Click on any photo for a larger view

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.

Please click on any photo for a larger view.



Just in time for Christmas

A new historical railroad book is about to hit the stores, just in time for Christmas. Local train historian, John Bergman, has written The Southern San Joaquin Valley: A Railroad History. In it he outlines the history of the railroads between Bakersfield and Fresno and includes 250 photos. Visalia trains and railroads are included. John is offering a very good pre-publication price if you purchase before November 30, 2008. For questions or to purchase, contact John at JBergman@valleybusinessbank.net or at (559) 627-3291.


Speaking of books, there will be a local authors gathering at Costco coming up.
On Saturday, December 13, 2008 from 11:00am to 4:00pm at the Visalia Costco, the following authors will be present to sign and autograph their books:

John Bergman, The Southern San Joaquin Valley: A Railroad History
Chris Brewer, Official Historical Atlas Map of Tulare County
Ron Hughart, The Place Beyond the Dust Bowl
Jay O’Connell, Train Robber’s Daughter: The Melodramatic Life of Eva Evans
Robin Michael Roberts, Images of Hanford 1900-2000
William B. Secrest, Day of the Grizzly: The Tragic Story of the Mighty California Grizzly

Come by and pick up one or more of these books and get it autographed by the author—a great opportunity. A signed history book is always a great gift!



Historic Block in Escrow

Rumors have been flying about a pending sale for the last couple of weeks, and then the Valley Voice reported on it November 6, 2008. The 400 block of E. Main Street is now in escrow and the sale may happen as soon as January 2009. It is a historic block which at one time contained an old Chinese laundry, the California Hotel, Ramona Hotel, Automotive Parts Co., Dodge Brothers automobile dealership, Army Surplus, Wilson’s Cyclery, and Santa Fe Liquor to name just a few. The Mangano Co. is the buyer and according to Steve Peck, a company spokesman, the two-story brick building has severe structural problems. But when I talked to him about that, he indicated a more detailed inspection will be done. It’s certainly a historic area of Visalia and is one of the few remaining untouched brick structures in downtown. Most of them were removed in the 1960s and early 1970s as part of a revitalization effort. If you have any interesting anecdotes about any of the businesses that occupied that block or stories about the buildings themselves, please share them with us. As downtown moves east, I hope we can preserve the history of this historic block.



The Mystery Post—Need Help on This One

Visalia historian Joseph Vicenti recently passed along an interesting mystery. There is a concrete post embedded in the sidewalk near the curb on the northeast corner of E. Main Street and Liberty, directly across the street from the Uhl Tire Co. It stands a little over 4’ high and has “1948” stamped at the top. It must have served a purpose at one time, but what that was, no one seems to know. Joseph needs help on this one and it is a rather curious feature rising from the sidewalk. Drive by and take a look and if anyone knows something about this mystery post, please pass it on to us.

1936 Boy Scout Log Cabin Dedicated

On November 8, 2008, the Boy Scout cabin that stood on the south bank of Mill Creek near Sierra Vista School for many decades was given an official dedication at its new home in Mooney Grove Park. The restoration took close to a decade to complete, but it was worth the wait. Glen Drake, Jim Royall and Bob Ludekins deserve the lion’s share of the credit for this huge undertaking, however many were involved. It stands as a showcase for what can be done. The Boy Scouts have a right to be proud, Visalia does too. Thanks to Sandy Newman for this great event photograph.




New Agricultural Museum About to Get Underway

Bids are out and hopefully in a few short weeks ground will be broken for the new agricultural museum at Mooney Grove Park. Scheduled to be finished in 2009, the building will contain 10,000 square feet of useable feet, expandable to 17,000 square feet. It will house exhibits related to agriculture and farm labor history. The building will be built adjacent to the existing museum, but on the other side of Cameron Creek. It’s hard to imagine a more appropriate county for an ag museum than Tulare County. The project will cost over $3 million.




Assorted

{{}} The Grubstake Restaurant building on Walnut Ave just east of Mooney has been demolished and the materials hauled off.

{{}} I am told the much anticipated 2009 Visalia Community Bank historic photo calendar will be available to the public on about December 8th. Thanks to this civic minded organization for a great gift to the community.

{{}} The Annie R. Mitchell History Room at the Tulare County Library is open after about a 6-month remodel project. Come up – it’s bigger and better. Hours are 1:00-5:00pm Monday thru Thursday.



