Theory #4: All Other Theories

[Dr. Doogie]

This thread will be for discussing any non-abduction theories of what happened to Anna (i.e., drowning, etc.). I will copy forward the relevant material from the previous thread and re-post it her in a condensed form.

[Annasmom]

Despite the understandable lack of enthusiasm and reluctance for yet another search of Purisima Creek, I would suggest that it would still be worthwhile. Having been involved in that endeavor on so many past occasions one might think that I would be convinced that Anna is not there. Yet, I am not.

There are areas of the creek, such as the dam near Verde Rd., with its almost inpenetrable overgrowth, that leave me unconvinced that it may not yet reveal some hidden secrets. With no organized searches in the last thirty years, might not one now be considered? Perhaps the intervening years have uncovered something that we have not?

While I agree that a total dismantling of the creek is beyond our capabilities, could not the Sheriff’s Dive Team or Cold Case Department be approached about such a possibility, and their resources availed? Failing that, could a small group of volunteer professional divers be found that might take an interest?

The prospect of such a search and its resultant publicity would, no doubt, be stressful to Annasmom... Yet that same publicity (failing any positive search results) may be helpful in rekindling useful memories of Anna’s disappearance. A renewed and thorough search could, once and for all, eliminate the creek as a possibility.
Unless she surfaces somewhere else, nobody can be 100% sure that Anna did not go into Purisima Creek in 1973, but that avenue has been searched as intensively as was possible over many years, with the expertise of divers and geologists as well as family and neighbors. What was not done was to pursue other possibilities, and through the incredible drive and goodness of Doogie and members of the forum, those things are being researched now. Energy, money, interest--all are finite. To divert these resources away is (in my opinion) to repeat the original mistake, which was to search the creek instead of questioning people who might have seen something. Because you, of all people, spent the most time looking at the creek, and nobly so--nobody could ever deny you gave it everything you had--your opinion carries a great deal of weight in these matters. One cannot simply dig up several miles of creekbed, not then and not now. But if you make other options seem hopeless, futile, or even not your first choice, it might well slow or stop the present investigation, which I think you do not want. My comfort in this matter is not an issue.

[shadowangel]

I think it important for people to understand what was happening in the bay area that day. Between 8 and 9 am that morning, it was reported over 8 inches of rain had fallen in the previous 24 hours. That is comparable to hurricane conditions. Roads were flooded, newspapers showed photos of vehicles trying to negotiate city streets with flood water flowing over their hoods.

One part of this case that has always bothered me...Why would anyone pick this day to go "fishing" for a child to take? The likelihood of a stranger abduction, to me, seems less likely.

[Annasmom]

I think it important for people to understand what was happening in the bay area that day. Between 8 and 9 am that morning, it was reported over 8 inches of rain had fallen in the previous 24 hours. That is comparable to hurricane conditions. Roads were flooded, newspapers showed photos of vehicles trying to negotiate city streets with flood water flowing over their hoods.

One part of this case that has always bothered me...Why would anyone pick this day to go "fishing" for a child to take? The likelihood of a stranger abduction, to me, seems less likely.Shadowangel, as much as I would like to be able to eliminate ANY theory regarding Anna's disappearance, I have to say that the Bay Area is famous for its microclimates, and the weather on the San Mateo Coastside that day was stormy, but certainly not as dramatic as it was in other parts of the area. The school bus ran to and from school over the mountain roads with no impediment, the horse people came to feed their horses, the blacksmith showed up on time, and the mail was delivered. Nobody even used an umbrella, though we did wear rubber boots when we went outside, because of the mud. Carpenters, however, were not able to work outdoors because of the rain, which is why Joe Ford was home at the time Anna disappeared.

[iNTERESTEDWOMAN]

I became interested in this case because the age enhanced picture of Anna looks very similar to one of my friends. Though my friend was born in 1962 and was legally adopted as an infant....Anyway once I started I couldn't stop reading.

