BLACK BUTTE
Glenn County - Mendocino National Forest
December 5, 1919: "Chess Riffe, Lookout on Black Butte for five years, finished a five-month's stand on the old peak, then came down to the city to recuperate along the path of Cold and its numerous byways. The bright lights don't look like mountain blazes to Chess." (California District News Letter)
June 17, 1927: "Chas. Riffe went out to Black Butte Monday to take up his duties as forest lookout there." (Ukiah Dispatch-Democrat)
August 4, 1928: "From Mendocino Pass to Black Butte the road is somewhat more difficult. The Glenn county crew is making a new road to eliminate the two difficult pulls above the pass. About four miles from the pass a byroad leads to the foot of the butte on which the lookout station is situated. A short climb up a well defined trail, and you reach the lookout station 7458 feet above sea level. And here again at your feet lies all the mountain grandeur. Chet Riffe, the genial host, welcomes the visitors and flashes a message to San Hedrin." (Dispatch-Democrat)
October 22, 1930: "The opening of Round Valley Highway to Mendicino Pass at the summit of the ridge east of us some two years ago has made accessible a beautiful natural park to which local residents flock in ever increasing numbers throughout the summer picnic season. A unique object of interest near the lookout station on the top of Black Butte has attracted the attention of many. At the end of a pathway leading from the station to a bald rocky knoll to the west stands a tall stone slab bearing the name of Winchester Riffe, who for many years was guardian of the forest in this region. Nephews and nieces make frequent pilgrimages to the spot. Curious as to the history of the unusual monument, Mrs. F.F. Zeek wrote a letter of inquiry to which she received the following information: 'Your uncle, when he first took over the Black Butte lookout position, erected a tall slab of stone, upon which he carved his name and the date he started work, and annually thereafter he made a record thereon while on duty. This record is called attention of visitors to the lookout point and speaks for itself of long and faithful service by him." (Ukiah Republican Press)
Removed