Earlier this month, Gov. Gavin Newsom touted the success of California’ transitional kindergarten expansion, saying enrollment in the $2.7 billion program had doubled over the past two years. His comments echoed those of State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, who called the numbers “exciting.”

They both pointed to new data showing that enrollment in the free program for 4-year-olds had gone from 75,000 two years ago to 151,000 last year — a significant recovery after steep declines during the pandemic.

But while the overall numbers are up, the percentage of eligible 4-year-olds enrolled in TK actually fell. As the TK age cut-off widens, the number of eligible children has more than doubled — but the percentage of students who are enrolled dropped between 4 to 7 percentage points between the 2021-22 and 2023-24 school years, depending on how the number of eligible children is calculated.

CalMatters used two approaches to estimate the percent of eligible TK students enrolled: using kindergarten enrollment the same year as a proxy and using general population projections from the Department of Finance. Both approaches show the same trend.

Department of Education spokesperson Elizabeth Sanders said the department uses a method from the Finance Department to calculate the percentage of eligible students in TK but did not provide specifics.

“The trends we see in the percentages of eligible students whose families are enrolling in TK mirror the trends described by (CalMatters’) data set,” she said. “As we expand the number of students and families eligible, we expect the percentage of families who choose to participate to hover around 70% and to increase following full implementation.”

Sanders pointed to the growing number of children attending TK as a hopeful sign for the program, which is intended to boost academic achievement and social skills and prepare students for the rigors of elementary school.

“The fact that we have doubled the number of individual students participating in the program during these implementation years makes us very proud,” Sanders said.

TK advocates said the increased numbers alone are worth celebrating, and they expect the percentage to inch upward over time.

“This is great, this is what we want to see. It shows that schools are building back trust,” said Patricia Lozano, executive director of Early Edge California, which advocates for early childhood education. “TK is a great option for families, but it’s good for kids, too. Kids need to be around other kids.”

Transitional kindergarten was never meant to be an exclusive early childhood service for families; it’s intended to be one option among several the state offers, Lozano said. So any increase in participation is reason for hope.

Transitional kindergarten for all 4-year-olds

The state created transitional kindergarten in 2010, but it was limited mostly to larger districts and was open only to children whose birthdays fell between September and December. In 2021, Newsom expanded it so all 4-year-olds could eventually participate. Rolling out gradually, the eligibility window widens by a few months every year. In 2025-26, all 4-year-olds will be eligible and all districts except charters will be required to offer it.

Research has shown that TK and preschool have many benefits for children, including higher rates of graduation and employment, less criminal activity later in life and overall better health, while parents benefit economically from an extra year of free care for their children.

Transitional kindergarten is meant to be like preschool, a low-key environment where children spend most of their day playing and learning social skills. Typically, children learn to take turns and make friends, express themselves and regulate their emotions, count to 10 and recognize simple words, and learn fine motor skills such as holding a pencil. Unlike preschool, TK teachers are required to have credentials and, by 2025-26, extra units in early childhood education.

Michelle Galindo, a parent in Chula Vista Unified south of San Diego, said she was hesitant at first to send her son Roberto to TK. She’d heard reports of crying children and inexperienced teachers, and 4-year-olds seemed too young for school.

But she happened to know the teacher and trusted her. Her son thrived in the program, gaining independence, making friends and learning.

“He’s so much more confident. He asks a lot of questions, is more responsible,” Galindo said. “When he got to kindergarten last year, he actually thought it was too easy. The teacher said he was a full year ahead. I’m really glad we sent him to TK.”

Wealthier districts slow to open transitional kindergarten

There are a few theories explaining the stagnant percentage of TK enrollment. One is that not all districts are offering it yet. Districts known as “basic aid” districts have been slow to open TK programs, and some aren’t offering it at all. Basic aid districts are typically wealthy districts that opt out of state funding because they collect more money through local property taxes. Because of that, they can’t get state funding to operate TK classes.

Marin County is home to several basic aid districts that have lagged in opening TK programs. Larkspur-Corte Madera School District isn’t offering TK at all, saying it can’t afford to without state help. Ross Elementary doesn’t offer TK, either. The result is that Marin has one of the lowest TK enrollment rates in California, even though the county has pockets of low-income families who would benefit from the free service.

“Everyone thinks TK is a good idea, but for basic aid districts, it’s an unfunded mandate,” said Marin County Superintendent of Schools John A. Carroll. “It’s taken a while, but we’re getting there. Most have now gotten on board.”

San Francisco Unified also has one of the state’s lowest TK enrollments, with more than four times as many kindergartners as TK students. Statewide, there were 2.4 kindergartners for every TK student last year. San Francisco’s low numbers are partly due to the extensive preschool program the district already offers. They’re also due in part to a steady decline in the number of children living in San Francisco, as parents leave for less expensive locales, said district spokeswoman Laura Dudnick.

Facilities have also been an obstacle for school districts. Districts must find space for new TK classrooms, which in fast-growing parts of the state has been difficult. Proposition 2, a $10 billion bond on the November ballot, would provide funding for schools to build and expand TK classrooms.

Preschool vs. transitional kindergarten

Another hurdle to TK enrollment is preschool. In addition to private preschools and federally funded Head Start programs, California offers free preschool to low-income families. Some parents said they prefer to keep their children in preschool because it’s convenient or they like the program.

