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Mystery Spot Identified! Congratulations Patrick Barszcz
Patrick Barszcz has once again solved the mystery spot location. The cement marker dated 1914 was placed at Highland Park by Visalia High School Students. A number of you took the “oval” clue and incorrectly guessed Lincoln Oval Park as the location. If you have never seen this tiny oval shaped park, go by and see it and the marker. To get there, take Willis Street to Race, Race to Highland and the park lies between Race and Grove streets. Thanks to all of you who took a stab at it.


Visalia Soldiers Go to the Mexican Border—A Great Photographic Record Has Surfaced
In the midst of the Mexican Revolution, Visalia’s Company D, California National Guard, was sent to the Mexican border. The unit spent about 5 months there, and up until now, very few photos have appeared from their camp down there. My good friend, Laura, recently shared with me a family photo album showing her uncle who was stationed with the Visalia unit on the border. Her large collection of photographs will help us understand what it was like for a Visalia soldier stationed on the Mexican border. Company D was stationed there from June to November, 1916, and the photograph here shows her uncle Marvin with Phil Bear, a small black bear captured in Giant Forest and shipped down to Company D as a mascot.


Cream Rises to the Top
Sandy Newman recently discovered a stock certificate issued for the Visalia Cooperative Creamery. The creamery was organized in 1910 and for years occupied the brick building that is now Arts Visalia across from the Depot Restaurant. The great old building is obviously still standing. The stock certificate is embossed with the corporate seal which is dated April 12, 1910. This is a nice old rare document and Sandy, thanks for preserving this great old piece of Visalia history and sharing it with us.

Local Reporter Dives into the Library Birdbath
J. C. Hickman was a Reporter and eventually became Managing Editor for the Visalia Times Delta in the 1960s and early 1970s. In 1969, when this photograph was taken, he had worked hard to get the inoperable Robin Fountain working again. Here he is seen pretending to drink from the fountain. Thanks J. C. getting the fountain to work and for providing the photograph and interesting history to go with it. By the way, the rededication event date for the Robin Fountain has not been set, but hopefully will be soon.



The Next Mystery Spot—Three Diamonds
Are you up for another Mystery Spot? This time, your task is to identify the building on which these three diamonds are located. They are obviously decoration and here are your clues. Anxious to hear from you. Where is this building?
1) The building once housed an automobile garage and dealership.
2) The brick structure continues to be connected to a service organization that repairs that which is broken.
3) It is located on a street with a strong connection to water.
4) The building was first occupied in 1927.



Assorted:
{{}}The 400 block of E. Main Street has come up again on the radar screen. According to the April 23, 2009 Valley Voice, Craig Mangano said, “It’s a dangerous building, it’s scary, and we don’t see how any of it can be saved. But the City of Visalia will have something to say about that.” I hope the Mangano Co. will consider something other than demolition. We have lost so many of our old buildings. Let’s make history and historic preservation part of the discussion for that historic area of town. (Please scroll down to the November 20, 2008 posting of HH for background on this block.)

{{}} The mysterious post at Main and Liberty continues to get comments. Patrick Barszcz believes, almost without a doubt, that it is an abandoned post office drop box post. Others have said so too. Old paint evidence and other items have convinced him. (Scroll down to the November 20, 2008 HH posting for background information.)



“Drive slowly and see Visalia, drive fast and see the judge.” On a billboard in Visalia in the 1960s.

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Thanks for visiting Historic Happenings! If you are not on the email list yet, and would like to be notified via email when a new posting of this newsletter is made, please email Terry Ommen at histerry@comcast.net. I will add you to the list.

Mystery Spot Identified…in 30 Minutes…Simply Amazing
Well, it took Randy Groom only 30 minutes to solve the Mystery Spot weathervane question offered in the last HH. Following the clues provided, Randy traced the weathervane to the top of the 1936 library building now the Children’s Library. A couple of days later, Patrick Barszcz cracked the puzzle, too. Great detective work Randy, and Patrick, you’re not bad either.

Are You Ready for Another Mystery Spot?
This one is very easy. Where is this marker? Here are the clues:
1. It is in a park in Visalia.
2. The park has a reversionary clause giving the donor the land back if the oak trees are harmed.
3. It would be difficult to play a football game here.
4. If you were in Mexico, someone might describe this park as “ovalado.”
Okay, that’s it. The first person to email me or call me with the correct location of this marker will be acknowledged in HH. Good luck.

Mearle’s is in the Pink!

As was mentioned in an earlier HH, the Kazarian’s, the owners of the Mearle’s building, asked about the original color of the exterior. There are no known records of paint colors, when the restaurant first opened as TAD’s in 1940. Mobert & Fitzgerald’s Paining & Decorating did the original painting, but they are nowhere to be found. I recently spoke with Mearle Heitzman who consulted with his wife Marilyn, and their conclusion was that the building was probably white or off white originally. It was during Mearle’s ownership that he changed the color to pink. To some, the original color of TAD’s is not important. Susan Mangini is one of them. She says, “From my perspective, the authentic color of Mearle’s is pink. As we’ve seen over the years, there are many shades of pink. The real, and better, question is: What shade of pink was it originally?” By the way, it was during Mearle’s ownership that the canvas awnings around the building were replaced with aluminum ones.

Bianco Photographs Give

Us Fresh Views

Old photographs have recently surfaced and it seems the name Bianco is taking front stage. Peter Cowper provided a great photograph, c. 1950, of a Visalia Main St. parade as it passed directly in front of Bianco Fine Foods (216 W Main). The building continues to stand today and now houses Marcela. The other set of photographs were provided by a man whose father was in the building trade years ago. The series of photographs show the construction of the Bianco Building on Encina and Center streets just north of the Fox Theatre. Franey’s is in the building now. John Bianco’s grandfather, Luke Bianco had the store on Main St and he was the one who was constructing the Bianco Building next to the Fox in the late 1940s. Both of these pictures are recent discoveries of these old buildings. Finding old photographs is a great way to preserve history.

