11:00 Gary McGrath12:00 Dos Guys1:00 Acoustic River2:00 Wonderland Soup Kitchen3:00 to be announced

11:30 a.m."Final Heat" Frog Jumpin' ContestHeld at Piute Drive by Center Stage. Watch the Jumpin'est Frogsin the West! These are the finals: Cheer on your favorite Jumpin'Frog. Free admission.

High NoonLots of Contest Sign Ups!1860's Costume Contest sign ups. Adults and children forms at

WFD Info Booth. Judging starts at 12:30 p.m. Costume contestsponsored by Pizza Barn.

Pet Parade Sign Ups!Forms at WFD Info Booth. Judging at 2 p.m. Pet Parade spon-sored by All Creatures Feed & Supply.

Pie, Jam & Jellies Contest Sign Ups!From noon to 1 p.m., finals at 2:30 p.m. Forms at WFD InfoBooth or Pie staging area. Contest sponsored by Cheryl's Diner.

Concert by the River In Riverside Park with Dos Guys.

12:30 p.m.Old Fashioned 1860'sCostume ContestSponsored by the Pizza Barn. Piute Drive and Big Blue Road:Circle Park. Note: Adult categories include Frontier Lady andMan, American Indian Lady and Man, Fancy Lady and Man,Authentic Indian Dress, Modern PowWow, Best Overall Family.Children categories include Frontier Girl and Boy, AmericanIndian Girl and Boy, and Fancy Girl and Boy. Prizes awarded.Entry is free.

1 p.m.Whiskey Flat Days RodeoMcNally's Rodeo Arena. Cotton Rosser's Flying-U Rodeo spon-sored by Bud Light. Open Team Roping, Bull Riding, HideRace, Open Barrel Race, Junior Barrel Race, Calf Scramble,Sheep Riding, and more. Entertainment!!

Concert by the River Continues in Riverside Park with Acoustic River.

Sign Ups for Whiskerino ContestWhiskers, beards, all mustaches apply. Ribbons awarded. Free toenter! Forms at WFD Info Booth. Contest sponsored byValerie's Hair Salon.

2 p.m.Old Fashioned Whiskerino ContestSponsored by Valerie's Hair Salon. Sign up by 1 p.m. Piute Driveby Circle Park.

Concert by the RiverIn Riverside Park with Wonderland Soup Kitchen.

Pet Paradesponsored by All Creatures Feed & Supply. Sign up at noon. Fivecategories: WFD's theme, Matched Pair, Smallest, Largest,Funniest! Grand Prize and ribbons awarded! Free.

2:30 p.m.Winners announcedfor Pies, Jams and Jellies Contest-Yummy! Drop off at noon.This is what we're waitin' for! Bring on those delicious treats!Sponsored by Cheryl's Diner.

3 p.m.2012 Honorary Whiskey FlatMayor Announced!Who will be the 2012 Whiskey Flat Mayor? Piute Drive by CirclePark. Drawing: Who will win the $500 Shopping Spree?

Concert by the RiverIn Riverside Park with (to be announced).

Monday February 209 a.m.Golden Gulch opensCircle Park and Frontage Road, free admission.

Children's ActivitiesRiverside Park:By the Wild and Scenic Kern RiverFree face painting by New Life Assembly of God Church.Amazing Bounce, with bounce houses, rock wall, and obstaclecourses. Mechanical bull rides. Small charge for rides.

10 a.m.Schoeppner Carnival opensOn Kernville Road, across from Pizza Barn, by the ForestService Work Center. Great adult and children's rides and games.Chills and thrills.

All the "Advice from an outlaws" is whyyou "don't let our babies grow up to beoutlaws!"

Ya'll come back next year!This schedule of events is subject to the information avail-

able to the Claim Jumper and the Kern River Courier at presstime. All event times and locations are subject to change at anytime without notice. Events may be canceled, postponedand/or rescheduled at any time due to weather, or any other cir-cumstances beyond the control of the Kernville Chamber ofCommerce, its independent entertainers, vendors, volunteersand groups involved.

Whiskey FlatCelebration

Weapons CarryRegulations

For anyone wanting to carry a weaponduring the Whiskey Flat Days celebration, aweapons and ammunition check will be atthe "Sheriff's" tent in Whiskey Flat Camp(across from the rodeo grounds) Thursdayevening though the weekend.

