Monthly news & updates
December 1, 2023

A Message from the President

Dear Friends, Supporters and Members,

Because you are such loyal readers of The Grapevine newsletter every month, you should already be aware that Christmas has come to the Kearney Mansion in style! Not only will Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Elves be on hand for photos this coming weekend and our Holiday Tea Party has sold out, but there is also a Members’ Reception on Saturday, December 2^nd at 5pm.

This year, our fourteen trees have all been bedecked to bring our theme, Christmas Tales, to life – there is truly magic in the Mansion! Even if you have been here before, I sincerely recommend you bring your loved ones to visit this month. Our community decorators have well and truly outdone themselves. I think they are competing with each other!

One of the best parts of Christmas at Kearney is the bounty of historical research done for each tree’s theme. Now, I don’t want to give too much away, but, since it's likely the kiddos won’t let you stop to read everything, I wanted to share the story of our oldest tale, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King by E.T.A. Hoffman which was initially published in German in 1816, with you here as motivation for a trip out to Kearney. Our Nutcracker Tree was designed by Tour Guide Shelsea Avalos and researched by Director of Education Cami Cipolla.

Here you are…

E.T.A. Hoffmann was actually named Ernst Theodor Wilhelm Hoffmann, but he changed Wilhelm to Amadeus out of admiration for Mozart. His extraordinarily innovative, and unusual, piece of writing The Nutcracker and the Mouse King (Nuaknacker und Mausekönig) was written for children but appeals to adults as well.

Way ahead of its time, the story is unique in its complete abandonment of an attempt to teach the reader something and is devoid of moral instruction, and in the incorporation of its original audience as characters within the story. The tale is more a kind of fantasy based in realism, in that the fantastic nocturnal events actually unfold in the same place that the children themselves inhabit. A similar theme is apparent in many of Hoffmann’s other tales: the boundaries between fantasy and reality are blurred. This causes not only Marie, the main protagonist of the story, but also the reader, to have difficulty distinguishing the two.

In the original version, Marie worries about a beautiful nutcracker that's been broken. At night, she goes to check on it and to her surprise, the nutcracker has come to life, causing a story-within-the-story to begin; armies of mice and toy soldiers battle in what is either the child's beautifully delirious nightmare, or possibly another reality into which she happens to wander into.

In 1844, Alexandre Dumas altered that original tale, making it lighter and less scary. This adaptation caught the attention of a troupe from Russia in 1892 who turned Dumas' version into a ballet. The Nutcracker ballet did not enjoy great success at first, but the captivating music of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky eventually led to the ballet’s fame.

But something happened to Hoffmann's story in this progression from dark to light: Marie became Klara (or the English Clara) whose nighttime flights of imagination became sweeter and tamer. Most people’s knowledge of The Nutcracker today stems from this more cheerful, colorful and gloriously entertaining ballet rather than from Hoffman’s darker original tale; and most common retellings of The Nutcracker in English derive ultimately from Dumas, usually considerably simplified and diverge a great deal from what Hoffmann wrote. The variation of this timeless tale has continued to be a holiday season ritual, sugar plums and all!

There are thirteen additional narratives awaiting you at KMM. Please visit our website – valleyhistory.org/events – to learn more about Private and Guided Tours.

I really caught the Holiday Spirit after seeing all the enchanting trees, and we would love for all of you to be inspired as well. Please come and join us!

Warmest Holiday Wishes,
Elizabeth Laval
President, Fresno County Historical Society

Christmas at Kearney: Holiday Tales has opened at the Kearney Mansion Museum & Gallery. This annual display of trees and holiday decor has transformed the Mansion into a warm and sparkling Christmas treat. Each of our fourteen trees have been designed by a local decorator, sharing their interpretation of a treasured Christmas story for our "Holiday Tales" theme.

Now through New Year's Eve, guests will learn the history of Christmas Stories from 1816's The Nutcracker and the Mouse King by E.T.A. Hoffman all the way to 2005's Amazing Peace by Maya Angleo. Additionally, guests will tour the Kearney Mansion and learn the story of M. Theo Kearney and the Fruit Vale Estate. Special events are planned during the month, including a Meet & Greet with Santa on December 2nd and 3rd.

