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Bears, Cougars, and Wild Animals of Pacific Valley
Winter in Pacific Valley meant bears in the stock pens and cougars in the hills.
Today’s featured story
From Mabel’s pen
Tony Vasquez – Story of a Horseman
Born in the Palo Corona hills, burned out at five, an expert rider by eight — Tony Vasquez, the coast's legendary horseman.
Family spotlight
Margaret Lucas Plaskett 1708–1757
Margaret Lucas was born 16 June 1708, daughter of Edward Lucas and Bridget (Stott) Lucas. She first married Abraham Margerum on 27 October 1731. Abraham died soon after making his will on 22 March 1731/32, leaving his estate to Margaret and his mother Jane Margerum. Margaret married William Plasket…
From the album
More to explore
mabel article
Lopez Point Perpetuates Name of Early Settlers
Manuel Lopez came from Mexico about 1870 and built by the sea at the point that keeps his name — through fortune, rodeo trophies, and terrible loss.
mabel article
Lots of Jade…Rugged Monterey Coast Line Is Paradise for Rock Hounds
'Petrified dragon tears': the Chinese revered jade for centuries — and the Monterey coast serves it up to any rock hound patient enough. The article behind our Jade Cove story.
mabel article
Lumber Mills Once Buzzed in the Lucias
Where the Nacimiento road tops the divide, Mill Creek springs to life — and once powered the sawmills of the Lucias, including her father's.
mabel article
Mabel Relives Days of Her Youth Spent on Mill Creek
'Mill Creek is my favorite, filled with memories of my childhood' — Mabel returns to her father's sawmill country. Companion to our Return to Mill Creek photo story.
mabel article
Mailmen Are Important Link In Coast Country History
Before 1890 the mail came by horseback from Jolon. Seventy years of coast mail carriers — including the Plaskett boys swimming icy rivers with the pack mule.
mabel article
Mansfields Were Pacific Valley Pioneers
From Indian shell beds to a 4,000-acre cattle empire — the Mansfields, who came to Pacific Valley when the lilac grew as tall as trees.
232 stories · 1762 family members & friends · 678 places — and the home page changes every few days. Come back soon.