Allison Porter Klinger

Tom the horse lived in Rio Nido in 1922. Rio Nido is nestled on the Russian River between Forestville and Guerneville under a canopy of redwood trees. It was established in 1908 and to this day remains a vacation destination for people wanting to play in the river, listen to live music, hike among majestic redwood trees, and more.

Tom worked for the Rio Nido Lodge, pulling a wagon that carried luggage for guests arriving by train. It is said when Tom heard the train whistle in the distance, he would walk over to the Rio Nido train stop on his own. After guests loaded the wagon with their luggage, he would walk to the lodge. After his task, he would head the barn for the rest of his day.

I love this story and imagine Tom like a friend. I would have loved to know him and am glad he was a figure in our sweet neighborhood. Around Halloween time, I imagine the friendly ghost of Tom clip clopping around the lodge among the trees and ferns.

After hearing about his story, I was inspired to paint a portrait of Tom. The painting was purchased by a beloved Rio Nidan and will be hung in the Rio Nido Pee Wee golf clubhouse.

See a newspaper clipping of his story here.