Monthly news & updates

January 1, 2023

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

A Message from the President

Friends, Members and Supporters of the Fresno County Historical Society,

Welcome to the New Year! Hopefully this day of recovery and resolutions has started cheerfully for you and yours. Something that has become a bit of tradition here in The Grapevine is for us to look back at the headlines a century ago. So often the topics have not changed all that much but this always provides context and even a wry grin when learning what was on the minds of our families 100 years to the day.

The first trainload of logs for the giant four-band sawmill of the Sugar Pine Lumber Company in Pinedale waits aboard the cars of the Minarets & Western Railroad. Although Sugar Pine Lumber only operated from 1923 to 1932, the company was one of very few logging operations ever to use all-electric equipment in the woods. Note the still recognizable water tower – July 12, 1923. Courtesy of the Pop Laval Foundation.

On January 1, 1923, headlines from the fledgling newspaper, The Fresno Bee, offered this commentary:

“Outlook for 1923 Held Bright, Prosperity Ahead”

“Today, the first of 1923, has dawned brightly, indicating healthy business conditions, continued prosperity and relief from the period of depression, according to Fresno residents in various walks of life.

“While they see no general need for engaging in wild orgies of spending, as in the year previous to the entry of the United States in the World War, the majority of the community leaders are confident of steady progress and increased banking accounts with considerable amounts of capital being diverted to industrial channels.

“Here are some views of what the year promises:

“H.E. Patterson, manager Fresno County Chamber of Commerce:

“Prosperity prospects for Fresno and the county during the year are exceedingly bright due to the large building operations, the organization of the olive growers, the indicated westward movement from the East of thousands of persons this Summer and the favorable market conditions.

“H. Levy, President Fresno Realty Board:

“The population in the city and county is on the increase, which means greater prosperity during the year for the merchants. The fact that there are few merchants. The fact that there are few building vacancies indicates that the realty market is keeping up strong.

“W. O. Miles, President Union National Bank:

“The prospects for the year are bright, but the people should be careful what they do. There is still another fairly lean year to go through. However, there is nothing to be afraid of, but this year is no occasion for undue celebrating and spending.”

 “Conditions Better”

“Wylie M. Giffen, President Sun-Maid Raisin Growers

“General business conditions throughout the country are much better than at any time since the break, two years ago. Unemployment has decreased, nearly all lines of business are on the upgrade, and conditions are favorable to greater prosperity as the new year opens, for this reason, market conditions in the raisin industry should be much better.

Trolley stop along Van Ness Boulevard with the newly

constructed DeVaux home visible to the right - March 7, 1923.

“W. H. Petersen, president Fresno Traffic Association

“The recent decision of the interstate commerce commission, denying the application of the railroads to abolish terminal rates to interior Pacific Coast points is of such vast importance to the industrial and commercial growth of Fresno that it is difficult at first to grasp the benefits which we will derive from this decision.

“Transcontinental tariffs are now being modified, which will reduce many of our rates from Eastern territory, and which will naturally be reflected in reducing the cost of our merchandise, and this will mean lower costs to the consuming public.”  

“Proud of Record”

“The achievements of the Fresno Traffic Association since its formation, twelve years ago, are a record of which Fresno may justly proud, and the outlook for the year 1923 for a bigger and greater industrial and commercial growth is, indeed, promising. However, we need the support of every Fresno business house to insure for the city conditions that will guarantee continued expansion and prosperity.

“C. C. Jarman, President Fresno Building Trades Council:

“The building activities in the city gives the prosperity prospects for 1923 a ruddy complexion, which will probably eclipse all former years.

Fresno’s evolving skyline in 1923. How many buildings do you recognize?

Panoramic photo taken by Pop Laval, courtesy of the Pop Laval Foundation

In other news, petticoats were on special for $1.00 at Radin-Kamp Department Store. Four-piece bedroom sets cost $95.00, men’s suits ran $14.64, and boys’ cord knickers would set you back $1.65. At the Strand Theatre, Tom Mix was starring in Just Tony, The Pirate King was at the Hippodrome and Alexandre Dumas’ “Immortal Tale of Love, Adventure and Revenge” The Count of Monte Cristo was playing at the Kinema.

The Hotel Fresno wished all its old-time patrons and new patrons “A Wonderful 1923” and hosted a New Year’s Day dinner at 6PM. Budd & Quinn ran an ad that stated “May You Start the New Year With a Shade, The Best of It – And Hold It is the wish of Budd & Quinn who get their Bread and Butter and fun in advocating and selling ‘Better Tillage Methods and Tools’” whatever that actually meant.

