A Place Called

Porterville...
Standing the
test of time

Community
“A Place Called Home” is a trademark of Parsons Publications and can only be used with consent of the trademark owner.
 A Place Called
PAGE 2A THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2020

Bill Parsons, Publisher Welcome ‘Home’

I
Charles Whisnand, Editor t’s my honor to present the second annual edition of “A
Place Called Home.”
Josie Chapman, Director of Operations This year’s edition is again a 90-page plus section. You’ll
JoAnn Flynn, Advertising Director find this year’s edition of “A Place Called Home” — all 90-
plus pages of it — will have a lot of new material and photos
Sonia Fuentes, Sales that were not featured in last year’s section.
I can make this guarantee. We will never run out of mate-
Maria Rosas, Sales riel for our “A Place Called Home” section that’s now a tradi-
Alexis Espinoza, City/Government Reporter tion to be featured by The Porterville Recorder on an annual
basis. Each year’s section will always feature new subjects
Jamie Hunt, Education Reporter — and will provide updates on subjects featured in previous
Nayirah Dosu, Sports Reporter sections.
Porterville is a place where we keep peeling away the lay-
Rob Foster, Page Designer ers. In preparing these sections we constantly find out some-
thing new about Porterville and why we all call this “A Place
Advertising (559) 784-5000 Called Home.”
E-Mail [email protected] “A Place Called Home” is the brainchild of our publisher
Bill Parsons. Brainchild is an appropriate term because “A
WEBSITE recorderonline.com Place Called Home” is truly Mr. Parsons’ baby. His leader-
ship in putting this section together has been invaluable.
The work of our staff in putting this section together has

CONTENTS
also been invaluable. And of course those who deserve as
much credit as anyone in putting this section together is you.
The people of Porterville and the surrounding area.
We are thankful to all of those individuals and organiza-
tions who assisted us in putting this section together and to
Porterville Standing all those who submitted information and photographs for this

the test of time

section.
The work to put the “A Place Called Home” section togeth-
er has really become a year-round project. Now that this “A
Community Place Called Home” section has been completed, the work on
Section A, pages 1-24 next year’s section is now already beginning.
History & Government
Maybe you didn’t see something you felt should have been
in this year’s section. So if you have any ideas or would like
Section B, pages 1-16 to submit information or a story or a photograph for next
Health & Education year’s section, you can contact me, Recorder Editor Charles
Whisnand, [email protected] or 784-5000,
Section C, pages 1-16 extension 1048.
Agriculture & Business Feel free to e-mail me your submissions for next year’s “A
Place Called Home” section any time. You’re more than wel-
Section D, pages 1-16 come to drop by our office as well.
Sports We love Porterville. We’re proud of Porterville. We’re
proud to call Porterville Home. A Place Called Home.
Section E, pages 1-16 ¼¼ Charles Whisnand, Editor

contributed photo by jeff edwards

This is the last house to be moved down Main Street in 1950. The picture was taken by Jeff Edwards and the building on the right of the picture is still there but
has been remodeled. Note the San Joaquin Valley Bank sign that used to be Hillford’s Grocery. Howell Moving Co. did the moving.
Where Success
Stories Begin.
For Bank of the Sierra, Porterville is the town
where it all started. More than 40 years later,
we remain committed to the success of our
customers and community, always guided by
the promise we were built on: to help make
every community we’re part of better.

1.888.454.BANK | BankoftheSierra.com

© Bank of the Sierra. All rights reserved.

 HISTORY OF SERVICE
1927-2020

CITY COUNCIL
MEMBERS
M. E. DeWitt 4-11-27 - 4-13-31 Richard W. Spencer 4- 10-67 - 4-12-71
Chester H. Doyle 4-11-27 - 4-13-31 Aubrey M. Lumley, Jr. 4-14-69 - 4-11-77
J. Frank Hallford 4-11-27 - 4-13-31 Lawrence D. Cotta 4-14-69 - 4-11-77
G. A. O’Brien 4-11-27 - 12-18-28 Gilbert E. Ynigues 4-14-69 - 4-9-73
A. Louis Stone 4-11-27 - 7-19-32 Joseph Faure, Jr. 4-12-71 - 4-14-75
Edward F. Halbert 12-18-28 - 10-20-31 Clifford H. Clark 4-12-71 - 4-14-75
Kline Buckley 4-13-31 - 4-8-35 Earl E. Smith, Jr. 4-9-73 - 4-11-77
Robert E. Woods 4-13-31 - 5-2-33 Betty Jo Ferguson 4-14-75 - 5-17-77
Fred S. Price 10-20-31 - 4-10-33 (became Mrs. E. J. Valliere 7-6-76)

George W. Haley 7-19-32 - 4-10-33 James C. Holly 4-14-75 - 3-12-79

A. Louis Stone 4-10-33 - 4-12-37 Colm J. O’Hare 4-14-75 – 12-31-77

H. A. Frame 4-10-33 - 4-12-37 Theodore G. Ensslin 4-11-77 - 3-9-81

William L. McAuliff 4-10-33 - 4-12-37 Aline McGuire Moran 4-11-77 - 3-11-85
Charles A. Witt 5-2-33 - 4-8-35 John T. Rankin, Jr. 5-17-77 - 3-12-79
George Widman 4-8-35 - 4-19-38 Mary C. Dougherty 1-3-78 - 11-85
Elmer L. Long 4-8-35 - 7-1-40 Dennis D. Durbin 3-12-79 - 3-14-83
Charles J. Cummings 4-12-37 - 4-14-47 Clyde R. Ferrell 3-12-79 - 3-14-83
Edgar N. Danner 4-12-37 - 4-9-45 Steven E. Tree 3-3-81 - 3-5-85
George C. Cross 4-12-37 - 3-21-39 Nero Pruitt 3-14-83 - 3-5-91
M. E. DeWitt 4-19-38 – 4-10-39 Boyd K. Leavitt 3-14-83 - 3-13-95
Harold Coulthurst 3-21-39 - 4-14-41 Herbert Bonds 3-11-85 - 3-13-89
Aubrey M. Lumley, Jr. 4-10-39 - 6-17-41 John T. Rankin, Jr. 3-11-85 - 3-13-89
George N. Tannlund 7-1-40 - 4-14-47 Theodore G. Ensslin 12-17-85 - 3-11-91
A. B. Carpenter 4-14-41 - 4-9-45 Case Lok 3-13-89 - 3-8-93
Harold Coulthurst 6-17-41 - 4-12-53 Robert Smith 3-13-89 - 9-19-89
Earl H. Eyster 4-12-43 - 4-14-47 John Gifford 9-25-89 - 3-13-95
James Dahle Frost 4-9-45 - 4-11-49 Daryl Nicholson 3-11-91 - 3-10-97
Harry J. Johnson 4-9-45 - 5-4-48 Judith Gibbons 3-11-91 - 3-8-99
Kenneth R. Threlkeld 4-14-47 - 4-11-49 William Clark 3-8-93 - 3-10-97
J. Andy Rogers 4-14-47 - 2-7-50 Jay C. Coleman 03-13-95 - 09-06-96
Marcus M. Jones 4-14-47 - 4-9-51 Virginia Gurrola 03-13-95 - 03-10-03
Earl L. Reed 5-4-48 – 4-13-53 Gary Reed 10-01-96 - 03-10-97
Jesse F. Eckle 4-11-49 - 9-19-50 Boyd K. Leavitt 03-10-97 - 03-12-01
John R. Loyd 4-11-49 - 4-13-53 Ronald L. Irish 03-10-97 - 03-12-01
Max K. Jamison 2-7-50 - 1-15-51 David Choate 03-10-97 - 03-08-99
Herman R. Matzke 9-19-50 - 4-13-53 Gordon T. Woods 03-02-99 - 03-10-03
Philip S. Barber 4-9-51 - 1-5-54 William D. Wilson 03-08-99 -05-23-02
Lester J. Hamilton 4-13-53 - 4-10-61 William McGuire 03-12-01 - 02-18-02
H.B. “Sandy” Ward 4-13-53 - 1-5-54 Kelly West 03-12-01 - 06-27-06
Edgar N. Danner 4-13-53 - 12-6-55 Cameron Hamilton 03-05-02 – 12-10-18
John N. Natzke 2-2-54 - 4-13-59 Keith C. Joyner, Jr 06-03-02 - 03-10-03
Dr. Percy H. McKay 1-19-54 - 4-13-59 Ronald L. Irish 03-10-03 - 06-27-06
S. H. McLemore 12-20-55 - 4-8-57 Richard M. Stadtherr 03-10-03 - 09-05-06
Andrew Reynolds 2-5-57 - 4-8-57 Pedro R. Martinez 03-10-03 – 04-20-10
George N. Skilton 4-8-57 - 10-6-59 Felipe Martinez 06-27-06 – 06-22-10
Arthur K. “Babe” Hodgson 4-8-57 - 4-10-61 Pete McCracken 06-27-06 – 06-21-14
Aubrey M. Lumley, Jr. 4-13-59 – 4-10-67 Eduardo Hernandez 09-25-06 – 06-24-08
William K. Rodgers 4-13-59 - 4-10-67 Brian Ward 06-24-08 – 07-17-19
Kenneth Billingsley 11-3-59 - 4-10-61 Ronald L. Irish 04-20-10 – 06/11/12
Jack E. Letsinger 4-10-61 - 4-12-65 Gregory Shelton 07-06-10 – 12-05-14
Anna White Garlund 4-10-61 - 4-12-65 Virginia Gurrola 07-03-12 – 12-05-16
Charles L. Geoble 4-10-61 - 4-16-62 Milt Stowe 06-08-14 – current
Mac Williams 5-31-63 - 4-14-69 Adrian Monte Reyes 07-15-14 – current
William K. Benson 4-12-65 - 4-14-69 Martha A. Flores 11-08-16 – current
D.W. “Marty” Martin 4-12-65 - 4-14-69 Daniel Penaloza 11-06-18 – current
James E. H. Hanson 4-10-67 - 4-12-71 Virginia Gurrola 07-30-19 – current
 During California’s Spanish period, the
San Joaquin Valley was considered a
remote region of little value. Emigrants
skirted the eastern foothills in the
vicinity of Porterville as early as 1826.
Swamps stretched out into the Valley
floor lush with tall rushes or “tulares” as
the Indians called them.
Gold discovered in 1848 brought a
tremendous migration to California,
and prairie schooners rolled through
City Hall present day 2020 Porterville between 1849 and 1852.
Wagon trains of gold seekers passed through the village, but other travelers found the land rich and remained
to establish farms. A store was set up in 1856 to sell goods to miners and the Indians, who lived in tribal
lands along the rivers. Royal Porter Putnam came to the village in 1860 to raise cattle, horses and hogs.
He bought 40 acres of land and built a two-story store and a hotel on the highest point of the swampy
property, which is now the corner of Oak and Main. The town took its name from the founder’s given name
because another Putnam family lived south of town.

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

The San Joaquin Valley has had, historically, an agricultural economy.
During the depression years of the 1930’s and extending into the 1940’s, a relatively high percent of the
State’s immigration was attracted by agricultural employment opportunities in the Valley. The sustained
population increase was a result of a greater intensity of farming during World War II and the impact of
the Central Valley Water Projects.
A combination of factors have created a city with unique vitality.
These include a quality of life valued by its residents, pursuit of industrial diversity for a sound
economic base, active community support of youth, education from preschool through Community
College levels, careful land use planning through a comprehensive General Plan, and consolidation of
the urban area through annexation.

The City of Porterville needed to expand their facilities to Built in 1891, it is one of
match a growing population. the few houses of that era
that has not undergone
remodeling. It has the
mansard roof construction,
which makes the house
unique in its style of
architecture. The house
was given to the City of
Porterville by the Zalud
families youngest daughter,
City Hall 1940
Pearle, when she died in
In 1990
1970.
there was an
ambitious and
much-needed
expansion of
City Hall. The
north portion
of the building
was constructed
at that time.
City Hall Expansion 1990 This expansion Heritage Center Youth Center
allowed many City departments to move out of their dark, One of the best kept secrets in town! The Youth Center is
cramped quarters in the basement. The new facility also a FREE drop in recreation center for youth ages 10-18,
provided better access to services by our citizens which provides a wide variety of activities for boys and girls.

C
P
ity of
orterville CALIFORNIA

291 North Main Street, Porterville, California 93257

Phone: (559) 782-7499 • Fax: (559) 791-7999
 A Place Called
PAGE 6A THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2020

The Barn Theater, It’s History and Plans

(A brochure & Apprentice Plan from 1950/51)
Contributed by actors and actresses, to large West Coast news- switched to circle stag- manager and box office In the field of
the Barn Theater serve the entire South- papers publicized the ing under the stars for a director, in addition to teaching, she in-
ern San Joaquin Valley. Barn’s unusual project, season of six plays dur- watching over the Prop- structed in drama at
The Barn Theater,
Howard and Dorothy and with favorable press ing the summer of 1950. erty Room. In addition a New England prep
a non~profit corpora-
Baker, “Young Man with notices and a steady cli- With the opening of the to her work at the Erie school for a year.
tion, offers this bro-
a Horn, “ and “Trio “ and entele, the Theater tore third winter, the theater Playhouse, she spent a Following this she
chure as a complete
former Metropolitan Op- the back out of the old hired a permanent staff summer with a travel- returned to the Barn
history of the theater’s
era star Douglas Beattie, warehouse, planted a of professional actors ing repertory company last July to ioin the
past plus an outline of
now operators of citrus hurried lawn, and seated and actresses to act as in New York and Penn- permanent staff.
its future.
groves near Porterville, its audiences outside for a nucleus of talent and sylvania, and worked a Since then she has
This brochure from
worked closely with a second summer season direction, and expand- summer at Cain Park played leads in “The
1950/51 tells about the
Tewksbury in organizing of six plays. As Director ed the plant to include Barn’s touring variety Women,” “Papa Is
history and people who
the non-profit corpora- Tewksbury set out on a two stages and two au- shows. Theatre in Cleve- All,” “Androcles and
helped make the Barn
tion, enlisting members 10,000 mile tour of other ditoriums. A school for land Heights, Ohio. She the Lion,” and “Trio.”
Theater what it is today,
and officers from the community and profes- children and adults was has also been one of the In addition to her
in 2020.
local area and naming sional theaters of the na- opened and the Chil- mainstays of the Barn’s acting duties, she is
Starting from the most
Tewksbury the full time tion to gain ideas of op- dren’s Theater put on touring variety shows. Publicity Director of
inauspicious of begin-
director. eration, the Board of Di- a regular three-time-a- During her undergrad- the Theater, teaches
nings, the Barn Theater
With Beattie as its rectors set about finding year basis. Then, to give uate days at the Univer- two classes in the
is recognized today as
first President, the a new and more perma- the more experienced sity of Michigan, Ann Children’s School of
one of the Nation’s most
Barn Theater produced nent location. This was personnel of the area was an important part of Drama, and a class
active regional theaters
its first season of four located ‘in a large ram- plus the staff something the drama department in Public Speaking
for an area of its size.
well-known comedies in bling building which had unusual to work with, there. Last fall, she was for adults at Porter-
Located in the city of
a real Barn, with a tiny been variously a boxing a season of five clas- awarded the “ Hoss- ville Junior College.
Porterville, a progres-
stage built into the main and wrestling arena, a sic dramas for a small, car” for the outstanding She recently was
sive, rapidly growing
part of the rickety old dance hall, a roller rink, exclusive audience was acting job of the past a delegate at the
small city situated at the
building, dressing rooms and a meeting hall, called started in the Drawing year for members of the American National
foot of the rugged Si-
in horse stalls, a curtain the Green Mill Ballroom. Room Season. staff. Theater Assembly
erra Nevada Mountains
donated by the local Into this huge building, Joan Tewksbury, a in New York City
at the eastern edge of
movie theater, and help owned by a wide awake graduate of Bennington representing West
the agriculturally rich
from more than a dozen local citrus grower, C. H. College in Vermont, is Coast Theaters.
San Joaquin Valley, the
local merchants, the au- Weed, went a new stage, a charter member of RICHARD L. DEA-
Barn Theater started in
dience seated on folding new equipment, and the the Barn Theater staff. CON holds down
the minds of a few for-
chairs on the spacious theater opened its sec- Sister to director Pete several important
mer professional stage
lawn outside the Barn. ond winter season. Tewksbury, she jour- positions at the The-
and entertainment per-
The attendance of this Besides the seven neyed to California ater, and has been
sonalities in the winter
first season, based on plays presented in that from the East Coast in everything from a
of 1948, with interest
the calibre of produc- season, the first chil- the summer of 1948 to Director-Actor to
and assistance gathered
tion, made a winter sea- dren’s production was help stage the first sum- make-up specialist and
from many other local
son worth a try. presented successfully, mer of production at the costume designer. He
people brought the the-
With help from Uni- and a gigantic out-door theater. Following this, originally joined the
ater into being.
versity of California in pageant of local history ANN B. DAVIS (The she went East again to theater in January
Director Pete Tewks-
Los Angeles Radio and in ~ involving 250 actors Brady Bunch’s Alice) work with the Niagara 1949 for a brief peri-
bury, formerly associ-
Drama Instructor, Art and actresses, a set 150 joined the Barn Theater Falls Community The- od as an actor and re-
ated with the Cleveland
Friedman and his ac- yards long and 40 feet in the fall of 1949, after atre, a time in the of- turned last July. Dur-
Playhouse, Dartmouth
tress wife, Madgel, the high, and thousands of a successful season with fice of a New York ing that time he has
College, Philippine Uni-
theater opened its first props was produced for the professional compa- producer, and several taken leading roles in
versity, and the Televi-
winter season in an old a local Community Fair. ny of the Erie Playhouse months working with a “The Late Christopher
sion Workshop in New
turkey warehouse, and With this season the in Eric, Pennsylvania, movie scenario writer. Bean,” a Melodrama,
York City, then engaged
spent the rest of the sea- first of the Barn ‘s local This was in the fall of She spent a summer “Androcles and the
in an independent Radio
son belying the building’s “spot” tours were inau- 1949, and since that time at Ogunquit Summer Lion,” and “The Mag-
Production firm, suggest-
former occupants. Sev- gurated with conspicu- she has appeared in Theatre in Maine as a nificent Yankee.”
ed his idea for a full time
en plays of that season ous success, and the some 22 productions at member of the profes- He has directed “The
summer theater produc-
brought the Barn into a “Hosscar” Contest first the Barn, taking leading sional company, and Glass Menagerie,” and
ing professional level
permanent position of came in to being. roles in “You Can’t Take another summer with “Born Yesterday.” As
plays using a nucleus of
entertainment eminence Carrying on its policy It With You, “ “Over 21,” the Windham Play- a designer he helped
trained professional ac-
in the Valley. of outdoor performanc- “Belvedere,” and “The house in New Hamp-
tors amplified with local BARN, Page 7
With articles in various es in summer, the Barn Women,” She is office shire.

Representing Porterville
in our nation’s capital has been a
great honor, and I look forward
to improving our quality of life.”

Paid for by Kevin McCarthy for Congress www.McCarthyforCongress.com

 OUR PEOPLE MAKE
THE DIFFERENCE
THEN AND NOW!

BUY, SELL OR INVEST

We Are Always Here To
Guide You Along The Way!
Contact 559-781-1414
878 W. Morton
Porterville, CA 93257
BRE# 02032738
Jordan-Link & Co.