After reading for several hours and viewing the pictures of the farm Anna became missing at, my very first thought was she fell into an abandoned well. With all the rain at the time, a formerly insufficiently capped well could have become weaken. If the child fell through, a pooling effect of dirt/mud could have recovered the hole to appear as just another mud puddle.

We moved to an old farmstead in NE when we first got married, and capped an abandoned well when we had our first child. Years later we received a letter from the State of Nebraska with a "Platte map" of our farm showing THREE other abandon wells on our immediate property that we never knew existed. After careful examination we located them, and capped them, but one was so disguised by brush and tall grass that we would have never noticed it until it was to late.

I have read numerous stories over the years of children as well as Adults falling into abandon wells. In one story a grown woman was knocked out cold for several hours from the fall until she regained conscience. It was still 2 days before she was found alive.

Hopefully this scenario has already been checked out over the years but it could be a highly probable answer. Living in a farming community with a history of raising livestock (Various wells for stock water tanks) this is a fear of many country parents in my area.

The following is a link I found describing the dangers...though it's a MO site, the facts remain the same for any state.

http://www.dnr.mo.gov/env/wpp/wellhd/plugging.htm

>Snip<
DEADLY TRAPS

Abandoned, large-diameter dug wells and cisterns are a very real and deadly threat to the residents of rural Missouri. If kept in good repair, they present little threat to human safety, but many well and cistern covers were constructed from wood that can be weakened or destroyed by the elements. Even concrete covers are subject to deterioration. In recent years, abandoned wells have received much notoriety in the press when they have claimed the lives of children who have fallen into them and drowned. Many dug wells and cisterns are still in use. When properly maintained they present little risk, but when abandoned they become potential traps and are an unnecessary risk to human
<Snip>

Hopefully for the sake of Anna and her obviously loving family this is not the case. My prayers are with you on your search.

[Annasmom]

[QUOTE=iNTERESTEDWOMAN]
After reading for several hours and viewing the pictures of the farm Anna became missing at, my very first thought was she fell into an abandoned well. With all the rain at the time, a formerly insufficiently capped well could have become weaken. If the child fell through, a pooling effect of dirt/mud could have recovered the hole to appear as just another mud puddle. [QUOTE]

Thank you for your post, iW. I actually fell into an abandoned well myself when we first moved into our present location (a small town some miles north of the farm.) Fortunately, most of the well had been filled with gravel, so I only fell a couple of feet. However, the farm at Purisima never had a well as far as anyone knows. It was so close to Purisima creek that everyone got their water from the creek or streams which fed the creek. As far as I know, no one on Purisima Creek Road ever had a well.

[SherlockJr]

Annasmom, do you want me to attach the surveyors map here?

[iNTERESTEDWOMAN]

I would SherlockJr.:) I've been searching for hours and have come up with a lot of information that could support the fact that cisterns & wells where often built for homestead use in the area. Remember these wells where often dated in the late 1800's to the early 1900's. Once rural water was established they just abandoned these wells. (or if a well ran dry, collapsed etc. they'd just dig another) Where did the water come from when Anna Lived in this house? Was it retrieved at the creek? Was there running water in the house? Did the family receive a monthly water bill? Was there "rural water" pipelines from a nearby water treatment facility or was it pumped out of the ground from an aquifer (well)? Please forgive me if I sound callous, but there is nothing that really makes sence in the disappearance of Anna. I have a strange feeling there was nothing sinister, but a tragic accident. I also read that there are several old oil wells and mines in the area.

Our house sits on a hill overlooking a small river. The river is less than 1/4 mile from the house, but still there where 4 wells drilled (and abandoned 50 to 70 years ago) around the farmstead.

[Joe Ford]

This is the response I received. (Is anyone out there in Ca. willing to pursue it?)