Roslyn Broadnax, a parent in South Los Angeles, said she distrusts the state’s push for TK, fearing that TK will siphon resources from state-funded preschools, which in many cases are long-established, trusted parts of communities.

“The existing preschool system has served low-income kids, kids of color very well,” said Broadnax, who works for Cadre-LA, a nonprofit that advocates for parents in South Los Angeles. “If there’s little difference between preschool and TK, why should a parent move their child to TK? It doesn’t make a lot of sense.”

A new report from UC Berkeley found that the TK expansion has had a damaging effect on state preschools and Head Start, as parents move their children out of those programs. Although the overall number of 3- and 4-year-olds enrolled in early childhood education programs has increased slightly, Head Start centers in California have lost 43,000 preschoolers, while state preschools have lost 9,000 4-year-olds since the TK expansion. The result has been shuttered classrooms, a scarcity of teachers and uncertain futures in what researchers called “pre-K deserts.”

“The real question is, are more families accessing pre-kindergarten overall? We can’t find evidence that they are,” said Bruce Fuller, an education professor at UC Berkeley and an author of the study. “To say that the TK enrollment has doubled relative to a year in which many preschool classrooms were closed (due to COVID) is disingenuous.”

Another hitch is that during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when most preschools closed, California guaranteed funding for them through 2025. Now, the state is paying for half-empty preschools across California and preschools have no incentive to recruit more families, according to the report.

The whole early education system in California is overly complex and confusing for parents, Fuller and his team said. They recommend a streamlined, consolidated system that delivers high-quality, play-based programs that are distributed equitably throughout the state.

Not enough qualified teachers

Staffing has been a challenge since the beginning of TK. While most school districts have been able to hire enough credentialed teachers, they’ve struggled to hire classroom assistants and teachers who have the extra credits in early childhood education that will be required by 2025-26. Schools reported a 12% vacancy rate for TK teaching assistants at the beginning of the 2022-23 school year, according to a recent report by the Learning Policy Institute.

Ericka Hill, a parent in Los Angeles, said her son was in a mixed kindergarten-TK classroom, with a substitute teacher for half the year. The substitute had little experience in early childhood education and gave the children worksheets to take home every night.

“I don’t think a 4-year-old should be sitting down at a desk. It needs to be age appropriate,” Hill said. “He was resistant to doing the work. It was difficult for all of us.”

San Diego, Los Angeles, Sonoma, Orange and Ventura counties have some of the highest rates of TK enrollment, thanks in part to extensive outreach to parents. Bus advertisements, billboards, online ads, and flyers at day care centers and preschools all helped bring in new families.

Garden Grove Unified, a mostly low-income district in northern Orange County, expanded its TK program so quickly, in fact, that it incurred hefty fines from the state for allegedly enrolling students who didn’t yet qualify and not meeting student-teacher ratios that the state set later. The district is fighting the penalties, but meanwhile nearly every child who’s eligible for TK is enrolled.

“We knew that our families would want to enroll as soon as possible,” said district spokesperson Abby Broyles. “We launched a marketing campaign to get the word out. … Our families have been thrilled with the high-quality TK they’ve received.”

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CalMatters.org is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media venture explaining California policies and politics.

It is with profound sadness that the family of Constantino Romero announces his sudden and unexpected passing on June 12, 2024. Tino was 54 years old. He was a cherished son, husband, grandfather, brother, mentor, friend, and a beloved member of the community. Tino was preceded in death by his mother, Judith and father, Apolonio.

He is survived by his loving wife, Debbie Romero; by his stepchildren: Brittany Cornacchia (Nathan) and Blaine Dudley; his grandchildren: Ke’Andre, Brooklyn, Katarina, and Brynlee; by his brother, Steve Romero (Catherine), by his sisters: Coya Romero, Sarah Wotherspoon, and Julie Schaefer (Jim) as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and close friends. Tino lived much of his life in Eureka, where so many wonderful memories were made, memories that will be treasured by his family and friends for the rest of their lives.

Born May 7, 1970 in Eureka, Tino was welcomed into a loving family that included two sisters and a brother. As the youngest of four children, he was cherished and nurtured by his entire family. These early years instilled in Tino a deep sense of love, kindness, and generosity, that he carried with him throughout his life. Tino grew up and spent many years filled with adventures roaming the marsh lands of Bay Street with the Mock family children, which was a daily routine during the summers. His teenage years included numerous camping, hiking, and fishing adventures with family and friends. Tino had an illustrious football career, which garnered many awards and recognition. After two seasons with the Corsairs in 1988-1989, Tino, a defensive lineman, was a two-time, First Team All-Golden Valley Conference selection, and a two-time unanimous First Team All-State selection. In 1989, Tino was selected as the GVC’s Defensive Player of the Year. In 1990, he accepted an athletic scholarship to Washington State University, starting as a defensive tackle for the Cougars. Tino finished his football-playing career at Southern Oregon University in 1993. After football, Tino found his real passion in life: coaching. In 1999, Tino joined the College of the Redwoods Athletic Program serving as the linebacker coach, which eventually led him to becoming an assistant coach and then head football coach.

Tino considered CR his family; and during his 25 years with the College of the Redwoods. He not only coached football, Tino was also a good friend and mentor to thousands of student athletes. Although he held strong to his coaching values, he would become the Athletics Coordinator, where he could extend his coaching skills through all sports.