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guarantees the accuracy of any of the property listings appearing in this publication and assumes no responsibility for typographic, photographic, or other errors or omissions. Prices,
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 A Place Called
PAGE 8A THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2020

More about the Barn

Story by Natalie Caudle Douglas and Virginia Delano. Additionally, Porterville with fel-
for Enjoy Magazine – March 2018
Beattie, a coupling KTIP Radio broad- low performers from
THE BARN THE- of opera and agricul- cast 30-minute pro- the Pasadena Play-
ATER, nestled in the ture, rounded out the grams performed by house and hosted a
South Valley town producing company actors from the local benefit that resusci-
of Porterville, has to create a successful theater.   tated the theater for
first season for the By the mid-1950s, a short time. 
brought audiences the
theater. Tewksbury moved to The Barn Theater
joy of live stage pro-
In an effort to capi- Hollywood, where he regained popularity
ductions for 70 years.
talize on the early tri- became a success- in the 1970s, reviv-
Created by Peter and
umph of the theater, ful director in both ing the region’s live
Kit Tewksbury, for-
shows were scheduled motion pictures and theater scene. Vol-
mer New Yorkers unteers swarmed contributed photo by jeff edwards
and theater buffs, the for the winter months, television. Despite The Moore Opera House was on the southeast cor-
but required a change the hardy start to productions, offer-
theater opened July ing their talent both ner of Main Street and Garden Ave. Originally it was
16, 1948, with an ad- in venue. The old tur- the The Barn The- Porter Putnam’s warehouse. When the railroad came
key warehouse on H ater, financial ruin behind the scenes
mission price of 83 and in the spotlight. in 1888 Porter Putnam sold the building to Moore
cents. Street was a perfect threatened to close and Rossi and it was made into an opera house and
location to shelter the Barn doors fol- Ralph and Beverly
With a desire to Rose each directed shows would come to Porterville. It was also used
bring live theater both performers and lowing Tewksbury’s by the local talent. Bill Hammond got his start in
multiple shows dur-
to Porterville, the audience members exit. Fortunately, a photography in the Moore Opera House. In 1914
ing the theater boom.
Tewksbury team set- from the harsh win- theater education some children playing with fireworks caught some
This prosperous sea-
tled on Annie Smith’s ter weather. Not long program had previ- grass on fire and the opera house burned. Since
son aided in the de-
barn as a perfect ven- after changing loca- ously been estab- then it has been a service station, Bank of America
velopment of deeper
ue for the debut of tions, an opportunity lished with Benning- community roots, lat- and now Bank of the Sierra.
“Petticoat Fever.” Sit- became available to ton College, drawing er helping the Barn
uated across from an move the Barn The- aspiring actors and weather the cyclical
apricot orchard, the ater to the Green Mill stage hands eager nature of theater in-
barn-turned-theater Ballroom. Audienc- to train local theater terest.   
produced three stage es followed the the- devotees in exchange Prior to the Barn’s
shows that summer ater through various for room and board. 40th anniversary, the
as audience members moves until finally This program created theater was remod-
enjoyed performanc- opening its doors in the heart of the Barn eled with an addition
es from their tem- the permanent loca- Theater and estab- of a lobby in 1986.
porary seats on the tion on South Plano in lished long-lasting re- Thirty years later, the
lawn.  March 1952. The con- lationships with thriv- 171-seat theater main-
The Tewksbury duo struction was funded ing talent throughout tains its red barn nos-
were but a third of by an interest-free California.    talgia and continues
the successful the- loan of $12,000 from Ann B. Davis partic- to thrive, due to the
ater production team. philanthropist and ipated in the theater’s efforts of enthusiasts
Handpicked by Peter patron of the arts, Vi- education program and volunteers. With
Tewksbury, the team olet Carpenter.  and developed a love year-round produc-
boasted of great talent The Barn Theater for the Barn Theater. tions and the addition contributed photo by jeff edwards
on and off the stage. sought to bring the Davis later appeared of the Junior Compa- It was the Chinese who built the railroad to Porter-
Dorothy Baker, an ac- experience of theater on television and is ny, a children’s per- ville in 1888. The workers lived in these boxcars and
complished novelist, to communities be- best known for her forming ensemble, were taken to the railhead of the line to work each
joined the team from yond the Porterville role of Alice on the the Barn continues to day and returned each night. When a new townsite
area with a traveling ABC sitcom “The thrill the community was reached that became the new site of their box-
the start along with
troupe performing in Brady Bunch.” When with the magic of live car home. It seems that at every townsite a few of
her husband How-
Fresno, Tulare, Visa- the theater faced one theater, and intends the Chinese would decide to stay there and quit the
ard Baker, a retired
lia, Hanford, Exeter, of many financial cri- to do so for years to railroad and become a local citizen. Some of their
Harvard drama pro-
Taft, Shafter and ses, Davis returned to come. names were Wang, Wong and Gong.
fessor. Additionally,

of Porterville is a family called Porterville

together in Christ’s name.
In setting up his city,
Convalescent
Porterville founder, Porter
Putnam, designated land at
Fourth and Mill streets for Skilled Nursing & Rehab
a church. Originally built
by Presbyterians in 1873,
it was purchased by
Congregationalists and became
the First Congregational Church
on November 11 in 1891.
Most of the beautiful present
building was completed in 1908,
including a 90 ft bell tower.
Architecturally, the Church is
one of the Valley’s Treasures.
Cedar shingle exteriors, with
extensive interior use of the area’s wood, reflect a unique Gothic
Revival style. Large ornamental wrought iron chandeliers in
the Sanctuary were crafted by local blacksmiths. Even the
incomparable and irreplaceable organ has a provenance, having
been purchased from a silent film theater in Los Angeles after
the advent of ‘talkies.’
Established at the outset as an “Institutional Church” for
community use, it could boast having the first daily kindergarten,
a library, an ample auditorium, also a swimming pool. While
built predominately as a place for worship and an educational
facility, there were also regularly scheduled Friday night movies,
character lectures, piano recitals, choral concerts, fashion
shows and more. Scouts and various other community groups
held their meetings here. Many of these groups and activities
continue in one form or other into this 21st century.

“Come unto me, all ye who labour and are

heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11: 28
SUNDAY SERVICE: 10:30 A.M.
165 E. Mill Ave. Porterville, CA 93257

1100 West Morton Avenue,

Porterville, CA, 93257 • 559-782-1509
Stop by for a tour!
 A Place Called
FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2020 THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER PAGE 9A

RECORDER PHOTO BY RENEH AGHA

A photo of the Porterville Barn Theater, located on West Olive Avenue and Plano Street.

Barn College, he has profes-

sional experience on
Broadway, and worked
for children, meets
every Saturday morn-
ing at the theater for
ute radio programs a
week on the activities
of the group, and is
of entertainment.
Besides its regular
schedule of plays, the
designer for the idea
and make~up; to Jeff
Edwards, of Edwards
Continued from Page 6 summer stock through- six classes in acting now writing and pro- Theater has produced Studio who has taken
out New England for and public speaking ducing a series of 13 a tremendous pageant over 5,000 pictures
to create the lobby several years. Pres- for children ages five quarter hour dramatic of local history for of the theater work
arrangement of the ently, in addition to his through 14. radio transcriptions the community Fair
present remodeled since its beginning at
work at the Theater, These are taught by on Tulare County his- in 1950, and a musical no cost whatsoever to
theater building. An he is teaching a course members of the Barn tory to be aired over comedy,
accomplished dancer, the Barn; and espe-
in Acting at College of staff. The other, for seven Valley stations. “Oh! Susanna” for
he starred in a number cially to C. H. Weed,
the Sequoias at Visalia, adults, is a part of the In order to complete the annual Kiwanis
of local variety shows. who for the past year
and has consistently state Adult Education its influence on local Club show in the fall
Before his arrival at turned down opportu- program, and meets entertainment, the of the same year. and a half has been
the Barn, he worked on nit1es to appear as a Wednesday evenings theater organizes and The Barn Theater the theater’s landlord
the faculty of Benning- character actor in the at Porterville College presents from 30 to 60 is indebted to the fol- and chief benefactor.
ton College instructing movies. and at College of the variety shows every lowing people for this His foresightedness
in Drama, and as an In addition to the Sequoias in Visalia. year, using the best of brochure of its activi- and ready help have
actor with the Finger following described These are in Radio Pro- San Joaquin Valley tal- ties: to Betty Pearson contributed materially
Lakes Festival in New activities, the theater duction and Acting. ent to provide service of Terra Bella, former to the progress of the
York. runs two schools of Also, the Theater clubs and other organi- Los Angeles layout art- theater.
A graduate of Ithaca Drama and Radio: One, produces two 15 min- zations with programs ist and television set

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Dr. Massey Missakian
Dr. Raheel Mann 559-781-3033
Dr. Danielle Kronk Accepting new patients
83 N Main St, Porterville, CA 93257 Most insurances accepted
"Across the street from Bank of the Sierra"
 A Place Called
PAGE 10A THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2020

First Congregational – the Pioneer Community Church

First Congregational
Church

In 1859 the overland

stage was established
between San Francis-
co and Los Angeles,
with a stop in Porter-
ville to change horses.
Porter Putnam cared
for the stage stock.
By 1864 he had sur-
veyed 40 acres and
laid out plans for his
town ~ Porterville.
His wife had high
standards for a town
and requested lots be
set aside for churches.
As a result, three lots
at the corner of Mill
and Fourth Streets
were designated for a
church, but with stipu-
lations. This church
had to be worth $2,000
and had to be built in to demolish and begin choral concerts, read-
12 months. The obvi- anew. As a result, the ing rooms, and fashion
ous motivation was to present “Institutional shows regularly sched-
civilize this wild west Church” was real- uled. The Church can
town, and bring to it ized in 1909, designed boast having the first
culture and schools by San Francisco daily kindergarten for
so wives and children Bay Area architects, Porterville. Upstairs
could move in. George C. Meeker and
A Presbyterian con- was the only audito-
Francis W. Reed. It
gregation accepted rium in the area that
included an ambitious
the challenge in 1867. could hold 250 people.
rebuilding of the bell
Three years later, an Many of these groups
tower with an impres-
18 inch high, 24 inch sive reach of over 90 and activities continue
diameter bell was cast feet. This Church edi- in one form or other
by W.T. Garratt & Co., fice was not intend- into this 21st century.
of San Francisco, to ed only for Sabbath
hang in the tower of worship services, but
this new small church also for the physical,
which was hurriedly literary, recreational
finished by 1873. Typ- and social benefits of
ical of the time, there the entire community.
was no regular resi- Thus, while built as a
dent minister, so cir- place for worship and
cuit preachers were a religious education-
hired temporarily. al facility, it was also
With the Southern a community center
Pacific Railroad’s ar- where both young and
rival in 1888, and de- old could enjoy them-
velopments by the selves.
Pioneer Land Compa- Rev. Loyal L. Wirt
ny to promote citrus
was the first minister
fruit agriculture, new
to fill the pulpit of the
settlers were brought
First Congregational
in, many from the
Church as acting pas-
mid-west and eastern
tor until mid-1892
United States, several
when Rev. Charles N.
of whom were Con-
Flanders became the
gregationalists. Be-
first permanent pas-
cause Presbyterians
tor. Consequently, a
were few, most having
parsonage building
transferred to a new
was constructed in
Plano congregation,
1897 to house minis-
in 1891 the Congrega-
ters and their fami-
tionalists paid $600 in
lies. After 44 years,
the form of a grant
it was sold and moved
for this diminutive
off the lot to make way
church plus the bell.
for a new parsonage.
Therefore, November
At the turn of the
11 marks the Church’s
20th century, a great
official birthday ev-
“moral value train-
ery year. Incidentally,
the original bell is still ing” was occurring.
intact today and can Boy Scouts, YMCA,
be rung with a pull YWCA and church
rope inside the west youth groups were
narthex. flourishing and using
Necessary repairs this church. There
to the church were were also Friday night
so extensive it was movies, character lec-
deemed more prudent tures, piano recitals,

I B A West
Lic. # 0638358
From Downtown
Porterville’s
Hardware Store...

to Downtown
Porterville’s
“Software” Store

This historic building has always

inspired the creative spirit

Calico Mermaid
Phone: 559-562-2522 Porterville’s Quilt Fabric Shop
Fax: 559-562-2125 122 N. Main Street, Porterville, CA 93257
559-793-2510 • www.CalicoMermaid.com
111 W. Honolulu, P.O. Box 549, Lindsay, CA 93247 Georgia Goode • [email protected]
Open 10-6 Tuesday-Saturday • Sunday 1-5
 A Place Called
FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2020 THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER PAGE 11A
DROUGHT
RESPONSE Phase IV
St. Anne’s School
Mandatory Odd/Even Watering Schedule, based on address.
Residents will be allowed ONE day a week to water lawns and
landscapes. No watering allowed Monday through Fridays.
Watering is prohibited between the hours of 5:00 AM to

A focus on whole-self
10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
No watering outdoor landscapes during and within
48 hours after measurable rainfall. (>0.01 inches)

education
Excessive water runoff is prohibited.
The washing of sidewalks and driveways is prohibited.
Vehicles shall only be washed on designated watering days
and with a hose equipped with a shut-off nozzle.
The operation of ornamental water features is prohibited
unless the fountain uses a recycling system.
Non-compliance with Phase IV water conservation regulations
could result in citations with fines up to $500.

DROUGHT RESPONSE
PHASE IV
The City of Porterville has adopted Phase IV
By Jamie A. Hunt be performed the last half hour every week of its Drought Response Plan. As part of the
weekend of March and and the students learn Phase IV plan, the City has restricted watering
St. Anne’s School the first week in April. about agriculture, soil
has been in Porter- “St. Anne’s is run dif- science, plants, life days to one day per week, based on address.
ville since 1925, with a ferently from a public science, and farming.
convent next door for
St. Anne’s retired and
school in many ways,”
said Trueblood, “Per-
California poppies are
growing around the Mandatory Odd/ Even Watering Schedule
teaching nuns, one who haps the most impor- garden perimeter from
teaches second grade tant thing is the focus last year, and the class
said Principal Kayla on educating the whole is learning about the
Trueblood, who is the child; academically, state flower.
first lay principal. All spiritually, and mor- Besides vegetables
teachers are Catho- ally. The public schools and some flowers, there
lics, and there is a cer- are more regimented, are also a few citrus
tain feel to the school, there are many rules trees, and succulents Odd Address Even Address
peaceful. And everyone and guidelines that being grown. “The stu-
was smiling.  they must follow. That dents love the science Outdoor Watering is Prohibited
St. Anne’s has pre- doesn’t always pertain class because they get
school classes through to a private school. to sample all the vege-
eighth grade, a library, “We’ve expanded our tables they grow,” said ODD NUMBER ADDRESSES
a school garden, and preschool since I’ve a teacher.
a green grassy play-
ground.
been principal, where Long time parent and If your address ends with an “odd” number,
Trueblood taught 5th
there are three teach-
ers, and we are always
grandparent volunteer
at St. Anne’s, Shelly 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9, your watering day is Saturday only.
grade for three years, enrolling more. We’ve Risvold, said, “This is
and has been St. Anne’s
principal for four. She
also created an up to
date library media cen-
a wonderful school.
They have all the fun
OR
also taught English at ter.”  things that school used
Porterville High School
for seven years, and ad-
All classes come to
the library once a week
to have.”
There is a mural on
EVEN NUMBER ADDRESSES
vised the student coun- and students check out the wall by St. Anne’s
cil, she said, “It was a books. Kindergarten Garden, painted by the If your address ends with an “even” number,
lot of fun.” through fourth grade Risvold family, with a 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8 your watering day is Sunday only.
“But I couldn’t pass students enjoy story- picture of St. Theresa,
up the opportunity to time with librarian Lau- and the class patron
come to school every ra Jacobs every week, saints. Violation Level Citation Amount
day with my own two which has a theme or a With Pope Francis,
children, who are in 5th special author. Students Trueblood said there is
and First grade at St. also work on computers a focus on social jus- First Violation Warning Only
Anne’s. It’s a very con- once a week, learning tice, so during Catholic
venient drop-off,” she basic computer skills, School week, early in
said with a laugh. practicing their typing January, students cre- Second Violation $100 Fine
There are three pre- skills, and using the ated blessing bags for
school teachers at the
school and nine regular
Rosetta Stone for lan- the homeless in the Third Violation $200 Fine
guage learning. community. “It’s really
teachers. One teacher In the school gar- amazing what our kids
per grade, and there den vegetables such as do. They have empathy Fourth Violation $500 Fine
are two teacher aides. broccoli, kale, endive, for others,” said True-
There is a full-time and romaine are grow- blood.

Mandatory
computer teacher and ing, and fourth grade The school also still
a part-time librarian. teacher Sharon Sexton teaches some tradition-
There are many par-
Odd/Even Watering Schedule
said it’s “Farm to Ta- al things, like teaching
ent volunteers at the ble,” and very hands-on third grade students to
school, and parents help for the students. They write and read cursive
with the school garden, were all tasting the handwriting. It helps

Excessive water
and put on the school raw vegetables being their hand-eye coordi-
musical every year. grown, for their out- nation, which is part

runoff prohibited
“The Little Mermaid” door science lab. They of that whole-self ap-
is the 2020 play and will are in the garden for a proach to education.

The washing of sidewalks and

driveways is prohibited

Vehicles shall only be washed on

designated watering days and with hoses
equipped with a shut-off nozzle

Ornamental water features are prohibited

unless the fountain uses a recycling system

WATERING PROHIBITED BETWEEN THE HOURS OF

5:00 – 10:00 AM • 5:00 – 10:00 PM

NO WATERING
MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY.
Recorder file photo
Father Scott Daugherty, right, and Father Iriarte Santiago with St. Anne’s stu-
dents St. Anne’s Church’s 60th birthday in 2012.
 Burton School District
PAST
Burton was established in 1869 and began with 11
students in its first recorded class. Pictured right is the
original school house and the bell from it that now sits 

in front of Burton Elementary. The original location is
marked by a marker on Olive Ave and Dameron St.

PRESENT
Burton School District is 9 square miles serving  9
schools, 6 elementary, 2 middle and 1 high school.
Currently, Burton serves over 4900 students to date.
Burton provides unique opportunities including an IB
program, Dual Immersion, Dual and concurrent
enrollment with Porterville College,Visual and
performing arts, STEM learning and much more.

FUTURE

In the future Burton is looking to build another school

site on the Drive-in property.We are looking forward
to incorporating more opportunities at our high school
where students are able to personalize their learning
plans and path to graduation, along with hands on
experiences and unique real world learning.
 A Place Called
FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2020 THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER PAGE 13A

History of Porterville Congregational Church Pipe Organ

Editor's note: Valley churchs.
The most common
abeth Nuefeld became
our loyal, dedicated or-
The following bogus story, according ganist. She remained as
was written to pipe organ builder
Tom Delay of Fresno
the organist in 1993.
On October 25, 1936 a
by Eleanor was a large midwestern fire partially destroyed
Foerster in church in financial dif-
ficulty that needed to
the church and dam-
aged the pipe organ. The
1993. get rid of a highly val- Crome Organ Co. from
ued pipe organ quickly Los Angeles repaired
The First Congrega- at a bargain price! The and rebuilt the organ in
tional Church's pipe organists from the the- 1937, recognizing it as
organ is believed to be aters became the church the old Wurlitzer from
the oldest functioning organists. They played the Los Angeles Deluxe
Wurlitzer in California. on the old theater or- Theater. (This Crome
The original pipe or- gans and recognized the Organ Co. still builds
gan was a 1916 style 3, same old sounds under pipe organs out of Reno,
seven rank Wurlitzer different names! Nev.)
built for the Deluxe On Marc2 2, 1931 While the Crome Com-
Theater in Los Ange- the current organ was pany was in Porterville
les. The console has two dedicated at First Con- repairing the organ,
manuals. This was the gregational Church. It Richard Villemin found
first Wurlitzer to be in- was installed by Charles a two note pipe organ
stalled in Los Angeles. Herschmann frrom San tuba chest on the road
Francisco and brought when walking home by Richard Villemin to sions — great, choir and modeled in 1963 by Paul
San Francisco had the
to Porterville form the from playing the pipe become a swell organ. pedal (all behind min- Moore and remain the
only other Wurlitzer in
Deluxe Theater in Los organ at the Monache This swell organ and ister's pulpit), antipho- same. Major repairs and
the state at this time.
Angeles. The church Theater. carillon (purchased nal (exposed center changes were started
In the late 1920s when
was told the organ came On the wooden from donations in mem- balcony in the back of to ugrade the organ's
talkies arrived in the-
from a large church in chest was stamped ory of Richard Moore the church), and echo functioning in prepa-
aters, the pipe organs
Chicago! “Wurlitzer.” He knew in 1955), with reserved (enclosed left of the bal- ration for the church's
that accompanied silent
The dedication organ- the organ at the church space for a future solo cony) were also given 100th year celebration
movies became worth-
ist was Harold A. Cole. was being repaired so organ division, are lo- by Paul and Margue- in November, 1991.
less. Because it was im-
He was also a piano he took it to the church. cated behind the choir rite Moore and instaled The Moeller and Rob-
proper for a church to
teacher and composer. It had fallen off a truck loft. Also in 1963 the or- by Richard Villemin in ert Morten swell organ
buy an organ that had
In 1993 there were at and Crome Co. couldn't gan was expanded from 1965. In 1966 new viola shades were rebuilt.
been used for entertain-
least four church mem- find it. This tuba chest seven ranks to 24 ranks and violin pipes were Under the able lead-
ment in a theater, these
bers who confessed is still used in the organ by special gifts from added as gifts from ership of Joe Faure,
worthless theater or-
taking piano lessons today. church families. A four church families. New church moderator in
gans were stripped of
from Mr. Cole: Marjorie Richard Villemin was manual Moeller console grills, shutters and 1991 and 1992, enough
their drums, whistles,
Wright Richardson, Bill a key person in keeping with a full AGO pedal false pipes were added money was raised (more
horns and other “toy
Rodgers, Carol Black- ciphers out of the organ. board was purchased
ranks.” to the sanctuary behind than $45,000 from 75
man Leesch and Eleanor He turned and main- from Pomona College's
The existing ranks the choir loft and in the families) to replace
Moore Foerster. tained it regularly from Little Bridges Hall of
were renamed to sound minister's pulpit, the the setter action power
Bill Rodgers remem- 1937 until his death on Music in Claremont, Ca-
more ecclesiastical. The woodwork done by Paul pneumatics with solid
bers playing the piano October 10, 1987. lif., by Paul and Mar-
console were resanded Moore. state relay units.
offertory on Sundays in In 1963 the relay sys- guerite Moore and giv-
and stained darker to The grills on both The pull stops and
the 1920s when he was tem and combination en to the church. This
look more ecclesiastical. sides of the balcony console were AGO stan-
in high school. action for this antique console was dedicated
Those theater Wurlitzers were added for archi- dardized and special
His mother, Grace Wurlitzer were moved in 1964 in memory of
were called “Robert tectural symmetry by pipes were repaired and
Redfield Rogers, was east of the church sec- State Senator Howard J.
Hope Jones concert or- woodcraftsman, Ray added. The organ con-
the church organist on retary's office (behind Williams who had been
gans” and bogus stories Neufeld. tains 24 ranks and has
the old pump organ. the key closet). At this the church moderator
were made up to make The choir loft and been prepared to accept
Harold Cole was organ- time the Wurlitzer was for 16 years.
them resaleable to cons- choir railing were re- a total of 38 ranks.
ist until 1942 when Eliz- expanded and modified Five new organ divi-
vervative San Joaquin

