Horse in the Valley Inn story  From the Winter of 2024 newsletter

There’s a long-told Escalon tale of the guy who rode a horse into the Valley Inn. That story has lived on throughout the years. I've only been in Escalon for about 44 years, but even as a newcomer I've heard this story with many different people and variations. I thought it would be interesting to interview some people that have recalled that story and had possibly even witnessed the event.  One of the first people I talked with was Joe Berchtold and he stated, “Dave, that’s an urban legend that’s been told in every small town in the country. I wouldn’t put to much faith in that.” I tend to agree with Joe, but then again, it’s totally possible. Reanna Giuntoli recalled the story and remembered him as Doug Martin (Dutch). She recalled that one evening Dutch’s horse with him aboard stopped in front of their house and after about half an hour or so, Reno, her husband, had to go out and lead them home. Dave Marino also recalled the story as having Dutch being the culprit. On a side note, Vickie Gonzales Mello told a story about Dutch that involved a police car ride when Dutch sang ‘Don't Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes’ all the way downtown.  Another version recalled by Jack Thomas had Casey Van White as the prime horse-riding suspect.  However, it was remembered that Casey rode into the Bakery not the Valley Inn.  Roy Langum has the story starring Al Landon our long-ago Constable.  Are you keeping count of the names? We have three different individuals so far. Here’s, as they say, the “kicker”. We have ourselves an eyewitness, Les Johnson claims to have been in the Valley Inn when the infamous horse was ridden inside, and yes, we have yet another name. Les claims the rider was Dean Hagstrom. With each additional name it makes me tend to agree more with Joe Berchtold. Don’t take these stories too seriously folks, it’s all just for fun. Can’t wait to hear your comments on this important piece of Escalon history. Urban legend or not, it’s sure a fun story.