Each participant must sign a release agree-ing to the following rules:

1. Safety is our prime concern; for the reenactor and the viewing public

2. No live ammunition to be carried in the weapon or on your person at any time

3. Dummy ammunition only. Spent primers are preferred. Participants with live primers will have to demonstrate that the cartridge contains no powder.

4) For those participants engaging in 'Gunfight' routines, blank rounds should only be chambered just prior to the routine, and removed immediately after it concludes

Participants will be issued a ribbon indi-cating that they have agreed to the restric-tions listed above. This ribbon should bedisplayed prominently on the participant'scostume.

Weapons carrying participants may besubject to random checks by the KernCounty Sheriffs Department to confirm theyare in compliance with the above regulations.

Mattress shortage causesMrs. Tuttle's Tea and AleHouse to close

Mrs. Tuttle has had to close her tea and ale house onthe far outskirts of Whiskey Flat temporarily becauseof a severe mattress shortage.

"We like to serve our tea and ale to those roughminer boys on pure down mattresses," said Mrs. Tuttle."Straw pallets just aren't good enough for us."

Her 19 serving girls are out of work, she explained,until some new mattresses can be procured.

"Some of them girls just really love to peddle theirtea and ale on mattresses" she said," and they can't waitto get back to work."

Page 13: Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper 2012

Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper February 2012 page 13

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Page 14: Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper 2012

page 14 February 2012 Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper

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Old Kernville’s Movie Street built for Western filmsMike DevichWhiskey Flat Claim Jumper

Old Kernville was a real Old West town, but in thelate 1920s, after its Old West day had passed,Hollywood discovered the town as the Western moviecraze grew. The town responded to accommodate theincreasing numbers of crews arriving to shoot moviesby building a special street parallel to Old Kernville’smain street especially for them.

The late Bob Powers, in his book “North ForkCountry,” wrote about Movie Street:

“Movie Street in Old Kernville was a replica of atypical frontier main street. Originally called GraniteStreet, it was about two blocks long and ran north-south along the hill west of town. The MethodistCommunity Church and the grade school were at oneend, and a large barn on the A. Brown property closedthe other end of the street. The fronts of other build-

ings (the backs of which were only shells) were built,including, on one side, a general store, assay office, jailand livery stable. On the other side stood a blacksmithshop, saloon, dance hall, hotel and harness shop. It washard to realize when walking along the street or viewingthe set in movies that many of these buildings wereonly propped up like billboards.

“On this street gallons of ‘blood’ were shed, andfrom the large old cottonwood tree in the schoolyardmany a hangman’s noose swung.”

In the evenings, many of the movie’s stars and crewwould take part in local community activities in OldKernville. Sometimes they would form a baseball teamwith the likes of Roy Rogers, Humphrey Bogart andJohn Huston filling the positions.

Powers says in his book that other famous moviestars seen in the valley over the years included DaleEvans, Gabby Hayes, Yvonne DeCarlo, VictorMcLagen, Audie Murphy, Andy Devine, Tom Mix,

Hoot Gibson, Hopalong Cassidy, Gene Autry andHarry Carey.

The Mountain Inn, at the time the only hotel in OldKernville, served as headquarters for the film compa-nies. Many local people served as doubles, stand-ins andextras in the movies. Some working as extras donnedcowboy costumes for a chase scene one day and thenIndian costumes the next day for that side of the chase.

Irven Wofford, owner of the ranch that wouldsomeday become Wofford Heights, provided much ofthe livestock for the films as well as wagons, buggiesand other equipment. He also acted in some of thefilms.

A list of films wholly or partially shot in the KernRiver Valley is available at the Kern Valley Museum inKernville. The list was assembled by the late BillyCouch, at the time the curator of the museum. Powerswas also a curator of the museum.

Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper

We hope you enjoyed reading aboutOld Kernville. There are many morehistorical photos than we could possi-bly use, and lots of stories and arti-facts and maps and all kinds of goodstuff at the Kern Valley Museum inKernville. It’s not hard to find-- it’sacross the street from Alta One CreditUnion on Big Blue Road.

If you like exploring the history ofthis area (and there’s a powerful lot ofhistory here), the museum is a goodplace to start.