Early Lawman Returns to Visalia

Native Visalian, George Reece, now living in Chico, CA came back to town the other day. George’s father, Paul had been a Tulare County Deputy Sheriff in the 1930s and George was a Tulare County Juvenile Officer who later became a state liquor control officer. George remembers going to the old county jail when his father worked there and also remembers the old Sheriff’s Dept. building. He showed me around the old bastille and shared some stories. One involved his father who captured an escapee in 1934. A prisoner was being booked in this old jail and while the jailer’s back was turned, the prisoner escaped running down the steps (the ones you see in this photograph.) Deputy Paul Reece, just coming to work, observed the escaping prisoner, and went into foot pursuit. Reece caught the fleeing prisoner, stuck his finger against the suspect’s back, and ordered him back to jail. Believing a gun was at his back, the suspect returned to jail without further incident. Thanks George for the visit, the tour and the history!

Assorted
{{}} A number of you took the mystery of the McKowen headstone seriously and found that the McKowen’s were buried in the Vernal Memorial Park in Vernal, Utah. Why the headstone is here, is still a mystery. The Visalia Cemetery continues to work on it.
{{}} Regarding the Hilliard House (The Visalian), Peter Cowper shared, “That cranky old lady who lived in the Hilliard House ran folks off with a rifle if they stopped to ask her about the old Cadillac touring car that could be seen in her barn.”
{{}} I recently heard from J. C. Hickman who worked for the Visalia Times Delta as a reporter and managing editor from the early 1960s to 1971. Hope he will share some stories with us.

“At times apart from all the world
What rapture ‘tis to call
To mind the pleasant pictures that
We’ve hung in memory’s hall!” Alonzo Melville Doty, Visalia Daily Morning Delta, January 19, 1899.

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A Visalia Mystery Spot – How Observant Are You?
Historic Happenings is full of mysteries, but I thought it might be kinda fun to add another—but with a new wrinkle: we will know the answer to this one. We will give you a chance to solve it with some clues. So here is the first “Mystery Spot” in Visalia. It is a weathervane on a building. Which building is it on? Here are some clues:

1. The weathervane is on top of a building that was built the same year the Baseball Hall of Fame was founded in Cooperstown, New York.
2. The weathervane is surrounded by original Gladding, McBean roofing material.

3. The building is situated between 3 signs, each of which identifies 3 varieties of trees.
4. The building is a stone’s throw away from a church that was built in the year the Brooklyn Dodgers moved to Los Angeles.

Okay, enough hints. What is the building on which this weathervane sets? The first person to email me or call me with the correct answer will be acknowledged in the next HH. I know, not much of an incentive here, but maybe down the road we can offer a prize. I will offer a new “Mystery Spot” from time to time. In the next posting of HH the building with the weathervane will also be identified.

Visalian Needs Ride Back Home
For the last couple of years, Helen, a lady living in Southern California, has been trying to donate a miniature/doll house named “The Visalian.” I had never heard of it, but I have found out with the help of Judy Lewin, who owns Mill Creek Miniatures, that a miniature house kit named “The Visalian “ was created some 30 years ago by a man named Howard Hill, who owned the One-of-a-Kind Woodshop. In his kit he replicated the beautiful Hilliard home that was located east of Visalia adjacent to Highway 198 on the south side of the road. It was a beautiful Victorian house built in 1902 and stood there until 1983 when it burned to the ground.

Now, this assembled miniature, “The Visalian,” measuring about 4 feet x 4 feet, is setting in Temecula waiting for a ride back to Visalia, its new home. The City of Visalia apparently has found a home for it, but the city is looking for a way to get it back here. If you can provide any help in getting the miniature back to Visalia, please contact Jaye Tee with the City of Visalia at (559) 713-4314.

Marble Tombstone Unearthed
A couple of weeks ago a man was digging in his garden on Road 148 just outside of Visalia when he hit a block of marble. He dug it up and discovered it was the double headstone for Mary McKowen (born June 19, 1841 in Hartley Pool, England and died July 13, 1884) and her husband Phillip (born August 3, 1839 and died July 9, 1910). It stands about 37” high and has a carving of a man’s head on top, which to me, is very unusual. The finder of the headstone called the Visalia Cemetery and it was picked up. According to Visalia Cemetery personnel, the headstone is not from cemeteries in Exeter, Farmersville, Woodlake or Visalia, and the name McKowen is so far nowhere to be found in the records. Who were the McKowen’s and how did the headstone get in the area?

Civil War Burial Survey – Yankees and Rebels Identified
In the fall of 2002, Bill Melton (on the left) of Porterville, working with the Sons of the Union Veterans began a project to identify and make sure all of Civil War Veteran burial sites were marked in Tulare County cemeteries. Since he started, Bill has recorded at least 216 Confederate and Union soldiers buried in Visalia, Three Rivers, Exeter, Farmersville, Porterville, Lindsay and Strathmore. Bill works with other Civil War groups and individuals like Jim Chance (on the right), a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. Bill and his friends are continuing their research and adding to what we know about these soldiers. They share their material with the appropriate cemeteries including the Visalia Cemetery. The material they have gathered fills several large binders and thanks to Bill and his friends we know a lot more about the Civil War veterans buried in our cemeteries. What a great project! Thanks Bill and friends.

Assorted
{{}} New photographs keep surfacing. Peter Cowper and Marian Cote discovered some Main Street parade photos showing buildings from vantage points that I’ve never seen before. Great detail too! Thanks guys for sharing.

{{}} Charles Loffland found a photo of Mearle’s Drive-In restaurant in a book called America A to Z – People, Places, Customs and Culture – a Reader’s Digest publication from 1997. It’s amazing how often Mearle’s comes up as an historical icon.