Mr.Ford
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. All of our information is
available to you. Most of the accurate information was collected 3 or 4
years ago as part of grant. We had an intern visit every property where
there was supposed to be a well and later on other interns visited
properties where septic systems were located.



Steven R. Hartsell, Program Supervisor
Environmental Health
455 County Center, 4th floor
Redwood City, CA 94063

(650) 363 - 4798

[Annasbro]

I would SherlockJr.:) I've been searching for hours and have come up with a lot of information that could support the fact that cisterns & wells where often built for homestead use in the area. Remember these wells where often dated in the late 1800's to the early 1900's. Once rural water was established they just abandoned these wells. (or if a well ran dry, collapsed etc. they'd just dig another) Where did the water come from when Anna Lived in this house? Was it retrieved at the creek? Was there running water in the house? Did the family receive a monthly water bill? Was there "rural water" pipelines from a nearby water treatment facility or was it pumped out of the ground from an aquifer (well)? Please forgive me if I sound callous, but there is nothing that really makes sence in the disappearance of Anna. I have a strange feeling there was nothing sinister, but a tragic accident. I also read that there are several old oil wells and mines in the area.

Our house sits on a hill overlooking a small river. The river is less than 1/4 mile from the house, but still there where 4 wells drilled (and abandoned 50 to 70 years ago) around the farmstead.I appreciate an unbiased look at these possibilities of falling in some kind of well or something but would like to clarify a few facts that might help:

After the disappearance there were literally hundreds of people that scoured the surrounding area of the house - every inch. It was the biggest search in the history of San Mateo at the time. There was a helicopter, busses full of searchers, police on horse back, firemen, and volunteers. When I got home from school on the bus the whole area was crawling with activity. I don't see how they could have missed any kind of well or hole. I played all around that area for a few years as a teenager and never knew of such a hole or well in the area around the farm. One of the reasons why they focused of the creek at the time was because it was an unknown where as every inch around the farm was searched and searched with nothing found. The unknown of the creek was investigated quite completely by divers and scores of searchers through the years pulling apart every log jamb and has been determined unlikely.

We got all of our water from the creek. It was pumped up to a large wooden water tank on the side of the hill. As far as we all know this was allways the source of all the water on the farm which was established in the mid 1800s. Later when more people were allowed to move into Purisima Canyon, they were allowed to build only if they found a well. That was only in the late 60's. Until then everyone, as far as we knew, got their water from the creek.

The houses on the road were separated by great distances. Our closest neighbor was about one half mile west. There were two houses there and they were built in the late 60s with a modern enclosed well on each of their properties which both had gates and were off of the road.

We had a septic system at the house. It had a leech field. I wasn't aware of where the tank if there was one was. Again every inch of that yard was searched and it was not overgrown.

I hope this helps - thanks

[Annasmom]

I appreciate an unbiased look at these possibilities of falling in some kind of well or something but would like to clarify a few facts that might help:

After the disappearance there were literally hundreds of people that scoured the surrounding area of the house - every inch. It was the biggest search in the history of San Mateo at the time. There was a helicopter, busses full of searchers, police on horse back, firemen, and volunteers. When I got home from school on the bus the whole area was crawling with activity. I don't see how they could have missed any kind of well or hole. I played all around that area for a few years as a teenager and never knew of such a hole or well in the area around the farm.

We got all of our water from the creek. It was pumped up to a large wooden water tank on the side of the hill. As far as we all know this was allways the source of all the water on the farm which was established in the mid 1800s. Later when more people were allowed to move into Purisima Canyon, they were allowed to build only if they found a well. That was only in the later 60's. Until then everyone, as far as we knew, got their water from the creek.

The houses on the road were separated by great distances. Our closest neighbor was about one half mile west. There were two houses there and they were built in the late 60s

We had a septic system at the house. It had a leech field. I wasn't aware of where the tank if there was one was. Again every inch of that yard was searched and it was not overgrown.