Join the Kern River ValleyHistorical Society. They can tell you

how at the meeting, because they runthe place.

If you want some great history,pick up Bob Powers’ books (he wrotenine of them) at the library, or MargePowers will be selling them again atWhiskey Flat Days. Look for her ad inthis Claim Jumper.

Ardis Walker’s books are a require-ment, too. Ken Wortley was another.

A memoir of Old Kernville justbefore the lake went in is available, ifyou want to read about what the placewas like. It’s called “River Children,”written by Barbara Hinkey and PatMcPherson. You can get it throughhttp://www.riverchildren.net/

More history is to befound at museum

Page 15: Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper 2012

Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper February 2012 page 15

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Whiskey Flat hours: 6 a.m. to midnight

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Early Exploring of the Kern River ValleyWhiskey Flat Claim Jumper

Lt. R.S. Williamson was an officer of the U.S.Topographical Engineers in the 1850s just asCalifornia had become a state and was being exam-ined for possible railroad routes through the SouthernSierra. These excerpts from his account of his trav-els through the area later known as Kern Countyand the Kern River Valley are from Pacific RailroadReports Vol. 5.

My plan was to go with a small party firstto Walker's Pass, and having examined itfrom base to base, to return to the summitand from thence follow, as closely as theconfiguration of the country would permit,the watershed, or "backbone" of the moun-tains, till I had reached the point where theSierra and Coast Range unites. I would bythis means be certain of seeing everydepression in the mountains. I would thenendeavor to ascertain the accessibility ofthese depressions from either base. By thisplan, I supposed I would gain a good knowl-edge of the general character of the Sierra inthis vicinity and would be able to select judi-ciously the best passes for minute survey.Wagon Train

While the preliminary examination wasgoing on, the wagon train was to returnempty to Fort Miller, to obtain a further sup-ply of provisions and barley, and LieutenantStoneman, with that portion of the escortnot otherwise engaged, was to remain inDepot Camp to guard the stores and otherproperty left there.

On the morning of Aug. 10, the wagontrain started from Fort Miller, and I, accom-panied by Lieutenant Parke, Mr. Smith, civilengineer, Mr. Preuss, draughtsman, Mr.Godey, as guide, and five men of my party,started for the passes in the mountains. We

had an escort of acorporal and ninemen. We carriedwith us two barom-eters, besides theaneroid, a sextant,and the other usualinstruments for asurveying party.Kern River

Upon leavingcamp, we followedup Poso Creek till ittook a bend com-ing from the north-east, when we left itand took up a drybranch, with hereand there a spring,our general coursebeing a little northof east. We couldsee the open valleyof the Kern Riverto the south andsouthwest. Higherup, this rivercanyons; and it wasto avoid thiscanyon that wewere obliged tokeep the ridge,where there is agood packtrail, butimpractical forwagons. We camped in a little hollow in themountain, and the barometer indicated thealtitude above Depot Camp to be 3,400 feet.As we had descended somewhat to find acamping-place, the highest point we passedover must have been over 4,000 feet above

that camp, or nearly 5,000 feet above thelevel of the sea. Directly opposite us, on theother side of the river, was a mountain wecalled Canyon Mountain, still higher than theone we were on; and these two mountains,approaching each other with precipitousside-slopes, formed the canyons above men-

tioned.Down to the River

The next day, after ascending a short dis-tance, we began to descend. We could see theriver far below us, white with foam, looking

See exploring page 16

Vintage photo courtesy of Chuck Barbee

A very rare aerial view of Old Kernville, which was known early in its life as Whiskey Flat.

Page 16: Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper 2012

page 16 February 2012 Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper

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like a thread of silver as it dashed among therocks with a very rapid current. There wasthe appearance of a large valley at the base ofthe mountain. Godey told us that the riverthere received a tributary, and that it was nearthe head of that stream that we would findWalker's Pass. The descent was very steep; somuch so that in many places it was danger-ous to ride; and it was easier to slide downthan to walk. We arrived on the banks of theriver, at the base of the hill, just in time toallow me to get a series of circum-meridianaltitudes of the sun, about a half mile belowthe mouth of the branch.