{{}} The Robin Fountain is almost complete so stay turned for the announcement of the Rededication.

{{}} After the last HH, Jim and Shirie Drath, former Visalians now living in Alaska, read the story of the Visalia Olive Oil Company and went to their cupboard and found a container marked: Visalia Pride Pure Olive Oil. Jim speculates that Shirie must have bought it at a garage sale years ago when they lived here. Sure seems like olive oil in Visalia was a hot item back in the earlier days.

{{}} On March 12th about 25 lovers of good food experienced the Historic Progressive Dinner organized by Erin Capuchino of the Visalia Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. All that took part ate well and had fun, all in great historical settings.

{{}} Regarding the tunnels at Redwood High, Jim Drath, former Redwood High School graduate and now Alaska resident, said, “When I was at Redwood High School, 1957-1961, those tunnels were in the auditorium. As curious kids, the only time I was involved in opening the doors, was swiftly met with a stern direction from a teacher to shut that door, it’s dangerous in there. At that time, you could not get into the passageway due to debris and dirt. After that one time, I never tried to look in there again.”

“The street sweeper, which this city has on trial was given its first trial early Saturday morning. It seemed to clean the street alright but the dust it raised was stifling, the entire business portion of town having an appearance of being enveloped in a dense fog. All of the buildings were covered with a coat of gray, and wherever there happened to be an open window, the room was given a thorough covering of dust.” Excerpt from an article in the Visalia Morning Courier, July 7, 1907.

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Available Now! Visalia Pictorial History Book

Well, the Visalia Then & Now history book that I have been working on for the past year or so is now available. I will be at the Visalia Costco on Saturday, March 14th from 11:00am to 3:00pm for book signing.

Arcadia, the publisher of the book, used a unique format that displays an old Visalia photograph and then a contemporary one from the same vantage point next to it. This allows readers to easily compare the old with the recent and go to the photograph site, which is a really nice way to make history relevant for today. All of my proceeds from the sale of this book will go to the Tulare County Historical Society. Hope to see you at Costco this Saturday. Not a member of Costco? Contact me at (559) 901-3227 or email me at histerry@comcast.net. If you are a member of a club or organization and would like to schedule a book signing, please let me know.

Mearles – The old icon is getting a makeover —well, maybe just a tummy tuck right now.

On Thursday, March 5, 2009, I was driving past Mearles and saw workers on the roof tearing off old roofing material. In the parking lot I also saw Sonny and Michael Kazarian, the father and son owners of the famous Visalia landmark. (Click on photo to see them. From L-R: Michael Kazarian, Skip Kachadoorian, a family friend, and Sonny Kazarian.) I stopped and had a talk with them about a number of things relating to the old drive-in including the quality of the building construction, and their desire to get a restaurant operator to take over. We also talked about restoration and I was impressed and pleased with their comments about restoring the building to its original appearance. They asked about the original awnings that circled the front area of the restaurant and they also asked about the original color of the exterior. In addition, while I was there, they were talking to a neon lighting company representative about replacing the neon lights as part of the restoration.

All in all it was a nice visit and I came away with renewed hope that the declining appearance of Mearles is coming to a halt. Now the old restaurant needs an operator that will flip burgers like Mearle used to and continue the Mearles tradition. By the way, Tads opened in September, 1940. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a September birthday party with a fully restored Mearles? OK, what about September 2010. Mearles 70th birthday has a nice sound to it!

Visalia Olive Oil Company—Processing Plant Building Found!

About a week ago Mary Alice Johnson contacted me and offered to give me a few sheets of old Visalia letterhead stationery with the name Visalia Olive Oil Company on them. The old stationery had been given to her by Catherine Schomer who had given them to Jean Kirkbride as scrap paper for her grandchildren. Anyway, the vintage sheets of paper traveled through many hands, but were saved. None of the ladies knew anything about the Visalia Olive Oil Company, but I was referred to Frances Cutler, a long time Visalian, now living in Portland, Oregon, who was the original owner of the letterhead. Frances, who is 91 years old, told me her husband Frank Cutler had worked for his brother-in-law, Angelo Turano at the company in the 1940s. The stationery gave the address as 421 E. Willow, and guess what? The building is still being used today. Not as an olive oil processing plant, but an auto repair shop. I talked with Angelo’s son, Tony, who lives in Fresno, and he provided history on the old building including the construction date of 1939. Also the letterhead as you can see shows an image of an olive oil can labeled “Perfetto,” which in Italian means “perfect” or “perfection.” Thanks to all involved in this long successful historical journey. Is this what they mean when they say “follow the paper trail?” If it is, it was “perfetto.”

Mystery Marker at Oval Identified

Mary Beatie, Vice President and Senior Planner for TPG Consulting here in Visalia, is working on the current plan with the community to revitalize the Lincoln Oval area, and has asked about a granite marker that was placed near the Service Center building. The marker identifies 6 memorial trees planted in honor of 6 historical figures—national (Abraham Lincoln ) and local. The marker contains the years each tree was planted and the general location of the planting within the park. The marker says it was placed there in honor of Annie R. Mitchell, but does not credit any individual or organization for placing the marker there or give the date the marker was placed. Mary recently discovered that it was placed there by Pat Finger, long time Oval advocate and Doug Copley, former owner of Copley’s Bakery. Thanks for solving that mystery. It has also been said that the Abraham Lincoln tree located in the Oval, that is decorated every Christmas, has been recognized as the tallest tree of that type to be used as a Christmas tree. We will try and verify that and also the year the marker was placed in the Oval.