Many thanks to our local decorators and organizations that will bring their creativity and talent to decorating our trees this year: Susan Kampsen, Courtney Thiessen, Debbie Mortimer, Lori Hunter, Marisela Hernandez, June Boyce, Marilyn Fields, Kathy Burk, Darden Architects, The Cultural Arts Rotary, Kat Nielsen, Shelsea Avalos, Andrea Bendure, Amanda Welsh and Karen Olson.

This month is made possible by:

Book Your Tour

MARK YOUR CALENDARS:  THE LEILANI HIDEAWAY GALA
An annual fundraiser for the Fresno County Historical Society

On Friday, March 22, 2024 at 7PM, the Fresno County Historical Society will host our annual Gala at the famous FCHS Downtown Club. This year we will celebrate the 1950s with a Tiki-themed party that will bring back the island fever that swept through the Golden Age of prosperity and progress.

This special event will feature:

- A Tropical Grazing Feast

- Classic Tiki Cocktails

- Heads & Tails Game with Fabulous Prizes

- Silent Auction with a Host of Collectible Tiki Art and Specialty Items

- Custom Tiki Mugs by Tiki Farm for Sale

Plan to wear your favorite Polynesian inspired dress or Hawaiian shirt and dance the night away to The Hula Girls band live on stage.

Tickets will be on sale to the public starting on January 15, 2024 until we are sold out.  FCHS Members will receive early access to tickets so watch your email for a link to buy now.

For event information and updates visit valleyhistory.org/fchs-gala. Sponsorship opportunities are available HERE.

ARCHIVES SPOTLIGHT
BY: Cami Cipolla

Hello Friends of the Archives!

With our Gottschalks exhibit and Christmas at Kearney tours in full swing, I have turned my focus to the research and curation of artifacts for our upcoming exhibit, From China to Fresno: 150-year Cultural Journey. This exhibit is a collaborative effort between the Fresno County Historical Society, the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association (CCBA)of Fresno for the Chinese American Museum Project (CAMP) that will feature the vibrant and extensive history of the Chinese in the Central Valley, and will include items from Fresno’s Chinatown that have been housed within our Archives including a display of Chinese Deities, traditional Chinese clothing from the late 1800’s to early 1900’s, early calligraphy drawings and an authentic lion head worn in 19th century Lion Dances. The histories and stories of these items will be shared with visitors along with other aspects of the exhibit provided by CCBA that include a memorial honoring the Chinese American World War II veterans, history of local Chinese American organizations and oral histories of local Chinese Americans.

Chinese heritage in the Central Valley is traced back to the late 1800’s, an integral part of the founding of Fresno County. There is a strong cultural history that has played a significant role in building the community that we live in today. This exhibit is a celebration that will honor the past.

This coming year, 2024, has significant spiritual meaning in Chinese culture. 2024 is the Year of the Dragon, specifically the Wood Dragon. Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival (?? – ch?njié), falls on a slightly different day in January or February of each year, as it follows the Chinese lunisolar calendar, rather than the Gregorian calendar common in most parts of the world. It is also known as Lunar New Year, which is a term that is more inclusive of the many East Asian cultures that celebrate it, including Koreans, Vietnamese, Tibetans, among others. For 2024, Chinese New Year falls on February 10th, beginning the Year of the Dragon. Traditionally, the Wood Dragon year combines the Dragon's characteristics with the nurturing Wood element. This combination is expected to bring about growth, progress and abundance. It is seen as an ideal period for fresh starts and laying down the groundwork for lasting success. This alignment suggests a time for renewal and establishing foundations that pave the way for long-term achievements. The year 2024 itself is viewed as a lucky year in that 8 is the luckiest number in China. You may be wondering how 8 relates to 2024…

We are extremely excited to share this exquisitely curated exhibit with you! Most of the items that will be on display have not been in public purview for over 30 years! The history and culture that will be shared is truly a celebration of our rich Chinese heritage right here in the Valley. We look forward to seeing you at the exhibit and will continue to share our progress!

