Dear Mattole History people,
I am sure you’re getting tired of all the maps. Here’s a pleasant little story sent in by one of our readers. He sent a few postcards of local shipwrecks i will post soon, also. Here are excerpts from Mr. Smith’s email, and the bridge story.
As always, click and zoom in to make readable.
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My name is Paul Smith. My parents – Ron and Arleen Smith – still live in Ferndale, but I now reside in Houston Texas.
I enjoy learning about Humboldt history and love the West of the Redwoods website. I found it only recently – from a mention of it on the Ferndale Museum facebook page.
In answer to your question about the Smiths, my great grandfather was George Smith who lived at Fleener Creek (south of Centerville). My great-grandmother’s family were the Fleeners who named the creek. The Fleeners lived in Petrolia for a while in the 1860’s, then moved to Fleener Creek. My maternal relatives were Ambrosini’s of the Bear River area.
I don’t know if the MVHS includes Bear River, but I have attached a fun
story about the Bear River Bridge which we found in my Grandmother’s (Audrey Ambrosini) belongings. Since my Grandparents lived next to the bridge, I assume the rancher with the unpronounceable name was my Grandfather Walter Ambrosini.
Thank you, Paul Smith, for the contribution!
How do I reach Paul? In doing some gen work, I found reference to Ron and Arleen Ambrosini and we are cousins through the Rutledge and Kniss line. I’d like to pass along info. Thank you!
I will pass your comment and email along to Paul Smith; thank you Cherie.