Assorted

{{}} In 1952 as part of the Visalia Centennial Celebration, the Visalia Times Delta published the entire collection of Annie R. Mitchell’s Golden Memories she had written throughout the year. The Delta put them all together in a publication called “Golden Memories” and it includes 52 stories of early Visalia pioneers. Thanks to my good friend and valuable historian, Alan George, who provided me with a copy of this very useful publication.

{{}} Recently, Donna Klein sent me a history of the Visalia Garden Clubs written by Annie R. Mitchell in 1998. It is very complete and is packed with documented history of many local garden club activities including various tree and garden plantings in Visalia. Thanks Donna for maintaining and sharing this special history.

{{}} It was sure nice to hear that the beautiful Fox Theatre has received a $500,000 donation from the Lyles-Porter family. I hear this is the family of Tom Porter, former mayor of Visalia (1973-1977), who also authored a book called The Silver Rush at Mineral King published in 1965. If anyone who can confirm this family connection to the donation, it would be nice to hear from you.

{{}} One Historic Happenings subscriber sent me this link. http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~usgenweb/special/ppcs/ppcs.html By clicking on it, you can see some old “penny postcards” of Visalia and Tulare County. Just follow the prompts. In fact, there are postcards from all over the country, so you can historically explore other states and cities via old postcards. Some nice old images here.

“The land in this vicinity generally contains a growth of oak timber, and has to be cleared before it can be devoted to orchards. The acreage would have been much larger this season had it not have been for this fact. Wood choppers have been hard to find, and several gentlemen who had intended to put out orchards failed to do so because they could not get their land cleared.” This excerpt was taken from the April 30, 1891 Tulare County Times (It helps us understand why many Valley Oak trees in and around Visalia have disappeared).

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Rock of Ages Re-Discovered!

It goes without saying that the Tulare County Museum at Mooney Grove Park is filled with relics of our past. But there is a piece of Visalia history that was almost lost forever right on the museum grounds.

When Visalia began, one of the first businesses established was Matthews Grist (flour) Mill. The Matthews family had a long history as millers. When they arrived in Visalia they were ready to establish a mill on Mill Creek having carried their millstone with them. The mill was set up at what is now the southeast corner of Main and Santa Fe streets.

The Matthews’ eventually sold their business and the mill change hands several times over the years. In about 1974 the site was excavated and what is believed to be the Matthews millstone was discovered. It had been broken into two pieces and was brought to the museum. Over the years grass and debris covered it. Haworth A. Clover, Ed.D., while doing research on the Matthews family, contacted his friend Troy Tuggle and asked him to try to find the millstone at the museum. And miraculously Troy found it, almost totally covered by grass.

Thanks to Dr. Clover and Troy, the millstone has been rediscovered and it now has an appropriate plaque, thanks to the generosity of Dr. Clover. He has written the Matthews story including the Visalia part, in a book called The Matthews Family—Community Builders From Coast to Coast. By the way, I am told the book is available through The Book Garden in Exeter. Also Troy Tuggle will be writing more about this remarkable story in a future issue of the Tulare County Historical Society newsletter Los Tulares.

Historic Machinery --- Part of the Décor of a Visalia Church?

Savior’s Community Church, lead by Pastor Mark Condie, occupies a very historic building in Visalia…a building that for many years was The Visalia Planing Mill. The old brick structure is located at 515 E. Center Street and for years specialty wood products were manufactured there. Many older homes and business in Visalia have wooden doors, cabinets, trim, etc. made at the Visalia Planing Mill. When Savior’s Community Church bought the building, some of the old, impressive woodworking machinery was still inside and the church decided to keep the equipment in place.

They are proud of their home and now the church would like to gather more history of their building. Who knows, a book might be in the offing. The Pastor and Ken Mayer, one of the parishioners, would appreciate hearing from anyone with The Planing Mill history. Ken can be contacted at kenmayer@hotmail.com and please put on the subject line “Planing Mill history.”

Wow, how appropriate is that for a Christian church to have carpentry equipment inside? I’ll bet the divine spiritual leader of all Christian churches, also a carpenter, feels very much at home at Savior’s!

Civil War Comes to Visalia

Mary Miller asked that I include in this posting the Civil War Reenactment that is coming up again this year. It is the 19th annual reenactment and it will be at Mooney Grove Park on March 7th and 8th. It is always enjoyable and packed with history. All sorts of attractions are included and it is a good way to enjoy a weekend of history. Check it out and see the flyer by clicking on the photo here and it will enlarge to a readable size.

Interesting Visalia History Surfaces

A few weeks ago I was contacted by Kate Gibson-Cates. She and her husband Steve bought the house that belonged Steve’s grandparents, Ben and Patricia Owens here in Visalia. In the home were several interesting things she wanted to make sure got preserved. There were 2 large Bank of Visalia leather-bound ledger books both containing names of early Visalia residents, one dating back to the 1870s. Both are very good resource books. There was also some cardboard embossed newspaper plates from the Visalia Times Delta in 1939. But the item that is most intriguing to me is what looks like an old Chinese diary. It’s in very bad condition, falling apart and probably not complete, but it is filled with both Chinese or Japanese characters and symbols. Each page is a combination of these characters along with some English notations. I’m not certain at this point if it is even a Visalia related book, but very possibly is. I don’t see a date, but it is old. If it does have a Visalia connection, it could potentially be a very important find in preserving our history from a Chinese or Japanese point of view. Thanks to the Owens family and Kate for keeping all items and not discarding them as oftentimes people do.

Historic Progressive Dinner

In a previous Historic Happenings, it was announced that the Visalia Convention & Visitor’s Bureau was organizing a Historic Visalia Progressive Dinner. Erin Capuchino, the Marketing and Tourism Coordinator with the CVB, tells us it is now firmed up. On March 12, 2009, at 5:30pm, those who sign up will have appetizers and beer at Brewbakers, soup and salad at Lum Lum’s Market, main course at Jack & Charlie’s and dessert and wine at the Ben Maddox House Bed and Breakfast. Attendees will be driven by special trolley to each of the locations and historical presentations will be included at each site. Space is limited so contact Erin at (559) 334-0141 or email her at erin@visitvisalia.org. Sounds like an enjoyable evening at some very historic spots.

