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Thanks for visiting Historic Happenings! If you are not on the email list, 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. I will never share your email address with anyone without your permission.

Well, we have a new winner. Rich Manley was the first to identify the mystery spot as the Main St. side of the Fox Theatre. The big eye bolt and support rod is one of several that help hold the marquee overhang. It's not surprising that Rich would get it as he has spent countless hours at the old movie house donating his services. Congratulations Rich!

Okay, are you ready for the next one? Where is this plaque? Here are your clues:

            1. This plaque is mounted at ground level.

            2. The man mentioned here donated the land for the first fire house.

            3. The tree fell in 1988 and this marks the spot where it stood.        

            4. This plaque is near the location of the first fire department building.

Where is it and please be specific?  Good luck.

When the Big Birds Flew Into Visalia

Peter Cowper found these pictures among his mother's slide collection. She took these photographs probably in late 1977. Today it seems almost impossible that 100 plus passenger 737s landed at the Visalia airport. Mario Cifuentez, the currently Visalia airport manager, reminds

us that now Great Lakes flies Beechcraft 1900 twin turbo prop 19-passenger planes into the same airport. The future direction of commercial airline passenger service in and out of Visalia sure seems clear to me.

Century Old Concrete Artisans Signed Their Work

Okay, I'm weird, but there is just something interesting about craftsmen from an earlier time that were so proud of their work, they actually signed it. Quite some time ago I shared the "mark" of one of these craftsmen. His name is J. M. Nelson and he laid so many miles of concrete in Visalia that he became known as the "sidewalk man." His heyday was around 1910 and his office was at 700 N. Bridge Street. But this concrete master had a competitor named Kaspar Schlaich (pronounced Shli). He also poured sidewalk and curbing about the same time. Recently, Richard Zack found a signed piece of Kaspar's work in the west side curb between 807 and 815 So. Court. Very exciting! On one spot on the curb is etched the name Schlaich & Krey (obviously a partner and also a carpenter) and nearby is etched 1913 into the curb. Just think 100 year old curbing. Nice find Richard, and thanks for passing it along. If any of you ever see interesting old curb or sidewalk markings, please pass them along so I can share them. There are a couple of marked “Noble” sidewalks also I believe.

 

Green Acres Airport Forty Years Ago

We've talked about the nonexistent Green Acres Airport before, but I recently came across 3 aerial photographs of the airport and surrounding land. They show the airport (notice the name on the runway) for the years 1974-1979-1984. The one included here is the 1974 photo. For those unfamiliar with the airport, Tulare County historian Joe Doctor said it began as Hyde Field in about 1920. It was located just north of Goshen Avenue between No. Mooney and Demaree and to the west of the Visalia school bus yard. The site is directly across the road from the country club. In its later years it was used by crop dusters. It closed in about 1987. For about 15 years the site went through a cleanup process and the land or at least most of it is vacant today

The Bradley Building Lives On

The old Bradley Law Office at 115 So. Church Street is shown here in this 1948 photograph. It had served

as office space for 3 generations of Bradley lawyers. The building was built in about 1885, but before that the well known Brick Church once occupied the site. This church became the reason the street was named Church. This building is a nice example of the pioneer buildings of Visalia. By the way, Nathaniel O. Bradley, retired Tulare County Superior Court Judge, died on July 12, 2013, at the age of 94.

Snow-covered Sierra Right Next Door

HH follower Tony Cornet shared this photograph recently. It shows the 198 Freeway in Visalia looking east in about 1975. Tony credits Robert Speidel, one time editor of the Times Delta, for the photograph. Boy, we could have all benefited from this picture a few days ago when were sweltering 100 degree plus temperatures. Amazing view! Wish we could see it more often. Thanks Tony for sharing it.

***Mark your calendars for the dedication of the Pacific House plaque (northwest corner of Church and Oak) on August 23^rd at 10:00am as part of the City of Visalia's Historic Recognition Program. The public is invited and you'll learn more about this Visalia landmark in a future article in the Visalia Times Delta. This old building is also set to be identified as a "This Place Matters" site by the Kaweah Kollectors.