Cheers friends!

ROOTS OF THE VALLEY: Christmas Customs
Since 1919 has played such an important role to the Fresno County Historical Society in 2023 – we were formed that year and our new building in Downtown Fresno was constructed then as well, we thought we would dive into the Archive of The Fresno Morning Republican newspaper to discover what the holiday season was like 104 years ago in and around our burgeoning community and the world.

CHRISTMAS CUSTOMS

“A curious example of the dislocation of credit for a borrowed custom is a recent story of children in Northern France stirring up an enthusiasm for an ‘American Christmas’ this year (Remember, WWI has just ended) with Christmas tree, Santa Claus and gifts such as the American soldiers gave them last year.

“It is a pretty idea, and it is to be hoped it will succeed. It will perpetuate a charming custom in France, and still better, it will perpetuate the memory of ‘les Americains’ who introduced it. But what would these French children think if they knew that this ‘American Christmas’ was not American at all, but German, and that they could have borrowed it from just across the Rhine for centuries?

“The Christmas tree and the Christmas lights are German. Santa Claus the nearest the thick German tongue could come to ‘Sanctus Nicolaus’ but actually he is German Kobold renamed as a Christian saint. He comes, not with the blessings of Heaven but with gifts from the north pole, in a Lapland sledge, with Lappish reindeer. In every aspect, the whole custom is Old-German and pagan, endowed with a Christian name, attached to a Christian anniversary and inspired with a Christmas spirit. But the form is German, brought to America by German immigrants.

“The Christmas carol, the Yule log, the Twelfth-night carouse, and many other Christmas customs are English, but not Santa Claus. In America, Puritan New England would not celebrate Christmas. It was a Catholic and therefore a heathen festival. Gifts were distributed at the New Year. Gradually, the stockings by the hearth, the nuts and the raisins and cider, the old English bobbing for apples, and the gifts were reintroduced, but not until recently, the tree. In the South, English customs were less interrupted, but Christmas was also a time for firecrackers and Roman candles. These things and not the tree, were the American Christmas.

“However, Santa Claus and the lighted tree are world figures now, and if they once again came out of Germany, when Germany was simple and devout and free, the crimes of a latter German imperialism are nothing against them.”

5,000 CHILDREN WELCOME SANTA

“Weather Conditions No Drawback to Celebrations – Playground Festivities Are Center of Kiddies Christmas”

“Forbidding weather conditions did not affect the attendance or success of the Christmas playground celebrations yesterday, thousands of kiddies being there to enjoy the revival of Santa Claus’ annual appearance, and the partaking of the “goodies” which were distributed to every boy and girl present.

“The four playgrounds were opened at 2 o’clock, in most instances with athletic contests. They were followed by a program of folk dancing, Christmas carols, recitations and solos. At 3:30, playground commissioners introduced the speakers of the day who delivered short and snappy addresses on the Yuletide spirit, and in the case if E.A. Williams, who spoke at the California field, the reasons why every child should try to make every day a Christmas for mother at home, by little acts of helpfulness.

“Santa arrived simultaneously to aid the fields with a load of candy, nuts and raisins, and it was then then that the spirit of the day reached its climax St. Nick is always a welcome character, but never before was he greeted in this city with such genuine signs of glee. The candy which he brought to the various grounds would have filled a freight car, and there was none too much because those present were not wont to see any of it thrown away, even if they had already had their share.

“Mother Goose was featured as a near rival to Santa at the Dickey playground. There was Old Mother Hubbard, Jack Horner and Little Bo-Peep, The Old Man, tattered and torn, the Maiden, all forlorn, and even the ubiquitous Jack and Jill.

“Raymond L. Quigley, playground superintendent, lays special stress on the excellent work done by the school supervisors. He states that they gave up their entire time to the celebration at the expense of home festivities, and, in fact, have been working hard in the interests of the school children for the past two weeks.”

