Dear Christian, and all of the Redwoods in Yosemite Staff,
It is with mixed emotions, that I write this note of appreciation, to you, and to the entire Redwoods staff. After a false start or two, our cabin is now in escrow. In recent years, the cabin has become too much for us, and selling it has been our goal; so I do feel a sense of relief.
However, this sale is also bittersweet, because it means that our time as cabin owners in Wawona, is coming to an end. From the time that our parents purchased the property in 1962; until today, in 2025;
“the cabin” has been our mountain home. We have been more than fortunate to call it “our place in Yosemite” for the past 63 years! The end of our family’s long and happy occupation of 7915 Koon Hollar Road, is an occasion that calls for a look back at how our tenure in Wawona began. It is also a time to
thank those who have helped us, during the time we have owned the cabin.
Before our parents became cabin owners in Wawona, they visited the area as guests of friends who owned a lovely cabin on the Merced River. On several later occasions, our family rented one of the guest cottages run by The Redwoods. These experiences created a form of “cabin fever” in my parents. They began looking for a Wawona retreat that they could call their own.
In 1962, our parents achieved their dream; finding and purchasing property in Wawona.
At that time, two cabins stood on the Koon Hollar Road property: the “upper cabin” located just below the parking area, and the “lower cabin” located below the ditch, overlooking the meadow. In 1962, there were many other people’s cabins close by. However, most of those neighboring cabins were later purchased by the Park Service, and were subsequently torn down. My parents were also asked to sell
our property, but they declined.
My parents loved their new property, and they worked hard to improve it. They added a bathroom, and a dining room to the upper cabin. Later, they remodeled that cabin again; adding a downstairs bedroom and more storage area in the basement. That remodel also included new flooring, upgraded windows, board & batten siding, a large deck, and new exterior stairs down to the basement level.
In those early days, our lazy summer routine of swimming and hiking, always ended with dinner seated in a large circle around a glowing campfire. The stars twinkled overhead, as we toasted marshmallows over the flames; and our voices rang out into the night, as we heartily sang round after round of folk songs. What precious and memorable days and nights those were!
As the years passed, countless friends and family members enriched our lives at the cabin. Some of them were even roped into helping Dad with his improvement projects. The cabin itself provided a perfect base for relaxing on the deck, for hiking, or for venturing to other scenic spots in the park.
Years later, when Mom and Dad felt that they needed more support to keep the property going, they applied for a vacation rental permit; and our cabin became part of the Redwoods in Yosemite inventory. Also at that time, the “lower cabin” on our property was demolished, in order to make the “upper cabin” the focus of rental activity. After Mom and Dad passed, we, again, leaned on the Redwoods for help. We could never have held onto our cabin for so long, without the assistance of the kind and helpful people working at the Redwoods. The staff kept us afloat, through thick and thin, through frozen pipes, and fallen trees!
As the end of our time as cabin owners draws near, it means that we must leave this circle of people on whom we have come to depend. Redwoods staff, please know that we have appreciated each and every person who has ever helped us solve a problem over the phone, or in person. We have valued each of the many employees who did their jobs with enthusiasm, expertise, and usually, a smile. There have been so many instances of caring concern, and timely assistance; always delivered with good cheer and a sense of humor. It is the people of the Redwoods organization, who make this a special place; a wonderful spot, which is friendly and welcoming to all.
Thanks so much for ALL of your help, over the years!
– Ann
From the co-owners of Cabin 6S: Ann Fretz-Scott, Lin Wapner, and Holly Ford
