The Hoo-Hoo Memorial Redwood Grove

Copy of letter received from A. L. Kerper March 27, 1978

A. L. Kerper

3893 Golf Drive

Redding CA 95001

The Hoo-Hoo Memorial Redwood Grove

Snark Laurn has requested that we tell the membership the way, when and where of the Hoo-Hoo Memorial Redwood Grove.

At the Hoo-Hoo International Convention assembled at Detroit Michigan, in September 1922 a report was made to Snark E. G. (Major) Griggs 2234, Rameses 27, by Chaplin Simpkin and C. D. LeMaster 29727, Rameses 29, representing a Redwood Memorial Grove Committee.

A proposal was made to obtain approximately 100 acres of magnificent specimens of Redwoods (Sequoia Semper Virens sp) located on the south fork of the Eel River in Northwestern California, at the cost of 23,000.

It was proposed to raise $40,000 to purchase the tract and erect buildings, campsites, etc. to provide accommodations for members of Hoo-Hoo. And it was proposed to accept subscriptions in the amount of $99.99, each payable on demand of the committee. The obtaining of the 500 subscriptions was never accomplished.

As indicated above Brother Simpkin was a full time Chaplin of Hoo-Hoo. He was an emissary of the Snark and attended all Concats that the Snark could not personally attend.  At the time of his death in 1929 or 1930, it was proposed to establish a lasting memorial in his honor. Among the many suggestions a Redwood Grove was proposed and these plots were very popular at the time.

These were depression years and at that time the then Secretary of Hoo-Hoo International funds went south with all International funds and again the project was not accomplished and the International went into limbo for several years.

When C.D. LeMaster, Rameses 29 and Seer of the House of Ancients passed away in March 1917, many of his friends thought a memorial should be established for this Hoo-Hoo great.

Then Snark Vaughn Justus 50593, Rameses 59 appointed a study committee composed of Roy Stanton, Rameses 41 and current Seer of the House of Ancients; Harvey Koll, Rameses 54; Dee Essley; Al Bell a past International Vice President; Larry Owen, Rameses 63, and at the time a nine member, and Al Kerper current Committee Chairman.  Again, many suggestions were made and among them a Redwood Grove. 

Committee member Al Bell had a close relationship with Newton Drum of Save-the-Redwoods League and obtained the location of a number of available groves, all of which were visited by most of the Committee. The present grove X65B, a ten acre plot in the Prairie Creek State Park was selected for a number of reasons; (1) Cost - $12,400 - $6200 from Hoo-Hoo and $6200 of matching funds from the State Park System, ((2) not on the report), (3) because of the excellent trees on the plot, and (4) because of the fair access.

The $6200 mentioned was raised by popular subscription from Hoo-Hoo members and not one cent then or since has come out of the International Treasury,

The Hoo-Hoo Grove X65B is located about 11 miles north of Orick, California, about halfway between Orick and Klamath, California. It is off Highway 101 about one and one forth miles east.

Access at present via East Ridge Road is not too good because this road past the entrance to the Hoo-Hoo Grove is a private road, abandon except for fire protection. Because of the severe storms in the late 1960’s causing washouts and because of overgrown brush,  access is only by four-wheel drive vehicles furnished by the Park Ranger Station. Anyone can visit the grove by contacting the Prairie Creek Ranger Station and they will gladly arrange transportation with a guide at no cost.

A freeway is scheduled to parallel the east boundary of the park. This is a must because of the heavy congestion of Highway 101. The freeway will come within 100 yards of the entrance of the Hoo-Hoo Grove. The freeway project has been delayed because of the Austerity National Highway Program. When the freeway is completed that does not mean an off-ramp or turn-out will be provided in the near area.  It does mean the park and freeway could become a part of the park system. Their East ridge Road will be put in good auto travel condition. This is needed for better access to the Hoo-Hoo and other groves in the area.

Immediately after the dedication in late 1967, it was determined by the Committee that the Hoo-Hoo Grove was for all Hoo-Hoo rather than for one or more individuals.

As previously mentioned the cost of the Hoo-Hoo Grove was $12,400 – ½ paid by Hoo-Hoo Members. In 1975 we had an appraisal made by the Save-the-Redwood League and based on current stumpage values this appraisal was in the area of $220,00 to $240,00.

By A. L. Kerper 44255

Chairman, Redwood Cove Committee

3/14/78