I Like It Here: Life Stories of Humboldt's Bob McKee
I Like It Here: Life Stories of Humboldt's Bob McKee
"I Like It Here" is a sentiment that brought or kept many of us here in Humboldt County. It is also the title of a book for sale at the Historical Society bookstore: I Like It Here, Life Stories of Humboldt's Bob McKee, compiled and edited by Ray Raphael.
In this transcription of hours and hours of audio tapes, McKee and others tell their story of a life largely lived in Humboldt and epitomizing much of what this area is. Born in Whitethorn then raised by a Civil War widow grandmother in Eureka, he enjoyed a relatively carefree childhood playing with friends and holding odd jobs. Then just after WWII when he turned old enough, he joined the Navy and served in China. Returning, he attended Humboldt State on the GI bill plus spending time working in the mills and woods, restoring old cars, building houses, marrying and raising a family, and getting a teaching job in Whitethorn.
Bob's reminiscences continue into another slice of Humboldt life. He earned the nickname of "Godfather of the Back to the Land movement" by buying land in Southern Humboldt and helping families settle in. His passion for building led to creating the Whitethorn Construction business, wide-spread real estate projects and (of course) growing pot.
McKee's story is one of someone who in many ways was a quintessential Humboldter. He was someone who, in a long life shared with friends and family, made a noteworthy impact on his community. This compelling book explains why he, like so many of us, Like It Here.