On August 1, 2009, Tino married the love of his life, Debbie. Little did he know that same week he not only became a husband, but a soon-to-be grandfather. Tino found out days later his first grandchild, Ke’Andre, would be on the way that following year. Helping raise his grandson was one of his greatest joys in life. Tino and Debbie built a life together with all the dreams and plans that come with a marriage. They spent summers camping with their children and four grandchildren, where Tino found immense joy in entertaining them with thrilling bigfoot hunts and stories under the stars, but also shared his immense love for barbecuing and smoking delicious steaks. These bonding moments of fun created treasured memories for his family, reflecting his playful spirit and deep love for his grandchildren. Notwithstanding his love for his wife, the time Tino spent with his grandchildren was the pinnacle of his existence. The future was so bright when they were together.

A Celebration of Life will be held at College of the Redwoods at a date to be determined. Tino will be inducted into the CR Hall of Fame on October 24, 2024.

A College of the Redwoods Scholarship in Tino’s name will be created through CR’s Foundation. If you would like to donate to this scholarship, please contact College of the Redwoods Foundation at marty-coelho@redwoods.edu or call (707) 476-4325.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Tino Romero’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.

“Some say there is nothing finer on this dark earth than an army of horses, or an army of men, or an army of ships. But I say that your lover is the most beautiful sight of all.”

— Sappho

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After announcing a few weeks back, with the confidence born of writing nearly 500 of these weekly rants (this is #499), that the Greek poet Sappho wasn’t gay, I had my doubts and delved deeper. Well okay, it isn’t like we know she didn’t have a thing for the sistahs back on the island of Lesbos some 2600 years ago. In the only complete poem we have of hers, Ode to Aphrodite, she writes of her galpal who’s about to marry a man “equal to a god.” Sappho is already missing “the sweetness of your speech … if I gaze, my voice does not obey … sweat trickles, I tremble and shake and I am pale, paler than grass. I feel as though death is near.”

My heart beats a little faster just reading this! Sappho’s reputation as a poet was well established in ancient Greece; when the Alexandrians assembled their list of the top Nine Lyric Poets she was included, while her name was added to the Nine Greek Muses of antiquity, becoming the Tenth Muse. Just as Homer was sometimes simply referred to as The Poet, Sappho was given the sobriquet The Poetess.

Incidentally, while others described her as “violet-hair, pure and honey-smiling,” she says of herself that she was short, dark and unattractive. (Sounds like false modesty.)

There’s another female poet of old whom I’ve been reading up on lately, dubbed “the Shakespeare of Sumerian literature.” Enheduanna, who lived about 1700 years before Sappho, was the daughter of King Sargon of Akkad. She has the singular distinction of being the first author to sign their text. She also — perhaps for the first time — described her process of writing: “The moon goddess comes at night and inspires my creativity,” she said. Archeologists only “discovered” Enheduanna — or at least linked 37 previously-found baked-clay tablets with an inscribed “Disk of Enheduanna” and several seals — in the last few decades. Since then, she’s become a model for feminism, although there’s some evidence that, in her role as high priestess, she was used by her father, who was in the process of creating a great empire by unifying south and central Mesopotamia. We have three hymns by Enheduanna, all dedicated to the goddess Inanna.

Other ancient woman writers include Korinna of Boeotia, notorious for beating the Greek poet Pindar in poetry competitions five times; Nossis of Locri (just 12 of her epigrams survive); Theophila, compared to Sappho, but nothing of hers survives. And barely a handful more, unfortunately, a paltry collection compared to the surviving works of male authors. Whether there were other great female poets of old, but whose work disappeared or was destroyed, at this point it’s fair to say that we’ll never know.

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Local documentarian Ray Olson is back to teach us more about the unique history behind some of Humboldt County’s lesser-known landmarks.

In today’s episode of “Humboldt Outdoors,” Olson takes us to Bridgeville, where he is joined by local history buff Jerry Rohde and local columnist Barry Evans for a tour of the unincorporated community and the historic concrete bridges that surround it.

Long before Bridgeville became Bridgeville, it was inhabited by the Nongatl Tribe, whose descendants are a part of the Bear River Band of Rohnerville Rancheria. “As far as we know, there wasn’t a village right here at Bridgeville [but] there are villages a couple of miles downstream and upstream from here,” Rhode explains. “The Van Duzen turns into a narrow gorge, and there are all sorts of small villages up there.”

Screenshot

As one might guess, Bridgeville, originally known as “Bridgeport,” was named after a wooden bridge that was built across the Van Duzen River in the mid-1870s during the construction of Overland Road. At that time, the Humboldt Times dubbed Bridgeville one of the “liveliest towns” in the county.

“Between 1875 – or about that time when the road was completed here – and 1893, this was the main road in and out of Humboldt County,” Rhode continues. “So wagons [and] stagecoaches carrying large loads would come through here. … Bridgeville was an active place. They had a saloon, store, school, and hotel – all the basics that you needed for a small community.”

Check out the video above to learn more about Bridgeville’s history and for views of the bridges along the Van Duzen River. 

And if you’ve got bridges on the brain and are looking for something to do in mid-August that leans into the extraterrestrial, you’ll want to check out the Bridgeville Bridgefest. There, you can partake in the Flying Saucer toss (IFYKYK) as well as various other out-of-this-world and bridge-related activities.