*** Courtney Creveston is very observant. In the last HH posting I included a rare photograph of several old Visalia buses lined up in front of Visalia High . If you look closely, as Courtney did, you will notice that someone misspelled Visalia on the side of bus #3, spelling it Visailia. How that could that happen is anyone’s guess. There must be a story there. Good observation Courtney.

***Great news! The local history calendar started by Visalia Community Bank over a decade ago is going to continue with Central Valley Community Bank. They will be asking for photographs from the public, so watch for the announcement in the newspaper. The tradition continues. 

Immigration is coming into our Valley rapidly, no less than thirty families have taken up their abode with us within the last month. If they come here to work and help develop our country, they are heartily welcome. If they come hoping to live without work, they will find it as good a place to starve in as any, excepting that on account of the generous character of our soil and society they will linger a little longer in their misery.  Visalia Weekly Delta, October 18, 1865

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Thanks for visiting Historic Happenings! If you are not on the email list, 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. I will never share your email address with anyone without your permission.

This one was tough, but not for Roy Dressel. He was the first to correctly identify the interesting arched double door behind the old Albert's Studio (now behind Marcela's on Main Street.) Roy worked at Albert's for 6 years and recognized the double doors immediately. Congratulations, Roy. There has  got to be a good story regarding this brick building with the great old wooden doors.

Now for the new mystery spot. What building has this interesting eye-bolt and tension rod? Here are your

clues

            1. The building originally cost $225,000 to build.

            2. It was once part of a famous business chain.

            3. The building was finished the same year Edna Ferber's Cimarron become a bestseller.  

            4. The building has frontage on a street whose name means Holly Oak.

What building is this?  Good luck.

Visalia High Buses

Now this is a rare beauty! Lynn Davidian shared this great picture from her father's photograph collection. Charles Davidian is her father and he lived in rural Visalia. He took the bus into town with other country kids to attend Visalia High School. Charles who was 16 years old when this was taken in 1921, can be seen in front of the second bus from the left. You'll see a little blue pencil arrow pointing at him beneath his feet. The photo was taken in front of Visalia High School (now Redwood.) As an adult Charles became a fruit inspector for the railroad. He eventually settled in Alameda, California. Lynn remembers his stories about the perilous bus trips on bad roads especially during heavy rain. Lynn, thanks for sharing this wonderful old photograph.

A Rare Old Visalia Bottle

A friend of Pete Cowper sent him this image of a beautiful Visalia Soda Works bottle. I have only seen this bottle in pictures, never in person. Many newer Visalia Soda Works bottles can be found, but not this old one. This is rare! Sure would be nice to learn some of the history of this company. Anyone have this bottle? Anyone know anything about this company? Thanks Pete.

Song Leaders – Visalia High - 1953

Barbara Hinds Joseph shared this great photograph. It shows the 1953 Visalia High School song leaders. She said that the girls did not have fancy uniforms but instead made their "jumpers" from maroon corduroy material. The group members are identified as:  top row L-R: Carol Powell, Harlean Mathewson, Judy Williams and Gladwyn Fryer; bottom row L-R: Nada Henderson, Marilyn Winters, Joanne Kelly, Barbara Hinds. Thanks Barbara for sharing this one.

Looking for a Connection

Rosemary Dority, now Rosi Isbell Hendrickson, lives in Washington State but grew up in Visalia. She is anxious to get in contact with other former Visalians that now live in Washington. She has asked me to share her email and she wants to hear from all you expats. Rosi’s email is the pianobench@whidbey.com

Wilson's Ramblers – An Early Motorcycle Club

This is not a newly discovered photograph but it is a great one anyway. It has been circulated some, but it needs another exposure. It is, of course, a photo of the 1938 Wilson's Rambler Motorcycle Club. Members are wearing their fancy duds and Chief of Police Jim Fluty is in uniform on the right and on the far right is Visalia Mayor J. Pierce Gannon. I believe this photo was taken in front of the building that still stands at 115 N. West Street—one of the sites of Wilson's Cyclery. I do have identification on most of the members here, so if that is important to you please contact me and I'd be happy to share that. 

