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Memories of Ken Kesey

Memories of Ken Kesey (from the La Honda Message Board)
"Having lived through the Kesey era in La Honda, I can speak from experience. There was a lot of change happening in La Honda about the time Kesey was here and I'm not sure if he was the result of it or if it was coincidental. Prior to the late '60s many of the homes here were summer cottages for San Francisco folks. The town seemed to decline for awhile during Kesey's reign and about that time summer homes were slowly becoming permanent residences. Properties didn't seem to improve, as I recall, until the late 70's or early 80's. Then the homes began to have a more "lived-in" look and there were more locals at the swimming pool each summer. There wasn't a lot of mingling between the summer kids and us but there were tentative friendships and a few romances. When Kesey came in a lot of stuff seemed to get stirred up. There were Hell's Angels around just about every weekend, although I don't recall any real problems with them. About the same time there was an article in Playboy magazine chronicling some of their more lurid adventures but if they were having them here it wasn't that obvious to me (I was 12 or 13 at the time). They would stop and let you cross the street at Apple Jacks and they would respect Freddy closing Apple Jacks every Sunday at 3:00 so he and his family could go to the movies and dinner. Quite often there were police hiding across the road from Kesey's house, up the steep bank, keeping watch. Kesey decorated his property is unique ways, hanging dummies from the trees was only one of the features. And of course the bathroom's decor was well documented. In my opinion, the town felt invaded and just a bit violated at that time. His kids went to La Honda School and I remember sitting next to him at the Christmas pageant. His wife at the time was very petite and pretty and his kids angelic. His Merry Pranksters certainly livened up the La Honda Days celebration, with scantily clad Mountain Girl riding on top of Further in the parade and another member of the group skinny dipping during the log rolling contest at the pond. You bet he brought notoriety to La Honda but there were lots of other local characters just as memorable to me who built and livened this community over the years, Judd Cochran, Lil Woodhams, May Cavalli, Fred and Babe Kotoff, the Zanones, Mac and Grace McCarty, Fred and Penny Laval, Basil Willet and many more. I prefer to remember those folks who came and stayed and really made this a special place." From Pam McReynolds message #7353


And some additional comments:

A recent article in the San Mateo Times written by Joan Levy was entitled, "La Honda has had a wild and crazy past" from Kim Rowden (message #7355)
" I would add to the list of local luminaries of that time Manny Alexander, Joe Espedio, Krissy Emmenson, and Otto Byer. Krissy was a pioneer radio announcer in her younger midWestern days and Manny seemed an incarnation of Zorba the Greek. When was the last time anyone roasted a goat for the neighbors? Otto could be heard chastising anyone within earshot a block away. Listening to the stories of any group of these provided hours of entertainment." From Robert M. Gray (message # 7356)
"Not a "local luminary" perhaps, but any list of legendary local characters would have to include Limey Kaye." From Paul Fourt (message #7358)
"So right. Paul has written books with some, ah, familiar looking characters, set in a town MUCH like La Honda. Charles Jones penned the book "A Separate Place" including photos of high quality and much charm, some of us have treasured copies. Earl the Pearl, Armand, Ruby, Butch Venturi, Dan Irhazy. In a small town folks come into clearer focus somehow. Wierdos are tolerated better when they're familiar and their ways are known. Richard Davis, on the distaff side. Not liked by anyone I've talked to. And, there are as many stories about why La Honda Days ended as there are people to tell them; there are some points of agreement…Limey Kay, Harry Moore, Irma Goodin [nee Nikirk], Faun and Patty, Milt Cavalli, Otto, Jack Eranosian The Tractor Gyppo. It used to be that when one town character moved out, two more would move in. Now it's too expensive for real weirdoes and crusty characters, and the town is the poorer for it. We should hire some full-time local color before we turn into Woodside West…" From James Adams (message #7363)
"Rufus has told me about the regatta's that used to be held in the lake. I guess one year that had several home made entries. You can go down to A.J.'s and ask him for pictures. There is supposed to be a truck and car at the bottom. Could be bar talk, but some kid borrowed either Limy K's or Bill Markee's car and drove it into the lake. Of course, I probably heard the story from Limy K or Bill Markee. The truck, I believe is down there and has been for a very long time. I can't remember who told me but I believe them." From John K (message 7376)


05/10/2005 in Archives and Research |

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My Granparents lived up on Sueno Camino. Tim ("Lefty") and Wilma Miles. Granpa built his house there in 1942, with help from his two young sons (my Dad & Uncle) ... and years later retired from the SFFD and moved there full time in the mid 1960s. "Lefty" was a great mechanic and could fix anything. he had every tool ever needed. he used to fix all the locals' cars right there at his house. He was always there to help the townfolk. I spent all my Summers as a child there. Hiking, swimming, crawdad fishin', sat at the bar at APPLEJACKS and had my Roy Rogers! Went to outdoor mass EVERY Sunday with Wilma. La Honda was a hidden jewel. A secret of sorts. Yes the Hells Angels were in and out, but the place was Paradise to me and my siblings, and the friends I brought there for 2 or 3 weeks at a time from San Rafael to stay with my Grandparents. Old Tony and Betty Klein (the German couple)... so many nice folks. The swings, the clubhouse,feeding the ducks... thankful for La Honda and for having Grandparents that gave so much so that we could have a happy, fun-filled childhood. Luv you Wilma & Lefty! - Little Timmy

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