The man who took the stovepipe from the brick church is requested to bring it back. If not returned in a few days we will naturally conclude that he intends to steal it. Tulare Times, December 21, 1872.

REDISCOVERY OF OLD VISALIA MAP

Several weeks ago, Leslie Caviglia, Visalia Deputy City Manager, found an 1858 map of Visalia in storage. Endorsed by E. E. Calhoun, the Tulare County Clerk and Recorder at the time, the map is authentic and I believe it to be the first official Visalia street map. The town was 6 years old at the time it was made. How it has survived all these years is a mystery to me. Although faded, the detail on the map is amazing. Imagine Mill Creek being called Tiber and wide enough to have an island. Notice too, the hand drawn bridge over the Tiber at Bridge and Mill (now Main) streets. Efforts are underway to duplicate and preserve this wonderful piece of Visalia history. Good find Leslie.




REDEDICATION OF OLD VISALIA LIBRARY

On October 28, 2008, the 1936 Works Progress Administration (WPA) library building was rededicated. For many years the building was the pride and joy of the community, but for more than 3 decades it was relegated to storage facility status. It is again the pride and joy of the community! The dream of many was to see it restored and have it serve as a Children’s Library connected to the 1976 library building. Tulare County undertook the restoration project with substantial state funds and donations from individuals and groups alike. It was completed in 2008 and is an example of what a community can do when it is committed to keeping these classic old buildings. Visalia Heritage raised thousands of dollars to help make this project happen, and on their behalf Jane Nash was photographed as she made some appropriate remarks at the ribbon cutting ceremony.



GREELEY TOGNI RETURNS TO VISALIA

The Togni name has been in Visalia for over a century and up until the last year or so, the name has been part of Visalia’s business landscape since 1921. In that year, Charlie Togni and his brother-in-law Kenneth Branch began Togni Branch Stationary Store. In 1957 the partners sold the business to Charlie’s son Greeley, and in 1987 Greeley sold the stationary store to Pete and Dorothy Jungwirth. A couple of years ago, Greeley left Visalia due to health reasons and in 2007, the Togni Branch store closed its doors for good. It was sad to see the Togni name gone from Visalia after being a well known name for so many years here. Greeley passed away on October 22, 2008 in Folsom, California at the age of 86. Interment was at the Visalia Cemetery on October 30th.





DON’T MISS THE BOY SCOUT CABIN DEDICATION

In the 1930s, Visalia Boy Scouts built a log cabin clubhouse on the south bank of Mill Creek near Sierra Vista School. Over the years the old cabin fell into disrepair. Glen Drake, then an employee of the Visalia Unified School District, had a dream to bring it back to its glory days and he enlisted other scout “heavy hitters” to make it happen. The log cabin clubhouse was donated to the scouts and moved down Mooney Blvd. on July 27, 1999 to its new home in Mooney Grove Park. Local professional photographer and historian, Sandy Newman, snapped this once in a lifetime picture as the log cabin is trailored down Mooney Blvd.. On November 8, 2008 at 9:00am the restored log cabin will be dedicated at its new home. Come out and support the scouts and see a fine example of preserving the “old” for future generations to enjoy.






ASSORTED HAPPENINGS WORTH MENTIONING

///Did anyone else hear that Mondo is no longer at The Depot Restaurant? Hard to imagine The Depot without Mondo at the front door to greet you.

///Sounds like work is progressing on a plan to connect Visalia and Tulare using the old Santa Fe Railroad route. It’s being called the Santa Fe Trail and I understand it will be open to pedestrians and bicycle traffic and I also understand it will connect to Mooney Grove Park.

///The Visalia Masons recently conducted a Cornerstone dedication program for three Visalia schools – Manuel Hernandez, Annie Mitchell and Cottonwood Creek. Laying cornerstones has been a long tradition for the Masons and I hear they were decked out in full uniform and looked good!

///Regarding the Grubstake drive-in, Peter Cowper, tells us that in the 1960s it was called Ken and Fern’s Grubstake and Art Browning confirmed it. But the last operators of the Grubstake were Walt and Peggy Sanders. The building is still standing, but its days are numbered.


“Young man, be careful how you live. Avoid the unhallowed labyrinths of vice, where the pebbles of sin are polished and the diamond of youth is dimmed.” Visalia Morning Delta, March 27, 1898.

