McNear: Camping in Mendocino County was a popular activity in the late 19th century

Long before stores specializing in outdoor supplies existed, camping required extensive preparation. Without prepackaged dinners or pop-up tents, campers were exposed to the elements and arguably more in tune with their natural surroundings. Despite this, camping was still a popular activity in the late 19th century.

Before the Ford family left Mendocino for Oakland in 1872, the family went on a camping trip on the North Fork of Big River with the Denslow, Chalfant, and Hill families. Cook Mary Beaver also came; she was likely the cook for one of the families.