My great-grandfather, Elbert Mathis, was born and raised in Sylva, North Carolina. After marrying my great-grandmother in Decatur, Tennessee, they moved to California and settled in the Central Valley around Porterville. When Elbert retired, he would spend the summers in Kings Canyon National Park and weave pine needle baskets and lids. Wonderful work by a patient man! Photo taken circa 1958. | Click image for Comments. | Home | Browse All Photos