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[email protected] • www.quikrooter.com
 A Place Called
PAGE 14A THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2020

Revisiting the Old Ways

By KENN McCARTY Belgian draft horses; for This was also a learning the woods; working with
Special for The Recorder them and their steeds, this process for Kenn and Susan draft horses on timber har-
was an opportunity to gain and they remained very vest and forest restoration
Live Oak Belgians,
some experience. mindful of not overdoing work they hope will be a
Kenn and Susan McCarty
The Belgian horse has al- it. Kenn and Susan learned new chapter for them. The
of Upper Lake, Calif, a
ways been a breed of choice long ago from their local Suenram’s have dedicated
draft horse service busi-
for heavy pulling and haul- draft horse mentor, Juan their lives to farming and
ness, went to work skid-
ing. Kenn illustrates this Erquiaga, of Kelseyville…
ding logs the old-fashioned agriculture. Land steward-
with the “Five F’s of heavy “If the horses enjoy their
way. Local farmers, Rob ship is a cornerstone of
draft horses: Fanfare (pa- work, are treated well and
and Sue Suenram, also of what they do and protect-
rades & exhibition), are rewarded for their la-
Lake County, own a five- Freighting (hauling), bors, they will eagerly step ing this tract of pine is
acre tract of pine covered Fighting (warfare & into the work and perform a part of that. Waste not,
land that lays among a wal- firefighting), Farming (till- for you.”… Sage advice want not… Protect the for-
nut orchard, vineyards and ing and harvesters), and that they often reflect on. est and it will continue to
cattle pasture. This tract Forestry. This is part of a After the logs are hauled provide for generations to
is mostly covered with a lesson that he teaches for to the mill and the remain- come.
mixed-age of Ponderosa local high school agricul- ing infested wood (deterio- Kenn McCarty grew up
Pine including some old- ture classes and for 4H and rated logs and branches) in Porterville from 1969
growth trees that are over FFA groups. are burned in order to kill to 1985 and later lived in
150 years old and is home Although the McCarty’s the larvae, the Suenram’s Springville. Kenn is retired
to a variety of bird life have practiced and partici- will proceed with site re- from the wildland fire ser-
including owls, hawks and pated in log-skidding com- habilitation and replant-
a large flock of turkey vice after 35 years of ser-
petitions, they’ve never ing sapling trees. The few vice where he worked 5
as well as deer, fox and had the opportunity to put larger logs harvested had
mink. This is a cherished CONTRIBUTED PHOTO years for the Bureau of
their horses to work out in to be pulled out with a
tract of pine that began to The Belgian horse has always been a breed of choice Land Management, 5 years
the forest. They divided tractor. A benefit to horse
show signs of Bark Beetle their four horses into two logging is reduced soil for heavy pulling and hauling. Here a pair of horses for the City of Visalia Fire
infestation, which, if left teams. Each horse has a compaction versus tractor are shown hauling a heavy log. Dept, and 25 years for CAL
unchecked, would likely partner that they always logging. This maintains po- Fire. Kenn’s wife, Susan
kill the all the pine. A for- work with; Jimmy and rous soil space, allowing is 16-year veteran of the
sence, what this work is The McCarty’s hope that
ester was consulted and a Chief were the A-team and the transfer of nutrients wildland fire service hav-
doing is replicating what there will be future oppor-
harvest plan written. This Baloo and Max were the B- and moisture to tree roots, ing last served on a Hot-
nature did every summer tunity to work their horses
harvest would only yield team. Although the latter promoting healthy root shot crew in Oregon. Susan
before European pioneers in the woods. Kenn and Su-
approximately 3 loads of are larger and heavier, it systems and forests. In also served as a U.S. Army
arrived in the mid-1800s… san are both retired from
logs and wouldn’t actually was Jimmy and Chief who addition, skidding all the Medic. Together they have
annual natural burning al- the wildland fire service
be economical to commer- performed the best. Each smaller logs with horses been involved with draft
ways kept our forests and and have spent their lives
cially harvest and haul to round-trip with a log, to also reduces the amount horses for 20 years.
brushlands gleaned and working in and enjoying
the mill, yet the Suenram’s the landing and back to the of ground disturbance and
cleaned thus causing natu-
were opposed to wasting next log only took about the ability to work among
ral fires to burn with low-
the timber. Therefore, to five minutes; the horses and not damage other veg-
intensity… a process that
defray costs, this became and teamsters developed a etation. There are a lot of
modern forest firefighting
a family project. An uncle, pretty quick rhythm. But, young trees that will now
has interrupted, thus al-
who is a timber faller, came as Susan points out, “This benefit greatly with the
lowing our forests be be-
to fell the trees. Extended was not a competition… opened canopy and more
family and friends took come overgrown. This is
this was training and con- sunlight.
care of a myriad of jobs precisely what is causing
fidence building for these This tract of land, like
and tasks and the family forest fires today to burn
horses. We’d start with the rest of California, is
provided a harvest feast with increased size and in-
light logs and gradually vulnerable to wildfire.
for all the workers. Even work them up in size and This work won’t prevent a tensity.
the grandchildren were length. If we too quickly future fire but, by reduc- During this three-day
brought in to watch and hitched them up to a log ing the dead and decadent job, the horses actually had
for the lessons that all this that was too heavy, we fuel-load (vegetation) it a pretty short work day
provided. Kenn and Susan backed way off in size and will cause any future fire and were rewarded with
McCarty of Live Oak Bel- started over. This was to to burn with lower inten- special feed supplements
gians heard of the project build their confidence and sity… something that the that they love and getting CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
and volunteered to skid all to teach them of their own bigger trees can survive let out for the night in a The Belgian horse has always been a breed of choice
the smaller logs (20” in di- abilities that they haven’t by virtue of their natural big pasture in which to run for heavy pulling and hauling. Here a pair of horses
ameter or less) with their yet discovered.” fire adaptations. In es- and romp. are shown hauling a heavy log.

Lawryn Monterroso, D.D.S.

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ACC EW
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 River Station and 12 miles north of Mountain House
One of the oldest standing buildings in ffrom 1858-1861. The Butterfield Overland Mail
the Tulare County, the Old Stage Saloon at was a stagecoach service that carried passengers
Fountain Springs encapsulates the spirit of and U.S. Mail from Memphis, Tennessee, and
the Central Valley and the old west. With its St. Louis, Missouri, to San Francisco, California.
fully remodeled interior, original building and Fountain Springs was named in 1855 by early
front exterior, wood sourced locally from our travelers on their way to the mines along
Sequoia National Forest, the Old Stage Saloon White River. It is said that the owner practically
is a welcoming family atmosphere, ready to destroyed the spring when he blew it up with
satisfy your hankering for good old fashion dynamite in hopes of increasing the water flow.
okie food. As you enjoy your meal, cattle and On May 2, 1876, the school was formed and
horses graze the hillsides around you, while lapsed on September 22, 1931. It is also said that
the Giant Sequoias say hi from the skyline, not some of the surrounding area’s most prominent
to mention, you are in the same building that players, outlaws and cowboys once stopped in.
many travelers, cowboys, and outlaws have Like Porterville’s infamous outlaw and murderer,
once stopped in, because the Old Stage Saloon Jim McKinney (1861-1903) who use to hide out
was a station on the Butterfield Overland Mail here while on the run from the law! And even,
route. The Old Stage Saloon is a convenient Black Bart (1829-1888), a robber who held up
place to stop for great steak, where the drinks numerous Wells Fargo stagecoaches, but never
and conversation flow. Located on Old Stage harmed or touched passengers. In the parking lot
Road, the original Butterfield Stage Coach stop of the Old Stage Saloon also stand the “El Cojo”
and Avenue 56, only 7.2 miles east of Ducor, state marker - make sure you go and read it!
the Old Stage Saloon embodies the spirit of As of January 2019, local cattle ranchers
the old west and California’s Central Valley’s
and long-time residence of the area for several
rich history. Fountain Springs, Porterville and
generations, the Sanders and Nieblas family
the surrounding areas posses the land of
obtained ownership of the Old Stage Saloon at
adventure and dreams, as well as a community
Fountain Springs. The newly revamped Old Stage
of astonishing natural beauty, diversity and
Saloon still possesses the original front of the
generations of families, ranchers, farmers, and
building - It has stood the test of time and we
cowboys!
are waiting for you to stop by and relish in our
Established in 1858, the historical Fountain grandeur! Let us satisfy your hankering for good
Springs was a station on the Butterfield old fashion okie food, we’ll satisfy your craving
Overland Mail route, 14 miles southeast of Tule for comfort food!

29095 Avenue 56, Porterville, CA. 93257 • (559) 534-5827

 A Place Called
PAGE 16A THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2020

The Wilcox Family

In December 1856, the les, also 600 orange trees Origen, built an adobe
Wilcox family from up- that became the first house on the west side
per New York state be- commercial citrus plant- of the river and proved
came the first family to ing in Tulare County. up on the homestead. In
homestead on the Tule Sardis and Sarah had 1868 Origen returned
River. The pioneer par- two sons, Douglas and to New York to marry
ty consisted of John Wil- Carlos who passed away Clara Jane Emerson who
cox and his son Origen; as young men. Sardis returned with him to live
John’s brothers, Alfred, died in 1861, leaving his in the adobe house he
Abel and Sardis; also, widow, Sarah, and daugh- had built. Their seven
Sardis’ wife Sarah and ter, Martha, who mar- children, six of whom
her brother, Levi Bond. ried Herman Temple- spent their lives in Por-
Three homesteads were ton. Martha was very terville, were: Mamie
filed – Sardis at the junc- gifted and wrote poems Putnam, who married
tion of the north and and fiction. One poem James Putnam a nephew
south forks of the Tule written by her was the of Royal Porter Putnam,
River; John and Origen Porterville High School
Alice McKean, Grace
just north of Sardis and song, “The Orange and
Traeger and John, Fred,
Levi Bond to the south. The Green.” Their chil-
After a log cabin was dren were Sardis, Her- Harry and Guy Wilcox.
built for Sarah, the men ma, Carlos and Louise. Guy Wilcox operated
purchased hogs, 600 After the flood in the Wilcox Flower Shop
Contributed photo grapevines and 250 head 1862 John returned to in Porterville for many
of cattle in Los Ange- New York and his son, years.
Origen & Clara Wilcox children: Back Row: Guy Wilcox, Harry Wilcox, Fred Wil-
cox, John Wilcox. Front Row: Alice Wilcox McKean, Grace Wilcox Traeger, Mamie
Wilcox Putnam. Photo taken August 1944

Contributed photo
Due to construction of Success Dam, five gravesites located on the homestead-
ed property along the Tule River, dating back to 1861, had to be relocated to
Home of Peace Cemetery in Porterville on October 30, 1958.

Contributed photos
Pictured is the adobe house and granary located on the Wilcox homestead. The Contributed photo
original Wilcox homestead remained in the family for over 100 years until wa- The Tulare County Historical Society erected the monument at Success Lake to
ter behind Success Dam covered the property in 1962. honor the Wilcox family on March 4, 1990.

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 A Place Called
PAGE 18A THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2020F

Zalud House, a special glimpse into the past

The Recorder
[email protected]

The Zalud House is

a nostalgic glimpse
into the past. 
Built in 1891, it is
one of the few houses
of that era that has
not undergone remod-
eling. It has the man-
sard roof construc-
tion, which makes the
house unique in its
style of architecture.
From the time the
house was built, only
the Zalud family lived
there. In fact, it is one
of the few museums
in the nation that is
furnished entirely
with the original own-
ers’ possessions. The
house was given to
the City of Porterville
by the Zalud families
youngest daughter,
Pearle, when she died
in 1970.
The house is listed
in the National His-
torical Registry of
Old Houses and in the
National Register of
Historic Places. 
Written in a meticu-
lous history recorded arrived, Mrs. Zalud John Leach who died the whole block, had a When the spur track other events. Originally
by Ina H. Stiner in perceived that it was in April, 1892. And the stable for their driv- was put in 1888, Por- the area where the gar-
1954, a renowned old- on the wrong side of house is the only Sec- ing horses, as well as terville began to grow, den is, was sometimes
time historian in the the Slough and re- ond Empire style struc- a chicken house, and a and at that time Porter a vegetable garden for
area, who said, fused to move into it. ture in Porterville. horse paddock. In 1912 Putnam started his big the family, but Mrs.
“The John Zalud So this brick house on According to Bill the middle lot was sold store.  John Zalud always had
House is one of the old the southwest corner Horst, a local histo- when Mrs. Zalud was John Zalud had a roses around the house,
houses of Porterville of Morton and Hock- rian, who worked in ill.” restaurant and saloon and flowers, which she
still in original form; ett streets was built, construction at one One of the reasons in Porterville. But his
specially loved. There
it has an interesting by brothers John and time, the brick house the Zalud’s moved to business was mainly in
story. John Zalud had were special old-time
Hugh Templeton, lo- has double-walled con- Porterville was the re- liquor.
come from Tulare roses that Mrs. Zalud
cal housing developers struction, which was routing of the railroad, The City of Porter-
about 1891 to set up and building contrac- rare at the time. The when a spur track from ville and Parks and planted before 1900,
business here, and tors, while the family double brick walls help Visalia to Porterville in Leisure maintain the and the Zalud garden
had a house built for a lived in a small house to insulate the house 1888, before the rail- Zalud House, and it’s was famous for them,
home on C street near on Mill St. next to the and keep it at an even road moved from Tu- Rose Garden can be and was written about
Dr. Higgins’ house.  Will Putnam house. The temperature. lare to Bakersfield used for outdoor wed- in magazines. Pearle
When his family brickwork was done by The Zaluds owned from 1889 to 1890. dings, tea parties and also loved roses.

113 Years
Strong and Growing
with Porterville

T
he Porterville Chamber of Commerce was chartered
in 1907 and has evolved into one of the key leaders in
community development. Its influence will continue to
be felt throughout the community as the Chamber meets
the very ambitious objectives and strict standards it has set
for itself.
The old office building Which

T
was built in 1950
he Porterville Chamber is a non-profit organization of business and professional people
committed to the betterment of their community through economic development and
a strong, healthy business environment. These members of the community volunteer
their labor and talent as an organized group, because they recognize that.. ‘We can do
together, what no one can do alone.’ And, together as the Porterville Chamber, they are
“People Promoting Business for the Benefit of the Community.”
Porterville Chamber of Commerce
93 North Main Street, Suite A
Porterville, CA 93257 1994
559-784-7502

Rendering of new office building

 A Place Called
FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2020 THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER PAGE 19A

MURRY PARK: Park once had caged animals

City of Porterville it has been suggested including several structed in 1954.  A erected in 1954.  Be- popular wild ducks
that his lovable per- statues, a bandstand, segment of the Pio- fore the advent of and geese. There was
In 1908, the City’s sonality and the fact tea house, caged ani- neer Ditch still passes motels the park ad- once a bridge that
newly established that he had been  the mals and flour mill no through the park and ditionally served as
Chamber of Com- connected to the is-
City Attorney was of longer remain.  They is embellished with an overnight resting land but was removed
merce secured deeds influence.  have been replaced a stone waterfall and spot for travelers — a
of three parcels of for safety reasons. 
In addition to the by more modern el- rock bridge free camping ground. 
land which marked The pond has been re-
name change, the ements such as the Just east of Mur- The centerpiece of
the beginning of Por- stocked with fish each
park has undergone three covered pavil- ry Park is the Por- Murry Park remains
terville’s first City considerable transfor- ions, two children’s terville Golf Course the unique pond sur- year since the 1940’s
Park.  mation over the more play areas and the which was purchased rounding an island and the tradition con-
The land included than 100 years of exis- municipal swimming in 1944.  The swim- which attracts not only tinues for the Spring
the 2-acre site of the tence.  Early features pool, which was con- ming complex was visitors but the ever- Fishing Derby.
old brewery donated
by Henry Hunsaker;
a 9- acre plot was
deeded by George
Murry who was a lo-
cal lawyer and son of
early settler Pat Mur-
ry; and 19 acres from
the Pioneer Land
Company which was
home to Porterville’s
early flour mill.  W.P
Bartlett became a ma-
jor proponent of the
park project and was
intimately involved
with the planning and
fundraising for devel-
opment.  It was with
this project and his
ambition that a Com-
mittee on Parks was
officially formed and
would later develop
into our current Parks
Commission. 
Originally named
Burbank Park after
famed botanist Lu-
ther Burbank, the 20
acres of rolling hills
became a recreation-
al source of pride for
the Porterville com-
munity and greater
Tulare County. It’s un-
certain exactly why
the name of the park
was changed to memo-
rialize George Murry Contributed Photo
after his passing, but The bridge that was formerly at Murry Park.

acres each. And, thus, Zion’s roots

were planted. “I am the vine, ye are
the branches: He that abideth in Me,
and I in him, the same bringeth forth
much fruit: for without Me ye can do
nothing.” John 15:5

Zion Lutheran Church and School was

officially established in October 1909,
and has continued to flourish. Since
its inception Zion has been blessed
with over 1,000 Baptisms, over 900

In the early 1900’s, Terra Bella’s

countryside was an open prairie
land as far as the eye could see.
relocation was that, if enough church
members would settle here, the
colonization company would donate
Confirmations, and over 350 weddings!
“For Thou art great, and doest wondrous
things: Thou art God alone. Teach me
The Terra Bella Land Company one acre of land on which to build their Thy way, O Lord; I will walk in Thy truth:
secured Section 31 for the purpose chapel. unite my heart to fear Thy name. I will
of subdividing into small acreage praise Thee, O Lord my God, with all
farms. Advertisements went out, far The ads were successful, and brought my heart: and I will glorify Thy name for
and wide, to encourage church groups many Lutheran settlers to the Terra evermore.” Psalm 86:10-12. ALL Praise
and others to relocate to this land of Bella area from Southern California, to God Alone!
“milk and honey”, stating that the land Oregon, Minnesota, and Iowa. The
was suitable for growing citrus, fruit, Lutherans bought parcels of land, Bible Class & Sunday School: 9:15 am
and nut trees. An added incentive for side-by-side, averaging around 20 Divine Worship Service: 10:30 am

Zion Yesterday:

LCMS Zion Lutheran Church and School

Pastor Jacob Dandy
“Zion, Kept by Power Divine”
10341 Rd 256 - Church: 559-535-4952
10368 Rd 256 - School: 559-535-4346
Terra Bella, CA 93270 • [email protected]
 A Place Called
PAGE 20A THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2020F