I hope this helps - thanks
Annasbro has written exactly what I was going to write. I will add only the fact that I have written JK, the neighbor who usually took charge of any problems with the water supply, to verify the above. Also, you might note that the entire farm (three houses, barns, etc.) is now owned by an individual
who does not allow access and who has not responded to our letters. If anyone fell down a well, the earth would not close over them. Some sign would be there.

[mfmangel1]

Annasbro has written exactly what I was going to write. I will add only the fact that I have written JK, the neighbor who usually took charge of any problems with the water supply, to verify the above. Also, you might note that the entire farm (three houses, barns, etc.) is now owned by an individual
who does not allow access and who has not responded to our letters. If anyone fell down a well, the earth would not close over them. Some sign would be there.
I was not aware of the current resident's stand on access and lack of response. How very sad and upsetting.

Even in trying to place myself in their position, I don't understand the lack of concern or response to a missing child's family.

That's a shame.

[Annasmom]

I was not aware of the current resident's stand on access and lack of response. How very sad and upsetting.

Even in trying to place myself in their position, I don't understand the lack of concern or response to a missing child's family.

That's a shame. What's more, she is a famous singer whose songs concern social issues. Go figure.

[MagicRose99]

What's more, she is a famous singer whose songs concern social issues. Go figure.
I wonder if the reporter who recently wrote the article for you would be willing to try to contact her... sometimes, an implied "threat" of making something like this public get's the person to consent to a search...

I know I wouldn't like to be known for blocking an investigation on a missing child myself.

[Dr. Doogie]

I wonder if the reporter who recently wrote the article for you would be willing to try to contact her...
We have not confirmed it yet, but it appears that Mark Longpre has moved on to a different newspaper. His byline hasn't been seen in the Review for a few months.

[Gina_M]

We have not confirmed it yet, but it appears that Mark Longpre has moved on to a different newspaper. His byline hasn't been seen in the Review for a few months.
I found this...

We have a new healthcare reporter at PRWeek, and his name is Marc Longpre. He joins us from the Bay Area, where he has been working at a weekly paper in Half Moon Bay.

http://www.prweek.com/us/blogs/showpost/8da6afc6-8387-416f-a6eb-f59087132403/

[iNTERESTEDWOMAN]

After looking at google satellite images of the area, I would have to say it has remarkably changed in the last 30 years. After pinpointing the area of the farm from Dr. Doogie's map on Yahoo, the area is now littered with what appears to be swimming pools, and at least one tennis court! I did find the attached Stable that offers a trail riding package to the public. It appears to be Very close to the area.


http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G1-4372261.html

<snip>

Skywood Stables, Veronica Underwood and Dan Wroten, Rancho Canada Verde, 2700 Purisima Creek Road, Half Moon Bay 94019; (415) 726-5188. Cost: $45 per person.
The Chuck Wagon BBQ and Camp out includes a steak and corn-on-the-cob dinner with all the fixings. The riding pace is slow, perfect for beginners.

After the 2-hour ride through the ranch's private land, the guide can direct campers toward a cool stream for drinking, surrounded by redwoods. Bunks are available at the campsite. On most rides, a bluegrass band plays by lantern light.

<snip>

A group of Sleuths could sign up, and get a better idea of the climate, land form, soil type, and any hidden clues.
I'm very interested in the soil type. Clay, sandy, fertile dirt ect. In the satellite image, the farm ground appears to be sandy/loamy.

*****************

Edited to add:

LOL, I guess I should check dates before spouting my mouth. This link is from a magazine article dated 10-1-86. Probably not offering horseback rides anymore! Sorry

[Annasmom]

After looking at google satellite images of the area, I would have to say it has remarkably changed in the last 30 years. After pinpointing the area of the farm from Dr. Doogie's map on Yahoo, the area is now littered with what appears to be swimming pools, and at least one tennis court! I did find the attached Stable that offers a trail riding package to the public. It appears to be Very close to the area.