Visalia Then & Now—A New Pictorial History Book is Announced

For the past year I have been working with Arcadia Publishing Co. on a Visalia pictorial history book. It is now completed and will be available the week of March 9th. It is a “then and now” type of approach to Visalia history. It is packed with historical photos, placed side-by-side with current photos taken from the same vantage point so readers can not only see the historic photo but also see what is at the historic site now. The captions included present historical material about the photo. Arcadia paid for the cost of the book so as the author, I have to buy copies from them. I do, however, get a special discount. The book retails for $21.99, but I will have a limited number of copies available for $14.00 which includes sales tax. You’ll be hearing more about it, but just wanted to alert you that it is coming. I think you’ll find it interesting.

Assorted

{{}} Thanks to Marian Cote for her unrelenting hunt for L. Guggenhime, the name painted on the old wall mentioned in the previous Historic Happenings. Marian is an avid genealogist and history detective, and she has been very helpful in the past on searches. Look out Mr. Guggenhime, Marian is on your trail.

{{}} Dallas Pattee has found another reference to a picnic at Mooney’s Grove. This time 1892—17 years before it became a park. It’s very interesting that the property owned by the Mooney family was a popular picnic ground long before it became a park. The article, dated June 1, 1892, from the Daily Morning Delta also ties to the St. Mary’s Catholic history project that is underway. It says, “The children of the Catholic Sunday School will have a picnic on next Monday, June 6th at Mooney’s grove. All the children and their parents are expected to attend.” The grove of oak trees was obviously very popular long before it became a park.

{{}} George Pope, who lives just outside of Visalia, is in love with carousels. In fact, he has one on his property that he restored. It’s a beautiful old carousel that once belonged to a traveling carnival on the west coast. George also reminded me that the old carousel that was once at Mooney Grove Park is restored and in the city of Hanford. Thanks for refreshing my memory on that, George.



"I am not one of those people who think because a man is a preacher he is necessarily a good man, or if a man is a gambler he is necessarily a bad man. I will go further, and say that I think a bad gambler is better than a bad preacher because a bad preacher pretends to be good and a bad gambler makes no pretences.” Daily Visalia Delta, January 10, 1906 – probably the words of Alonzo Melville Doty, philosopher and part owner of the Delta.

Click on any photo for a larger view.



Mysterious Sign Revealed – Billboard?

Some of you may remember the old barns along the road advertising “Chew Mail Pouch Tobacco”. Well, it seems Visalia has its own version of that billboard. No, it isn’t “mail pouch”, but instead “L. Guggenhime Dealer in Wagons, Farming Implements & Grain”. These words were discovered recently on a building wall that is believed to have been the old Pioneer Warehouse. When the building to the east was torn down on the northwest corner of Willis and School, the sign was revealed. Miles Shuper, a longtime reporter for the Valley Voice, wrote about it as did Lew Griswold, a veteran reporter for the Fresno Bee. The faded sign is somewhat mysterious because I have not found the name Guggenhime ever in Visalia history. My belief is that the wall was used as a billboard for the L. Guggenhime Co., perhaps out of San Francisco. A Historic Happenings (HH) subscriber, Brian Stone, who lives in San Francisco found the name L. Guggenhime in the 1890 San Francisco Directory at 1119 Post. Another subscriber, Patrick Barszcz, found that L. Guggenhime was a partner in a gold mine. But the mystery of the sign remains. Why was the ad in Visalia and why on this building? As always, any help would be appreciated.



Mooney Grove Park is 100 Years Old

In 1909, the Mooney family sold the land that is now Mooney Grove Park to the County of Tulare for a bargain price on the condition it would become and remain a park. It did and it has, and now this famous hangout is celebrating its centennial. Mila Magana, Tulare County Donations Coordinator, is working on a suitable event to celebrate. More information will follow on the centennial activity as it becomes available. One more thing: Recently I found a newspaper article from 1893 announcing a picnic at Mooney’s Grove, a full 16 years before it became a county park!



More Tunnels!!!!

Recently, a subscriber to HH asked for help. He indicated that he had looked “down the hatch” in the foyer of L. J. Williams Theatre some time back and there appeared to be doorway structures at both ends of the basement. He indicated that the doorways appeared to be filled with sand, dirt and debris, perhaps covering what may have been passageways or tunnels. He couldn’t see beyond the doorways, but is curious to know if there were passage ways or tunnels beyond those doorways. Is there anyone who might know about possible tunnels? As some of you know, the building that is now L. J. Williams Theatre was originally the Montgomery Auditorium and it was built in 1932. In 1972, the building was refurbished into the L. J. Williams. The site on which the theater sets has been part of a high school campus since 1910. Any information on these mysterious passageways would be appreciated.



Another Celebration –70 Years
in Recreation

John Bradley, Recreation Supervisor for the City of Visalia has informed me that the Parks & Recreation Dept is celebrating its 70th Anniversary. Starting in 1939, the department has operated under many names, but they have always been the lead agency providing recreation activities to the community. Their responsibility is broad, but the most visible part of their duties is the care of 42 parks and 249 acres of developed parkland. John is looking for any historical park photographs to add to the photo archives of the department. If you are willing to share, please contact him at 713-4585. More Parks and Recreation history can be found at http://www.ci.visalia.ca.us/civica/filebank/blobdload.asp?BlobID=6640




Assorted



{{}} It looks like the fundraising goal for the Robin Fountain at the Tulare County Library in Visalia has been reached. Now we just need to find a vendor who can install the pump/ filtration system. It is anticipated that there will be a re-dedication of this interesting piece of art in April, the date to be announced.