‘Ladies of the Club:’ Inter Se has been around since 1892

By Diane Rountree first year it was called each member of the lic Library “Inter Se
the K.N. Reading Club, circle...a beautiful sil- receives offer to take
There’s a club in Por- the mystic letters hav- ver lace pin, a souvenir advantage of the Travel-
terville that few people ing significance to the of the silver mines of ing Library which circu-
know about and yet it members alone. Calico, which had re- lates books given by the
has been continually in The words Inter Se cently been closed.” state of California.”
existence since 1892. are Latin, a legal term The ladies decided The booklet states
It’s a club that’s de- meaning among or be- they would read The on December 25, 1903,
signed for women, those tween themselves. The Scarlet Letter. Mrs. “Porterville Library As-
who wish to seek “enjoy- by-laws were written Cruikshanks “kindly sociation formed. The
ment in the broader un- after the first formal consented to prepare a library’s fifty volumes
derstanding, study and meeting. sketch of her visit to will be forth coming
research of Arts and They involved the Hawthorne’s home in from the state. Sub-
Sciences, and add the usual meeting particu- Concord, Mass., for our scribers will pay $1.50
advancement of social lars. The by-laws con- next meeting.” It’s sur- per month.”
and intellectual culture, tinue however with one prising how many of the So the first library in
as stated in the by-laws of the unique and major members traveled past Porterville actually fol-
of the club.” goals of the club. the county lines in those lowed the 18th century
The club is currently “The anniversary of early days. model of a subscription
limited to 20 members this organization shall On July 9, 16, and 23 library. The first read-
because the members be celebrated each year in 1898, the Inter Se ing room was located in
meet in one another’s as close to the date of Club read Hamlet. The the North Taylor Build-
home, and a larger num- Henry Wadsworth Long- following month mem- ing at the corner of Main
ber of members would fellow’s birthday (Feb- bers read Othello. Cur- and Cleveland.
inhibit that ability. It’s ruary 27, 1809).” rently, Inter Ce Circle The librarian of this
a club that’s widely rec- The ladies of 1892 had only meets from Octo- reading room was Glad-
ognized as helping start quite a bit of admiration ber through May, skip- ys McDonald who grad-
the first library in Por- for this venerable writ- ping the months with uated in 1902 from the
terville. er. His birthday anni- the greatest heat. Those local high school.
Inter Se Circle was versary lunch continues ladies in 1898 in their Jeff Edwards, local
begun in 1892 in Porter- today as a celebration of long, heavy dresses are historian and photogra-
ville. It’s interesting to his talents and the club to be admired for read- pher, was interviewed. Contributed photo by jeff edwards
note that according to members look forward ing Shakespearian trag- Edwards said, “She was
the United States Decin- This is the only known photograph of Glady McDon-
to the food and fellow- edies during the high almost a volunteer.”
nia Census, there were ald, the firt librarian of Porterville. She helped es-
ship each February. temperatures of sum- He felt she wasn’t
606 people in Porterville tablish the reading room on the North Taylor block.
The club numbered mer. paid a salary but given
in 1890. This small town 15 members in the be- Just as today people a small stipend at times.
mimicked the larger, ginning “solely for the were affected by the Her work was a labor There’s a note pasted to easier to have a larger
more urban towns of convenience of meeting weather. On Decem- of love. the original minutes that number attend meet-
the time when the ladies from house to house.” ber 16, 1898, the min- The library current- the article was dated in ings. Regardless, the
started a study group. There’s a large pic- utes stated, “A copious ly houses, in the his- 1908 or 1909. The news- club continued to be a
The minutes of the ture in the Porterville rain having descended tory room, the Inter paper column states 15 force among the ladies
first five years of the Museum of the club to gladden the hearts of Se club minutes from stalwart Inter Se mem- in Porterville.
club were lost to a house members of 1892. The our farmers and inci- 1896 to the present and bers planted 17 trees in Sometimes Inter Se
fire at the home of Mrs. heavily framed photo- dentally causing genu- the Program books or Murry Park. There was had a meeting where
Hearn in 1895. However, graph shows serene but ine ‘Tulare Adobe’ to yearbooks of the club. a gathering of towns- other like minded
a charter member, Mrs. unsmiling faces as if adhere to everything Some of the minutes are people and some of the groups were invited. IN
M.C.K. Shuey, who had they were aware of how coming in contact with, written in copperplate trees were dedicated by 1916 three other clubs
left Porterville in 1904, monumental the begin- making a trip to Mrs. cursive in bound jour- a local minister in honor were guests of Inter Se:
offered in 1909 to write ning of the club would Williams’ impossible, so nals while in the 1930s of Inter Se members Pierian, Current Top-
up a synopsis of the ear- be. no meeting was held.” a typwriter was used to who had died. ics and the Lambs Club.
ly years when she and The current president There was no asphalt create the notes. In April of 1909 the They all met at the Con-
Mrs. Murry first started of Inter Se, Sally Mai- and many of the roads The club members club members went to gregational Church and
meeting. land shared her view. were hazardous due to are privileged to have Visalia by invitation. enjoyed a program of
She stated, “In the lat- “With the humble begin- an excess of “Tulare a cabinet in the history Members of the Visa- piano duets, singing and
ter part of the year 1891 nings of two Porterville adobe.” room of the library. It’s lia club shared a dinner reading Romeo and Ju-
and the beginning of the ladies coming together During the early a wonderful resource to with the Porterville club. liet.
year 1892, there was a to study the poetic works years, the ladies de- have the minutes and Probably most Inter Se It’s amazing in a small
small Reading Club of of Henry Wadsworth cided to have a picnic Program books all in members rode the train town such as Porter-
two, who used to met at Longfellow, the Inter Se at Murry Field near the one place. What would to arrive in Visalia for ville there were at least
the home of Mrs. M.D. Circle was formed. One- Tule. Fifteen carriage the charter members, a full day’s excursion. four clubs of ladies who
Murry, contiguous to the hundred-twenty-eight loads of ladies met and whose minutes are writ- But it’s interesting the sought friendship and
old Porterville school years later, this circle of drove through “the ten with such care, think clubs were close enough intellectual stimulation
house where I was then twenty ladies still retain town creating a ripple of our tablets and air to fellowship and shared and perhaps just a bit of
employed as a teacher.” the traditions of their of excitement for the printers? an interest in learning. conversation.
The school day ended organization. reason that the picnic As the years passed As in any viable or- In an article in the
at 2:30 p.m., and the two “Their Memoriam was a secret anda the the minutes included ganization there were Fresno Bee in 2008, Cyn-
friends met and read to those members who party was composed en- details such as who was changes. After having thia D’Amour, a leader-
aloud “in turn” and then, have passed reads, ‘To tirely of ladies.” in attendance and the met once a week for ship consultant from
“we began to think that live in the heart of those The minutes state that topics of discussion and many years the club Michigan was inter-
perhaps others would we leave behind is not by that evening the local presentations by the decided to meet twice viewed and she stated,
enjoy meeting with us.” to die.’ The Inter Se Cir- newspaper was already club members. Some of a month from 1910 to “In the 1880s, women
So it must be credited cle has been dedicated reporting the event. Cu- the meetings included 1914. didn’t have the access
that Mrs. Murry and to promoting our local riosity and conjecture spirited discussions After California to education that they
Mrs. Shuey had the vi- Porterville library by were real in the small about by-laws and atten- passed suffrage in 1911 have today.”
sion for this long stand- donating books annu- town of Porterville and dance and others were the November 1912 In- She asserted the desire
ing club. It’s often re- ally and donating books the local newspaper steeped in concern for ter Se topic stated the for intellectual stimula-
marked during today’s in memory of members duly reported the daily the members. members needed to de- tion and social network-
Inter Se meetings that who have passed. As this news. For the first several cide “What the RIGHT ing is just as strong now
those ladies had a full group goes forward they On January 13, 1900, decades of the club TO VOTE means to me.” as it was more than 100
day indeed working in will carry with them the there were several top- there were several top- The capital letters were years ago. The ladies of
house gardens, tend- club motto, ‘Draw deep ics for the club mem- ics presented at each inserted by the original Inter Se would certainly
ing chickens and cows, from Wisdom’s Well; It’s bers to enjoy. The meet- meeting. The early Pro- author. What that right agree.
washing, ironing and Fount is Inexhaustible.” ing started with music, gram books started a must have meant to a The 25th anniversary
preparing large meals... While the history of then speech concerning style format that’s used women’s club whose meeting was held on
all before electricity the club extends 128 the “Sons of Henry II” today with little varia- purpose is to study and February 19,1917, Two
was available in homes. years long to date, here which was followed by tion in size and format. research can only be weeks before, the An-
They certainly are to are some highlights of a comentary “the In- It’s interesting to note surmised. nivesary Committee
be admired for wanting the past programs. The creased Cost of Living in 1903 the club paid The ladies would still reported its extensive
to improve their lives name Inter Se Reading and Why” and finally $12 for the printing of have some time to wait arrangements for the
through “broader un- Circle became short- a book review. It cer- 40 Program books. As before they could vote celebration of the club.
derstanding, study and ened to Inter Se Circle tainly seems the ladies the club members was in a national election Each member would be
research of Arts and and currently is most enjoyed diverse topics limited to 15 members but the votes cast in allowed to invited one
Sciences.” often referred to as In- and quite possibly a long at the time, one wonders 1912 would have been guest. The club also de-
Inter Se Reading ter Se. meeting. who received all those thrilling. The California cided to invite other lo-
Circle was formed on In 1896, the ladies The city of Porter- books. ladies must have been cal “study groups” and
February 27, 1892. The were meeting every ville was incorporated The minutes have a impatient for the 19th the meeting would be
organization now known week, often on Satur- in 1902. As stated in A newsprint copy of an Amendment wasn’t rati- held at the I.O.O.F Hall
as Inter Se Circle was days. On November 14, Centennial Celebration article entitled “Inter fied until 1920. in order to accommo-
perfected. But for the Mrs. Shuey gave “to of the Porterville Pub- Se Club Plants Tree.” During the early years date the ladies.
many of the programs Mrs. Miller of Fresno
had music as a compo- was asked to travel to
nent of the day’s enter- Porterville and enter-
tainment. Often either tain the many guests.
singing or instrumental On the anniversary day
music would start the she read two interpreta-
meeting. tive pieces, “The Little
For example on Octo- Girl I Used to Be” and
ber 16, 1914, the minutes an excerpt from Henry
state there was music Bordeaux’s The Fear of
followed by two speaker. Living. It was reported
One of the speakers was the guests were thrilled
Mrs. Brown who had by her presentations.
been assigned the topic Finally Mrs. Rose
“What the President is Brown, a charter mem-
Doing.” The minutes ber, spoke on behalf of
stated “Mrs. Brown, be- the Inter Se members.
ing a very good Republi- At the end of the af-
can felt she could not do ternoon, an informal re-
justice to the subject as- ception was given with
signed to her.” Woodrow punch and cake “dain-
Wilson probably heaved tily served.”
a hearty sigh of relief. Just one month lat-
In 1915 the club in- er on March 16, 1917,
creased its membership the program topic was
to 20. Perhaps this was “Schools and their Meth-
due to the popularity of ods.” After three short
Contributed photo by jeff edwards the club and perhaps the presentations the group
This photograph is taken from a post card that was created to commemorate the library that was complet- homes of the group be- as a whole discussed a
came larger and it was
ed in 1908. INTER SE, Page 21
 A Place Called
FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2020 THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER PAGE 21A

Inter Se passed. Program books

continued to be issued
in May for the following
mittee passes out the
Program books for the
following year ecom-
a resource of names it’s
a reminder of the in-
teresting speeches and
gram books of the club.
Through their gracious
gesture the history is
In 2008 the oldest
women’s study club in
Fresno, the Wednesday
Continued from Page 20 year stretching from passing the months of programs that were pre- preserved and avail- Club, ceased to exist
October to May and October to the following sented. able for club members, due to dwindling partic-
high school bill before some of the ladies would May. Theres’s always a Currently the club of scholars and others who ipation. The club was in
the legislature. Perhaps study and prepare for period of silence as the 20 members is divided are interested. existence for 119 years.
political discussions an assigned topic. Oth- ladies scan the books into five groups. Every The current head li- Inter Se is proud it’s club
weren’t as acrimonious ers who were hostesses looking for their assign- year the programs and brarian, Ms. V. Cer- history has continued.
back then. would bake a favorite ment. Who will be the themes are the respon- vantes is a talented and It’s believed Inter Se is
It was during the treat for the meeting hostesses? What topics sibility of a particular charismatic person. In- the oldest viable “study
1917-1918 program year and count chairs so all were assigned? group and then rotated ter Se certainly appreci- group” in the state.
the first typewritten would be assured of a In 1940 the club in- to the next. The group ates her interest and ap- Finally for the pro-
program was inserted seat. creased membership assigns a hostess for preciation of the club. gram year 2019-2020
into the minutes. It’s Of course as the years to 25 members. It’s not each month and also The 1993-94 program the them is News of the
also interesting to note passed members moved known when the club re- assigns a speech topic theme was “Great Year — 1892. The ladies
on November 21, 1917 or retired and new mem- duced to 20 again. to one member each American Poets” includ- will present information
the topic covered was bers joined the club. In It’s interesting to note month. After the topic is ing, of course, Henry of topics of conversation
“comfort bags for sol- February 1928, the 36th at the Christmas cele- assigned the club mem- Wadsworth Longfellow. of 1892, the founding
diers and sewing for the anniversary of the club, bration of 1942, 15 cent ber researches and then The 1995-96 theme was year of Inter Se Read-
Red Cross.” there were only two gifts were exchanged. reports on whatever as- “Literature by Women” ing Circle.
The bags themselves charter members of the But despite that note of pects most interested with specific titles for Some of the topics
and articles inside were club at the celebration: levity, World War II’s in- her about the topic. each speaker including that could have been
given by various groups. Mrs. Mattie Schultz and fluence could be seen in Many ladies pur- I Visit the Soviets, Whal- discussed by the first
Items in the bags could Mrs. W.W. Brown. the following March and chased research books ing Wives and When Did group of ladies are Ellis
include such things as A continual love af- April topics. for these topics. These I Stop Being Twenty and Island, the Sierra Club,
a comb, toothpowder fair with our fair state “The East India Is- books are often donat- Other Injustices. Plesse versus Ferguson,
and tooth brush, a razor, was revealed in 1931. land,” “The Enemy Alien ed to the library. There The program theme the Homestead Strike,
pencil and paper, wash “Romance of the Ran- Camps”and “Our Gener- have been a large num- of 1996-97 was the all Lizzie Bordon and the
cloths, a small mirror, chos” and “Conserva- als” were the topics dis- ber of reports that sur- inclusive “Improving Dalton Gang.
hard candles, scissors tion in California” were cussed by the ladies. prised club members be- America” and included So many diverse and
and a sewing kit. the January topics that The club once again cause of both the length monthly speakers dis- interesting events oc-
The contents weren’t year. Each Program discussed another ma- and breadth of of the re- cussing doctors Sabin curred during 1892.
regulated as such, so the book had a hand painted jor war while certain- search and also because and Salk, Billy Graham, Once again Inter Se is
bags’ contents were of- California poppy on the ly realizing how the of the specific interest Walt Disney and Nor- reaching into its rich
ten varied. Tobacco and cover. conflict affected their the resulting report cre- man Rockwell. During past, mining those top-
wool socks were often During the 1937-38 own life in Porterville. ates. The yearly themes 1997-98 that year’s pro- ics that influence today
favorite items request- Program year an ab- Thankfully Porterville’s are only limited by the gram committee chose and beyond.
ed by the troops. breviated version of the agricultural lifestyle interest and imagination the theme “Celebrat- And so continue the
The population of Por- minutes was printed in made sure the local of the program group. ing the World Around “Ladies of the Club.”
terville because of its The Recorder. The last households were always The 1990s saw great Us: Customs and Tradi- While that’s a title of
ideal location, good ag- meeting of the year supplemented with a changes in American tions.” To end the decade a delightful book about
ricultural ground and or the Picnic was de- wealth of fruits and veg- life and philosophy. As the them was “Ringing a 19th century women’s
natural resources kept scribed: “Fried chicken etables. in previous decades the in the New Millennium: club by Helen Hoover
growing. According to and all of the delicacies After the 50th anni- Inter Se Circle reflect- Memories, Hopes and Santmyer, it’s also re-
the census in 1910 there of the season were pro- versary, the club robust- ed those changes in the Expectations.” flective of the minutes
were 2,696 people and vided.” ly continued in the same theme choices for each The monthly reports of Inter Se which gener-
just 10 years latere there The club’s minutes vein. The meetings were year. covered the topics of ously use the phrase.
were 4,097 citizens. noted the picnic was chronicled with copious The Program book for politics, medicine, com- It’s amazing to many
After the war, Inter served by “the noisy wa- minutes and of course 1991-92 celebrated “A munication, travel, land the club has existed for
Se was still concerned terfall of Murry Park.” the program books de- Century with Inter Se and women’s roles. It’s so many years. The la-
by the lingering effects Perhaps the picnic oc- lineated the plan for — 1892-1992.” The top- easy to see Inter Se top- dies know the intellec-
of the Great War to End curred under some of each year. The program ics for the year incldued ics appeal to wide inter- tual stimulation is cer-
All Wars. The topics for the trees the ladies books are kept by the “Inter Se and the Victo- ests. After the speaker’s tainly one benefit. But
January 2, 1919 included of the club planted 20 club members for many rian Age” and “Inter Se report, the club mem- most will say 20 ladies
“Have our fighting men years earlier. years. and the 20th century.” bers share personal from so many different
received any benefits” Today the annual pic- In at least one instance, The club members comments that pertain backgrounds and having
and “The influence of nic is highly anticipated the books were carefully heard reports entitled to the topic or ask per- many different interests
war on the labor situa- for the food and conver- given to a younger Inter “Women Get to Vote” tinent questions.The present the greatest gift
tion.” It would be inter- sations. It’s on that day Se member so she could and “The Depression ensuing conversation of all:
esting to be able to have the gavel is passed to reference the meetings of the 30’s.” Thankfully is a wonderful compli- A caring, long-term
heard those conversa- the next president and before she joined. The the library has housed ment to the research the friendship with their
tions. the new program com- program book isn’t only the minutes and pro- speaker has done. fellow club members.
The years quickly

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 A Place Called
PAGE 22A THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2020