Skywood Stables, Veronica Underwood and Dan Wroten, Rancho Canada Verde, 2700 Purisima Creek Road, Half Moon Bay 94019

LOL, I guess I should check dates before spouting my mouth. This link is from a magazine article dated 10-1-86. Probably not offering horseback rides anymore! Sorry

This is indeed the exact location of the ranch where our family lived, but the date of this listing puts it between the time we moved and the time the present owner (who rides herself but does not allow the public on her land) took over.

Yes, the area has changed tremendously since 1973. Lots of very fancy houses there now.

[rideforfun]

Hi. The horseworld is connected by the types of horses and riding one does. I'm big time into horses and have pretty good contacts in the sport horse world, dressage, jumping and eventing and also know some top people in the western world.

If I can offer any assistance of trying to locate someone who knows the ranch owner personally I would be happy to give it a try.

Gayle

[smile22]

if she is not allowing anyone to search the property that means that the only way anyone can would to get a warant to search the property. Le would have to have a really good reason why they wanted to search the property and she would have no choice but to let them or face charges

[Annasbro]

Hi. The horseworld is connected by the types of horses and riding one does. I'm big time into horses and have pretty good contacts in the sport horse world, dressage, jumping and eventing and also know some top people in the western world.

If I can offer any assistance of trying to locate someone who knows the ranch owner personally I would be happy to give it a try.

Gayle
Thanks for your offer. I would note that the farm did have an active horse barn on it in the 80's. My sister in law is still very active in the riding community in Half Moon Bay and the eventing world. My neices and she actually ride at a barn that is close to the farm at another barn now. She used to ride at the barn that has been quoted in this string that was on the property where we lived. Since our celebrity purchased the property (640 acres) no one is allowed on the property however. She is a recluse and has a guard posted at the gate that is very gruff. He will not allow anyone through and won't even answer any questions of any kind. The property is closed to anyone but our singing celebrity and her immediate associates.

[Dr. Doogie]

I have heard antedotal stories that this "celebrity" is so stand-offish that when greeted by other horse-riders on the trail, she just ignores them and rides on. Because of this, I doubt that we would have access even through acquaintances.

The funny thing is, she is far from being a "star" - she had a couple of minor hits in the 1980's and seems to think that she is Elvis or Michael Jackson when it comes to a need for seclusion. In contrast, Neil Young (an infinitely bigger "star") lives in the same general area and freely interacts with the locals with no trouble or harrassment.

[natasha-cupcake]

Okay, I have to ask. Who is the reclusive celeb that we're talking about? I can admit it-- I'm nosy and curious and I want to know. Can someone divulge the name? Unless of course there's some compelling reason not to disclose her name.

[Annasbro]

The song says her friend has a "Fast Car"

[Jessiebell]

Wow - when you said she sung about social issues you weren't kidding. I wouldn't have guessed she'd be that way.

[Dr. Doogie]

Wow - when you said she sung about social issues you weren't kidding. I wouldn't have guessed she'd be that way.
Sometimes its easier to be concerned about "humanity" than it is to be concerned with individual humans.

[InterestedNHelping]

A little note here...Many 'celebritites' do not want their privacy and home revealed to the public, or in a public way because they are followed, worshipped or otherwise stalked by a person that scares or threatens them.( I have 2 friends who are celebrities, and the stories are frightening, what they endure)

I know I would be afraid if that was my situation.(this is purely speculative on my part) The other thing is that she may be well aware of the past history of the place, and feel that she would not like to open any 'karmic' doors of the land she lives on...there could be alot about it all that we cannot imagine she might be thinking of in this situation. Who knows? I would want to help, but people have many reasons for their choices...There might be a time and place she will be more receptive to Annasmom, if the situation should arise, at least, I believe that in my heart.

[rideforfun]

It is entirely possible that she has had negative experiences and that leads her to be recluesive. Let's pray that should we ever have a serious need to check something out on her property we could find a way to work with her.