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PREVIOUS HUMBOLDT OUTDOORS:

• (VIDEO) HUMBOLDT OUTDOORS: The Covered Bridges of Humboldt County
• (VIDEO) HUMBOLDT OUTDOORS: A Look at the Historic Ghost Town of Falk
• (VIDEO) HUMBOLDT OUTDOORS: The Ruins of Humboldt County’s First Lighthouse
• (VIDEO) HUMBOLDT OUTDOORS: Mysterious Wood Carvings in the Arcata Community Forest
• (VIDEO) HUMBOLDT OUTDOORS: Ray Olson Cracks the Case on the Mysterious Arcata Community Forest Wood Carvings
• HUMBOLDT OUTDOORS: Venturing Inside the Loleta Tunnel
• (VIDEO) HUMBOLDT OUTDOORS: Retracing Jack London’s 1911 Journey Through Humboldt County
• (VIDEO) HUMBOLDT OUTDOORS: Ray Olson Takes Us on a Camping Trip to Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
• (VIDEO) HUMBOLDT OUTDOORS: Ray Olson Takes a Peek at the Timber Heritage Association’s Future Railroad Museum in Samoa
• (VIDEO) HUMBOLDT OUTDOORS: Ray Olson Goes Back in Time to Teach Us About the History of Earth Day
• (VIDEO) HUMBOLDT OUTDOORS: Ray Olson Traverses Jolly Giant Creek From Its Headwaters in the Arcata Community Forest to Humboldt Bay
• (VIDEO) HUMBOLDT OUTDOORS: Ray Olson Meets the Group of Local Veterans Working to Restore the WWII-Era Ship Beached in Samoa
• (VIDEO) HUMBOLDT OUTDOORS: Ray Olson is Joined by Local Authors Barry Evans and Jerry Rohde for a Tour of the Historic Table Bluff Cemetary
• (VIDEO) HUMBOLDT OUTDOORS: Ray Olson Takes Us Through the Lower Deck of Historic 1091
• (VIDEO) HUMBOLDT OUTDOORS: Ray Olson Introduces Us to Humboldt’s Cutest Herd of Lawn Mowers
• (VIDEO) HUMBOLDT OUTDOORS: Ray Olson Takes Us on the Second Leg of His Journey Along Jolly Giant Creek
• (VIDEO) HUMBOLDT OUTDOORS: Ray Olson Takes Us to the Ruins of the USS Milwaukee Shipwreck
• (VIDEO) HUMBOLDT OUTDOORS: Check Out the Trillium Blooms Before They Disappear for the Season!

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As of Saturday morning, the Hill Fire burning south of Willow Creek is listed at 7,224 acres with 45 percent containment.

Fire activity has slowed in recent days due to “moderate” weather conditions. Crews remain focused on a spot fire on Sugarloaf Mountain that ignited on Tuesday. “While the suppression of Sugarloaf Mountain remains the priority, fire personnel continue to mop up and patrol other areas of the perimeter,” according to Incident Command. There are 1,578 personnel, 42 crews, 96 engines, 37 pieces of heavy equipment, and 11 helicopters currently assigned to the fire.

Evacuation orders and warnings remain in place for some communities surrounding the Hill Fire. More information can be found at this link.

The following additional information comes from Incident Command:

CURRENT SITUATION:

Yesterday, firefighters were able to keep the spot fire on Sugarloaf Mountain in check. Moderate weather helped keep fire activity to a minimum and the fire stayed within containment lines. While the suppression of Sugarloaf Mountain remains the priority, fire personnel continue to mop up and patrol other areas of the perimeter.

Suppression repairs begin today with hand crews and excavators. Working closely with resource advisors, crews will restore dozer lines in the fire area to their natural condition. Repairs after wildfires are necessary to aid the process of healing the affected environment. These repairs include but are not limited to, returning roads to their original conditions, cleaning culverts for proper drainage, and clearing slash piles. Moderate weather conditions are expected to remain in the area today, supporting these recovery operations.

Many hazards still exist within the fire interior. Smoke may be visible as stumps, logs, and other materials continue to burn well within the containment lines.

Photos via Hill Fire Incident Command.

WEATHER:

A cutoff shortwave trough passing over the area today will create a complex but generally moderate fire weather environment. Southeast wind in the morning will generally enhance the surface inversion and delay afternoon sea breeze, similar to how it did Friday. That said, cool marine air easing into the area will continue to gradually decrease temperatures and increase relative humidity, especially in the afternoon. Winds will generally be terrain influenced, with gusts generally below 15mph. Marine influence will only increase Sunday, with slightly better smoke mixing.

CLOSURES:

Forest Closure Order currently in effect for the area impacted by the Hill Fire. It is temporarily prohibited to be on any national forest system land, trail, or road within the closure area.

To view the closure order and map of closure area visit the following link www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1191963.pdf.

Road closures are currently in place on Friday Ridge Rd. at Forest Service Route 6N06, Friday Ridge Rd. at Forest Route 5N01 and Friday Fridge Rd. at Forest Route 5N04.

For updated road closure information, visit protect.genasys.com or humboldtsheriff.org/emergency.

FIRE RESTRICTIONS:

Forest fire restrictions also went into effect on July 12th . Campfires and stove fires are restricted to those developed areas listed in the forest order located at https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1188610.pdf.

Smoking, welding, and operating an internal combustion engine also have restrictions in place.