{{}} Ground has been broken and construction has begun for the new agricultural museum at Mooney Grove Park. Just south of the existing museum grounds, you can see dirt flying.

{{}} I have contacted the only known relative of Celia Miller in Arizona and am still waiting to hear from her family to see if it’s okay to publish the Miller story in Arizona. I’ll keep you posted.

{{}} A couple of weeks ago I heard from John Bianco, an HH subscriber, who said he happened to be watching TV and a commercial came on for “Carhill.” As he watched, the commercial flashed photographs of old time diners and one of them was Mearle’s Drive-In. The old 1940 drive-in may be idle now, but it continues to be symbolic of an earlier age. Thanks John, for the heads up.

Dogs—Our town is overrun with that most intolerable nuisance—a surplus of dog flesh. We are the friend of intelligent, respectable canines, but as for these “curs of low degree,” we are decidedly down on them, and hope that some philanthropic individual will devise a speedy and effectual plan to abbreviate their sojourn with us. September 7, 1862, Visalia Equal Rights Expositor

Please click on any photo for a larger view.

Now This is Strange!

In the last issue of Historic Happenings, I mentioned Hugh Garrison, the first Visalia police officer killed in the line of duty in 1946. Coincidentally, the day after I posted that story, a non-subscriber to HH, a total stranger to me, related a story about her brother and his connection to Hugh Garrison. It seems her younger brother had been working at the Visalia Theatre at Main and Garden streets in the late 1980s or early 1990s. One evening, while it was slow, he and another co-worker were playing with a Ouija Board and at the time neither one of them heard of Hugh Garrison or the decades earlier shootout that had happened just steps from the theater. As they worked the Ouija Board it kept spelling out the word “Hugh” and they could not understand why. It wasn’t until years later when they heard about the Hugh Garrison killing and only then connected the officer’s first name to the repeated Ouija Board message. Sounds like a “Twilight Zone” episode, doesn’t it?

Rawhide – A New Evolution for Visalia Baseball

Tom Seidler, President and General Manager of Visalia’s Rawhide professional baseball club. is very aware of the town’s love for baseball and its long history with the game. With that in mind, Tom and Donny Baarns, the team’s announcer, are pulling together information which ultimately will become part of a book on the history of organized baseball in Visalia. Not just professional baseball, but really a broader coverage of the national pastime as it was played in our town. Now here is what they would like from us. If we, or friends or relatives of ours, played professional baseball or any organized baseball in Visalia, they want to hear from us so they can capture the story. Photographs or memorabilia are bonuses, so please feel free to contact Tom and tell him your story about baseball. Now is your chance to be part of this project. (Attention Art B, I told Tom and Donny a little bit about you and your love for local, and they want to hear from you.) Tom can be reached at (559) 732-4433 or email him at tom@rawhidebaseball.com

Was it Suicide or Homicide?

I still don’t have the “green light” to tell the complete story of the life and death of one of Arizona’s native daughters named Celia. As I mentioned earlier, Celia still has living descendents in Arizona and they probably do not know of the kind of work that Celia was in (hint: sometimes called the world’s oldest profession) or how she came to her death. It was officially ruled a suicide, but there is some question about that and Dallas Pattee agrees her death is suspicious. But I have written the local part of Celia’s story and it will be published next month in the local Direct Magazine. If you don’t get the magazine for whatever reason, let me know and I’ll email you a copy of it. Celia’s story is very interesting one! By the way she is buried next to the notorious Visalia character “Si” Lovern in the Visalia Cemetery.

Power of Prayer Responsible?

In 1915 Solon Borglum’s sculpture called The Pioneer was in the Pan Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco. After the Expo was over, Tulare County requested to have the statue and in 1916, permission was granted and in that year it was placed in Mooney Grove Park where it stood until May 28, 1980. On that day the plaster of paris statue totally collapsed “probably because of the earthquake of that day.” Was the earthquake truly responsible for its demise? Recently, I was contacted by a “Christian” man who claimed credit for the devastation. His story is summarized as follows: He was working at Sprague Electric across Mooney Blvd. from The Pioneer statue. Sprague was going to have a company picnic near the statue and he was upset that the statue was being held in such high regard—almost idolic. Upset over this almost idol-like status, he fervently prayed that the statue would collapse and 2 days later on May 28, 1980 it did. You be the judge!



What a Pleasant Surprise and a Good Read!

Thanks to Bill Allen, I received a signed copy of a new book called From Arvin Migrant Camp to the American Dream written by Elizabeth Strickland published in 2008. In the book the author documented, with firsthand accounts 56 “Okies” that migrated to California during the Great Depression. The author herself worked the fields of California around Bakersfield and lived in a migrant farm labor camp. In her book, Tulare County migrants are included and one of the chapters deals with Tagus Ranch. But chapter 14 was especially enjoyable as it was devoted exclusively to the Beene family who ended up in Visalia. Tom, the baby of the family, was actually born in Visalia and worked in the fields with his family. Today, Tom Beene is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Visalia Community Bank. If you need help finding the book ($20.95), let me know, or you can email the author at rt66californiafields@yahoo.com

Assorted

{{}} As of Sunday, January 11th, Delora Buckman, of Visalia, will be President of the Tulare County Historical Society. She is part of the of a very prominent Tulare County family. If you know her or even if you don’t email her and wish her the best. Her email is dbuckman@sbcglobal.net

{{}} During the Depression of the 1930s, Mineral King Bowl was hand dug by WPA workers using horses and mule teams pulling Fresno Scrapers. Dozens of teams were used to dig the hole to create the bowl and Peggy Peterson tells us that her father, Allan Grant ,was one of those workers. That is some hole to be dug by hand!