I am not aware of her at all in the horse world so perhaps she is a person who just loves animals and her horse experiences are part of that passion. I saw she was going to study to be a vet when she started college.

It seems we have good avenues to explore without her involvement at this point. If we ever really need her I'm confident we could find an avenue through personal connections of some sort.

I wish her well. Thanks to all for clarfication.

Gayle

[laini]

The song says her friend has a "Fast Car"
Tracy C? (are we not supposed to say her name? I will edit my post if so). I love her music and have most of her cd's. Disappointed.
Her music sounds just the opposite.

[Annasmom]

It is entirely possible that she has had negative experiences and that leads her to be recluesive. Let's pray that should we ever have a serious need to check something out on her property we could find a way to work with her.I am not aware of her at all in the horse world so perhaps she is a person who just loves animals and her horse experiences are part of that passion. I saw she was going to study to be a vet when she started college.
It seems we have good avenues to explore without her involvement at this point. If we ever really need her I'm confident we could find an avenue through personal connections of some sort.
Gayle
Rideforfun, did you get my PM?

[mfmangel1]

A little note here...Many 'celebritites' do not want their privacy and home revealed to the public, or in a public way because they are followed, worshipped or otherwise stalked by a person that scares or threatens them.( I have 2 friends who are celebrities, and the stories are frightening, what they endure)

I know I would be afraid if that was my situation.(this is purely speculative on my part) The other thing is that she may be well aware of the past history of the place, and feel that she would not like to open any 'karmic' doors of the land she lives on...there could be alot about it all that we cannot imagine she might be thinking of in this situation. Who knows? I would want to help, but people have many reasons for their choices...There might be a time and place she will be more receptive to Annasmom, if the situation should arise, at least, I believe that in my heart.I completely disagree.

I see absolutely no reason to ignore the letters/contacts from the family of a missing child knowing there is a possibility that you could help. It would be at least humane to acknowledge them, but she does not even respond. It doesn't sound as though she may be receptive in the future if she doesn't even take the time to respond. How long should Annasmom have to wait for her to decide to do the right thing?

I seriously doubt fans are beating down her gates to get to her. She isn't Elvis.

"Karma" may not be very kind to her because of her actions, or rather inactions, regarding Anna.

I would think there would be nothing wrong with allowing a low-key, one-time sweep of the property. That could not possibly harm her. I doubt the paparazzi is hanging out at the farm for photos on a daily basis. I can't even remember the last time I saw a photo of her or heard anything about her.

Yet, as someone else mentioned, Neil Young is still extremely popular and in the limelight with new music on a regular basis. He gives regular interviews and still tours. However, he is deeply involved in the community, especially with The Bridge School for special-needs children. He is also involved with numerous other charities.

I realize everyone is different, but everyone should have a heart for a missing child and her family and try to help if they are able to.

BTW, I am glad someone asked who the "celebrity" is. I was afraid to!

[Shadow205]

Maybe she acts like that because she is trying to convince herself that she is "someone". You know, if she acts the part then maybe somebody will believe her? She probably just can't accept the fact that nobody really cares about her and who she is. I have no clue who it is even with the first name and initial but then again I am not very good at trivia either.

Some celebrities handle fame and fortune different. I had the pleasure of meeting Garth Brooks and talking to him on almost a daily basis a few years ago. I couldn't believe how down to earth and friendly he was. I expected him to travel in a limo with body guards all around him. Nope, he drove up in his Chevy truck all by himself.

[rideforfun]

I didn't get a PM. Not sure how it all works. Should I just post my e-mail so you can contact me direct and then remove that post? No issue with that. All advice appreciated.

Gayle

[Annasmom]

I didn't get a PM. Not sure how it all works. Should I just post my e-mail so you can contact me direct and then remove that post? No issue with that. All advice appreciated.

GayleWhen you log in, under the "welcome" at the upper right of the page, you should see where your private messages are.