EVACUATIONS:

Humbolt County: Evacuation order and warnings remain in effect. For current updates on evacuations, visit https://www.facebook.com/HumboldtSheriff and https://humboldtgov.org/2383/Current-Emergencies.

Conditions are subject to change at any time, visit https://protect.genasys.com/search for a full zone description. Sign up for Humboldt Alert emergency notifications at https://humboldtgov.org/2014/Emergency-Notifications.

Trinity County: Evacuation warnings remain in effect. For current updates on evacuations, visit https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064589806351 and https://www.trinitycounty.org/OES.

Evacuation Center: For information on assistance available to those displaced by the Hill Fire, please call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800- 733-2767.)

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services in coordination with the Humboldt County Department of Health & Human Services and the American Red Cross-Gold Country Region established an Evacuation Center for those impacted by the Hill Fire to receive fire information.The Evacuation Center is located at Trinity Valley Elementary School, 730 CA-96 in Willow Creek. The center is not open to the public, however information on how to request assistance is posted at this location.

Your favorite enviro do-gooders, Jen Kalt of Humboldt Waterkeeper and Tom Wheeler and Matt Simmons of EPIC, recently went on a fact-finding mission to Norway to investigate offshore wind of the Norwegian coast. Join them and other guests in an exploration of this tech in action. 

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Organized groups for young people in Humboldt County were rare in 1905, when Reverend Franklin Baker of the Congregational Church, Eureka, formed the Congregational Cadet Corps to foster the building of character and healthy bodies.

Around 120 boys from in and around Eureka joined the group for such activities as camping, hiking, games, producing dramatic skits, playing musical instruments and singing. They were taught to march and to obey their superiors in a semi-military way.

When Baker learned of the great Lewis and Clark Exposition to be held in Portland, Oregon in 1905, he was determined to have his cadets attend by walking there. The boys received the idea with great enthusiasm. They would be walking and camping from Eureka to Portland, a distance of some 500 miles. Although certain people viewed the idea with skepticism because of the distance, rough, wild terrain, and the young age of the hikers, the boys’ parents were eager to have them achieve this feat and fully supported Baker.

A flier invites Eureka residents to the Occidental Pavillion at 2nd and A Streets, where the Congregational Cadet Corps performed to raise money for their trip expenses.

Members from 10 to 20 years old who participated in the walk were: Joe Moore, Wallace Null, Keith Murray, Homer Cummings, Henry Cox, Fred Holmes, George Young, Ralph Armstrong, Joe Pine, Earl Shields, Stephen Langford, Norris Ferguson, Fred Ferrill, Ed Easley, Gerald Monroe, Ray Freeman, Harold Madison, Alex Davies, Ray Adsit, Henry Anderson, Bert Bradford, Earl Zeigler, Will Williams, Don Young, Lee Burkholder, Leslie Callaghan, Arthur Sharer, Carl Carlson, Wallace Henderson, Arthur Campbell, Fred Farnell, Lesley Freeman, Milton Hudson, Fred Jackson, Harvey Littlefield, Floyd McGeorge, Harvey Pentland, Albert Robinson, Ed Ryerson, Jesse Sanders, Bert Van Sant, Minot Williamson, Arthur Woodhouse, Clarence Cox, Will Dollison, Chester Freeman, Earl Hodgson, Ernest Hipp, Albert Jacobson, Clyde Madsen, Henry Melde, Rodney Rogers, Walter Ryan, Enos Richardson, Arthur Swanson, Frank Wigmore, Clarence Waldner.

Each boy was required to make the following pledge:

Realizing that my going to Portland is dependent upon the following conditions here named, I promise:

1. That I will receive, transact and obey all orders from, and allow myself to be governed by orders from all officers or non- commissioned officers who are my superior in rank;

2. That I will not take any tobacco, cards, or obnoxious literature with me and that at no time during the trip will I have any of the above in my possession.

3. That I will at no time have any money on my person, without special permission from the company’s chaplain.

4. That I will not take with me, or knowingly permit another to take a firearm of any description.

5. Should I be found guilty of any of the offenses here named, I agree to accept any penalty that a summary court martial may see fit to inflict upon me.

The captain who commanded the cadets was Clark Emery; Rev. Baker was the chaplain and had general supervision of the party; Dr. Chauncy L. Bonstell, an Arcata dentist, accompanied the party and was in charge of the concerts given en route; and C. V. Jackson, a Second street clothier, took an active role and posted daily bulletins at his store whenever it was possible to get them.

In preparation for the trip. Baker had worked out every detail. A few days before they were to start, he held an inspection of all the equipment needed. The wagons were loaded with food for the boys, clothing, tents, blankets, and food for the horses.

On Thursday evening June 8, 1905, the Cadet Corps presented their entertainment show for Eureka at the Occidental Pavilion. It was in four parts: scene 1, minstrels; scene 2, gymnasium work; scene 3, campfire; scene 4, drill. The public responded enthusiastically, adding $58 to the boys’ expense account. These exhibitions, to be presented at each town along the route, were an important feature for they were to raise money to defray their costs.

Following the program, the boys headed for their campground where their quarters were inspected by their mothers and fathers. The tents were pitched in line in army style with four boys to a tent. The night was to be divided into three watches, with two men and a corporal in each watch. At 5:45 each morning the boys were to “pile out” and perform ten arm exercises. Breakfast was at 6 a.m. They were to fall in for the day’s march at 7 a.m. The marches were to end at 5 p.m.

