One family. More than a century on the Big Sur coast.

Stories, people, and places of the Plasketts — told in their own words.

Boat Day at the Plaskett landing, restored & colorized from the family’s photographs →

Today’s featured story

Family spotlight

Mendocina May Plaskett Mansfield 1856–1936

Mendocina May Plaskett was born September 14, 1856, in Anderson Valley — **the first white child born in Mendocino County**, and named for it; the family homestead there is still called Plaskett Meadows. She married Curnell H. Mansfield, the cattleman whose Pacific Valley holdings grew to four thous…

Their story →

From the album
Panorama from the point with Plaskett Rock centered in the bay.
Panorama from the point with Plaskett Rock centered in the bay.
More to explore

mabel poem

To Michael

For a shining-eyed child named Michael — and the secret in him that time hasn't dulled yet.

mabel poem

To My Dad

Her tribute to E.R. Sans, the Coyote Man — 'the hero of our dreams, the well beloved, the noblest and the best.'

mabel poem

To My Love

A love poem: dreams brought back to vibrant life, 'and all because of you.'

mabel poem

To Uncle Charley on his Birthday

Rain or storm won't keep the family from 'The Topo' in spring — riding through the floral fields for Uncle Charley's birthday.

mabel poem

To Uncle Charlie and Aunt Elizabeth

For Uncle Charley and Aunt Elizabeth — the mill-stream childhood they blessed, and the sorrow of parting she never dreamed of.

232 stories · 1762 family members & friends · 674 places — and the home page changes every few days. Come back soon.