The river was very rapid, and apparentlydeep. We tried to find a ford in several places,but did not succeed until we had gone upstream three miles; and here the water camenearly up to the mules' backs. To keep ourpacks dry, we had to have them carried acrossby the men. After the crossing, we went upthe valley of the creek for four or five miles,and made a camp in fine grass on the banks.The Valley Described

The valley is from one to three mileswide, with a poor soil, except in the bottomsnear the creek, where the grass grows luxuri-antly. Following up the valley, which averagedmore than a mile in width, with a gentleascent, gradually increasing all the way, wefound, about 12 miles from the creek, a smallbranch coming in from the south, now dry,but having apparently a long and wide valley.

Five miles further, the creek, now a smallbrook, came from the mountains to thenorth, while from the southwest there was anopen valley from a quarter to half mile inwidth. This valley we followed up; and hav-ing arrived within a mile wide, and the ascentmit, we were fortunate enough to find a finespring and plenty of coarse grass. Here wemade our camp; and it being early in theafternoon, I rode up to the summit, where Ihad a fine view of the basin. There appearedto be eastward a strip, 20 or 30 miles wide, ofunbroken ground, and beyond this the viewwas limited by masses of mountains. Thepass is nowhere less than a quarter of a milewide, and the ascent and descent both grad-ual. In fact, it is an excellent natural wagonroad. The mountains on either side are com-posed mostly of granite, and are rough andprecipitous.Indians

There were quite a number of Indians,both on the creek and at the spring near ourcamp. At first they fled, but soon gained con-

fidence and came into our camp. Theyseemed to be at this time of the year to beprincipally employed in collecting a kind ofbulrush or cane, upon the leaves of which isfound a substance very like sugar, which tothem is not an unimportant article of food.They cut the cane and spread it in the sun todry, and afterwards, by threshing, separatethe sugar from the leaf. The cane itself hasno sweet taste. As the creek itself had noname that I know of, I endeavored to ascer-tain its Indian name, and found it to be Chay-o-pooya-pah, the accent strong on the lastsyllable. This name I have adopted on themap. I understand it to mean "the creek ofthe bulrushes."

(Following this paragraph is a long andtechnical explanation of the grades involvedfor development of a railroad through thepass. Then Williamson concludes thatWalker's Pass is not practical for a railroadroute.)Too rugged for the Railroad

Having completed the examination ofWalker's Pass, in order to follow my originalintention of tracing the watershed of themountains as near as possible, I found it nec-essary to retrace our steps down to Chay-o-pooya-pah for 13 miles, till we came to thecollateral valley before mentioned; for themountains to the south were so high andrugged, that they only way to pass them wasto turn them. We ascended this valley, whichwas about two miles wide. At first it was abroad bed of sand, which gradually contract-ed, and five miles up we found runningwater. There was an abundance of bulrushgrowing here, and a large number of Indians,probably 50 or 60, engaged in gathering it.

They had evidently heard of us from theirneighbors, and did not show the least sign offear; but men, women and children cameflocking around us, evincing much curiosity.We camped among them, and the nextmorning Godey and myself started to exam-ine the next depression in the mountainssouth of Walker's Pass. This we found to beabout the same altitude as that pass, viz:About 5,300 feet, and the ascent a little steep-er. It is not as open as the other, and hence isnot as good a natural wagon road. The aver-age ascent for several miles is 288 feet to themile. It is about six miles in rectilinear dis-tance from (Walker's) pass. It is calledHump-Pah-Ya-Mup.

(Williamson then describes another passfarther south, called Tah-ee-chay-pah pass,which is course where a railroad was eventu-ally constructed - Tehachapi Pass.)

exploringcontinued from page 15

A long-closed mortuary on Main St.will have a new life as a barbecue restau-rant.

Sam McAllister has bought the build-ing that formerly housed Orville'sFuneral Home and Crematorium andwill open a barbecue restaurant as soonas the first of the month.

However, McAllister says that severalpeople have stopped by the building andregistered complaints.

"I think people may be jumping toconclusions," McAllister said of the cre-matorium, which is still located at the

back of the building and whose smoke-stack still dominates the Whiskey Flatskyline.

"We will be doing our grilling on aportable barbecue out on the street," hesaid, noting that many people lookedrelieved when he gave them that bit ofnews.