The morning of June 12, they paraded around the streets of Eureka, then headed for Arcata around the old road through Freshwater and Bayside, a twelve-mile march. When they reached the slough at Freshwater, they stopped to soak their feet, for walking in their new, heavy, leather shoes made their feet sore.

Baker, both chaplain and business manager, marched in company with the boys. Beyond the pledge, the boys were expected not to swear and to attend Sunday School during the trip. There were boys of every religious denomination in the group.

Captain Clark Emery, a veteran of the Spanish-American War (1898), served as their commanding officer and drillmaster. He was responsible for their Spanish-American War type uniforms: blue shirts, khaki trousers with canvas leggings, canvas hats and their heavy leather shoes.

Dr. Bonstell was their chief musician, and Ed Sedgeley, a Eureka merchant was chief of the commissary. Both men devoted their time and services without pay because they were interested in helping the youth.

Officers were selected from among their comrades: Joseph Moore, Wallace Null and Fred Brown were the lieutenants; 50 privates and two teamsters from Eureka completed the company. Officers enforced strict rules — such as no boy was allowed to leave camp without permission. Strict military discipline was observed throughout the march.

Their plan was to march 15 to 20 miles per day, with a ten-minute rest every hour. The route was to Crescent City, thence to Grants Pass, and up the Willamette Valley. The boys had stationery to write all the letters they wished, to put in a bag to hand to the stage drivers they met on the road.

The cadets practiced their singing as they marched along, accompanied by two horse-drawn wagons that carried their tents and provisions. Each boy took with him: two sets of underwear; six pairs of heavy wool socks (donated by C. V. Jackson); one coat or sweater; one towel, cake of soap and toothbrush; a fork, knife, spoon, cup and tin plate; and one blanket.

Each boy, financially able, paid his own expenses back on the boat from Portland, the cost of which was $7.50. Eleven were unable to do this and funds had to be solicited.

Provided with mailed or wired reports from Baker, both the local and Oregon newspapers ran accounts of the progress of the young marchers, noting each campsite:

The First Day’s March: The 12 mile march to Arcata was not so bad, but it was their shoes that were the source of their complaint. Each boy fitted on his new shoes yesterday.. .they having arrived on Sunday’s steamer. They are of heavy leather soles and thick hide tops, with rivets, a heavier shoe than they are used to wearing . … At Arcata the youngsters rustled up “foot ease ” powders.

Eureka, June 13: The boys started this morning from Arcata north and expect to camp in Trinidad …

Little River, June 14: The sore feet … have all disappeared and the boys are in good shape …

Trinidad, June 14: … the teams drawing the supply wagons got hung up on the hills. Mules were used to help the teams over the heavy grades. The corps has decided to change camp to Big Lagoon … arriving [there] tonight.

Eureka, June 14: A tallyho party composed of fourteen … relatives of the party, left Eureka yesterday with the intention of spending the night with the boys at the Lagoon and returning today. At 3 o’clock this afternoon they had not reached Trinidad … the delay of the supply wagons yesterday was caused by a balky horse, no further delay is anticipated.

… Mrs. Wing of this city has secured donations for this wagon. While returning last night, Mr. H. L. Ricks met the tallyho party en route to Trinidad and reported all in good spirits.

Orick, June 16: They left Big Lagoon yesterday morning and made Orick, 17 miles, last evening . … It is the present intention to reach Crescent City Saturday night in time to present the concert scheduled for the Opera House.

Captain Johnson of the steamer Toledo arrived today with the information that they were unable to reach Crescent City because the last ferry boat crossed the river [Klamath] at 4 o’clock Saturday … they arrived at Crescent City on Monday afternoon after having traveled 25 miles … the boys are still eating mother’s cake … yesterday afternoon the baseball nine of the Cadet Corps played a game with the Crescent City boys and beat them by a score of 14 to 7 they gave a concert and the Opera House was filled to overflowing.

The most difficult terrain to cover were the coastal mountains between Crescent City and Grants Pass, but news reports continued in a cheerful vein.

Gasquet: …this morning the boys had enjoyed a good night’s rest after dining on bacon and eggs; following coffee and zweibach had taken up the march at 7 o’clock. Their motto is Grants Pass on Saturday or Bust.

They learned that they needed to start earlier in order to avoid the heat of the day.

Monument Mine, Oregon: We had duck and trout for supper last night. We camped in the yard where old man Dunne was murdered and some of the boys imagined they saw ghosts. Some of the boys have lost weight and some have gained, but all are standing the trip well.

Waldo, Oregon: … again a delay owing to the breakdown of a wagon about two miles beyond Waldo … waiting for repairs… there is a stream filled with trout, so all the boys are having a jolly time fishing for today’s dinner.

Selma, Oregon:.. .the rocky roads make the task of walking arduous …the provisions which they took from Eureka are nearly gone, and they are obliged to replenish their larder at way stations. The boys report the fish are plentiful and furnish a goodly share of the bill offare each day … . Grants Pass promises the freedom of the city …the people of Oregon are most hospitable..

.. .we could tell just when we passed into Oregon by the condition of the roads, the rockiest in the world. It made our feet homesick for the Humboldt roads… our greatest expense just now has been our horses, their care and feed. In fact the boys are walking the teams down. Cadets Klepper, Wing, and Cottrell have ridden but one day —then on account of their shoes … they are showing wear. The boys stood the heat and dust well, although we looked like mud daubers when we got here. Roads are very dusty but are getting better and smoother

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The cadets arrived in Grants Pass the next evening after a 22-mile hike, tired but pleased to be only one day behind schedule. It was particularly gratifying to parents and those in charge that all the boys remained well. Their performance in Grants Pass was presented to a crowded Opera House, and the treasury was somewhat richer.

