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Farmington News
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I took Luisa who is visiting from Germany and my grandson Cory to Yosemite National Park last Thursday. How beautiful Yosemite is this year. Everywhere you look there is a waterfall. What used to be streams are now rivers flowing with such power. We had to stop several times going up to take pictures and as there is still a lot of snow, they wanted to throw some snowballs. Once over the mountain and down to the valley, our first stop was the Bridal Veil Falls. We had no idea what to expect. Other visitors knew as they were wearing rain gear. I had to stop just below the incline because the spray from the falls was getting me wet. It was like a fine mist. Cory and Luisa continued on closer. When they came back down, they were soaked from head to toe. There were quite a lot of people, but not as many as I had seen in the past. I believe it's because school in still in session and it is not the summer months yet. We were able to enjoy the day and see what we went to see, and had a nice lunch before heading back home.

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If you didn't attend the Farmington Fire Department's annual pancake breakfast, you missed it. They served scrambled eggs, ham and pancakes. Very good food and a fun time. The all-volunteer fire department did the cooking and serving. Even saw Fire Chief Conni Bailey standing over a hot stove, cooking up the scrambled eggs. There were a lot of items donated from various organizations that were raffled off.

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From the book called 'The History of Old Farmington' ... In June 1871, a water company was formed to bring water from the Stanislaus River, near Knights Ferry, into Little John Creek. April 1887 an organization was perfected with a capital of $33,000.00. When water is turned into Little John Creek, which flows through Farmington, the value of the land of this section will be increased. In place of stagnant festering water holes in midsummer, there will be a peaceful flowing stream of water abounding with all kinds of fish which will form a bonanza for local anglers. Again the banks will be covered with a mantle of living green all year round. They found the scheme practical, but also learned that the cost would be so great that it would not be advisable to attempt the enterprise. Farmington was very disappointed for they were sure fresh water in Little John would boom the town. The banks of Johnny Creek and other creeks around Farmington in the early days were lined with oak trees, thickets of wild grapes and elderberries. There were antelope and black bears. In the fall, the Indians would wade into the water holes and throw the fish on the banks for winter food.

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The following was submitted by Mary Anne Strojan. In 1962, Farmington's Chamber of Commerce planned a water system for the town dwellers. The 44 landowners were assessed $100.00 each to secure a FHA loan of $45,000.00. The system was laid out with 11 hydrants and six-inch main piping coming from the well in the center of town. The water table was 80 feet in 1963 and in 1997, it stood at 140 feet. There were 70 hook-ups. One of the founders Al Bratton, was President of the Board of Directors while Ken Campoy was the Water Master. In February, 2011 two new wells were completed and the system was completely upgraded. This new water system was completely funded by the US Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and the California Department of Public Health Safe Drinking Water State Development.

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Farmington Elementary School: Kindergarten Graduation is Wednesday, May 25 at 12:45 p.m. Field Day, Thursday, May 26 at 8:30 a.m.; Friday, May 27 is End of the Year Awards at 10:30 a.m.

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Happy Birthdays wishes for Joni Kalebaugh on Monday, May 30.

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I would still like to hear from you. Have you taken a trip? Have you had out of town visitors? Let me know of family birthdays, anniversaries and new arrivals to your family. Whatever you want to add to the Farmington News is welcome.

Please contact me if you have items for the Farmington News column. E-mail me at farmingtonnews@gmail.com or phone 896-6697.