The former crematorium will be usedto store spirits. Offered will be whiskey,ale and bourbon.

McAllister said he will be hiringOrville Sonderville, the town's formerundertaker, to be the cook.

Former Orville’s Crematorium inWhiskey Flat to sell barbecued meats

The meeting last night at the socialhall between the town fathers ofWhiskey Flat and some guvmint peoplewas a real comic act. Seems them

guvmint people are thinkin' of putting ina dam and makin' a lake out of the wholedammed valley! Now, who in the worldthought of that crackpot idea?

Lake study laughed at by locals

Vintage photo courtesy of Chuck BarbeeThe A. Brown Store was in the center of Old Kernville.

Page 17: Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper 2012

Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper February 2012 page 17

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How to fix cowboy grub so’s you won’t starveRecipes by Bodfish Bob

Camp Fire Breakfast1/2 lb bacon 1 medium onion2 lb. bag of frozen hash brown potatoes 1/2 lb. grated cheddar1 doz eggs

Small jar of salsa-about 1 cup (option-al) This recipe requires 6-9 bottom coalsand 12 -15 top coals.

Pre-heat 12" Dutch Oven. Slice baconand onion into small pieces and brownuntil onions are clear. Stir in the hashbrown potatoes and cover. Removecover and stir occasionally to brown andheat potatoes (15-20 minutes).

Scramble the eggs in a separate con-tainer and pour the mixture over thehash browns. Cover and cook until eggsstart to set. (10 - 15 minutes)

Sprinkle grated cheese over egg mix-ture, cover and continue heating untileggs are completely set and cheese ismelted. Optional: Pour small jar of salsaover cheese/egg mixture. Cover andcook for an additional 3-5 minutes. Sliceand serve.

Chili Verde2 pounds boneless pork butt (shoulder), cubed and dusted with flour seasoned with black pepper 2 tablespoons bacon drippings or vegetable oil 3 cups chopped onion 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon oregano 2 tablespoons ground cumin

2 teaspoons salt 6 (4-ounce) cans diced green Chiles,drained 3 (14 1/2-ounce) cans chicken broth 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce, or to taste

1. Heat fat in Dutch oven over medi-um-high heat; add pork cubes and brownevenly on all sides. Add onions and gar-lic to pan; cook and stir until onions aretender, about 10 minutes.

2. Stir in remaining ingredients andbring all to a boil. Lower heat to a sim-mer, cover and simmer until pork is verytender and liquid is slightly thickened.

3. Serve immediately over hot cookedrice, if desired. Garnish with freshcilantro sprigs.Serves 8.

Pot Roast2 Tbs. Bacon grease or olive oil1 Tbs. Balsmic vinegar2 tsp. Dry rosemary; rubbed3 Tbs. Brown sugar2 med. Yellow onions; sliced1 Tbs. Soy sauce4-5 cloves garlic; sliced1 bay leaf3-4 lb. Beef chuck roast1 tsp. Black peppersalt and pepper to taste1-2 lbs. Baby carrots1 cup hot beef stock or broth6-8medium red potatoes; skins on, cut into chunks1/4 cup honey barbecue sauce1 tsp. Thyme2 Tbs. Red wine vinegar1 Tbs. Parsley flakes

Heat a 12" deep Dutch oven using 20-22 briquettes bottom until oven is hot.Add bacon grease or olive oil, rosemary,and onions; cook 2-3 minutes until youstart to see a little color on the onionsthen add the garlic. Cook for 1 minutelonger. In a large measuring cup com-bine the beef stock, barbecue sauce, redwine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, brownsugar, soy sauce, bay leaf, and black pep-per; stir to mix then pour juice slowlyinto the oven. Season the roast with saltand pepper then add roast to oven andcover with as many of the onions as youcan.

Replace the lid then reduce the num-ber of coals on bottom to 10 and place14-16 coals on the lid. Cook for 30 min-utes rotating oven every 15 minutes.After 30 minutes add carrots and pota-toes. Season with salt, pepper, thyme,and parsley flakes. Replace the lid andcontinue baking for 60-90 minutes untilvegetables are fork tender.Serves: 8-10

Chorizo and Eggs3 links of Chorizo sausage links½ c chopped onions6 eggs, beatenSalt & pepper to taste8 flour tortillas

Remove sausage from casings. Cookwith onion over medium heat for 8 to 10minutes in a skillet. Add eggs to sausageand scramble. Serve on hot flour tortillas.