Do these early traditions make you nostalgic for the simple days of yore?

MAKING HISTORY EVERY DAY:
List of Holiday 2023 events in the Central Valley

The holidays have arrived in the Central Valley!

All across the Valley, organizers are getting ready to celebrate and bring communities together with events.

From parades to light shows to winter wonderlands, gather your family and friends and visit these events this holiday season:

FRESNO COUNTY

DATE: Friday, December 1

EVENT: Reedley Christmas In The Park

TIME: 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.

ADDRESS: Pioneer Park

INFORMATION: Greater Reedley Chamber of Commerce presents Christmas in the Park. Happening at Pioneer Park. There will be food trucks, crafts, retail booths, train & pony rides and photos with Santa. Tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. Electrical farm equipment parade at 7 p.m. Rain or shine.

DATE: Saturday, December 2

EVENT: 94th Annual Fresno Christmas Parade

TIME: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

ADDRESS: Downtown Fresno

INFORMATION: The Annual Christmas Parade in Downtown Fresno is back for another year on December 2nd. This year's theme is Winter Wonderland on Fulton Street so get ready to celebrate a white Christmas. Enjoy festive floats and performances in a joyful procession of lights, music, and holiday cheer. Stick around after the festivities for photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, arts and crafts, holiday vendors, and more! We are having this parade rain or shine so prep for any weather and lets have a holly jolly time together.

DATE: Saturday, December 2

EVENT: Sanger 75th Annual Toyland Parade

TIME: 11 a.m.

ADDRESS: 12th and Academy

INFORMATION: The Sanger District Chamber of Commerce presents the 75th annual Toyland Parade in Downtown Sanger. Parade route begins at 12th and academy. $35 entry fee per float.

DATE: Saturday, December 2

EVENT: Children's Electric Christmas Parade

TIME: 6:30 p.m.

ADDRESS: Old Town Clovis

INFORMATION: The 2023 Children's Electric Christmas Parade will be on Saturday, December 2 in Old Town Clovis. Kick off the holiday season with this long-time Clovis tradition. Attending the parade is free.

DATE: Saturday, December 2

EVENT: Christmas Tree Lane

TIME: 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. (Sun-Thurs) + 6 p.m. - 11 p.m. (Fri & Sat)

ADDRESS: North Van Ness Blvd in Fig Garden

INFORMATION: A long-time Fresno tradition returns for the holidays. And this year-- Christmas Tree Lane's "WALK nights" are back after being canceled due to the Pandemic. Organizers say the first walk night will be Saturday, December 2nd -- which is also opening night. The second "walk only" evening is set for Tuesday, December 12th. The festive lane will be open to drivers on all other nights until Christmas day. The route starts at Van Ness and Shields and continues for two miles -- to Shaw Avenue.

DATE: Saturday, December 9

EVENT: Jingle Bell Run

TIME: 9 a.m.

ADDRESS: Christmas Tree Lane

INFORMATION: We are hosting our 12th Annual Jingle Bell Run for Toys for Tots! The run/walk will feature a Christmas designed Sweatshirts and Jingle Bells to all registered participants. The hope is to get each runner and walker to bring a new unwrapped toy and for doing so they will be rewarded a Santa Hat!

DATE: Saturday, December 9

EVENT: Kerman Tree Lighting + Christmas Light Parade

TIME: 6 p.m.

ADDRESS: Downtown Kerman

INFORMATION: "A FAIRYTALE CHRISTMAS" is the Pageantry of Lights Christmas Parade theme for Saturday, December 10th at 6:00 p.m. in downtown Kerman. The parade route is Madera Avenue, "C" Street to "G" Street. Announcer's table located on the median between "D" Street & "C" Street. Tree lighting at 5:30pm. National Anthem by Kerman High School Choir.

DATE: Saturday, December 16

EVENT: Caruthers Holiday Boutique

TIME: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

ADDRESS: Caruthers Fairgrounds

INFORMATION: Caruthers Chamber of Commerce presents the holiday boutique. Several vendors will be present.