Clarence Waldner wrote an interesting letter to his father about his impressions of Grants Pass:

Grants Pass is quite a place. It has more brick buildings than Eureka… . The big overland Southem Pacific freight and passenger trains pass through here about every half hour.. .made me think of the time we went East … now don’t think I’m lonesome or homesick, because if you do, you are badly mistaken.

When we came into town yesterday, we marched to the post office … then to our camp and passed the railroad station. We scared a big dray team and it scared another and they ran up the street. The second team pushed the first into an enclosure which I guess is a city park… the team broke the fence down … the dray was broken and two of the horses injured. The owner came last night and tried to make us pay $500 damages.

The roads in Oregon are dusty and rocky and the water full of alkali. Of all the country I have seen. I think Humboldt is the best. Grants Pass is a fine town and all the streets are lined with shade trees … the houses have awnings on them …

Some of the boys had never seen a passenger train bigger than the ones in Eureka, and last night one came along with 19 cars. I am writing on Harold Madsen’s drum … I enclose some seeds from a tree growing on the street … I think it is a locust tree.

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Myrtle Creek, July 1: Reached here last night after a 20 mile march … weatherfine but cloudy … just received telegram announcing the death of Earl Zeigler’s mother. We all feel very sad over it.

According to dispatches, the people of Roseburg have prepared an ovation for the boys An entertainment will be given at the Opera House and every seat has been sold.. . will stop over Sunday … those who wish to swim, may do so. The trip to Portland is now about half over, and if all goes well, we will be in Portland in three weeks.

Roseburg, July 2: … about a dozen men in blue uniforms met us. They called themselves soldiers, but I was afraid to believe it … Joe and I got  ahold of some money and were in a bakery shop when Captain and Mr. Baker came in and tackled us … you should have heard the stories we told … all the kids are feeling fine except poor little Zeigler … excuse the dirty paper … most all the kids have gone down to see the big trains. I tell you those trains are swell affairs. It is awful hot.

The Cadets celebrated the Fourth of July at Yoncalla. They spent the day resting and celebrating in the usual fashion. Not one accident happened because “… great care was taken by Rev. Baker and the other leaders that no undue enthusiasm was manifested.”

Drain, Oregon: … gave a concert and played baseball with the Drain Juniors and defeated them.

Eugene, Oregon: … an entertainment was given at the Opera House… the boys were enthusiastically received by the citizens … and all were entertained at dinner among the private families of the city.

The Daily Register reported the cadets’ visit:

Tired, dusty and clothes in bad shape, these plucky young fellows came marching up Willamette Street to their camp across from the Cross Hotel … a large bundle of mail awaited … the faces of the youngsters just shone as they received fond messages from home … really a treat to see so many youngsters abstaining from tobacco and liquor and profanity. It was really marvelous how each boy had a kind word for the other one.

Corvallis: … on the road this side of Corvallis … played two games of ball at Harrisburg yesterday and gave a concert … one in Corvallis tomorrow … one month since we left home.

Salem, Oregon: … arrived at Salem at 4 o’clock, after longest march of any one day. The reception awarded the boys was a royal one. They were made happy by the sight of some familiar faces here, several Eurekans joining the party at the capital city … Mrs. Franklin Baker and Miss Jones.

An article by C.M. Shields:

Saturday morning Messrs. Pine, Noe, Cottrell and Schüler, Mrs. Moore, Miss Hartford, Miss McKinnon and myself went down to Salem to meet the Cadet Corps. The wagon road parallels the railroad, and I saw the dusty way over which they must travel … they look tired, but they are gritty in more ways than one. They stood at stoic attention to receive their mail …I saw one little fellow who had none sit down flat on the ground and pull his hat over his face. I went to him, and throwing my arms around him, lifted his hat and saw his tears. I gave him the kiss that his mother had asked to be delivered and all the loving messages she had sent, and smiles dried his tears. Oregon City, Woodburn—and on to PORTLAND!

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After a march of 510 miles the Congregational Cadet Corps of Eureka arrived at Portland yesterday morning and made a triumphal entry into the Exposition grounds at 1:30. Their line was headed by the Exposition Band, which was followed closely by Earl Hodgson, the mascot, carrying a banner bearing the words: “We Hiked 510 Miles from Eureka, California. ” They will remain about 10 days and expect to start home by steamer July 29. The cadets left Eureka about the middle of June.

They are going to he the whole show this week. Nothing is too good for them. Their photographs were in all the papers and people stopped them on the street. I stood before the “shredded wheat” demonstration booth today, and some cadets were patiently waiting in line for a biscuit with cream, when the proprietor said, “Here give these boys some … they have walked 500 miles to see the Fair!”

This is California Week at the fair and Tuesday was Eureka Day … escorted by the Sherman Indian Band, the corps marched from Camp Humboldt to the California building … they were presented a handsome blue satin banner lettered in gold, trimmed with heavy vullion fringe and a staff surmounted by a golden eagle. Little ten-year-old marched every step of the way and never uttered a complaint or shirked a duty, had the honor of receiving the banner., looking shy, he turned redder and redder and broke into an abashed smile beautiful to behold.