Smoked Green Beans1 smoked ham hock

1 lg. Can green beans2 tbsp. SugarDrain green bean juice into large pot.

Skin tough skin of ham hock off toexpose meat and fat. Cook ham hock ingreen bean juice about 1/2 hour. Add 2tablespoons sugar and green beans topot. Cook another 1/2 hour. Stir juiceover beans to flavor.

Collard Greens withNeckbones

1 pound pork neckbones2 bunches of collard greens1 teaspoon of salt1 tablespoon bacon drippingsDash of red pepper sauceSalt & pepper

Boil neckbones in a large saucepan.Remove from the broth. Add the greens(wash well before cooking) to thesaucepan. Cook on low heat until tender.Add bacon drippings, red pepper sauceto greens. Season with Salt & pepper.4 to 6 servings

Potato Biscuits1 cup mashed potatoes2 tbsp. Butter2 cups flour 1 tbsp. Honey1 cup buttermilk1/2 tsp. Baking soda2 tsp. Baking powder1 tbsp. Brown sugar

Mix ingredients and roll out on waxpaper. Cut biscuits and bake at 400º Fabout 10 min.

Page 18: Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper 2012

page 18 February 2012 Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper

Left to right: In the trenches at the Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper,Ron Benson, Riches to Rag Distributor; Sara Wakeman, WhipCracking, Paper Pushin’ Office Boss; Mike Ludiker, FabricatingWeb Spining Master and Michael Batelaan, Photografin’ DoodleArtist and Gossup Gatherin’ Rag Tag Publisher;. Vintage Val, TheAdvertising Answer Gal; not pictured, She is out collectin adver-tisments reservations for the Claim jumper.

Get on the waiting list, new advertisingclaims to be released January of next year!Ring: 760-376-2860

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The gentle citizens of Whiskey Flat haverebelled against proposed taxes on bingo.

“I’ll rip their arms off and feed them to myhogs,” screamed Lettie Honeybutter, who nor-mally spends her days doing pettipoint and mak-ing lace curtains while listening to her Victrolawhen she’s not playing bingo down at theWhiskey Flat Social Hall. “Nobody messes withmy bingo!” Only she didn’t say “messes.”

Unleashing a string of profanities that wouldleave a motorcycle gang member staring inshock, Lettie raised her cane and made a threat-ening motion toward the Claim Jumperreporter.

“I only have my Social Security check and mycouple of thousand shares in AmericanTelephone & Telegraph. And that’ll never beworth nothin’,” said Lettie as she quivered inindignation.

“What’ll they take next, my false teeth?”The Whiskey Flat city fathers claim that they

need to tax the paltry sums that senior citizenswin from bingo.

“I need to make a payment to my bookie,”said Toadly Lardbottom, a city father (well, he’sfather to about half of the kids in Whiskey Flat,anyway). “We gotta raise taxes so we city fatherscan get our semi-annual, semi-monthly, semi-hourly and semi-minutely raises.”

Scheduled for further taxation are baby bug-gies, baby buggie bumpers (a separate tax) andrubber baby buggy bumpers (a separate taxfrom the regular, non-rubber baby buggybumpers). Oh, and babies will now be taxed aswell.

“And if we could figure out how to tax theactual act of procreation, we’d tax that too,”thundered Lardbottom.

Safe from taxes for now are people’s landand their incomes, but who knows, someday theguvmint will figger out how to do that too.

Whiskey Flattians fight backagainst bingo taxes

Page 19: Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper 2012

Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper Februay 2012 page 19

Fax 661-325-0240

661-325-3963 800-894-8882

Gerald A. BrownManager / Director

NEPTUNE NEPTUNE

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6400 Lake Isabella Blvd. Lake Isabella Store: 760-379-2041 Cell: 760-379-6963across from the Senior Center

Store: 760-379-2041 Cell: 760-379-6963Hours: Monday, thru Friday10:00am to 5:00pm Saturday 9:00am to 3:00pm Closed Sunday

Come in and see our large selection of Tack & Feed Supplies.If what you need is not already in stock we will gladly order it for you.