{{}} Webb & Sons and the subcontractors staked out the new museum expansion site at Mooney Grove Park a few days ago. Obviously we’re getting closer to groundbreaking.

{{}} St. Mary’s Catholic Church is busy preparing for their big 150th birthday celebration coming up in 2011. The church started in 1861 is the oldest Catholic church in the southern San Joaquin Valley, and was a major institution in the pioneering years of Visalia and the southern San Joaquin Valley. Parishioners and others are compiling a history of the church and a history book will be the result. Sounds like Sheila Caskey Holder will be part of that team. Good addition there!

Visalia is one of the prettiest inland towns in the State. One of the four creeks passes within the limits of the town and lends it a charm not possessed by any other. Its banks are fringed with charming groups of ancient trees, and clusters of exotic plants intersected with the bright white homes of the people. An observation made by a reporter from the San Francisco “Alta” Newspaper in 1866.

Please click on any photo for a larger view.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Well, It’s Done and It's A Beauty!

Local author Bill Allen has provided the Tulare County Historical Society with the much anticipated reprint of the Michael Mooney book. This is a limited reprint, so if you missed the first printing in 2002, don’t miss this one. It has beautiful red leather hard covers with gold print, and is autographed. The books are available through the Tulare County Historical Society, and for HH subscribers, you’re welcome to make arrangements for pickup in Visalia. $24.95 for the reprint or $39.95 for both volumes 1 and 2, plus tax. If you want it shipped, we can do that too. Call for more information (559) 732-5829. Still a couple of days left before Christmas, so don’t miss this one.



Prominent Arizona Man Loses His Daughter to Suicide



Some time back I asked a friend in Arizona about a pioneer family that was prominent in his home state. The family had a wayward daughter named Celia who came to Visalia and associated with a less than desirable crowd. She ended up taking her own life and is buried at the Visalia Cemetery (1892). Her story is interesting and tragic and is one that has been circulating here for quite a while. But a new wrinkle has surfaced. Some of Celia’s descendents are still alive and live near the family’s homestead in Arizona and probably do not know the fate of their unfortunate young relative. And likely don’t know the Visalia connection. Celia’s death was apparently not reported in the Arizona newspapers probably because of the family embarrassment it would cause. I have been asked to write an article about Celia and the circumstances surrounding her death, but I’m waiting to hear from historians of that area to make sure it’s not going to be uncomfortable for the living descendents. Cecil’s father is pictured at the left. I will fill you in on the details when I can share them.


History Sells!

On December, 13, 2008, local history books were flying off the shelves at the Visalia Costco store. Six local authors gathered to talk with fans and sign their books. Lots of Christmas wishes will be satisfied as result of that day, I’m sure. Rarely does one get an opportunity to have such a gathering in one location. Thanks Costco and especially Jon Carlton for making this nice event possible. After witnessing the event, it’s pretty clear to me—history is popular and it sells. [Shown left to right are: Robin Roberts, John Bergman, Bill Secrest, Ron Hughart, Chris Brewer, Jay O'Connell]


Visalia’s First Officer Killed in the Line of Duty

On November 5, 1946, Visalia Police Sergeant Charles “Hugh” Garrison was shot and killed by a stolen vehicle suspect in the alley by the Garden Street Plaza. He was the first Visalia police officer killed in the line of duty and for a long time there has been talk about placing a permanent plaque in his honor near the site of the shooting. Interest is building to make it happen. Details are being worked out, so please stay tuned. Were you a witness to any part of the incident, or did you hear family stories about this tragic event? I’d like to hear from you.




Assorted

{{}} “Mystery Post” puzzle solved? David Miller, a Historic Happenings subscriber, believes the mystery post at Liberty and Main Street was probably a post that held a post office “collection box”. The metal box is gone; probably removed years ago. Thanks to David Miller, the mystery surrounding the post appears to be solved, and we appreciate his effort on this. One question I still have though, is why are there no more of these posts remaining? Well, Joseph, looks like the mystery is solved. Any more for us to work on?

{{}} In the last HH, I mentioned a group of local photographs that had surfaced. A couple depicted Gilmore Oil trucks at the CTC Battery Shop at 114 No. West Street. I shared these photos with the Gilmore Co. archivist in LA, and he was thrilled to add them to their collection. Gilmore oil and gas products were very popular here, and he sent a list of all the Gilmore stations in the area.

{{}} We are off and running! The new Tulare County agriculture and farm labor museum bid was awarded to Webb & Sons out of Porterville, so ground breaking cannot be far behind. Historical material is being sought from you and others that can help tell Tulare County’s agricultural story. If you have a family history in agriculture, we’d love to hear from you. Now is your chance to highlight your family and get them recognized in the museum.




There are a least twelve specimens of humanity in this town that have not done a day’s work in the past two years. It does not seem that it would be hard to convict them of vagrancy. Visalia Delta, February 28, 1892.

Please click on any photo for a larger view.

Robin Fountain—Gateway to the Restored Children’s Library

As reported in an earlier edition of Historic Happenings (HH), the Robin Fountain at the library is being restored. This important Carroll Barnes sculpture was dedicated to the “Children of Visalia” in 1944. It was a gift to the community by Grace Eichmann and over the years the fountain has fallen into disrepair. Fundraising for the $6,000 restoration project is more than 80% complete, thanks to the most recent generous donation by Visalia Heritage. Restoration is being done through the local non-profit organization called First Arts. The re-dedication of this important piece of history and local art is being planned for the spring of 2009. We still need to find a vendor that is capable of assembling the pump system for the fountain. The internal plumbing has been restored, but the pump/filtering system needs to be installed. We have some funds to do this last phase, but we need a vendor. Suggestions for this possible provider would be appreciated. Artist Aaron Collins is now working on restoring the marble sculpture and he has noted damage from negative chemical reactions over the last 64 years. Please check out the video clip.

