Photo: 20 Mule Team photo by Larry Sievers

Sandy Creek News: September 7, 1967

Jean DeHaven and his famous 20 Mule Team, enroute from the State Fair to Expo ’67, is expected to arrive in Sandy Creek about 3 o’clock this afternoon. The outfit will camp overnight at Birch and Buck’s on Route 11, a mile south of Sandy Creek, and everyone is cordially invited to come and see them there. Each evening wherever they camp DeHaven gives a fireside talk telling of his experiences on this trip. The outfit will start on north at 7 a.m. Friday.

With the 38-year-old DeHaven is his wife, Norma, four little daughters, a son Forrest, 13 and a nephew Steve, who is 15. The colorful group includes six cowboys and mule skinners (with beards); an authentic water wagon, over 100 years old.

DeHaven started his trek in Death Valley, California a year ago in April. He wintered in Wessington, South Dakota, his home and them took off for Expo ’67. Thus far he has “hoofed” 4,000 miles, and it will be a long 5,000 miles upon reaching Montreal October 1.

After appearing 15 days at Canada’s wonderful exposition he will appear in Macy’s parade on Thanksgiving Day and has several T.V. commitments. His well fed and well cared for mules and horses consume 12 bales of hay, six sacks of oats and 300 gallons of water daily.