Walter Knott

Walter Marvin Knott (December 11 1889 – December 3 1981) was an American farmer who created the Knott's Berry Farm amusement park in California. As a child Walter spent a lot of time in Calico living with his uncle. This period in his life influenced his decision to buy the town and restore it.

Early additions to the farm included the Ghost Town & Calico Railway a narrow gauge railroad in the Ghost Town area a San Francisco cable car a Pan-for-Gold attraction the Calico Mine Train dark ride and the Timber Mountain Log Ride log flume ride. In 1934 Knott's wife Cordelia (née Hornaday January 23 1890 – April 12 1974) began serving fried chicken dinners and within a few years lines outside the restaurant were often several hours long. Additionally The J.