[rideforfun]

I have read the PM -- thanks for that hint on where to find it. I'll check there every now and again.

Appreciate the help.

[Cubby]

I wasn't sure where to put this..... A few questions:

In the 5-10 minutes Anna was not heard, is it possible she left the yard and would have taken a walk on her own? Had she done so before without her brothers? How far would Annasmom, or Annasfamily estimate she could have walked during that time? And, where there any other properties other than Annas which may have had abandoned wells. Is it possible she may have fallen into something on another property which was not searched?

When the mail deliverers daughter heard the noise sounding like someone was stealing something, where was that heard in relation to Annas house? Was it near access to a trail or road?

The neighbors who moved approximately a week prior to Anna being missing. Is Annas mom still in contact with them? Where they questioned? Annasmom- or brothers, do you recall anyone looking to rent the property? Anyone who showed interest, viewed it a few times and decided not to rent or was declined from renting? Is there any way to contact that Leslie Mickles ( forget the exact name ) to see if he declined any particular renter due to a negative background check?

[Annasmom]

I wasn't sure where to put this..... A few questions:

In the 5-10 minutes Anna was not heard, is it possible she left the yard and would have taken a walk on her own? Had she done so before without her brothers? How far would Annasmom, or Annasfamily estimate she could have walked during that time? And, where there any other properties other than Annas which may have had abandoned wells. Is it possible she may have fallen into something on another property which was not searched?

When the mail deliverers daughter heard the noise sounding like someone was stealing something, where was that heard in relation to Annas house? Was it near access to a trail or road?

The neighbors who moved approximately a week prior to Anna being missing. Is Annas mom still in contact with them? Where they questioned? Annasmom- or brothers, do you recall anyone looking to rent the property? Anyone who showed interest, viewed it a few times and decided not to rent or was declined from renting? Is there any way to contact that Leslie Mickles ( forget the exact name ) to see if he declined any particular renter due to a negative background check?
Of course anything is possible, but her brothers were not yet home from school and the dog was still in the yard when Anna went missing, so it is unlikely that she took off on her own. There were no houses near enough that she could have fallen into anybody's well, and the possibility of wells has been checked out thoroughly...there weren't any, because people got their water from the creek. The neighbors who moved helped us search and I am still in touch with them. I don't know about possible renters, but Mickels was planning extensive renovations and wanted the rest of us to move. I suppose anyone wanting to rent would have applied at his office or something (not at the farm). I think it is a good idea to try to track down the landlord, but he was not at all a sympathetic person and I am not sure he could or would help us.

[Cubby]

Thank you Annasmom. Saturn being in the yard, does make it very unlikely Anna left the yard on her own. It's also very unlikely Mickels would have any records for rent applications so many years ago, however, it might be a good idea to contact him today, and see if he has any recollection of anyone unusual. Perhaps, back then he simply appeared unsympathetic as his dealings with the property were strictly on a business level. Now that he is no longer has business with the property perhaps he can be of some help. Maybe even knowing the names of the person who head the motorcycle club, or the horse club. I've always thought if we could get the name of whoever ran the motorcycle or horse club, perhaps they might recall something.

It's worth a shot.


Of course anything is possible, but her brothers were not yet home from school and the dog was still in the yard when Anna went missing, so it is unlikely that she took off on her own. There were no houses near enough that she could have fallen into anybody's well, and the possibility of wells has been checked out thoroughly...there weren't any, because people got their water from the creek. The neighbors who moved helped us search and I am still in touch with them. I don't know about possible renters, but Mickels was planning extensive renovations and wanted the rest of us to move. I suppose anyone wanting to rent would have applied at his office or something (not at the farm). I think it is a good idea to try to track down the landlord, but he was not at all a sympathetic person and I am not sure he could or would help us.

[GraceBlue]

Cubby I agree, it's worth a shot trying to get in touch with Mickels.