Leno Page 2

The Continuing Saga of Mr. Leno Prestini as seen through the eyes of those few remaining friends and aquaintances.

Lyle Holcomb, son of rodeo clown Elmer and nephew of Homer Holcomb resided at the Ramble In Tavern during the Leno Prestini era. Lyle's folks owned the tavern in the 1940's and 1950's. Lyle has many Leno stories to tell. Center is retired Col. Richard Casberg. He is the grandson of E.C. Casberg, possibly the family living longest nonstop in the Clayton area. On the right is Duane Costa. The entire Prestini, Costa families were the closest of friends. Duane has a vast knowledge of his friend Leno Prestini.

Bruno Costa presenting a Leno Prestini original to the Clayton Deer Park Historical Society.

This Prestini gold pan painting is owned by Lyle and Darlene Holcomb.

A Prestini painting of clown Elmer Holcomb in his rodeo days. Thanks to Lyle Holcomb for allowing us to show a picture of it on our web site.

Elmer Holcomb playing with fire.

Homer Holcomb and friend enjoying a lull during a rodeo. Leno painted an action shot of Elmer's brother Homer, also a rodeo clown. The Homer Holcomb painting is owned by the Stevens County Historical Society.

This Brahma bull is in the act of putting Elmer Holcomb in the hospital with rib and back injuries. Slim Pickens, who went on to be a movie star in such movies as "Dr. Strangelove," is in the background.

Elmer can't help clowning, even if he is at his Ramble In Tavern, not in the rodeo areana! Elmer is the subject of the Prestini painting above.

Leno, home on leave with his two little buddies, Cousins of Duane Costa and his twin Sister Teresa. The following sequence of photos were garnered from the Colville Historical Society for which our Society is deeply grateful.

Burton Stewart, Leno's friend and fellow adventurer. Burton is shown on the ski jump they constructed on the Carr farm next to the Wind Cowan ranch northeast of Clayton.

This is Leno Prestini with the Son of his best friend Burton, Chuck Stewart. The two are exploring Garner Caves near the Z Canyon and Boundry Dam vacinity. This picture is from the Stevens County Historical Society in Colville.

Leno and friend on a ski lift at Mt. Spokane.

Dapper Mr. Prestini himself with his loving mother, Catrina. The affectionate care of Mrs. Prestini fell mostly on Leno and the Costa family shoulders as Batistta, older brother, resided in California, employed by Lockeed Aircraft.

Burton Stewart ready to hit the slopes.

It's been said that of all the interests that life handed this man, one that stands very near the top was horse back riding out on lonely trails. This wraps up the photos from the Stevens County Historical Society. We at CDPHS salute you and Thank you.

Leno with friends and Mae Prestini (right), Battista's wife, at the Old Settlers' Picnic.

John Green, some say was Leno's favorite horse. Here he is shown with Carl Lindh. It has been said that Carl had plenty of pasture and cared for John Green over a couple of years. JG had racing blood in him so Carl and his Cousin's Warren and Lorraine Nord got wind of an up coming horse race at the Deer Park Fairgrounds. There were numerous good expierienced horses entered but the Cousins entered JG anyway. When the bets were down the race was off and running and what should occure but John Green won the big race. Thus ending racing at Deer Park. There is no word as to Leno's sentiments but I'll bet he wasn't displeased with the results. Many years later the Deer Park Fair grounds were sold and the Fair Association relocated on the outskirts of Clayton and has been renamed the Clayton Fairgrounds.

Leno owned this beautiful race horse named John Green. He's receiving a hug from Carl Lindh. Or is Carl getting the Hug?

As near as can be told, Clarence Glassbrenner single handedly preserved the the photo memories of Leno's Art Studio. Here is another rare picture. Every thing Leno touched was done with articulate care.

Burton Stewart reaches the Apex. It sure is a long ways down to those Railroad tracks

Scotty stands at his neat little Service station at the east end of Clayton. In the right background is the Home of John Costa. Leno Prestinis home and Gallery were directly behind Scotty's

Leno on one of his deep diving expeditions

Another view of his Studio. Please go to Dedicated to Restoration for a little surprise

Ron Zimmerer and his sister Rainy Nord. Ron perhaps was the very last person that talked to Leno because that night Leno took his own life.

A 1957 Memorial by Leno Prestini for John Lloyd at the DPSD Administration Offices.

He even built one of a kind fences.

Leno and Buddy Burton in their younger years. Prepared for a diving expedition in the vast unknown.

Leno rests beside his Mother and father following a very exciting and astoundingly productive life. As final as this appears, rest assured that Leno's life is being reserected by a group of professional Artitsts,Historians and painting collections will cumanate in one gigantic display in the summer of 2010. Please stay tuned to this Website as we intend to keep you informed as soon as permissable i9nformation is released under "THE PRESTINI PROJECT"

This is a two part Memorial Honoring a fellow Soldier Educator and Friend

Ron Zimmerer was a close friend to Leno and Rainy Nords Brother. There were a number of people involved in this little escapade