After the exercises were over the cadets and their Humboldt friends were invited to the art gallery for refreshments .

… Mr. Filcher, wife of the president of the California commission told me: they were the prettiest behaved boys that she had ever … received, speaking particularly of their nice table manners … After lunch, the boys gathered around the piano and rendered some of the concert selections, “Portland or Bust ” and “Dear Old Hills of California, ” and then departed with their hands full of oranges.

Cadet Cecil Wing, age 11, in 1905. He later married Meredith Stewart and had nine children. He died in 1973. Photo courtesy of Carol Myers.

That evening they gave their sixteenth concert [in Portland] and received great praise for the quality of their voices and training. Their personal appeal was unquestioned:

Inimitable Irish Monroe sang his way into the hearts of everyone with his “Yankee Doodle Boy” and when little Clepper sang in his pretty baby voice” The U.S.A. ” the ladies present wanted to kiss him… .for young Wing, one lady said, “I am going upon the stage just to kiss that pretty round-faced boy. ” … . “Sky ” Herrick’s baritone solo, “Sentinel Asleep” with rich, deep chorus support was a choice number. Lester’s voice is a surprise to his friends and to the lad himself, I think.

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Eureka Day was an unqualified success. Many travelers from throughout the U. S. who had never heard of Humboldt or Eureka were now familiar with the North Coast city. There was criticism of the Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Supervisors for not having an accompanying display of goods and attractions and a Humboldt Booth at the exposition.

Earl Hodgson, age 10, and the Reverend Franklin Baker accept a banner from the Lewis & Clark Centennial President on July 25, 1905.

The cadets’ departure from Portland was one of great flourish and fanfare. They marched to the gates of the exposition, gave departing cheers for Portland, the Lewis and Clark Exposition, President Goode, Major McDonnell and the State of Oregon. Then with drum and bugle and the blue satin gift banner flying, they marched three miles to the wharf to board the North Pacific Coast Company’s steamer Roanoke.

There was a great crowd to see them off. On arriving they learned that 47 boys must occupy steerage berths, the others in second cabin. Volunteers offered to take the poorer accommodations, not wishing to have better than their comrades. A two-hour delay in departure occurred because of difficulty getting the horses aboard. As the vessel swung into the stream, the boys sang with fervor “Dear Old Hills of California.”

The captain gave them the range of the ship. They entertained in the social hall and received much attention from the passengers. At night deep in the heart of the steamer, most of them slept in high tiered berths. Fortunately there was a smooth sea. For many it was their first voyage.

EVERY MOTHER’S SON IS A HERO was the Eureka headline marking the return of the cadets from Portland. They had been gone 39 days. Accounts of the welcome follow:

The … steamer was sighted from the lookout about 2 o ‘clock and soon crossed the bar … when threading her way through the entrance … people from all over Eureka were … gathering at the foot of E Street … Many boarded launches and went down the bay where the Roanoke had dropped anchor in the stream near the Bayside Mill. H. L Ricks in his automobile boat took a run down the bay with … friends … the wharves resembled a scene from a fireworks display.

Quickly the boys scrambled up the gang plank, and formed a line at First Street. Not a mother was permitted to grab a youth … and the march was made to the church. The crowd followed. At the church … that mother’s boy was her own again.

At 7 o ‘clock … the youths in travel-stained uniforms fell in line and marched to Railroad Street. They were met by the Corps of Christ Church, under Dunbar, and the members of the club who stayed at home under Captain White. The Eureka and Sequoia bands in full uniform were at the wharf and marched to the church together with the cargo laden wagons. The bands volunteered and donated their services.

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An official welcome was given the cadets at the church with speeches from Mayor A. W. Torrey, M. Modhams and Reverend Matlock. There was high praise for the boys and their leaders for bringing attention to Humboldt County and the educational experience afforded the cadets themselves.

Matlock announced that the Chamber of Commerce had arranged to give each boy who made the trip a bronze medal, designed by Mrs. Clark Emory and made by Frank Anderson. It was to be a round medal, bearing on the front a cadet in full marching order, and the inscription “To Portland or Bust.” The other side read. “We hiked it 510 miles from Eureka to the sea, sea, sea,” and Lewis and Clark Exposition, 1905. The announcement about the medals was a surprise.

Committee for the reception was: Mesdames Clark Emery, N. H. Pine, George Langford, Frank Herrick, Emory Wing, J. H. Holmes, L. A. Brown and C. V. Jackson.

That evening the boys presented their show again at the Occidental Pavilion to a large audience, giving parents, friends, and the public a chance to see how they earned their expenses. Rev. Baker described the trip with many colorful anecdotes.

The Congregational Cadet Corps had the time of their lives and memories they never forgot. I wish I could have walked that walk.

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Author’s Note: Material for this story was taken from undated, unidentified newspaper clippings from the Oregonian, Times, Standard and papers from cities along the march saved by Wallace Null, one of the 60 cadets who walked that 510 miles.

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The story above was originally printed in the Winter 1997 issue of the Humboldt Historian, a journal of the Humboldt County Historical Society. It is reprinted here with permission. The Humboldt County Historical Society is a nonprofit organization devoted to archiving, preserving and sharing Humboldt County’s rich history. You can become a member and receive a year’s worth of new issues of The Humboldt Historian at this link.