***For those interested in the story of the Harrell Building (southeast corner of Court and Main) check it out online in the June, 2013 issue of Lifestyle Magazine The story begins on page 40. To read it click here: http://issuu.com/lifestylemagazine/docs/lifestyle_june_web

***Our area was called Four Creeks Country before European settlement. Stan Bennett asked for the names of the creeks that made up Four Creeks County. Well, the answer is, it depends on who you ask. The 4 creeks could be: Outside, Deep, Cameron, Packwood, Dry, St. Johns, Elbow or Mill. Take your pick. Jury is still out on this one. Sorry I can't be more precise, Stan.

***Tamara asked about the cute group of little houses at 704-708 W. Main Street called Grey Gables Court. All that I know is what I read in the Visalia Heritage book. They were built around 1923 by Otie Stevenson. Anyone know more?

***One more thing. You may have noticed a new look for Historic Happenings. My daughter Lyndsay made this beautiful change and she made it just in time for the 5 year anniversary of HH. Yep, this blog has been around that long and I thank all of you for staying with it. And Lyn, thanks for helping your dad keep up with the times. Your help and patience is always appreciated.

Town Organization—At last, after running the machine five or six years without a legal head, we have one. We are now a town defacto as well as dejure. We are glad of this arrangement for many reasons, but principally that we'll have food for editorial ammunition. City fathers are always legitimate targets to practice upon in the absence of better sport.  Visalia Delta, May 26, 1864

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Thanks for visiting Historic Happenings! If you are not on the email list, 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. I will never share your email address with anyone without your permission.

Congratulations Joseph Vicenti for being the first to correctly identify the last mystery spots as one of the cute little cottages known as Grey Gables Court at 704 W. Main Street. Nice work, Joseph and quick too!

Now for the new mystery spot.  I am now moving to an alley location to test your knowledge of the interesting backs of our buildings. 

Here are the clues on this building:

            1. The brick arch with large double door is an unusual feature of this building, and may be the only   one of its kind in Visalia.

            2. This  building is across the street from the old Mt. Whitney Power Co. building that still stands.

            3. It  currently houses home furnishings.       

            4. At one time the building was a very close neighbor to Luke Bianco's grocery store.

Where is this building? Good luck.

The Man Behind the Flowers

In the last issue of HH, I highlighted the Peter Perkins Flower shop that first opened in Visalia in 1914. I received a couple leads on more information about the man whose name is still associated with the business. (Well close, at least. Now it is spelled Perkens with an "e" not an "i".) Charles Loffland shared this newspaper photo and the obituary on this interesting man. According to a notation on the clipping, Peter died February 15, 1958 at the age of 64. Thanks Charles for your help on this.

Visalia Vapor Trailers—A Plaque that Continues to Make Visalia Famous

In the last two postings of HH, I have talked some about the Visalia Vapor Trailers, a hotrod club that was started in 1949. I asked if anyone had a club plaque. I heard from Tom Runyon, current president of the club and he showed me his sand-cast aluminum plaque.  Thank you Tom for sharing that. If you see one of these in a back window or on a bumper of a car, you know you are looking at a VVT member.

Valley Voice—It's Coming Back!

Remember this shocker? December 22, 2011 was the last published issue of the Valley Voice. For over 30 years, the Voice offered Visalia and the broader Tulare County area another news source, then on December 22, 2011, it suddenly stopped. Well, on Thursday, June 6^th the Valley Voice will return. Yes, Catherine Doe and her husband Joseph have taken it over and the first issue promises to be a good one. The Valley Voice office is in the Montgomery Square building on Main Street. There will be various rack locations for the paper throughout Visalia and hopefully beyond.  Best of luck Catherine and Joseph. The return issue is sure to be a keepsake, so make sure you get yours!

