Jason Woodward

Located north of Crescent H Ranch, River Meadows is a popular subdivision that offers affordable homes, a convenient location, and amenities such as fishing rights on the Snake River and a tennis court.

The development of River Meadows began in 1973 when Don Albrecht purchased part of the Harold Young Riverview Ranch. In 1981, he completed the first filing of the Ranch consisting of 18 lots averaging in size from one-quarter to one acre. The original sale price for lots at River Meadows ranged between $40,000 and $60,000.

Conveniently located three miles from the town of Jackson, Rafter J is a favorite community for full-time residents and families. With most homes around 2,000 square feet and lots of mature landscaping, Rafter J offers a unique blend of value, small-town atmosphere, and incredible scenery that makes it both one of the most in-demand subdivisions.

The history of Rafter J began in 1978 when Floyd King, Jerry Wilson, and Chuck Luton purchased the 600 acre Arthur and Phyllis Brown Ranch. They subdivided the land into 360 lots of .25 to .5 acres in size. It was the first PUD in the county, and 60 percent of the development was put into open space. The remainder of the development was used for clustered home sites.

The lots were originally going to sell for $12,000. However, by the time the subdivision was approved, the lots went on the market for $17,000 each. They sold some lots in 1979, but most remained unsold for seven years while the market was soft.

It was always the developer's intent to provide housing for working families and envisioned that the lots would never sell for more than $30,000 each. However in 1991, lot prices began escalating and soon reached over $80,000. Prices for homes at that time ranged from $150,000 to $245,000. Since then, homes prices have steadily increased but have remained relatively affordable compared to other nearby neighborhoods.

With stunning, protected views of the Tetons, the 14 lot subdivision of Pine Meadow is comprised of spacious, yet private homes that have access to a variety of excellent fishing streams and ponds.

Pine Meadow was originally part of a USA Patent to James Harmison in 1908. Through the years, the land was passed on to family members until the 1930's when parts of the land were sold to A.E. Ward, Helen and Henry Weston, and Alvin Ostler. Until the early 1950's, the land continued to be bought and sold several times before it was purchased by Albert Schwabacher Sr. and his wife May K. Schwabacher. Schwabacher was a California investor who was also an avid fly fisherman. He originally came to the Jackson Hole area in the 1920's to look for fishing areas and bought what is now Lost Creek Ranch. He subsequently purchased Pine Meadow, Teal Trace, the Buchenoth property, and the Edgecomb property in the 1950s and would frequently bring friends out to fish the superb fish creek channels. He also ran cattle on the property.

Albert's two sons, Albert E., Jr. and John L. Schwabacher also resided in California but spent a great deal of time in Jackson Hole. They were friends with local contemporaries Paul von Gontard and Felix Buchenroth. John helped run his father's ranch properties in the 1940's, and the family holdings extended into the Pinedale area.

In 1958, Albert Sr. transferred the property in south Wilson to his two sons, and in 1975, the two brothers divided the property between them. Albert sold his holdings to the Gros Ventre Cattle Company in a transaction that involved his old friends Gontard and Buchenroth. The Gros Ventre Cattle Company then went on to develop what is now Pine Meadows. Jack Schwabacher sold his part of the property to G. Bland Hoke, Jr. who developed it into what is now the Teal Trace area.

Located just south of Lake Creek on the west side of the Moose Wilson Road are the nearly 32 acres of Lake Creek Acres III Subdivision. Eight homes sit on 3-acre land parcels and range from modest to high-end. Most have excellent views of the front range of the Tetons. Mature groves of trees provide both protection from the elements and privacy from other homes. All three Lake Creek subdivisions are favorites for second home buyers.

Originally, the Lake Creek Acres III subdivision was part of a 160 acre USA patent to John S. Brosfield in 1908. The land was transferred to several owners before the Lake Creek Land and Cattle Company and A. Hugh Livingston began development of the subdivision.

As of March 1994, all eight lots were sold. Since then, most of the homes have been gutted and remodeled making the subdivision increasingly desirable.

Lake Creek Acres II Subdivision, the second filing completed by A. Hugh Livingston, offers unique ownership opportunities for residents who appreciate an active lifestyle. With private Snake River access, pastures, creeks for fishing, and walking trails, it truly defines the spirit of Jackson Hole.

The subdivision was originally divided into 18 lots of 1.5 acres each, a large central common area, and perimeter common ground. The master plan completed in 1978 emphasized open space with small, single story "ranch" style homes. The lots originally sold from $30,000 to $50,000. As of March 1994, all lots had been sold (some several times). Fifteen of the lots were improved, and three were left as is.

The land of Lake Creek Acres II Subdivision was originally part of an original USA patent to George L. Everett in 1912. The land passed on by administrative deed to Julia Platt Matthews in 1925 and to M.R. Yokel in 1929. Yokel sold 160 acres to Stanley Burnett Resor in 1938. Resor and the Snake River Associates transferred the land to Lee D. Butler in 1977. It was subsequently donated to the National Symphony Orchestra Association. Late in 1978, the land was finally transferred to Lake Creek Acres II, a joint venture.