Recollections of Woodville
Editor’s note: was located southwest
of the crossroads where
divide his property and
built a nice brick store
Avenue 168 and Road
168.
Lorene “Sis” Cook, now
Mrs. Arlo Awbrey. The
same thing. They fat-
tened mostly on acorns,
The following our latest subdivision
has been built.
across from the resi-
dence of Thad and El-
In 1925 Walt and Irene
Sommer ran a pool hall,
recreation room was
rented to Jim Berkshire
however, we would take
a lower price at market
was written This building contin- anor Dresser. barbershop and gas sta- and Hershel Green for a because of the soft acorn
by Hugh W. ued in use until it was
dismantled in the 1930s.
Mr. Devericks built a
new home near the store
tion on the Devericks’
property. This building
restaurant and bar.
Next in this building
fat.
Our first telephone
Monroe on Near this store was a
hand pump which was
and ran it for many
years. This home is still
was purchased by Etta
Seitz Gobel and moved
was Mr. Clarence Baugh-
er, a local farmer, who
lines were run on the
barb wire fences. The
May 24, 1981. the only public drink- standing. The Dooley to its present location. ran a bar and card room first automobile I ever
ing water. Groups would Blacksmith Shop was in This was also the site until the building burned saw in Woodville was
The following are some gather there on Saturday the exact location of the of Rosso’s first Italian down. Then a gas station quite a site to me as I
of my recollections of and Sunday afternoons present Dresser home. Restaurant. In more re- and garage were built. couldn’t believe any-
Woodville 75 to 80 years to play horseshoes and After Boyd Devericks cent years the Westside Other businesses on thing would go without
ago. At that time there have boxing matches passed on, Mr. Higgins Market was on this cor- Avenue 168 in the years being pulled by a team
was only 12 homes right and foot races. moved from Tulare and ner, owned and operated following have been Ros- of horses. I don’t remem-
in town, two stores and The other store in operated the store. He by C.D. Dennis until re- so’s Fine Italian Restau- ber the make of the car
two blacksmith shops. Woodville was owned by also built a new home cently. rant, Hershel and Ann but it was owned by John
The blacksmith shops the Dewitts and located and this house is still When the Rockwell Green’s Grocery Store, Martin who was an early
were owned by McCuen on the corner of Avenue standing. Following the Store was completed Hugh and Hazel Honey- day county road supervi-
and Claus. There were 168 and Road 168. This death of Al Higgins, the in 1923 Walt Sommer cutt’s Hardware Store sor.
two churches, one Meth- store burned and Mr. store was leased to Hen- moved his barbershop to and Post Office and The Woodville Cham-
odist and one Baptist Harry Dickey of Wood- ry Bennett, then later this location. Mr. Rock- Stanley Williams’ Ser- ber of Commerce was
and the old school that ville Commercial Com- sold to be used as a laun- well deeded free lots to vice Station. organized around 1937
burned. The creamery pany sold his story to dry. Mr. Charley Crowfoot As a kid growing up and was begun by Walt
was on the Southwest Mr. Dewitt. When the Fraternal and Roy Oles so they our family raised heavy Sommer and Jay Brown,
corner of my uncle and Later Dewitt sold to Brotherhood Lodge was could establish their draft horses of good Supervisor of the Fifth
aunt’s property, the Will J.H. Grimsley who op- organized, the meetings businesses as a black- quality, some being sold District. Mr. Al Higgins
Futrell’s. erated it for several were held in the old com- smith and a garage near to Standard Oil Com- was the first president.
This location would be years. He sold to Lee R. munity hall located south his store. pany. When we started Around 50 yers ago
directly in back of Hugh Reed and then it went of the Grimsley home. This same property to break the colts, we the first cotton gin
and Hazel Honeycutt’s to Bert Hannaford. He Money was raised by was purchased by Walt would weigh them on was built on the Mon-
present home. Woodville immediately sold to his member to build a new and Irene Sommer in the public scales at the roe corner. Mrs. Irene
also had a justice court brother-in-law Boyd De- building in the Higgins 1928. Mr. Rockwell sold Dickey Store. Sommer cooked for the
and Mr. Futrell was the vericks and Al Higgins. subdivision across the the store to Mr. Clyde They would weigh be- men building the gin and
judge for several years. There were living quar- street form the store. Morrison and Louie tween 1,600 and 1,800 many others have since
The justice court was ters in the back of the This lot was donated Neisen. pounds. We also had followed.
later moved to Tipton store and the Devericks by Mr. Higgins with the They operated the large bands of sheep and One of the nicer things
and Mr. Stevens was the family lived in and op- stipulation if the lodge store together for ap- grazed them from here that ever happened to
judge. erated the store, haul- ever failed the building proximately two years, to a ranch east of Pixley. our community was
I have also been told ing their freight from would go to Woodville then Norman Vossler One time my father, the organization of the
there were two saloons Tipton and Tulare in a School District and the bought out Mr. Neisen. John B. Monroe, and my- Woodville Fire Depart-
and a post office at that light wagon and team of lot revert back to him. They in turn sold to self drove fat lambs to ment around 35 years
time. However the only horses. Boyd’s nephew, The lodge did cease to Crosby and the Sarkisian market in Visalia. Also, ago. Norman Vossler
post office I remember Bud Hannford, worked function and the build- Brothers. my brothers and I used was its first fire chief. In
was in the old Dickey in the store and did the ing was remodeled and They operated the to pump water by hand years following the com-
Store. The old commu- hauling of the freight. used by the community, store for many years and for as many as 2,500 head munity was in danger of
nity hall and Baptist Mr. Al Higgins felt then moved to the school then the building burned of sheep, taking turns on losing the department
church were located another store seemed to when it needed addition- down, representing quite the pump handle. and Albert Rosso and
where the school is to- be justified when there al classrooms. Later on a loss. The store was re- I should mention the
Norman Vossler fought
day. was news of a railroad to additional classrooms built and sold to Cliff Michael Gilligan Ranch
for its survival in the
Both were moved be built from Tulare to were constructed and the Worthington. two miles south of Wood-
Woodville District.
with a six horse team Woodville. This railroad building was purchased Following him came ville had the only sheep
Another improvement
of my father’s. The hall was to be constructed by the Woodville Cham- Joe and Jack Ashworth, dipping tank or vat I
was the sidewalk on the
was moved to a site just by Big Four. In 1869 the ber of Commerce and who operated the store knew of then. The day
corner of Avenue 168 to
south of old J.H. Grims- first transcontinental the Women’s Civic Club for a quite lengthy pe- before we would arrive
ley home at the location the elementary school.
railroad system linked and moved to the site on riod, then had Walt Som- there with the sheep we
of the Fred and Glad- Mr. Norval Monroe, Troy
Sacramento with the Avenue 168 where the mer build them a new would boil the dip in ket-
ys Slayton home. Mr. Hutchison and Norman
Eastern United States. old school had been pre- store in the location of tles or tanks.
Grimsley was one of our Vossler helped to nego-
Part of this system the viously located. the Henry and Phoebe The dip was made by
early day supervisors. tiate this with the as-
Central Pacific Railroad Years later the land Barling chicken ranch. boiling a mixture of to-
The Baptist church was sistance of Jay Brown,
later became part of the and building was sold to In more recent years the bacco, lim and sulphur.
located across form the Southern Pacific owned Albert and Dolores Ros- corner has been owned The sheep had what the Supervisor. Another of
Grimsley home. This by Charles Crocker, so. He sold the building by Zeb Young, J.D. Lewis called a scab at the time our community efforts
property later purchased Mark Hopkins, Collis P. and it was moved to a and now belongs to Don- and were put through we’re quite proud of is
by Walt and Irene Som- Huntington and Leland site on Poplar Road east nie Smith. During some the dip each year after our Woodville Cemetery
mer and the church torn Stanford. These men of Highway 65 and is of the above years, “The shearing. After a few having been in existence
down. were known as Califor- now used as a church. Cub Club” was operat- years the problem was since 1865.
Harry and Calvin nia’s Big Four. There was a store on ed in the bvack of this eradicated. In closing I should
Dickey built the Wood- The grading for the the corner of Avenue 168 building by Mr. Clarence We also raised many like to add our great-
ville Commercial Com- railroad was completed and Monroe Road which Baugher. hogs and would turn est benefactor hs been
pany Store in 1875. The within a short distance was built and operated In 1928 Walt Som- them loose on the river the Friant-Kern Canal
only thing left to identify of Woodville but the ven- by Mrs. Devericks for mer built a recreation and they would go as and the formation of the
the spot is the old palm ture failed. a few years. She in turn room, barbershop and far as 3 miles each way Lower Tule River Irriga-
tree which must be well In the meantime Mr. leased it to John Rock- beauty shop next to the from home. As I recall tion District and also our
over 100 years old. It Higgins decided to sub- well until he built a new old Rockwell Store. The the neighbors didn’t public utility, water and
store on the corner of beauty shop was run by mind as others did the sewer district.

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In 1927 Porterville became a city with its own police
department and fire department. Prior to that time
the city was started as a town and had a volunteer
fire department, but the policing was done by the
KERRY, STEVE, MISTY
county. Porterville was incorporated in 1927 with
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75 N. D St. #B, Porterville • 559.781.6457 policeman from the beginning to the end and won
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While Porterville’s history
is being made...
...we are covering it.

Past, Present, and Future. Delivering more than just a

newspaper. Covering Porterville and Southern Tulare County
better than anyone else.

Bill Parsons Josie Chapman Charles Whisnand Alexis Espinoza Nayirah Dosu
Publisher Operations Director Editor City/Crime Reporter Sports Reporter

Jamie Hunt Rob Foster JoAnn Flynn Sonia Fuentes Terry Jasso
Reporter Page Designer Advertising Director Account Specialist Classified Advisor

Maria Rosas Terry Feagin Dinorah Roundtree Paul Soto Lonette Zavala
Account Specialist Business Manager Accounting Clark Circulation Lead Inserter

Randy Tangum Shane Henniger Miguel Narajo

Inserter Inserter Inserter

Your Hometown Newspaper Since 1908

THE P O R T ER V I L L E
115 E. Oak Ave., Porterville, CA 93257
559-784-5000
Your hometown newspaper since 1906
recorderonline.com
 Porterville
STRONG
2-18-20
A Fireman's Prayer
When I am called to duty, God,
Whenever flames may rage;
Give me strength to save some life,
Whatever be its age.
Help me embrace a little child
Before it is too late
Or save an older person
From the horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert And hear the
weakest shout, And quickly and
efficiently To put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling And to give the
best in me To guard my every neighbor
And protect his property.
And if, according to my fate,
I am to lose my life,
Please bless with your protecting
My children and my wife.
Firefighter Patrick Jones Captain Raymond Figueroa
-Author Unknown

Porterville Fire & Police

On June 9, 1890, the Porterville Volunteer Fire Department

was organized and Frank Jersey was appointed as the First Fire Chief.
The department consisted of the Chief and 22 volunteers. The morning after the
Fire Department was organized, June 10, 1890, they had their first fire at 4:00 A.M.

The City of Porterville was incorporated as a city in

1902 and John Howell was hired as the first City Marshall. John Willis
served under him as constable and Billy Maston and Lewis Zigler were deputy
constables. Marshall Howell resigned after a short time and Ed Isham became
City Marshall and served many years in various capacities. This was the first
law enforcement in Porterville other than the county constables who served
under the county sheriff and in 1949 became known as deputy sheriffs.
 A Place Called

Porterville...
Standing the
test of time

History & Government

“A Place Called Home” is a trademark of Parsons Publications and can only be used with consent of the trademark owner.
 A Place Called
PAGE 2B THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2020

Tule River Tribe: Prevailing in the face of adversity

By ALEXIS ESPINOZA tral part of the valley,” “In the early days it current reservation, ing at that sawmill and, ervation by catching wa-
said Garfield. was a matter of sur- many tribal members unfortunately, they lost ter from a local spring
The Tule River Indian Garfield then dove vival. They had to do were faced with a lack their jobs when the mill that put out probably
Tribe is home to more into the beginnings of what they had to do to of employment oppor- closed.” around 300 gallons of
than 1,500 tribal mem- the tribe, and the strug- survive. There were, of tunities close to home, Today, things are look- water a minute. It wasn’t
bers, and their roots run gle they faced getting course, no jobs in this and were forced to work ing up for the tribe and until 1968 when they got
deep. With such a rich to their current reserva- area where the reserva- away from their reser- the reservation. Im- a water line down into
and extensive history, it tion location. tion is located. vation for months at a provements have been the community to some
is nearly impossible to “In the mid-1800s the “Once the tribe time. made, and tribal mem- of the homes.
write it all in one story. bands of the tribe were adopted their tribal con- “In the mid-1960s ber enrollment is grow- “We were able to get
However, Alec Garfield, rounded up and placed stitution in 1936, things things started to hap- ing. the federal government
a past chairman of the on a location just a cou- began to happen. They pen on the reservation “Things are gradually involved to help the trib-
Tribal Council and a cur- ple miles east of Por- had a tribal government as far as employment. getting better and bet- al government help give
rent tribal elder in his terville called Madden constitution that was ap- Many people of the ter. Many, if not all, of
70s, offered his own per- our community a better
Farm. It was about 440 proved by the federal tribe were farm labor- the first homes on the way of life. Things have
sonal reflections on the acres. That was the first government, so they had ers themselves that reservation were homes
tribe’s history. improved since.
original reservation. a nine member govern- worked in the valley. that were put together “Today, things are, of
“Originally the Tule Then in about 1873 the ing council, which they They were trucked to by the tribe itself. Those
River band of Yokuts was course, a lot better. We
current reservation was still have today. It was the Visalia area, where are probably no longer have some new homes
scattered throughout the established by President probably later in those it would take them sev- existent here on the
Sierra mountain area here on the reservation.
(Ulysses S.) Grant. The years that things finally eral months to harvest reservation. We didn’t We have more members
and the San Joaquin Val- members of the tribe started to happen. In the the fields before they have any water or pow-
ley. There were dozens of the tribe living on the
that were living at the early 1950s there was came back after those er. Those things didn’t reservation. There are
of Yokut bands. Some of Madden Farm in the Alta a termination done on jobs were done. Some come until the mid to
those now comprise the around 1,900 members
Vista area just east of many California Indian were cattle ranchers. late 60s. People at that that are currently en-
Tule River Tribe. At one Porterville were round- reservations in the state, Many of our men in the time used to get their
time, according to the rolled in the tribe and
ed up and marched to the but we got our member- tribe were in the logging domestic use water from
record, there were about most of them live on
current location of the ship and fought that. We area either on or around the river. They would go
20,000 Yokut Indians be- the reservation. We also
reservation. That took are very grateful for the existing reservation. to the river and then car-
tween Stockton and the have an elders organiza-
about a three-year pe- that because we are still We once had a sawmill, ry water to their homes
Bakersfield area. Our tion on the reservation
riod of time, about 1873 here.” but it was closed down in buckets.
tribe is comprised of that has been active for
to 1876, when we finally After finally settling in 1973. Many members “The tribe started to
bands in the most cen- the last several years.”
were established. and establishing their of the tribe were work- develop on their own res-

As my twentieth birthday approaches, I find myself thinking about those things most important to me.
Heading the list must be my friends. Without their caring and interest I would never have been able to
"get it together” and keep it. Each year I find the part they play in my life more important.
Perhaps, like many my age I'm idealistic, but I like to think we contribute to each other in a way that makes
both of us better for having been able to call the other "friend.”
They have supported me when I've tried new things and enabled me to hold on and honor old values.
In return, I try to be as interesting, attractive and responsible as possible. I think that's the way to make and
keep friends. Don't you?
- Porterville Historical Museum, 1965-1985
Poem from the Museum on its 20th anniversary.

‘Museums are where the facts are.’

A curator’s perspective
By NAYIRAH DOSU recommended but even “It’s an honor,” Pick- intricate weaved baskets of the museum’s biggest see kids -- one-year-olds’
[email protected] wandering through the rell said. “It’s the only and other items. events, bringing in 1,500 their eyes get as big as
museum on one’s own thing I can tell you. It’s The museum has sev- to 2,000 people from all quarters. A guy was in
The Porterville Histor-
can make for an educa- an honor to see people’s eral exhibits, including over the world. It is also here, he was 100 years
ical Museum is a place
tional afternoon. There’s stuff and how well it’s Porterville Pioneers, a time Pickrell enjoys old and his eyes were as
where history and home
so much to see and learn being taken care of and wildlife, vintage com- most because she gets big as quarters. It’s more
collide.
with new, yet old, items what it means.” merce, fire and farm to see the excitement on the people that come to
Walking through
being introduced. Just One of Pickrell’s re- equipment, unique trea- attendees’ faces. Seeing visit.”
the halls of the former
recently the museum sponsibilities is to set up sures, the citrus indus- that excitement through She added, “The stuff
Southern Pacific De-
discovered founder Roy- the exhibits, one of which try and the Buck Shaffer tours and events is what is here and the people
pot one can witness the
al Porter Putnam’s Bible is the Native American display. There are also brings Pickrell the most before me did a great
area’s beauty of Native
in their inventory. section that greets you at several events, like a Di- joy. job. I’m just taking an-
American culture, the
For Sheila Pickrell, the the museum’s entrance. nosaur Egg Hunt, Ghost “I love the whole mu- other step. There can’t
backbreaking work of
museum’s curator and Cases showcasing the Tours and the Train seum,” Pickrell said. just be one thing, it’s just
farmers, the foresight of
docent, handling the his- Native American way of Show, that make the mu- “I love the people that a beautiful place to be.”
a founder and a town’s
tory of Porterville and life display pictures of seum special to the com- come to visit. The kids’ To Pickrell, the mu-
pride in its country all in
its surrounding areas their homes, how chil- munity. faces when they get to seum gives everyone
a little over an hour.
can only be described as dren were taken care of, The Annual Toy and see something differ- an opportunity to learn
A guided tour is highly
an honor. and most notably, their Model Train Show is one ent. Train season you their history and how the
area came together.
“People can come in
and see where this town
started, what California
did and hear stories,” she
said. “Did you know Cal-
ifornia had a king? And
then he ended up being
a private in the Union
Army. You get to hear
stories, research stories.
And people’s families,
people that came in 1860,
1861...we’ve got fami-
lies here that are early
1800’s. Even before 1860,
before it even became a
town. And those people
are proud of their heri-
tage.”
The Porterville His-
torical Museum hosts a
wealth of information
about the town, it’s past
and present. From what
people have donated and
preserved, there’s no
denying the pride the
museum and individu-
als have taken in mak-
ing sure everyone has a
place to go to discover
Porterville.
“Everyone’s got a his-
tory,” Pickrell said. “It
takes a little while but
you need to start some-
Recorder File Photo where. And this is a good
In 1970, members of Breakfast Lions Club once again rallied to the cause to finance and donate labor to build an addition of the mu- place to start. Museums
seum intended to house the blaksmith display. In 1985, the room located at the south of the building, was later enclosed and used for are where the facts
permanent and special displays. are.”
 A Place Called
PAGE 4B THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2020

Bill Horst, Mountain Man, Artist, Historian

The Recorder "I was born one Sunday years he worked at pack books that Baird wrote, ready. Then you gotta officially gave me the
in 1934 in a little house stations and lumber mills usually trading his art- get the bears good and name "Two Bears" that
Bill Horst describes next door to my grand- up in the mountains. work for rifle parts. mad so they'll charge bears, by way of Indian
himself as "about three- mother's," he said. "The From the old-timers and "It was a natural thing you. You have to do this belief, would become my
quarters mountain man," doctor didn't get there some Native American for me," he said. "I'd been someplace where there's helpers. That means that
said Darla Welles, in her on time, but the midwife schoolmates, he learned drawing all my life since close timber so that when I could no longer kill
Aug. 30, 2000 article for was there to help bring about the Indian ways. I was old enough to pick the bears make their run bears or eat their meat.
the Porterville Record- me into the world. Boys' nights out up a pencil or a piece of for you, they'll have to You can't bring harm to
er. "When I was born my Through experience, charcoal from the fire." come at you one right be- your helpers. And if you
It's a fitting descrip- dad just fainted dead he learned about making A man called Two hind the other. Then you break that bond, your
tion for a man whose away," Horst said. "He his way in the wilder- Bears just shoot them through luck is gone.
passions run to such out- was a farmer who'd ness. Another outgrowth and through. That's how "I could just see that
door pursuits as hiking, brought lots of calves "I remember the first of his involvement with you get two bears with old Ogallala Sioux
fishing and hunting in and foals into the world, time a friend and I went shooting muzzleloaders one shot." chuckling to think how
the wilderness and who but when it was his own out backpacking on our and the friendships he The little story caught he'd given that name to
has studied the culture baby he just couldn't take own," he said. "We were developed with fellow on in the riflemen's cir- a bear hunter and fixed
and lore of the Native it, I guess. We always about 13 and my mom outdoorsmen was his cle and became a tongue- it so he could hunt no
Americans who first laughed about that." didn't want us to go. Fi- earning of an official in-cheek sort of legend. more."
populated this area. Horst said he's always nally she drove us up and Native American name, Horst got to be known Building a career
He is not only knowl- had curiosity about the dropped us off at Pep- which translates in Eng- as "Two Bears" and even Horst graduated from
edgeable in the ways of past, his own family's permint Creek. I found lish to "Two Bears." began adding two little Porterville High School
the wild and the traces of roots and the native peo- out later that she cried It all began when Horst black bear silhouettes in 1953 and married his
history left from earlier ple who lived in the Val- all the way back down went out bear hunting under his signature on wife, Alma, in 1954.
residents of the moun- ley and foothills before the hill because she was one weekend with his his paintings and draw- "I went to Porterville
tains and Valley floor, he the white settlers came sure she'd never see me father-in-law. He bagged ings. College for a year after
is eager to share what here from the East. again. We camped and a bear on Saturday, then The ruse backfired on graduation," he said, "but
he knows. He teaches Life on the farm fished our way along the went out again on Sun- him in the long run. I decided I was wast-
schoolchildren in their Horst's grandfather river to Quaking Aspen day on a shoot that didn't Some time after his ing my time, so I started
classrooms and on field came to Dinuba in 1909 and back to our campsite. go well. reputation as "Two Bears" working construction
trips, and gives lectures and shortly thereafter Then we hitched a ride "I was guiding this guy was established, Horst jobs. In 1955 I went with
at the Porterville His- moved to the Saucelito down to Camp Nelson who wanted to take a was planning to attend Max Young Construc-
torical Museum. District, where he pur- and then on to Spring- bear with a bow and ar- a black powder shoot at tion and did that for 18
"It's not worth knowing chased two 80-acre par- ville, where we called row," Horst said. "The Pine Ridge in South Da- years."
all this if you can't share cels of land for $5 each for a ride home. In all, I dogs treed a bear but kota, but at the last min- Horst later began do-
what you know," Horst and began farming for guess we were out there the guy with the archery ute couldn't go. A couple ing architectural design
said of his avocation as a living. eight or 10 days." gear couldn't seem to get of his buddies did go and and drafting on the side
historian and teacher. "I Not a lot changed in Such early adven- through the underbrush he sent some of his pic- and worked on home re-
enjoy doing the research the family's lifestyle be- tures prepared the to take a shot. tures along with them to modeling and commer-
and learning just to sat- tween then and Horst's young Horst for the hob- "That happened sever- be given as prizes in the cial buildings.
isfy my own curiosity, childhood. bies he'd enjoy later in al times and every time competition. Memorable among
but it's important to pass "We farmed with hors- life, including hunting the bear came down he "One of the pictures, a those jobs was the build-
the information on. es until 1942 when we -- armed with old fash- was getting meaner. portrait of an old Indian ing of a new Smith's Mar-
"It's important for peo- finally changed over to ioned muzzle loading When he'd come down man, caught the eye of ket in the 1960s, which
ple to know that there tractors," Horst said. rifles, specifically those out of the tree, a dog Pete Catches, an Oglala was the downtown Save
was once a complex civi- "The great thing about of the Hawken brand. would get hurt. Finally I Sioux at the gathering," Mart store, but is now
lization here before this farming with horses, He began shooting a ended up having to shoot Horst said, "and he asked Grocery Outlet at Olive
area was settled by peo- for a kid, was that you muzzleloader in 1946, the bear to avoid having about the bears under Avenue and D Street.
ple of our culture." could go out and walk when he was about 12, more dogs hurt." my name." "Howard Smith's mar-
Horst recently sat in the fields with dad while and it became a passion. Word got around in Horst's buddies told ket had burned down,"
the living room of his he plowed until you got Through mutual friends the hunting circles that Catches the story about Horst said. "It was our
home on the city's west tired. Then he'd set you who also were fans of he'd taken two bears and two bears with one shot. job to get him back in
side -- a room that re- up on one of the horses muzzleloaders, Horst when a couple of guys The tale amused Catches business as quick as we
flects his interests and and let you run them. made contact with John asked him about it, he and he told Horst's pals could."
talents, decorated with All you had to learn was D. Baird, another muz- adopted his mountain that he'd be glad to of- In fitting his moun-
his paintings and histori- 'gee' for right, 'haw' for zleloader buff and his- man persona and invent- ficially bestow the name tain man style, Horst
cal and Native American left, and 'whoa' for stop. torian from the upper ed a story for them. on Horst, in absentia, went back to basics and
artifacts -- reminiscing It was pretty easy for Midwest. The two began "It had been twisted in a naming ceremony pitched a tent.
about his life. kids to get. But it made exchanging letters with into the idea that I got scheduled for that eve- "We set him up in an
He was born in a near- us feel important." Horst decorating his two bears at once instead ning. air-conditioned circus
by farming community, The young Horst missives with little car- of two in two days," Horst "You've got to under- tent across D Street
the Saucelito District, learned about farming, toonish pictures related said; "so I decided to run stand the Native Ameri- from where the store is
about six miles east of blacksmithing, harness to the letters' content. with it and tell them how can sense of humor," now. He sold groceries
Pixley and not far from mending and about the Their correspondence to bag two at once. Horst said. "It's very out of that big tent while
Terra Bella and has lived history of the land. Sum- led to Horst creating il- "I told them, first you subtle and ironic. Pete we put up the new build-
in this area ever since. mers in his high school lustrations for several gotta be loaded and Catches knew once he ing."