“Our customers agree - we are the friendly store” - Owner Roger McLaughlin

For your family of animals,from hounds tohorses,pigs to poultry and lots in between

Steroid scandal hitsfrog-jumping contest

In 1863, a young journalist namedSamuel Langhorne Clemens, travelingfrom San Francisco, CA to VirginiaCity, NV spent the night in AngelsCamp, Calaveras County, California.Here, he heard the story of DanielWebster, a famous frog who jumpedhigher and further than any other frogaround.His owner, local gambler Jim Smileynever got tired of placing bets on hiscelebrated jumping frog. One day, astranger took the bet. But when Jimwasn't looking, the stranger pouredquail shot into Daniel Webster's mouthmaking it impossible for him to jumpat all. The stranger won the $40 betand escaped before Jim realized the

Whiskey FlatFrog Jumping lineupSponsor Frog NameAll About Travel Travelin' FrogAlzheimer's Association Forget Me NotBurlington Assisted Living SpringerCheryl's Diner Pie Ala ToadClick Realty Slick ClickErskine Creek Water Co. Liquid GoldFarmers Insurance Kick em up KelGeorge and Darlene Randall LeRoyHarry Thal Insurance BudweiserHoffmann Hospice Herby Hoppin' HoffmannKern River Courier Claim JumperKern Valley Sun Sun SpotKern Village Assisted Living Jerry AtrickKernville Chamber Sir RichtoadL&M Lumber Knot HeadLanny Borthick General Contractor Douglas FirbanksMcNally's Fairview SpecialMy Sewing Room KermittPiute Pump Pumper JumperRiverside One Stop LegsSierra Gateway Sierra Gateway Ribbits 1Sierra Gateway Sierra Gateway Ribbits 2Sierra South White Water WillyShepherd of the Hills SOTHThe Drug Store Pill PopperThomas Refuse Recyclin' RoseMayor Candidate-Calamity Jule OpheliaMayor Candidate-Flower Filly Sue Flower Filly

con.The story was first published in 1865 inNew York's Saturday Press and theyoung journalist used the pen name MarkTwain. It not only laid the foundation forhis fame, it also put the tiny mining townAngels Camp on the world's map.Here at Whiskey Flat, we celebrate thishistory with a frog jumping contest ofour own. Everyone has a fun time plac-ing wagers on the frogs and cheering thelittle guys on. It is fun to try to beat theodds. The winning frog nets you "frogbucks" script worth merchandise at localparticipating Kern Valley merchants.See Whiskey Flat schedule for the timesand place of the races on Saturday andSunday.

Why the leap to frogjumping?

Illegal steroid usage has beendetected in three of the frogs sched-uled to jump at the Whiskey FlatFrog Jumping Contest this year.

Contest officials were tipped offby a neighbor of an unnamed frogowner who said he saw frogs in theneighbor’s back yard jumping all theway over the house to a pond in thefront yard.

“These was no ordinary frogs,”said the neighbor, who has asked toremain anonymous due to the knowncutthroat tactics of champion frogowners.

“They is a devilish lot, those frogfolks,” he said.

Contest officials rushed to thehome along the river in Whiskey Flatand, using a baseball mitt, were ableto capture three frogs as they plum-meted from a 100-foot height.

After the watching crowd did theWave, the three sample frogs wererushed to a laboratory, tested for

steroids and came up positive.“This is a scandal of the highest

proportion!” hollered the currentmayor of Whiskey Flat, “Rustlin’”Rachael Whitman. “We won’t rest untilwe find every single one of these illegalfrogs. The Whiskey Flat Frog JumpingContest has always been an honestracket... er, I mean competition, and wedon’t cotton to no fixin’ of the con-test.”

“Except by me,” one former mayorof Whiskey Flat was heard to say, whogoes by the handle of Rapid Richard.

Contest officials were unsure ofhow to handle the scandal, but it wasgenerally agreed that all the frogsshould be tested and all those that test-ed positive would be disqualified.

“It may be a coincidence and it maynot be, but I’m planning a special onfrog legs the day after the contest,” saidCheryl Borthick of Cheryl’s DinnerHouse. “Actually, I’m hopin’ there’ll bea lot of disqualification goin’ on.”

Page 20: Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper 2012

page 20 February 2012 Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper

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