Hotel Californian under construction, July 3, 1923. Photo courtesy of the Pop Laval Foundation.

This year will be the centennial of this landmark building.

Nationally and internationally, Leon Trotsky “Raps American ‘Gold Seekers’” and claimed, “Punishment Revenge Await U.S. Says Russian.” Secretary of Commerce Herbert Hoover dubbed 1922 a success and proclaimed the “War Slump was Leaving” and interestingly, “Agriculture Now Sole Lagging Industry In America.”

“The story of 1922 is one of world economic progress and the prospects are favorable for 1923, Secretary of Commerce Hoover declared in a statement tonight in which he reviewed the past and hazarded a forecast of the future year. His statement compiled from reports of special investigators in all parts of the earth, expressed complete confidence concerning the remolding of the delicate economic machine, so badly wrecked by the World war.

“‘The world begins the year with great economic strength than a year ago; production and trade are up on a larger and more substantial basis, with the single exception of the sore spot of central Europe. The healing force of business and commerce has gained substantial ascendancy over destructive political and social forces…Outside of three or four states in central Europe, the whole world had shaken itself free from the great after the war slump.’”

From other headline stories, it was abundantly clear that the remnants of WWI were still affecting many nations even four-plus years after Armistice Day.

Here in our state, the lead was about who would be the next president of the University of California and what to do about perpetual water and fig issues.

It seems to me that the Covid-19 pandemic is our version of the post-World War/Spanish Flu hangover that lingered over the beginning of 1923. All in all, the outlook seemed to be sunny skies ahead although, in hindsight, we know within the decade of the ‘20s, storm clouds would invade the entire globe in economic desperation and despair.

And now you know the “way it was” a century ago. May your personal 2023 bring joy, health and economic stability to all.

With warmest wishes,

Elizabeth Laval

President, Fresno County Historical Society

CHRISTMAS AT KEARNEY EXTENDED

THROUGH JANUARY 7th

During the holiday season, Kearney Mansion was once again decorated for our annual Christmas at Kearney holiday display. Our Timeless Toys theme was brought to life by local decorators and designers as each shared their interpretation of a classic and beloved toy on their tree.

Eager families made their way to the Mansion for the highly-anticipated winter wonderland that included 13 Christmas trees with toys that have been around for over 50 years! Early in the month, on the 3rd and 4th, Santa came to the Mansion with over 200 guests that enjoyed crafts, hot cocoa, and a tour. To continue the cheer, the annual Holiday Tea Party took place on December 10th. We were delighted to see many familiar faces sporting an array of lovely festive wear and matching outfits among siblings and mother-daughter duos.

It is always a pleasure for us to welcome returning and new individuals to the Kearney Mansion Museum. Kipp Cox, who visited us on December 16th, had lived on the Kearney Ranch from 1955 to 1963. Mr. Cox’s wife, Lisa Cox, had been a docent 25 years ago at the Mansion and fondly recalled her time here as well. They appreciated the Timeless Toys theme and the dedication that went into each tree by our talented decorators. Speaking of trees, during the Santa weekend, the Monopoly tree and Lego tree had been neck in neck for being the most favored overall by our guests.

If you missed this year's display, you will have one more weekend to see it as we have extended the exhibit through January 7th due to popular demand. Book your tour today for this Friday or Saturday.

Book Mansion Tour

MARK YOUR CALENDARS:

TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR ANNUAL GALA EVENT

Put on your dancing shoes and take a trip to the 1940s with the Fresno County Historical Society as we celebrate

a decade full of hope, opportunity and grit at our Stars, Stripes & Swing Gala event.

It is 1945. WWII has been raging for six years. America has joined the fight and the end of the war is in sight. Rosie the Riveter and her sisters have been hard at work building airplanes for our fighting men and everyone has pulled together to support the troops. War Bonds are big and every household keeps their ration book at the ready. It is time to cut loose, celebrate and thank the boys for their service with a great party.

The USO has organized a night like no other on Friday, March 24, 2023 at Chandler Airfield and you are invited! Dinner, dancing, games, live entertainment and more.

TICKETS & INFORMATION

The Fresno County Historical Society’s Fields of Fresno Ag Tour is…

“Fun and informative.”  