Taylors — Another Visalia Landmark

Taylor's Hot Dog Stand is a Visalia favorite and has a following even beyond local patrons. Established in Visalia in 1952 by Pauline "Ma" and Jimmy Taylor, and Jimmy's brother Kelly, the local landmark eatery moved from its original site next door to the O'Dell-Mor Apartments building to its new site across the street in 1984 (where it is now.) The Taylor’s Grandson Matt runs it now. Russ Dahler shot this pre-1984 photograph of the old building in all its glorious color. Thanks Russ.

Matt Kneeland Shares Family Photographs

Recently Matt Kneeland shared some pictures from his family’s album. Included here is a sample of the pictures. The first is a view southbound on Mooney Blvd.  at Freeway 198. Looks like freeway construction and

widening of Mooney Blvd. Note the drive-in on the left in the foreground—that is the building that we call Mearles. On the right is the COS campus. On the far right you can see part of the Motel Harlan sign. This photo appears  to have been taken around 1950. The second picture is of the Girls Athletic Association taken on the Mt. Whitney Campus in 1954. Nice letter sweaters! Thanks Matt for the great pictures. By the way, Matt believes most of the collection was taken by his grandfather, Dale Wooten.

***I just wrote a story for Lifestyle Magazine about Visalia's old Sweet building, the Link Brothers and some ghost sightings. Yes, I said ghosts! Check it out at    http://issuu.com/lifestylemagazine/docs/lifestyle_may_web. The article with photographs starts on page 20.

***The mystery of the old Visalia theater sign is still waiting to be solved, however, George Pilling who was one of the construction workers turning it into the Enchanted Playhouse, said that they did not replace the sign that was on the building during that transformation.

***The hanging tree mystery is also still waiting to be solved.

***Recently I received an inquiry from Kathi Hipwell Hash. She is trying to find 2 family related pictures—one of Hash's market (on Giddings across from the Rawhide ballpark) and the second is Hipwell's Grocery. She believes Hipwell's was on Bridge Street. Can anyone help with these two photographs? We talked about Hash's some time back, but no photographs were found. Let me know.

***In the last HH I showed a photograph of a youngster’s band. Several of you, including Art Browning, Jim Drath and Rita Loffland Cooley identified the director of the band as a man named McCord. Thanks for that.

***I received a delightful email from Kay (Kathryn Kottmeier) Fleming and she shared some wonderful memories including a mention of a Visalia hangout called the "BBQ" located on Main at Willis, I believe. She had great memories of this drive-in. Anyone have any pictures? Thanks Kay for staying in touch.

A Visalia traveler related this to a newspaperman, "A number of immigrant families from Arkansas have lately settled near Visalia. They are the bone and sinew which one day will make this valley the garden spot of the lower country. Several families from Los Angeles are also among the settlers upon the banks of the Four Creeks. Game is very abundant, and easily obtained. Grizzly bears make frequent visits to the tule swamps, where they are easily trapped." Sacramento Daily Union, November 20, 1856

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Thanks for visiting Historic Happenings! If you are not on the email list, 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. I will never share your email address with anyone without your permission.

Nice work Jaime! Jaime Hitchcock was the first person to correctly identify the mystery spot as the old Boy Scout building now housing Ameriprise at 221 No. Encina (Oak and Encina.) The glass blocks were the obvious giveaway and are clearly a unique feature of this building. The majority of you that correctly identified it remembered the building as the Visalia Boy Scout office of some years ago.

Now for the next mystery spot. Here are your clues:

            1. This building seems out of place in the downtown area.

            2. It dates back to about 1923.

            3. There are more than one of these in Visalia.

            4. It is located near the street that was named for the family of the builder.

Where is this building? Good luck.

I received this information from Bill Adair. Roeben Road or Street as it is called now is named for William "Bill" Roeben. He was born in Germany and settled in Texas. He married Antonia Vogelsang and the couple moved to Visalia in 1903 and farmed west of town.

Visalia Theater Sign in Pizza Parlor

Patrick Barszcz recently sent me this picture. He saw it on display at the Planing Mill Pizza Shop at 514 E. Main Street and apparently the sign came from the old Visalia Theater which opened in 1949. Is this the old original theater sign? Maybe a replica was put up when the Enchanted

Playhouse took over? Anyone know the story of the sign switch?