LATEST HISTORIC HAPPENINGS

A BIG BANG COMES TO MOONEY GROVE PARK

On October 11, 2008, the Tulare County Historical Society hosted a 38 vehicle caravan retracing the 1858 Butterfield Overland Stage route through Tulare County. The tour finished at the Tulare County Museum at Mooney Grove Park and ended with a bang! An anvil salute was demonstrated to our tour participants and it was the same type of salute that greeted the first stage that came through Visalia in 1858. It was a way for the old timers to celebrate something exciting and it was re-created for us thanks to Bill Bennett. The salute consisted of two 100 pound plus anvils stacked one on top of the other, with black powder in between them. The black power was ignited and the explosion that resulted was thundering as it launched the anvil on the top into the air. Thanks to the photography of Dallas Pattee who captured the moment, we see the results of the explosion. All who witnessed the anvil salute at historic Mooney Grove came away with a great appreciation for the power of black powder. Folks don’t try this at home!



WHO SAID HISTORY IS NOT EXCITING?

A couple of weeks ago I received a call from Visalia native Art Browning. He was very excited and told me he had been reading Jay O’Connell’s latest book Train Robber’s Daughter. As he read the part about the shootout in the 1890s at the Evans place near Houston Ave., he remembered as a young boy he found an old rusted 45-caliber pistol near his home also by Houston Ave. He wondered, “Could that old gun have been connected to Chris Evans or the lawmen hunting them down?” Hum, I wonder!




MORE ON FORT VISALIA

Susan and Rick Mangini were invited recently to attend a Visalia Heritage meeting and word has it there was lots of excitement in group about doing something in support of the re-creation of the fort. I haven’t heard anything recently about the Fort Visalia block . Anyone hear anything? What’s the status of the sale?




VISALIA FAIR MALL – GOTTSCHALKS' ESCALATOR

After reading in Historic Happenings some time back about the history of the Visalia Fair Mall, I received an email from Russ Dahler who shared that Visalia’s Gottschalks had the first and only escalator in Tulare County in 1964. He said a visit to it “was a must-do fieldtrip for Visalia Unified Schools.” at the time. Russ worked for Gottschalks at the time and remembers the excitement created around the escalator.


COURTHOUSE TOUR

Thanks to Supervisor Phil Cox, County Director of Tourism Eric Coyne, and TulareWorks Supervisor Marlene Cardoza, many of us had a nice guided tour of the old 1935 art deco courthouse building. It contained nice wood trim and features plus beautiful old art deco light fixtures. We all got to see the “secret” old tunnel access door, too. It was a great tour of this neat old solid building and all the tourists are appreciative of all who made it happen. Recently I received an email from David Weinstein who is a member of the Art Deco Society and he encouraged preservation of the old courthouse as he indicated Ernest Kump, the courthouse architect, was well known and that he was regarded as one of California’s most important architects.




MEARLE’S PARKING LOT IS PACKED

Recently I drove past the old Mearle’s Drive-In and it looked like the glory days at the old eatery. The parking lot was jammed with cars and it looked like they were open for business. But, unfortunately it was not open and was not serving great food. The cars parked in the parking lot were just occupying space, while the drivers were in class at COS. Other than the packed parking lot , not much else seems to be happening there. But the building seems to be aging rather quickly. How long can/should this go on??





MOONEY BOOK UPDATE

I received a couple of emails regarding the precise date that Bill Allen’s book on Michael Mooney will be re-printed and available for purchase. I contacted him recently and he indicated it looks like it will be available for purchase about November 15, 2008, just in time for Christmas. The Tulare County Historical Society will be offering it for sale and when it is available you will be notified in Historic Happenings.



GRUBSTAKE DRIVE-IN COMING DOWN


Recently, I drove by the old hamburger stand that was the Grubestake for many years. It looks like the old building is getting ready to be demolished. As you recall it was the hamburger stand on Walnut Ave, just east of Mooney Blvd. The building has been vacant for years, and according to reliable sources, it will be leveled and will be a bare lot until a master plan is developed for the sight. A lot of nostalgia there. Anyone know who last ran this fast food business there? I do.



Dakota Sioux tribal wisdom says that when you discover you are riding a dead horse, dismount.