Preserving History
For the first time ever, dividual Award for his Horst has spent count-
two Porterville residents decades of research into less hours over the
have been recognized local history, and Stover years researching and
by historians around the was recognized with the sharing his knowledge
state for their efforts Preservation Award for of Porterville’s history
to preserve Porterville his contributions to ex- with the community, and
history, and those who panding and improving has acquired a wealth of
are familiar with those Porterville Historical knowledge about Native
efforts feel the recogni- Museum’s exhibits. American pottery and
tion is well-deserved. “These awards are a artifacts, antique fire-
At the annual meet- nice way to honor people arms, edged weapons,
ing of the Conference who spend so much time and western memora-
of California Histori- in this community pre- bilia.
cal Societies (CCHS) serving history,” said “Bill has been talking
last weekend, Porter- Porterville Historical about history forever.
ville Historical Mu- Museum curator Sheila
He started when he was
seum board members Pickrell, who nominated
a kid,” said Pickrell. “He
Bill Horst and Dr. Don Horst and Stover for the
contributed by jeff edwards would listen to the old
Stover were among the awards in March. “So
This is an 1894 jury in Porterville. Woman were not allowed on a jury and these
eleven award recipients many people don’t know people, find their stories
men are all early pioneers of the town. In front from the left is Dan Abbott, Ben honored for preserving history, and when you and then research them.
Buford, John Loyd, Ed Habert, Lon Garrett J.B. Demming Gibbons and John Witt. and chronicling Califor- have someone talking When I talk to kids I
In back is Alfred Niles, Milt Owen, Oscar Nelson, Judge Shuey, Ocian Bibbons nia’s past. about and preserving tell them that’s how they
and Will Lynn. Will Lynn was shot and killed by Jim McKinney in 1902. Horst received an In- history, it’s fantastic.” should do it.”

• Collision Repair
• Complete Paint Jobs
• Towing Available
Lifetime Guarantee on all repairs & paint!
contributed by jeff edwards
The old Porterville Hotel is gone and it is being replaced with a new modern

M
office type building with offices upstairs and commercial shops at street level.
The hotel was built by the Southern Pacific Railroad when they came to town
on May 10, 1888. It was first called the Arlington Hotel. It gave the train work- ILINICH BODY WORKS
ers a place to stay when they had a layover. Later the Graystone Hotel was built 631 Sunnyside Ave., Porterville, CA 93257
on South Hockett Street for the railroad and train workers. If this picture had
been taken a few years earlier the Rock House would have been on the corner. (559) 784-8827
The Rock House was the center of the prostitution business.
 A great place
to work and serve!

Since 2001
Building A Place Called Home...

Supervisor Dennis Townsend

and wife Cece.
Dennis A. Townsend, Tulare County Supervisor District 5
www.townsendgroup.net • 559-789-9999
 A Place Called
PAGE 6B THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2020

Jeff Edwards, Still involved, and interested in everything

THE RECORDER newest book -- "Pixley,
[email protected] California ... The Place
After years of com- to Be" -- is designed to
piling facts and photos both offer a history of
documenting Tulare the Pixley area and to
County's past, Jeff Ed- help the community
wards seems to have in- preserve a part of its
herited the role as keep- history, and its old rail-
er of the flame for much road depot.
of the information he's It will be sold to help
amassed and chronicled raise funds for the relo-
over the years, wrote cation and restoration
Darla Welles, on Dec. 1, of the building so that
2001, in the Porterville it can become part of
Recorder. a beautification project
Most of the old-timers near the depot's original
who taught him so well site.
in his early years in the Bill Van Scyoc, who
role are gone now. And sits as chairman of the
many of the books he Pixley Area Project
produced to document Committee of the Tu-
the numerous stories of lare County Redevel-
founding families and opment Agency, said it
the growth of communi- is hoped that proceeds
ties are out of print. from the book will pro-
In fact, Edwards says vide start-up funds for
he can't recall exactly the project.
how many books there "We have a beautiful
were in the first place. old depot that's been
moved out in the coun- contributed photo
"There were the hard- Mr. Jeff Edwards at his studio on Main street in Porterville.
cover ones that I wrote try and has been used
and supplied the pic- for storage," he said,
"and we'd like to move fire in 1931. It's replace- er profit from its sales no objections to the father's work for the
tures for," he said. "And ment, the one commu- than if he had charged enjoyment part of Van Edison Company. As
there were some paper- it back into town and
renovate it." nity leaders hope to re- for his services. Scyoc's remarks. a youngster, he lived
backs, and then there store, was built in 1939 "It's really quite some- A lifetime county res- in Lindsay and began
were some that other He said the building
is not the original depot in the art deco style of thing that he would do ident, he's also a dedi- his schooling there at
guys wrote and I sup- architecture. that for us," Van Scy- cated history buff. Washington Grammar
plied pictures for them. built in 1886 through an
agreement between Pix- Van Scyoc noted that oc said. "I think he's a Edwards was born in School. Eventually his
So it's kind of hard to Edwards produced the great guy, and I think Tulare, and his family father bought land in
say." ley's founder, Frank M.
Pixley and the Southern book for the project at he really enjoys what had strong ties to the Tulare and moved the
Whatever the total, cost, allowing the com- he does." Lindsay and Porter- family back there, but
Edwards has just added Pacific Railroad. That
one was destroyed by munity to garner a high- Edwards would raise ville areas through his
another title to it. His EDWARDS, Page 7

contributed by jeff edwards

This is Porterville Main Street looking to the north from Oak Ave. in 1903. The street was not paved until 1907. The building on the right was Leggetts Men’s Store
and the building is still there but the cupalo has been removed due to water leaks.

contributed by jeff edwards

Hector Futrell took this picture in the 1940’s of Oak Ave. and Main Street. This contributed photo by jeff edwards
is the only picture of the service station that was located on the southeast cor- In 1947 the veterans of World War II marched in the Armistice Parade. The war
ner of Main Street and Oak. Ave Today this is the site of the Subway Sandwich had just ended and the boys were home again. All of the buildings in the back-
Shop. Note the street lights. ground are no longer in existence.
 A Place Called
FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2020 THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER PAGE 7B

Edwards a cluttered back room

filled with an eclectic
the best stories are the
ones about the people
of suspicious. Maybe
you’re dying and you
thinks somebody else
can use, he’ll definitely
seem to care to try to
do anything with it. Like
collection of pictures who settled this area don’t know it. Maybe see that it goes their the Indians — he has
Continued from Page 6 and paintings that he re- and built it up." they know something I way,” he said. “If you go so much information on
his ties to Porterville fers to as his "yard sale Surprisingly, Jeff Ed- don’t,” he said Wednes- into his shop, it seems that and they’re not try-
remained strong. gallery." wards, 97, still has some day. he’s got all kinds of stuff ing to get any of it on
"In the '30s, my mother In the early 1950s, of his history books on After receiving the there. The strange thing paper or doing anything
took on a bread route," he expanded his busi- shelves, and is occasion- initial phone call from is he really doesn’t value and once he’s gone, it’s
he said, "and we deliv- ness from portrait work ally re-printing some at chamber president Don- hanging on to stuff as gone,” Merjil said.
ered one day in Tulare and photo finishing to the request of local fam- nette Carter, Edwards much as he does know- Thinking about all the
and the next in Porter- include selling cameras ilies. On Wednesday, he called back and turned ing about what’s behind many community in-
ville, so between that and camera equipment. and his grandson Phillip down the offer. it.” stitutions he’s been in-
and the people we knew He and his wife, the for- Merjel, were just get- That’s where his good His daughter, Gail volved with, Jeff stated
through Edison, I had a mer Rosemary Smith, ting ready to staple and friend Monte Reyes, di- Merjil, agrees her dad that he went looking
lot of associations down married in 1954 and bind some of his paper- rector of Imagine Com- is a great person but with Peter Tewkesbury
here." brought up three chil- back books at his studio munity Arts Center, feels Porterville will and Douglas Beattie for
Edwards began work- dren, Gwen, Guy and on Main St. came in. never really appreciate theater sites when they
ing as a photographer in Gail. Talking a bit about his “Monte and I are re- what he has done for were trying to find a
1939 when he took a job Over the years, many old friends and remi- ally good friends and the community. place for the Barn The-
with the Gainsborough of Edwards' custom- niscing about the Barn he wanted me to go so I “Everybody just loves ater in 1948, and they
Studio in Tulare. That ers brought in old fam- Theater, in which he and went,” Edwards said. him. I just don’t think finally came back to
was back in the days ily photos of people his brother Glenn, who Reyes, who has known Porterville has given Porterville and found
when cameramen still and places around the passed away March, Edwards for roughly him the recognition that Annie Smith's Barn on
used flash powder to il- area to be copied, and 2019, were very active five years, said he is he deserves,” she said. Morton Avenue.
luminate their subjects, he became fascinated actors, as well as Nicki definitely deserving of Among his many ac- Besides helping with
before flashbulbs, and with the pictures and Edwards, his niece. the award. complishments, Ed- the Barn, Jeff was on
later, strobe lights came the stories behind them. Jeff recalled that he “I know it’s based on wards has been study- the committee to start
into use -- and long be- That interest eventually is probably the only yearly achievement, but ing and writing about the Porterville Histori-
fore the digital equip- grew into an avocation, man in Porterville who any given year, at least Porterville history his cal Museum in 1965,
ment Edwards now uses and Edwards grew into has been Man Of The the years I’ve known entire life. He has writ- and worked with oth-
to store his collection the area's unofficial his- Year twice. In 1975, and him, he takes it upon ten more than 50 histo- er volunteers to get it
of images was even torical expert. in 2012.  himself to record dif- ry books and has more started.
thought of. He put out the first of A 2012 Recorder ar- ferent parts of Porter- than 50,000 photographs He knew Pearle Zalud
He worked at the his books in the 1970s, ticle by Denise Madrid ville’s history,” he said. that record significant well, he said, and af-
studio until he was and has continued to said: Reyes first met Ed- historical events. He ter she died, he was
called into the service produce the little gems When he was asked wards as a child, during was contributory to the involved in opening up
of his country during of history occasionally to attend the Porter- a trip to Edwards Gal- city’s Centennial and the Zalud house as a
World War II, serving ever since. ville Chamber of Com- lery on Main Street. Sesquicentennial cel- museum. He was also
in the army from 1942 "People gave me so merce’s annual awards “My father took me in ebrations, offering up involved in starting the
to 1946. After he left much information and banquet to give a brief there when I was a kid. his time and expertise. Gleaner’s in 1980. 
the military he did some brought me so many history on Porterville, He knew one of Jeff’s According to Reyes, Edwards said that An-
photo work in Watson- pictures that I felt obli- he found it suspicious. nephews that passed Edwards is also very nie Mitchell is the fore-
ville and then returned gated to put it all down “I got to thinking away so I knew of him keen on getting local most historian in Tulare
to the studio in Tulare. and preserve it," he about it and I thought, but it wasn’t until about youth interested in lo- County, and the Tulare
In 1947, he opened his said. ‘Hell, Bill Horst can do five years ago, when I cal history and has pro- County Library in Visa-
own studio in Porterville From all those years that,’” he said. came back, that I found posed Imagine Commu- lia, has asked him to
at the southwest corner of learning about the The local historian out a little bit more nity Arts Center stu- donate all of his histori-
of Walnut Avenue and area's roots, Edwards and business owner about him,” Reyes said. dents work on filming cal books, slides, photo
Main Street. His broth- has developed an exten- didn’t know it at the When Reyes’ parents historic documentaries. negatives, and photos
er, Glenn, worked the sive repertoire of facts time, but he was being bought a century-old He is also continu- and he said they would
business with him for and anecdotes, which he set up to attend the din- historical home, Reyes ously involved with the dedicate a room or ex-
about 20 years before is more than willing to ner to be recognized as began visiting Edwards Porterville Historical hibit to him, but he said
moving to Redwood City, share with anyone who the chamber’s 2012 Man to learn more about Museum, Zalud House, he’s partial to Porter-
and his brother, Forrest, asks. of the Year. it. They’ve been good and Paranormal Move- ville, and having it all
also worked there for a "I find it all interest- This is the second friends ever since. ment Investigations to here in town.
shorter period. ing," he said, "but what I time Edwards received Reyes describes Ed- present talks, perform He said he was also
In 1968, Edwards enjoy most is the people such an award. The first wards as a funny and historical skits, and lead chairman of the Tulare
bought a store in the and the stories about time was in 1975. kind person. walking tours. “Once County Museum and
200 block of North Main them. It's nice to know “I get recognized all “He’s a pretty gener- he’s gone there’s a lot of worked with Mitchell
Street, where he still about buildings and the time. The only thing ous guy, that’s for sure. history that’s gone and and Joe Doctor from
maintains his office in roads and bridges, but is it makes you kind If he has something he Porterville just doesn’t 1985 until 2005.

Smith’s Fire in 1964 was

one of the most costly
at about $500.000 and
destroyed the store. This
tent store was put up and
did business until the main
store was rebuilt and
expanded.

Employees at
Smith’s
Incomplete
Market
stand in front
of the store

Once the home to Smith’s Incomplete Market now home to

Farmer’s Insurance Agency’s for over 55 years!

ISMAEL
47 North D ST Porterville Ca MADUENA
559-793-4077 LIC# 0H33573
 A Place Called
PAGE 8B THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2020

Porterville Historical Muesum

The Stagecoach at Porterville (1861) was painted by Louis R. Velasquez, a 17-year-old Porterville Union High School, at the request of the Porterville Chamber of
Commerce, The Chamber wanted Velasquez to paint a mural-size painting of a stagecoach arriving into a newly established town in honor of Porterville’s centen-
nial celebration of the founding of the city. The painting hangs in the Porterville Historical Museum.

An illustration of the Porterville Historical Museum by W. B. Horst is used as the The Porterville Historical Museum exhibits 'Discover Porterville's Pioneer Past'
museum’s logo and on postcards. in the Hodgson Room. The exhibit opened on Jan. 23, 2018.

The train exhibit at the Porterville Historical Museum. A local historian explains about the war veterans' displays at the Porterville
Historical Museum.

The Porterville Museum before its 100 year celebration in 2013. The building was constructed in 1913 for the Southern Pacific Railroad.
 1961

2020
59 years still
Porterville’s Finest
place for your
Home Furnishings
HARRIS HOME
FURNISHINGS
214 N. 2ND ST. • PORTERVILLE, CA 93257
(559) 784-1746
 A Place Called
PAGE 12B THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2020

