Mendocino County history photo: Coyote Valley, before the dam

Mendocino County history photo: Coyote Valley, before the dam

The Heckendorfs were among many early settlers in Coyote Valley, who began farming and ranching in the fertile valley long before the construction of Coyote Dam brought dramatic change to the area with the creation of Lake Mendocino. Several Heckendorf family members are shown here, with a team of horses and a light wagon – a common mode of transportation at the time. The photo identifies the man standing as “Grandpa Heckendorf.” (Contributed – …