A Reader Shares Her Memories

Janet Moffett, a subscriber to Historic Happenings, shared recent comments about the Robin Fountain and Carroll Barnes. Janet lived in Visalia in her early years and attended school here all the way through COS. She now lives in Fresno and has allowed me to quote part of her email: “Every time I’d walk up the sidewalk to the library and see the bird fountain, I’d remember the day I was with a group of children and adults gathered around the fountain for its dedication [1944]. Little did I know then that 10 years later I would be with the group meeting at the Three Rivers studio of the same sculptor, Carroll Barnes, and accompanying him as he chose the redwood log he would use to carve the COS Giant. As president of the class that initiated and co-sponsored the COS Giant project, I returned to Visalia that winter to unveil the sculpture. Ours was a wonderful time and Visalia a wonderful place to grow up.”

Janet, thanks for sharing this and we want you back for the re-dedication of the Robin Fountain.

The Valley Oak—An Outing is Being Planned

Visalia human history is not our only history. Our Valley Oak trees, Quercus lobata, the scientific name to be exact, are an important part of our past and an oak tree outing is being planned for the spring of 2009. In 2005 fifty-five people gathered for an oak tree bus tour and there was so much interest the trip sold out quickly. On the tour we visited a number of large oak trees including the largest Valley Oak known to exist. It was at the Country Club and a whopping 23’ in circumference and estimated to be over 250 years old. It still stands today. Alan George (Mr. Oak Tree), Sandy Newman and I will lead another oak tree outing in the spring of 2009. Details are yet to be worked out, but Alan and Sandy assure me that they have found an even bigger Valley Oak. The monster that they will reveal is just outside the Visalia City limits. Stay tuned as the 2009 Oak Tree extravaganza develops. Other surprises will surely be included.

History and Food—Recipe for Success

Erin Capuchino, the Marketing and Tourism Coordinator for the Visalia Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, is working on an interesting idea with a historic theme. She is developing a progressive historic dinner. No, she’s not talking about serving old food that has passed its expiration date, but instead is talking about serving dinner courses at historic buildings and restaurants in Visalia, maybe with transportation provided between eating spots. She has tentatively set the date for Saturday, March 7, 2009. She’s got lots of ideas and promises to share them with us when her plan is fully developed. Erin, if history is involved, you’ve got our attention.

Old Photographs Surface

Last week a native Visalian with deep family roots, contacted me and wanted to share some old Visalia photographs. I met with him, and his photos were some that I’ve never seen before. Of particular interest to me was the interior of the CTC Automotive Co. at 114 No. West Street. The building is gone and the site is now a bank parking lot. In this photo, a Willard Battery technician can be seen demonstrating how a battery completely frozen could still start a truck. Photo was taken about 1928 inside the automotive company. Rare photographs are still out there and occasionally do surface.

‘What’s the Buzz’ About Mearle’s?

Mearle’s is one of the buildings/businesses that put Visalia on the map. It has fallen on hard times and continues to attract attention and discussion. Even Fresno is joining in. See veteran reporter Mike Scott’s blog (CBS.47, Channel 47—On Your Side) from November 28th: http://community.cbs47.tv/blogs/mikeblog/archive/2008/11/28/3603834.aspx
Yesterday I talked with Tracy Robertshaw with the City of Visalia and she said that the owner of the building has been very cooperative with the city’s requests to clean up the property. Recently, the owner took the “auction” sign down, removed weeds, covered a hole in the roof and fixed the barrier cable around the property. Recently, the Ruby’s restaurant chain had been a serious candidate to take over the Mearle’s building, but I understand they have backed away. What Mearle’s needs is someone of the caliber of Mearle Heiztman, the namesake for this historic restaurant. Now, Mearle knew how to run a restaurant!

Assorted

{{}} I forgot to mention in the last HH, that the photo of the brick building in the 400 block of East Main Street came from Sandy Newman’s collection. She took it in 1996. By the way, Steve Peck of the Mangano Co. is looking for any old photos of the buildings in the 400 block of E. Main.

{{}} In December 1941, Joe Link opened a store bearing his name, and so this month the Link’s clothing store is celebrating a birthday. Family owned and operated all these years, this is quite an accomplishment. Congratulations, Tom and Bob!

{{}} The Visalia Community Bank historic calendar for 2009 is out. Great photos again this year and the contest brought out some never before published photographs. VCB deserves credit for providing such a nice gift to the community. Stop by, say hi and pick one up.

{{}} To set the historical record straight, Leslie Caviglia, Deputy City Manager, wants everyone to know that Chief Deputy City Clerk, Donjia Huffmon, actually found the 1857 map in the vault. Thanks Donjia for your keen and perceptive Indiana Jones-like discovery. Anything else of historic value there?

{{}} The “mystery post” is still a mystery. No credible explanations for the post came in—sorry Randy, your explanation won’t “fly,” so to speak. The story of the post has got to be out there so we need to continue working on it. We need a good detective on this one.

{{}} Bill Allen’s Mooney book is scheduled to be shipped the week of December 8th, so we’re hoping to have them the following week, just in time for Christmas. Price for the reprinted hardback book is $24.95 plus tax, but a special rate of $39.95 plus tax is being offered for both volume 1 and volume 2. If you need shipping information or to arrange for pickup at the Ommen’s house, contact Lari Ommen at larijean@comcast.net or call her at (559) 732-5829 for any questions. Proceeds go to the Tulare County Historical Society

{{}} Don’t forget the local author’s book signing event at Costco on December 13th. Scroll down to the previous HH for the details. It’s going to be a great event with displays and friendly author’s anxious to share their stories.



There is a tree in Tulare County so high that it takes two persons to see to its top. One person looks as far up the tree as he can, and the other begins where the first left off and looks to the top. Visalia Daily Morning Delta, March 4, 1896.