 Local light-hearted historians 

By Jamie A. Hunt clamper since 1997, is “doins” a year, or ECV A marker for The ily involved and active ho, Oregon, Montana
[email protected]
the gold dust receiver, events, where the mon- Treaty of 1851, located in the gold country. and Outposts in other
There is a little known or treasurer of ECV ey gathered by mem- on the Tule River Indi- In a book written by western states. Mem-
group or club of mer- Tulare County Chap- bers will pay for the an Reservation at Eagle Judge Frazier, Vice bers call themselves
ry men that became ter 1855, Dr. Samuel making and placement Feather gas station and Noble Grand Humbug, "Clampers." The orga-
well known during the Gregg George. of the monument.  mini mart above Lake Lucinda Jane Saun- nization's name is in
gold rush time, around Contemporary According to Os- Success on Hwy 190 ders Chapter 1881, of Dog Latin, and has no
1849 in California. The clampers are involved walt when the gold was dedicated in 2012. Elko, Nevada, “A Non known meaning; even
group was known as in keeping California rush ceased to exist, A memorial marker Clamper’s Guide to the spelling is dis-
“Clampers,” and they and Western history the ECV died out. It on the highway to the Clamperdom” says, puted, sometimes ap-
belonged to the frater- alive and the ECV is was revitalized by two left before Springville, “As the popularity of pearing as "Clampus,"
nal order of  “E Clam- now a historical or hys- San Francisco pro- celebrates the town of E Clampus Vitus grew, "Clampsus," or "Clamp-
pus Vitus.” The men terical society. Once fessors in 1930-1931, Daunt, which predates Clamper lodges formed sis." The motto of the
formed ECV, mainly a year in October, or who thought the ECV Springville. There is a in nearly every town in Order, Credo Quia Ab-
because they couldn’t thereabouts, they place was just a marvelous marker for the Camp the California mining surdum, is generally
afford, didn’t qualify, a monument to com- fraternal order, and Nelson homestead of districts. Many com- interpreted as meaning
or didn’t have kinfolk memorate a historical formed Chapter 1. In John Milton Nelson in munity leaders and "I believe it because
in the Elk, Mason, or place or a historical Los Angeles, Chapter 2 1886, while the marker business owners found it is absurd;"[1] the
Odd Fellow Lodges. event, or person ei- formed, and then vari- dedicating California it to their advantage proper Latin quotation
The widespread, influ- ther using a bronze ous ECV chapters start- Hot Springs Resort to join the Order and Credo quia absurdum
ential, and formal fra- plaque or a large stone ed forming in counties was placed in 2011.  follow the bray of the est, is from the Chris-
ternal, and somewhat marker. Many of these all over California. Os- A marker for the Old hew gag, for Clampers tian apologist Tertul-
exclusive organiza- markers can be seen walt says with a laugh, Tulare County Jail in were loyal and tend- lian (c. 160–220), who
tions of the 1800’s and in cities throughout “I don’t know where Visalia is located on ed to vote for their rejected rationalism
1900’s.  Tulare County, quite a the numbers came the corner of Oak St. brothers and trade in and accepted a Gospel
The Clampers poked few in Porterville and from.” But he does say and Church, across Clamper-owned estab- which addressed itself
fun and made a spoof surrounding areas. clamper chapters are from the Depot Res- lishments. Besides, to the "non-rational
of the more authori- Recently they placed named after historical taurant. On Main there was refreshing levels of perception."
tarian and privileged a stone marker to com- people. For instance, St., Visalia there is a if ironic honesty in the Early history of the
groups, when they memorate local busi- the Chapter 1855 Dr. bronze plaque for Vis- Clamper philosophy. Clampers:
formed E Clampus Vi- nesswoman Nettie Samuel Gregg George alia Saddle Company By the mid-1850's, E Members of note in-
tus and mainly drank Smith in the yard in is named after a pio- located outside Brew- Clampus Vitus num- cluded Adam, the first
and had a good time. front of the Porterville neer doctor who prac- bakers Brewing Com- bered among its breth- "Clampatriarch"; Philip
But, when times were Recorder on Oct. 12, ticed medicine in Tu- pany on the historic ren such worthies as D. Armour, the meat
hard, they did help 2019. lare County and lived building. There is also judges, senators, state packer; John Mohler
other men in their “Clampers” wear in Porterville.  a marker for Tulare’s assemblymen, news- Studebaker, the auto-
group, and also helped the highly visible red George was a patriot Chinatown, on the side papermen, sheriffs, mobile manufactur-
“widders and orphans. shirts and old-fash- during the civil war, of what used to be Du- bankers, and mayors, er; Gene Autry "The
But especially the wid- ioned western garb a spy, a miner, and an arte’s bar in Tulare. as well as scores of Singing Cowboy" who
ders.” Miners in this when having a get-to- explorer, and served Porterville Monu- lawyers and doctors.” owned the California
group panned for gold gether or “doin,” in- in the Mexican War in ment Works propri- To become a clamper, Angels baseball team;
throughout the hills of stead of fancy regalia. 1946. He was buried etor Louis Stephen has a man must be spon- and John Hume, a Cali-
California.  The clothing is remi- in Porterville Cem- been responsible for sored, and usually has fornia state assembly-
The order was very niscent of a miner pan- etery in 1905. There fabricating the monu- to go through some sort man. ECV also claims
popular in California ning for gold “who has is a stone marker on ment markers working of initiation. But the Ulysses S. Grant, Lord
until about 1915, states staked his claim” on a Mill St., Porterville with Horst and ECV fraternal order doesn’t Sholto Douglas,[A] J.
Jeff Edwards, who stream or river bank. where his home was for years. take itself to seriously, Pierpont Morgan, Hor-
published a book about Clampers wear all located. Not too far As Clamp historian except for aiding and ace Greeley, and Hora-
ECV filled with histor- kinds of buttons and from that marker is a Horst has designed abetting history, do- tio Algers members,
ical photographs about pins, made out of tin plaque commemorat- the artwork and done ing charitable works, but claims have also
the group’s revitaliza- cans, and sometimes ing Porterville’s bad the research for the and helping someone been made to Solomon,
tion in 1930. stove pipe hats, mak- man Jim McKinney, monuments. He has in need.  Julius Caesar and Au-
In the old days ing fun of the staid or- who started a shoot- written a book with G.   The Ancient and gustus Caesar, Henry
clamper members ganizations.  out near Main Street Andrew Miller about Honorable Order of E VIII of England, Sir
were primarily inter- Serving the commu- and Mill St. There is Joseph R. Walker and Clampus Vitus (ECV) Francis Drake, George
ested in mining and nity, the ECV primar- also a marker for the Walker Pass, located is a fraternal organiza- Washington, Andrew
exploration, the men ily locates a family to Tule River Stage Sta- on Deer Creek, which tion dedicated to the Jackson, Ronald Rea-
were often also moun- help at Christmas time tion located on Plano was a new trail to the preservation of the gan, and His Imperi-
tain men, hunters, and says Oswalt, and show- St.  Coso and Mono mines heritage of the Ameri- al Majesty Joshua A.
explorers. ers them with gifts Chapter 1855 DSGG during the 1860’s gold can West, especial- Norton, "Emperor of
Bill Horst has been and a Christmas tree. has dedicated 45 me- rush there. Captain ly the history of the these United States and
a clamper historian The organization also morials throughout Walker was a moun- Mother Lode and gold Protector of Mexico".
since 1974, and knew donates to the Blind Tulare County since tain man, an inveterate mining regions of the These fanciful claims
many of the early im- Babies Foundation, its inception in 1973, explorer, and a miner. area according to an show ECV's propensity
portant local chapter and occasionally will to commemorate his- The ECV DSGG dedi- article in Wikipedia. for not taking much of
members, Joe Doctor help someone in need torical events, people, cated a marker for the There are chapters anything particularly
and Bill Rogers.  anonymously during businesses, and build- original Walker Pass in in California, Nevada, seriously, least of all
Dennis Oswalt, a the year.  ings or areas relevant 2005 on Deer Creek. Arizona, Colorado, itself.
There are several in California history.  Clampers were heav- Utah, Washington, Ida-

contributed photo by jeff edwards

The railroad bridge over the Tule River was built by the Chinese workers and lasted until the railroads left Porterville for good. Today you can still see the concrete
pillars in the Tule River. When the Santa Fe came to Porterville in 1917 the Mexicans built the railroad and they also built the railroad to Springville in 1911. Today
Porterville does not have a railroad.
 Zonta Club of Porterville, founded
in 1948, is a member of Zonta
International, a worldwide service
organization of members working
together to advance the status of women
through service and advocacy. Over
the past 10 years, our club has donated
over $160,000 toward community,
international service projects and
scholarships in addition to thousands of
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (559) 359-6836
hours towards hands-on projects.

Advancing the Status of Women Worldwide

The Zonta Roses

History and Details
The beauty of a single yellow rose has been a favorite Zonta symbol for decades.
The yellow rose has adorned many Zonta items from stationery to clothing, and
has been used in many charter and anniversary celebrations.
The Zonta Rose is much more than a lovely flower. Since 1999, it has served
as the symbol of Zonta Rose Day, which falls on 8 March and coincides with
International Women’s Day. On this special Day, Zontians worldwide are
encouraged to publicly distribute yellow roses, or items bearing the image of
yellow roses, accompanied by information about Zonta International and issues
relating to improving the lives of women.

Zonta members at the 58th Forum on Commission of Status of Women, at the U.N., New York.

Zonta's 16th Annual

An Evening of
Art and Wine
Saturday
March 7, 2020
6 - 9 p.m.
Nuckols Ranch
$40

Featuring the
Art Work
of Kirby Banta and
Bethany Phillips

Tickets available at:

• Harris Home Furnishing
• OACYS Technology
• Horowitz Jewelry
• Stafford's Chocolates
• Eventbrite.com
• or call (559) 359-0360
 A Place Called
PAGE 14B THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2020

The Porterville Recorder: a voice for southeast Tulare County since 1908
THE RECORDER hands quite often.
[email protected] In 1909, John T. Goo-
drick Jr. and Leslie
One of the reasons we
McAuliff acquired con-
have a good accounting
trolling interest, promis-
of the last 110 years of
ing to “give the news ac-
Porterville history here
curately and impartially,
at The Recorder is that
without discriminating
we have been around for
(and) regardless of its
most of it — 111 years, to
effect on friends or en-
be exact.
emies.”
The first issue of The
In 1920, John R. Bell,
Porterville Recorder
formerly of Storm Lake,
was published on May
Iowa, bought The Re-
21, 1908. The lead story
corder, bringing to Por-
introduced readers to
terville “wide newspa-
staffers such as Percy
per experience.”
F. Adelsback, who was
In 1923, Will H. Horn-
pulling double duty at
ibrook, described as a
the time as managing
new arrival in the city,
editor and publisher, and
became the paper’s ment
bragged on the “up-to-
heralding his arrival not-
the-minute” equipment
ed that Hornibrook had
(like the Linotype type-
successfully published
setting machine) that
newspapers in Oregon
was being used to pro-
and Vancouver, Wash-
duce the new newspa-
ington, and had “served
per. It was evident at the
in the American diplo-
very start that The Re-
matic service in the ca-
corder wanted to be the
pacity of United States
community’s hometown
Minister to Siam.”
paper.
In 1924, The Recorder
In that first story,
became the property of
Adelsback practically
C.L. Day, former pub-
threw open the front
lisher of the San Luis
doors.
Obispo Daily Telegram.
“We will be glad at all
In 1927, readers opened
times to have our friends ton went to work at The world what’s going on came publisher in Feb- “No one covers Porter-
their papers to read,
come in and inspect the Recorder in 1963 as so- here,” Hinton said. “If ruary 2018. In the news ville and Southern Tulare
“Folks, meet Homer W.
plant,” he wrote, adding ciety editor: she was a we don’t toot our own story introducing Par- County the way we do,”
Wood.” Wood, a lawyer
a special invitation to natural at it. horn, nobody else is go- sons he said if a paper continued Parsons. “The
who was said to be the
“our out-of-town friends, “In my position, I met ing to toot it for us.” does not serve its com- Recorder has served this
“father of the Rotary on
especially the farmer people at all the most One milestone in The munity it has no reason community faithfully
the Pacific Coast,” had
people who make only emotional times of their Recorder’s history was to exist. for over 110 years. The
bought The Recorder.
occasional trips to the lives — births, school the move to its current “We are here to serve challenge of continuing
He ran the newspaper
city.” events, graduations, en- office at 115 E. Oak this community and that outstanding cover-
until 1960.
Feel free, he said, to gagements, weddings, Avenue. The building bring to our many read- age is one we accept and
In 1960, Mr. and Mrs.
make The Recorder of- receptions and the was extensively remod- ers the very best news- will do our best to make
Graham M. Dean bought
fice your “headquarters” deaths of loved ones,” eled and had its grand paper each day that we all those staff members
The Recorder from Mr.
and spend with us your said Hinton years after reopening in 2001. Pub- can possibly be,” said that have called the Re-
Wood. Graham Dean
“idle time.” Adelsback her retirement when she lisher Tom Conner noted Parsons. “It has been a corder home over the
had an extensive back-
was being neighborly, was 92. “By being one at the time that some pleasure to be part of years proud of our ef-
ground in newspapers
starting a tradition that with the family at the visitors said “they could the Recorder staff and forts. Just as it was back
and claimed to have once
has continued to this happy, proud and sad not recognize the place to lead such a talented, in 1908, we invite you
been the youngest man-
day. times, I became very — the change is that dra- hard-working group of to come visit and spend
aging editor in the coun-
Rhode Island Subur- fond of a wide section of matic.” newspaper profession- some time with us. The
try. The Deans ran The
ban Newspapers pur- Porterville.” When Rhode Island als,” Parsons continued. Recorder is your home-
Recorder until Freedom
chased The Recorder in Hinton maintained Newspapers purchased “Our goal each day is town newspaper.”
Newspapers bought the
2013 from Irvine-based The Recorder’s strength the Recorder in 2013, to bring the community Even today in the In-
paper in 1974, at which
Freeedom Communica- is in its emphasis on lo- Rick Elkins was named news and sports that our ternet age, The Recorder
time Graham Dean re-
tions, who had owned cal news. publisher. Elkins was readers want. Covering still employs 20 people
tired as its editor and
the paper since 1974. “Our paper is the best at the helm until his re- local events and the peo- in Porterville and pub-
publisher.
Prior to 1974, the paper’s because it’s the only one tirement in September ple of this community is lishes papers six days a
Estha Mae Hin-
ownership had changed in position to tell the of 2017. Bill Parsons be- what we do best. week.

contributed photo by jeff edwards

In 1904 the Pioneer Bank moved from the Pioneer Hotel to this building on the
southeast corner of Main Street and Putnam Ave. The granite came from the
local granite quarry and an effort was made to make the bank look solid and
safe. The granite was so heavy that soon the bank started to sink in the ground.

contributed photo by jeff edwards

This is the Motsinger home on south Hockett Street and the front of the house
faced Hockett Street. Prior to 1917 there was no south Main Street. You had to
use either C street or Hockett Street. When south Main Street did come in most
of the houses had to be turned around because the back of their house faced
recorder photo the new south Main Street. Home owners also had to have a windmill as there
The evolution of Porterville Recorder. ws no city water.
 A Place Called
FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2020 THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER PAGE 15B

SUBMITTED BY LINDA GILBERT HAZELWOOD

This picture is from 1949. My father, Harry Dean Gilbert, is without a shirt on the right. His best friend, John Pearson, is on the top in the ball cap. They were still
in Porterville High School here and are about 18-years-old. The man with his foot on the running board of the truck is William L. Meek, who owned the truck. He
made the piece of machinery that took the hay bales up to the men. People came from miles around to watch it work. He did not patent it. This photo was taken
at a hay field just outside of Poplar.

Proud of the past....

A historical photo journey of the northeast corner of Main and Olive, the entry into downtown Porterville

CORNERSTONE
& MAIN
For retail leasing information, please call Shane Anderson or Doug Cords at 559-650-1300

Building for the future

 A Place Called
PAGE 16B THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2020

War beginnings for the Porterville Municipal Airport

THE RECORDER groups assigned to the buildings and plans from dents to donate games a local girl, Melba Loyd. of 551.8 acres of leased
[email protected] base were Signal Corps fire, and to guard the and other items that He arrived in Porterville land and 284.12 addition-
groups that worked on barracks constructed for might by appreciated by on Feb. 3, 1945, to set up al acres purchased by
Porterville's municipal
radar training there the soldiers. Thurman the servicemen. for the third group of the government at a cost
airport, like many other
and at Camp Pinedale in supervised a department The register for the servicemen. of $891,796.
Valley airports, had its
Fresno. of 12 men. Hospitality House is Rauber recalls that Plans for expand-
start during World War
While the tar paper Porterville residents now at the Porterville one of the first people ing the field's facilities,
II. Called the Porterville
barracks weren't the also were supportive of Museum, and it lists doz- he met in Porterville on which included construc-
Air Base or Satellite Air-
best accommodations, the military men in their ens of pages of service- his first day in town was tion of commercial shops
drome, the facility was
the runways at the air- midst. On April 13, 1943, men's signatures as they businessman J. Claude and hangars, were laid
first used in 1943 when
port were built properly a Hospitality House near signed in. Upon leaving Nelson, who was instru- before the City Council,
the U.S. Army Air Corps
and able to accommo- the Hotel Porterville Porterville, many wrote mental in bringing the but the federal govern-
stationed an aircraft
date any type of aircraft, opened for local and vis- how much they appreci- air base to the city. He ment announced it was
squadron at the site.
Rauber said. A story in iting servicemen. The ated the welcome given also fondly remembers renewing its option and
That first Air Force
the Jan. 18, 1943, Porter- house was donated by them in Porterville. the Hospitality House, all buildings could be or-
unit assigned to the Por-
ville Evening Recorder Mrs. Anton Konda and Private Ray Sil- where local girls played dered removed in event
terville base flew de-
said that work on the was under the direction ho of Chicago wrote on the piano and came to of emergencies.
fense missions for the
runways was progress- of Mrs. Alden Drury. The Aug. 11, 1943: "Am leav- dance. Later in 1946, city of-
Los Angeles area, said
ing and crews were lay- Recorder announced that ing with the memory of "The ladies in the com- ficials and airport Man-
Bud Rauber, a longtime
ing down an 8-inch rock the Hospitality House the grandest bunch of munity were so nice to ager Homer Kruse an-
Porterville resident who
base under 2-inch as- was arranged for the people I've ever known, us, offering to do mend- nounced the airport was
was among the third and
phalt top. pleasure of the soldiers. with deep appreciation ing, inviting us to din- destined to become the
last group of servicemen
While the U.S. military They were offered free for the kindness and ner," said Rauber, who major freight shipping
stationed at the base. Sec-
staffed the base, the city of charge coffee, orange generosity displayed to- was one of eight service- center in Tulare County.
ond Lt. Myron V. Gray
of Porterville provided juice, pie, sandwiches ward the servicemen. I'll men who met and mar- Kruse also reported that
of Longmont, Colo., was
support for the endeav- and cookies. There were be back someday and it ried local girls after the several private planes
given the assignment as
or. In January 1943, a also magazines, newspa- won't be in khakis." war and settled in Por- were being kept at the
base commander after
local man, Arthur Thur- pers, books and statio- Rauber turned out to terville. airport by local fliers,
he completed Army Air
man, was named fire nery for their use. The be one of the service- The city took posses- and construction of han-
Corps Officer's Training
chief at the base. His du- operators of the canteen men who did return to sion of the air base in gars was soon to begin.
School.
ties were to protect the appealed to local resi- Porterville. He married August 1946. It consisted
The second and third

The Great Depression versions were abundant Zalud House in Porter-

By Jason Biagio in Porterville during the ville was closed up and
City of Porterville Public Works
depression. Monache John and Pearl would re-
Porterville At A Theater continued to be turn to Porterville once
Glimpse — 1930-1939 a popular escape. The or twice a year, either
With the Stock market Golden Era of Hollywood in the spring or fall to
crash of “Black Thurs- brought people despite check on the house and
day,” America and her the daily toil and turmoil. garden. The splendor
citizens were ushered In addition to enjoying of the garden served as
into an era of economic the visual arts, patrons a visible reminder that
crisis, financial hardship could also try their luck even amidst dark times,
and societal upheaval. at winning cash — $50 or America, like the roses
Gone were the days of more — in drawings held would bloom again.
carefree living. Jobless- at the theater. According Porterville Timeline:
ness and soup kitchen to anecdotes by Darla 1930 — Headquarters
lines became the norm. Welles' “Porterville — A for the Sequoia National
In stark contrast to the century of people, places Forest located in Porter-
“roar of the 20s, fami- and events,” other games ville.
lies were sent packing were played similar to 1931 — “Panther” mas-
and moving westward bingo whereby individ- cot selected by Porter-
in search of work and a ualso could win prizes ville Union High School
new lease on life. Sur- paid out in silver dol- student body. Congress
vival became the key fo- lars. declares “The Star contributed photo by jeff edwards
cus. Porterville and the Notable “Landmark” Spangled Banner” as the In 1949 the Tulare County Historical Society dedicated a historical marker to
surrounding areas of the Buildings Constructed: National Anthem. the First Tule River Indian Reservation that was started in 1856. It was located
San Joaquin Valley saw The economic down- 1933 — 21st Amend- in the Alta Vista area and was about 1,000 acres. In 1873 the reservation was
significant immigra- turn did little to stymy ment to the Constitution moved to its present reservation site. When Alta Vista School was started it was
tion, no doubt attracted the construction of town is ratified repealing the
landmarks. The origi- called Reservation School. The marker has been moved from its original site to
by the prospects of ag- 18th Amendment, end-
nal fire station as de- the present day Alta Vista School.
ricultural employment ing prohibition. Ground
and inexpensive land. signed by W.D. Coates is broken for the con-
This sustained popula- was erected in 1937. The struction of the Golden
tion growth continued first phase of the per- Gate Bridge.
well into the 1940s likely manent City Hall as de- 1935 — Start of the
due to the impacts of signed by Fred L. Swartz Central Valley Water
the Central Valley Water was completed in 1939. Project (eventually
Projects and the height- Both structures are ex- brought surplus irriga-
ened output of farming cellent examples of the tion water to this area).
during World War II. period “Art Deco/Art 1936 — Opening of
Smith's Complete Mar- Moderne” styling and in- Main Street, north of
ket: The citrus world dicate a departure from Morton Avenue, out of
wasn't the only thing the “Victorian,” “Beaux town.
blossoming during this Arts,” and “Craftsman” 1937 — Golden Gate
economic downturn. The designs that dominated Bridge completed and
Smith brothers (Howard much of the landscape. opened. Walt Disney pro-
and Lawrence), gifted These forward looking duces first full length
in determination, devel- buildings have become animated movie (Snow
oped “Smith's Complete artchitectural hallmarks White and the Seven
Market” (now Grocery of downtown.
Dwarfs). Fire State No.
Outlet) after they weren't The Zaluds:
1 constructed.
satisfied to merely run Following the tragic
1938 — Volkswagen
three successful fruit death of their son Ed-
“Beatle” makes debut.
markets in Lindsay. The ward, John and his
1939 — Ken Billings-
market went on to sur- daughter Pearl moved
ley opens first automo-
vive a fire and strikes. back to Los Angeles contributed photo by jeff edwards
bile dealership in Por-
Not All Bad in Porter- with his other daugh- In the 1970s the City of Porterville hired a consulting firm to redesign dowtown
terville. City Hall is con-
ville: ter, Annie. The three Porterville. Their advice was to make Main Street a walking mall with an en-
structed.
Entertainment and di- would live together for trance to the Mall from Second St. and from Hockett St. This never came to pass
the next 20 years. The but this artist concept of the plan was made. However, in 1980 Main Street and
Second Street were to the north. This lasted for five years before it was decided
it did not work. Today Main Street is as it had been.