Visalia Recreation Band Photograph Appears

Recently I was presented with this photograph. As you can see printed above the band members is Visalia Recreation Band. The band members and band director are unnamed. Surely this circa 1955 photograph has recognizable people. Can anyone help?

No Wilting of Peter Perkins' Flowers

Several of you recently mentioned to me Peter Perkins Flower Shop. First of all Peter Perkins was an actual man. He opened his flower shop at 116 No. Court Street on October 17, 1914. The business is still operating in Visalia, although it has changed locations several times over the years and has a different owner. Next year Peter Perkins flowers will celebrate its 100th year in business. Quite an accomplishment! The first photo shows a Peter Perkins advertising display at the 1920 Visalia Fair. The second one shows the flower shop when it was located at Floral and Willow streets. I would love to hear some Peter Perkins Flower stories. Anyone know anything about Peter Perkins himself?

Interesting Old Court Street Photograph

Recently I received a photograph, circa 1900, that shows Court Street with a view looking south near Oak. On the immediate right you can see the Templar's Hall building (balcony posts) with the Palace Hotel annex on the left in the foreground. Next to it is the actual Palace Hotel. The Harrell Building can be seen behind the Palace Hotel. On the right is the City Stable and the Visalia Times newspaper office. The man in the foreground looking back is unidentified. This photographic view is pretty rare. The second image is a current view from the same vantage point.

***I recently wrote a story about downtown Visalia which included Ken Schelling, an important personality in downtown history. Ken's insight into downtown is remarkable and very interesting. You can read the article in the April 2013 Lifestyle Magazine. It's a beautiful magazine and can also be found online  at  http://issuu.com/lifestylemagazine/docs/ls1304  The article is on page 40.

*** Regarding Robbin's Music store. Many of you remembered Robbins but remembered it at 300 So. Locust Street. Apparently it started on Main and later moved to Locust.

***I received this inquiry recently from a person who shared the following: "My family settled in the Visalia/Hanford area in the 1920s. My grandfather James Sweeney is in the biographical history. My grandfather Dilbeck worked in the Dodge garage on Main. I am trying to find the early Swedish owned bakery in Visalia It was owned and run by a Swedish family but I can't find early history including businesses. Bothof's website doesn't include history so not sure if that would be it." Can anyone help this person?

***Chad Holman also had an inquiry and asked about a so-called Visalia "hanging tree." According to the story he heard, the tree was used to "lynch" African Americans when Visalia had an active Ku Klux Klan. Anyone have any information about this hanging tree?

***J. C. Hickman, retired reporter and editor of the Visalia Times Delta inquired about the brass or bronze plaque that had been on the L. J. Williams Theater identifying the building as the original Montgomery Auditorium. I mentioned to him that I had seen the plaque several years ago, but he asked me to check to see if it was still there. I did, and found that the L. J. Williams Theater no longer had the plaque. I asked a school employee about it and they said it had been stolen several years ago, apparently a victim of metal thievery.

***In the last HH I mentioned the Visalia Vapor Trailers and indicated I heard that a history was being written about the organization. Anyone have a good "sand cast" aluminum window plaque? I'd love to share it with the rest of the HH readers. I am certain some still exists.

***Joseph Vicenti asked if anyone knew where the huge old Hyde Ranch Dairy milk bottle went after the dairy disappeared. The bottle weighed just over 1 ton!

***Visalia Heritage, Inc. wants everyone to visit their new blogsite and sign up for periodic postings. It sure looks nice. Check it out at www.visaliaheritage.blogspot.com

***I'm glad several of you were able to identify relatives in the old track photo that was in last HH. Always fun to see recognizable faces in old photographs.

“The plan of giving nickel dances will be followed at the Steuben hall hereafter on Saturday nights. That each dance will cost the gentlemen a 5-cent piece, and he can dance but once or as often as he pleases, provided he has a sufficient number of 'five centses.' This plan has been followed with much success elsewhere.” Visalia Morning Delta, April 7, 1909