“It’s unreal.”                                

“Absolutely amazing.”

“A ‘stay-cation.’”

Our next tour will feature the Blossom Trail on Saturday, February 25th, 2023 from 8:15AM – 1:15PM.

All Ag tours follow a different guided itinerary and include your seats on the motor coach bus, lunch and wine tasting. All Ag tours will be on a Saturday, from 8:15 am – 1:15 pm on these scheduled days: February 25th, April 29th, July 29th, August 26th, October 7th, and November 18th.

NEW for 2023 – The day before each Ag tour, the Kearney Mansion will be open for an Ag Tour Mixer with wine, a Mansion Tour and warm welcome. Out-of-town visitors should stay tuned for hotel recommendations if planning an overnight Friday stay in preparation for the Saturday Ag tours. More details to follow.

TICKETS

JANUARY ARCHIVES SPOTLIGHT

By Cami Cipolla

Hello Friends of the Archives

As we say goodbye to 2022 and hello to 2023, we are reminded here at FCHS that we are turning 104 this year! To celebrate, our Gala theme this year will be Stars, Stripes & Swing- a 1940's USO themed celebration at Chandler Airfield. In preparation for this event, I dove into the Archives to see what I could find relative to this theme, and found some amazing stories, images and ephemera. One item stood out to me as something to share with you: a booklet entitled A Camera Trip Through Hammer Field.

Hammer Field was established as an Army Air Corps airfield in June of 1941, named in honor of Lieutenant Earl M. Hammer, California's first Air Corpsman to be killed in action during World War I. Hammer Field was a base that specialized in night fighters and the training of new pilots. The facilities included an Army Air Corps regional hospital, three sub-bases, two gunnery ranges, a Chapel, sports fields, swimming pools, a school and a fire station. After World War II, the base was decommissioned and returned to civilian control to become Fresno Air Terminal.

A Camera Trip Through Hammer Field is a 32-page booklet that was distributed to show what life at Hammer Field was like, depicting images of the facilities, the soldiers and various activities.

L. Murray Grant was assigned to Camp Pinedale, a subsidiary of Hammer Field in 1943. He wrote letters home continuously describing his experiences during WWII. Many of these were donated to FCHS and are housed in our Archives for research and education.

Known as the Fighting Forsblad Brothers, Leland and Richard Forsblad were both decorated WWII pilots from Kingsburg. The family collected the newspaper clippings pertaining to their military exploits during the war. Along with family photos, their collection was also donated to us and has aided in Valley WWII curriculum for Fresno Unified School District.

Both Robert Flynn and Richard Poulson were fallen heroes during the war. Flynn was a pilot from Delano whose family kept a detailed scrapbook of his military career and accomplishments. After his plane was shot down overseas, Flynn was declared missing in action. Poulson was a celebrated Second Lieutenant who participated in many air raids over Japan. Poulsen married Florence Ward while stationed in Roswell. Once he deployed, she moved to Fresno to live with his parents. After Poulsen’s plane was shot down, Florence, along with Richard’s parents, accepted an air medal in his honor at Hammer Field.

Marion Bigelow took leave from her professorship at Fresno State College to serve in the Club Program of the American Red Cross. Marion’s scrapbook is full of images, letters and ephemera from her years in the Red Cross; she was stationed around the South Pacific, including New Zealand, the Russell Islands and New Caledonia. Once home after the war, Marion returned to Fresno State College’s Physical Education department.

Because of donated items like these, we learn about our Valley heritage and are able to facilitate learning experiences for our community. We revisit our heritage through the stories and memories of generations past. Do you keep a journal or a scrapbook?

ROOTS OF THE VALLEY: Fresno Flood - 1884

While we usually are talking about a LACK of sufficient rainfall in our region, this week promises to bring an unusual amount of precipitation that is not always welcome in such large amounts at one time.

This is not a new phenomenon for Fresno. We have previously visited the flood of 1938; now let's take a look back even further at some of the most memorable and damaging flood events in our county’s history.

Before dams were constructed in the foothills and Sierra Nevada mountains, Fresno County was threatened by floods from the unchecked San Joaquin and Kings rivers every winter. The City of Fresno was located in the sink of four creeks. Dry Creek ran just to the north of town, Red Banks and Dog Creek merged in the flat lands to the east and Fancher Creek ran nearby with the center of Fresno as the confluent point.

Two of the worst years, 1867-1868, just after Fresno County was born in 1856, saw the villages of Scottsburg and Millerton attacked viciously by waters which washed vast, tangled piles of timber downstream. Scottsburg was so blighted that it had to be rebuilt on higher ground and was renamed Centerville.

On February 16, 1884, flood waters covered every street in Fresno. All basements and ground floors were inundated. The only means of transportation within the city was by boat. Because these climate events generally occurred with little warning, the residents of Fresno were caught completely off-guard. Sadly, the only thing that kept the water from drowning most of the business section was cutting through the RR embankment and letting the water flood onto the other side of the tracks, where the immigrant communities lived.

People were used to being independent and took care of themselves and their neighbors and the townsfolk helped each other.

The following are excerpts from the Fresno Expositor newspaper about the catastrophic event dated February 20, 1884…

“Sunday about noon word was bruited about town that a flood of water was coming which would probably envelope the greater part of town. By the time our reporter reached Kern street the flood had already begun to pour into the easterly limit of town. A survey of the field made it apparent to all that some means must be found to convey the water through town or the main portion of it would soon be flooded.

“A levee was thrown up commencing at the intersection of J and Kern street to the alley between J and I streets, and then diagonally across the vacant lots to I street, and from thence to H street, and opening was cut though I street and this permitted the surging waters to pass on to the railroad reservation.

“By this course, the major part of the business portion of town was saved from the waters flowing in from the east, but it was done at a sacrifice to those located south and west of Tulare and I street. Thos. E. Hughes and Sons had a heavy force of men building levies to protect their stable from the flood, and succeeded for a time, but about ten o’clock the water began flowing down Kern street and made its way through the stable and drove the men from their position.

“This caused Madary’s Planing Mill, the Starr Hotel, the Stanislaus Brewery, Depot, Frank Rolle’s saloon and other property in that portion of town to be flooded—the water standing from three to five feet over that part of town. H street and the railroad reservation east of the track was transformed into a huge river which rushed along in a northerly direction until it met the waters of Big Dry Creek, and those flowing through Mill ditch.

“This caused the water to backup Canal Street and flood a large portion of the town lying north of it, in which is located most of the family dwellings, and it also began to flow southerly down J street toward Mariposa in a strong stream. Although a break had occurred in the railroad north of the station the roadbed served as an embankment to throw the water back against town.

“By this time three or four houses in that neighborhood were decidedly wet, a few feet deep, and moving of furniture was quite brisk. One individual was engaged in fishing his floating stove wood out of the ocean about his doorway. About this time Jaf. Fred offered a reward for any of his hen coops anchored in a safe harbor. Three lone chicks sitting on a water corralled fence looked the picture of utter despair.

“Instructions were sent to cut the track north of the water tank, and this caused an easement and the waters soon began to recede. Chinatown turned out in force when the great flood of water began to make its way through the railroad, and built a levee around their quarter, and saved their property from destruction and injury. The water reached its highest point about half-past 12 o’ clock, at which time it formed a compact stream, where it passed Hughes’ Stables, fully two hundred feet wide and an average of four feet deep, running with a rapid current.

“Women and children were carried out of several houses that were standing in water, and several narrow escapes from drowning occurred.”

Making History Every Day:

City of Fresno Time Capsule Opened After 30 YearsReprinted From Fresno Business Journal, December 13, 2022

Mayor Jerry Dyer and city council members congreated Tuesday for the unveiling of a time capsule from 1992 in honor of the sesquicentennial.

The Central Pacific Railroad established the first rail depot on H Street in Fresno in 1872 — 150 years ago.

The capsule has been nested within the wall of City Hall for 30 years and was originally intended to be opened in March 2020, but due to the pandemic was delayed.

Inside the capsule were old newspapers, VHS and cassette tapes, old coins, and various other memorabilia from the time, including a figurine of the California Raisins, the local raisin marketing campaign that turned into a national phenomenon with a primetime special and Saturday morning carton.

In attendance were former Mayor Karen Humphrey and local historian Roger Taylor, who were both instrumental in selecting the items for the time capsule in 1992.

Once the time capsule was emptied, Mayor Dyer and multiple city council members refilled the time capsule with items from this year including two cans of beer from Tioga-Sequoia Brewing Company, a COVID-19 Antigen Take Home Test and mask, a baseball signed by Council President Nelson Esparza and more.

The time capsule will be resealed and once again be kept in City Hall, waiting to be opened in 2052.