contributed photo by jeff edwards

World war I ended on Nov. 11, 1918 and it was celebrated but none of the boys
were home until 1919. In 1919 the fire whistle would blow at 11 a.m. during
contributed photo by jeff edwards
the parade and all of the people would face to the east and place their hand
on their heart for a few minutes of silent respect. Today the parade is still go- In 1961 Porterville celebrated its 100th anniversary as a town. This became an
ing but it is now called Homecoming and Armistice Day is all but forgotten. entire year of celebrating and everyone dressed in old time clothes and paraded
The town was small then and they marched to the south and then back to the or had some activity almost every week. Even the Porterville Garden Club was
north. involved and plated this Porterville sign at the City Hall.
 A Place Called
FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2020 THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER PAGE 17B

Area’s link to politics: Nixon, Drury

High graduate. Drury reporter, but also kept tution  in which he finales based on two and  The Roads of
THE RECORDER won the Pulitzer Prize a journal in which he gives a full account different outcomes Earth  (1984), though
[email protected]
for his novel “Advise recorded the events of how the book came of the assassina- the four books aren't
When it comes to and Consent.” of  Congress  as well to be written and pub- tion:  Come Nineveh, a series. Drury also
politics the Orange That novel was as his impressions lished. Come Tyre  (1973) wrote stand-alone nov-
Belt can boast of a turned into the 1962 and views of individ- The novel uses sev- and  The Promise of els,  Decision  (1983)
President and a Pulit- movie “Advice and ual senators and the eral incidents from Joy  (1975). The last about  the Supreme
zer Prize winner. Consent,” a timeless Senate itself. Drury's Drury's years in Wash- two books are set in Court, and  Penta-
Richard Nixon, who film that parallels journal followed the ington as pegs for the the middle of a full gon  (1986) and  A
went on to become much of what is going career of  Harry S. story. The novel spent international crisis. Thing of State  (1995)
President of the Unit- on today in politics. Truman  from junior 102 weeks on  The In 1971, Drury pub- about the State De-
ed States, lived for The movie depicts the senator to  President New York Times Best lished  The Throne of partment. His career
a short time in the President's effort to of the United States, Seller list.  It won Saturn, a political/ ended with the trilogy
Strathmore area and have his controversial and also covered the  Pulitzer Prize science fiction  novel of books following the
attended Sunnyside pick for Secretary of "President  Franklin for Fiction  in 1960. about the first attempt lives of fictional mem-
Elementary School as State, portrayed by D. Roosevelt  and his It was adapted into a at sending a manned bers of his Stanford
a seventh grader. Henry Fonda, to be contentious relations well-received Broad- mission to  Mars  in graduating class:  To-
Nixon wrote briefly confirmed by the Sen- with the Senate." The way play by  Loring competition with a ward What Bright Glo-
about attending Sun- ate. journal was published Mandel. Otto Prem- similar  Soviet  effort. ry?  (1994),  Into What
nyside in a letter he Drury earned his in 1963 as  A Senate inger directed the ac- With the  historical Far Harbor?(1997),
composed about his bacehlor's at Stan- Journal 1943-45  after claimed 1962 film. novel  A God Against and  Public
early life when he ford. He wrote a Drury had experi- With the success the Gods (1976) and its Men (1998).
was 12 years old. In last series of novels enced great success of  Advise and Con- sequel Return to The- Advise and Con-
the letter he wrote: inspired by days at with his 1959 nov- sent, Drury left  The bes, Drury explored sent  was  out of
“I have attended Stanford shortly be- el  Advise and Con- New York Times. the reign and fall print  for almost
three schools, Yor- fore he died. Drury sent. From then on, his only of  Pharaoh  Akhenat- 15 years and it
ba Linda, Sunnyside went to work work He moved to  Path- major publications en of ancient Egypt. ranked No. 27 on the
and East Whittier.” for the Tulare Bee  in finder Magazine, a were his books. He The novels are based 2013  BookFinder.
He went on to refer 1940, where he won general news maga- followedAdvise and on extensive reading com  list of the Top
to Sunnyside as “a the  Sigma Delta Chi zine. From there, he Consent  with several about the Amarna Pe- 100 Most Searched
northern school be- Award  for editorial moved to the  Wash- sequels.  A Shade of riod  and, in the in- for Out of Print
tween Fresno and Ba- writing from the  So- ington Evening Star, Difference  (1962) is troduction to  A God Books before  Word-
kersfield,” writing “in ciety of Professional where he gained a set a year after  Ad- Against the Gods, he Fire Press reissued it
the last six months of Journalists.[5]  He reputation for the vise and Consent, and thanks at length the in  paperback  and  e-
my seventh year” he then moved to Ba- quality of his writing. uses the United Na- greatest Egyptolo- book  format in Feb-
attended the school, kersfield and wrote Various pieces from tions as a backdrop gist of the time, Cyril ruary 2014. The
referring to the sev- for the  Bakersfield this period were col- for portraying ra- Aldred, for his guid- WordFire edition in-
enth grade. Californian. Drury lected in a volume en- cial tensions in the ance on research. Af- cludes never-before-
Nixox came to enlisted in the U.S. titled Three Kids in a American South and ter the Egypt novels, published essays
the area to take pi- Army on July 25, Cart. in Africa. Drury then Drury returned to about the book writ-
ano lessons from an 1942, in  Los Ange- In 1954  James Res- turned his attention Washington in a suc- ten by Drury himself,
aunt. The entire let- les  and trained as an ton, the Washington to the next presiden- cession of novels that new appendices, and
ter Nixon wrote as a infantry soldier, but bureau chief of  The tial election after were only tenuously remembrances by
youth can be found was discharged due New York Times, those events with Ca- related.  Anna Hast- Drury's heirs and lit-
here: https://www. to a back injury. hired Drury. pable of Honor (1966) ings  (1977) is more a erary executors Ken-
nixonfoundation. In 1943, Drury In his spare time, an' Preserve and Pro- novel about journal- neth and Kevin Kil-
moved to Washing- Drury wrote the novel tect  (1968).  Preserve ism than politics. He liany. WordFire also
org/2014/01/young-
ton. which would become and Protect  had a returned to the Sen- released  Advise and
rns-autobiography/
From 1943-45, Drury 1959's  Advise and cliffhanger ending — ate in 1979 with Mark Consent's  five se-
As far as the area
worked as the United Consent. Drury later an assassination in Coffin, U.S.S., which quels, and other nov-
being able to boast of a
States Senate  corre- wrote a memoran- which the victim isnot was followed by the els. WordFire is pro-
Pulitzer Prize winner
spondent for  United dum for his archives identified.  He then two-part  The Hill jected to ultimately
that would be Allen
Press. He worked as a at the  Hoover Insti- wrote two alternative of Summer  (1981) bring out about 20 of
Drury, a Porterville
Drury's novels.

Relax and Enjoy....

...Let us be your Home Away From Home in Porterville

Come see the totally remodeled Holiday Inn in Porterville. From the front lobby, the breakfast area,
pool and of course the guest rooms, our entire hotel has been completely remodeled for 2020.

Although the facade may change, and maybe the faces as well, our appreciation
doesn’t. We are happy to be a part of this community. Happy to provide a home to
every family visiting the National Park and National Forest, all those visiting family in
the area, everyone who comes week after week for business, and all the courageous
pilots and firefighters who stay all summer long to fight fires or prevent them.
We can truly say that we appreciate our family of guest, and as always, our friendly
staff is here to serve you. 840 S Jaye St, Porterville, CA 93257 • (559) 782-1200
 A Place Called
PAGE 18B THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2020

Baseball, Acting, and Photography, a Man for all “Reasons”

By Jamie A. Hunt dio in Porterville until kansas. The third year she realized how very Glenn is bright and part in "Damn Yankees".
[email protected] 1968. An accomplished was at Camp Rucker, smart she was.” chipper, and goes to the He was 87 then, but he
photographer, Glenn is Alabama. By that time By then, Nicki, their Olympic Gym in Por- sang and danced and
Editor’s note: one of the first photog- I couldn’t get any far- first born, was going to terville at 6 a.m. every had a pretty girl sitting
raphers in the United ther south in the Gulf San Jose State.
This article States to do outdoor por- States,” he says with a She says, “Isn't Dad
morning, says Sharon
Hall, who has known
on his knee, and had a
great time. He had small
appeared in traiture.
He says, “One sum-
chuckle.
“I met my wife, Mary
amazing? So inspiring!
He was a great Dad!
Glenn her whole life parts in “The Drunkard”
since her father Jack and “Our Town.” But a
the Porterville mer we had a chicken Louise De La Grange When he had young Kenyon was in the Por- couple of years ago, he
Recorder in house but no chickens,
so we built a stage inside
at a USO dance at Fort
Smith, Arkansas. We
children, it was the 40s,
50s & 60s- I'm the old-
terville Camera Club
with Jeff and Glenn.
asked me if I thought
he could do the part of
2014 and did some plays. We were married almost 60 est of seven, you know! Hall has also acted at Willy Clark. I told him to
Glenn Edwards “takes did “Idylls of the King” years.” He was very unusual for the Barn Theater and try to memorize the first
the cake,” and for the and a few skits with my Glenn and Mary had the times. He worked all owns the gym, as well as scene, and we'd see.
first time in the Barn younger brothers Clyde seven children and lived day as a photographer Alice’s Cottage Antiques He was great. So I
Theaters 66 year histo- and Foster. in Arkansas after Glenn and came home and did next door. proposed it to the Play
ry, he will play the lead “I did a couple of was discharged from the whatever Mama needed. Glenn works hard at Reading Committee, and
character of Willie Clark plays in high school army. He was playing He diapered, he cooked
the gym, she says, “He’s here we are. He's just
in Neil Simon’s “Sun- at Tulare Union. After professional baseball in dinner, he helped with
90 years old, but I think amazing and very easy
shine Boys,” at ninety High school I was in the the New York Giant’s homework, he bathed
he feels like 25 years to direct. He also has
years old. enlisted reserve corps farm system. kids and, the best part
old.” some good staging ideas.
Acting opposite him in and went into the army After the war Glenn was that he enjoyed be-
during my second year says that he worked at ing with his kids, too. She fondly remembers And I'm smart enough to
the role of Al Lewis, ac-
in college.” a lumber sawmill in Tu- He was also a lot of spending time at the Ed- listen to him!! I think it's
tor and theater publicity
Glenn and Jeff are only lare in 1947 and 1948. He fun, always singing and wards home when she so inspiring to see some-
director Mel Gosage, is
one year and 13 days says Mary was a home- laughing and telling fun- was 18 and says, “the one who is 90 years old,
astounded at Edwards
virtuosity and ability, apart in age, and they maker for 18 years but ny stories...kind of like atmosphere was like taking risks & challeng-
and says, “I honestly both played baseball to- then worked as a tele- he is now! He was also no other. Always casu- ing himself. And he's do-
feel that he will amaze gether in High School phone operator. very supportive of our al, fun, and Bohemian. ing great!! He's a funny
readers and the stage and have remained close “She was a good moth- endeavors as well. We She recalls having her guy and the whole cast
audience alike.” throughout their lives. er. She figured if she couldn't have asked for photograph taken at the loves him.
Gosage’ praise and ac- They also have a mar- couldn’t teach a three a better father.” studio and says it was I really hope everyone
claim is spot on. Glenn velous sense of humor. year old to make a pea- In Redwood, City called a “Glenograph.” will come out to see this
not only breathes as the “Well, I’ve known him nut butter and jelly Glenn worked in Cus- Glenn and Jeff have history making perfor-
character Willie Clark, all his life,” says Jeff, sandwich, she’d failed.” tomer Service for a large always played golf when mance. In The Barn's 66-
you can almost feel him “and when he was young The Edwards moved photo lab, but in 1980 he they can, and Jeff likes year history, we've never
becoming Clark as the he was a real fine ath- to Porterville in 1948 took over a photo lab in the golf course in Ex- had an actor even on the
play progresses. His un- lete. He played profes- to join Jeff and form Los Angeles. Nicki says eter. “Jeff was always stage at 90, and never in
canny acting ability is sional baseball, and two Edwards Studio. Glenn “Dad has done really the better golfer,” says a starring role.
just a small part of his years of football at USC. spent 20 years with Jeff beautiful portraits. He Glenn, “but now I can The great Eldon Hunt
successes. And then he went into at the studio until 1968. was way ahead of his beat him!” did small parts into his
Glenn is father of play the army and helped win The family lived in time.” Nicki says her Dad late 80s. What's even
director Nicki Edwards, the war.” Porterville until 1970, Retiring in 1986, Glenn played in "You Can't Take more amazing is that
who has both performed Glenn was such a good then they moved to Red- and Mary traveled It With You" at the Barn Dad is so good in this
in plays and directed at athlete that he got a full wood City. At that time, across the United States along side Ann B. Da- role. He always said he
the Barn Theater, be- football scholarship to Glenn recalls, all their for three years. One of vis and Richard Deacon. had leading man poten-
sides owning her own USC. He says, “I played seven children were in Glenn’s favorite places “They needed someone tial, and now he's prov-
photography studio in freshman football and different schools. In was Monument Valley in who could play the ma- ing it!
Porterville. broke my ankle playing Redwood City, Mary Arizona, but says he also rimba! Dad was in a few Glenn Edwards, the
Glenn was born in during my sophomore worked for Stanford Re- enjoyed New England. plays in high school and brother of Jeff Edwards,
Tulare in 1923 and was year. Then I had to go search Institute. He says there were so for a summer or two he local historian and pho-
an army baseball play- into the service. “She was very good at many wonderful things and his friends put on a tographer in town,
er during and before “I played baseball in communications,” says to see on their trip. They play in Grandpa's Barn. passed away on March
the war. Afterwards the service for a year in Glenn, “Mary didn’t go lived in Bella Vista re- When he came back to 8, 2018, after living 95
he teamed up with his the San Fernando Valley much beyond a High tirement community in Porterville in 2005, he healthy years said his
brother Jeff Edwards at and my second year was school education, but Arkansas with six golf was a little bored so I daughter Nicki Ed-
their photography stu- at Camp Chaffee, Ar- when she got out there, courses. suggested he take a small wards.

Proud To Be A Part Of The

Porterville Community For 21 Years

21
19
YEARS
98 - 2019

First advertisement of Galaxy Theatres Grand Rendering of Galaxy

Movies being shown at Galaxy opening article May 20, 1998 Theatre in ad of 1998
Theatres in May of 1998 in Porterville Recorder

www.galaxytheatres.com
631 N Indiana Street, Porterville, CA 93257
 Myers
Funeral Service
and Crematory
Frank and Eunice Myers established
Myers Chapel in 1944, with nineteen
years of experience in the funeral
industry. They were dedicated
to the belief that ALL people,
regardless of social, ethnic or
economic circumstances, were to
be treated with the same dignity
and compassion as a member
of their own family. Through four
generations, over 75 years, the
Myers Family and staff have stayed
committed to that same belief.

Betty and Alson Wise, the daughter and

son-in-law of Mr. and Mrs. Myers, joined
Myers Funeral Service in 1948. Growing
up around and working at Myers Chapel,
their children, Alson “Mike” Wise Jr.
and Nancy Wise Hutton, became very
familiar with all aspects of the business.
In March of 1981 Mrs. Eunice Myers
passed away. Very shortly thereafter,
in December of 1981, Alson Wise Sr.
passed away, followed soon after by the
passing of Betty Wise, in November of
1982. With these untimely deaths, Myers Funeral Service was passed on to Mike and Nancy.
Alson “Mike” Wise Jr.’s son, Jason Wise, also grew up learning the business and proudly joined
the family business as Vice President/CFO in 2014. Together, as a family, they oversee the
continuation of the Myers tradition.

When the crematory was added in 1984, it was the only c

crematory in operation and is now
the longest operating crematory
in the Porterville area. Myers has
always been a leader in the funeral
industry, setting standards others
strive to achieve – from being
one of the first funeral homes to
transport remains by commercial
air carriers to operating their own
airplane, to managing their own
crematory. From old buildings
to new buildings, such as the

reception hall (previously known as the

Porterville Women’s Club building); From
old traditions to new traditions, such
as the Myers Christmas Memorial Tree
service established in 1995, through four
generations of Myers Family, one thing
remains the same…their dedication to
serve the community with compassion,
dignity and exceptional service.

248 N. “E” Street | Porterville, California 93257

Phone: (559) 784-5454 | Fax: (559) 784-5871
License #: FD-713
 Rockford School District

1886 - 1887 MATTIE BILLINGS CLASS 1911-1912 LEONA CARTER, OMA GRIMSLEY CLASSES ROCKFORD SCHOOL 1915-1956

ROCKFORD SCHOOL 1931

B. F. BUNKER (teacher)

REUNION DINNER ON JUNE 6, 1954 ROCKFORD 1ST-4TH GRADE 1933

DEDICATION AND OPEN HOUSE

ROCKFORD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Sunday, April 29, 1956 • Three o’clock in the afternoon
ROCKFORD SCHOOLD DISTRICT GROUND BREAKING 1965-66 ROCKFORD BAND REYNOLD RUTLEDGE CONDUCTOR

1862 ROCKFORD SCHOOL DISTRICT 1956

IN COMMEMORATION TO THE PEOPLE THAT, THROUGH THE YEARS,
BUILT THIS DISTRICT AND BUILDINGS FOR THE EDUCATION OF THEIR
BOYS AND GIRLS AND DEDICATED TO THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE
FUTURE WHO WILL HOLD IN REVERENCE THE GREATNESS OF
THIS DISTRICT AND THE FACILITIES SO DEDICATED.

ROCKFORD BELL ARIEL VIEW SCHOOL

ROCKFORD’S

64 Annual Spring Dinner

th
Car Show & Tri-tip Sandwiches
Saturday, May 2, 2020 • 10:00 am — 2:00 pm

$
10 8 $
• Vendors
• Music
• Raffle
• Entertainment for adult meal for child meal

Car show registrations are available online at

rockfordschooldistrict.org
14983 Rd. 208, Porterville, CA 93257
Ph: 559-784-5406 Fax: 559/784-8608
Caron Borba, Principal and Superintendent
 A Place Called

Porterville...
Standing the
test of time

Health & Education

“A Place Called Home” is a trademark of Parsons Publications and can only be used with consent of the trademark owner.
 A Place Called
PAGE 2c THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2020

PHS Milestones 1896 -1996

The Recorder came a Newpaper Re- sport will soon be a great
porter in Oakland, Austin favorite among the girls
During the years 1896 Flanders was the owner and they expect to form
-1907, no yearbooks of University Apparatus great teams.” 
were published, and the Co. in Berkeley, CA, Will The class of 1909
lists of PHS graduates Traeger worked for the started with twenty-five
were found in a 1912 El Dept. of U.S. Marshall, students and the class
Granito yearbook. in Los Angeles, and Lou- moved up to thirty en-
The first class was at is Schultz was Mechani- rolled. Twelve students
Morton Street School, cial Engineer in Wash- graduated, everyone
1896-1905, located on ington, Delaware. else dropped out.
the North end of Main There were two grad- During the years the
Street, facing South on uates in 1900, Louise granite school was oc-
Morton Street. Flanders, who lived in cupied (1905-1923), it
Even though the Por- Willows, CA according grew in numbers from
terville High School to the 1912 El Granito. the beginning, from 85
started in the Morton And Hershell Cochran, students in 1905/1906
Street Grammar School, in Porterville. with 7 graduates, and 5
the granite El Granito “During the year 1900 faculty members to 594
was the first high school enough boys were as- students, 62 graduates,
building in Porterville. sembled for a football and 27 faculty members Porterville High School circa. 1936
The first high school team, which coached by in the 1922/23 school
class was in the Mor- Mr. Dinwoodie and Mr. year. Championships. And the tra advanced under the try, coached by Glen
ton Street Grammar Premo, played “Tulare’s The class of 1915/1916 school started French leadership of Wiliam Harper and “Chief”
School in 1896 had one team to a standstill.” For was the largest in years, and Radio Clubs. Robbins a successful Kayser.
graduate, a girl named the school spirit which with 18 graduating se- PUHS class in avia- year of classical and Golf offered at PUHS
Frankie Flint in 1898. the contest aroused it niors. tion conducted by popular music. 1951/52 and had a suc-
The new Porterville was necessary to have 3rd site: The students J.M.Gibson, the auto In 1940/41 Fenc- cessful year.
High School was built school colors to wave; attending school in the mechanics building ing joined the minor New Porterville Gym-
in 1923 and the El Gran- and for these the orange old granite building floor was covered with sports at PUHS and was nasium was built in
ito became Belleview and the green were ap- were transferred to the motors, and the airplane coached by Thelwell 1952/53.
Grammar School. The propriately chosen. Mr. third school site (our equipment was loaned Proctor.  There were 38 The dedication to the
1952 earthquake dam- Walter Vinson has a pic- beloved school on West by the government for graduates in the 1941 PUHS Building written
aged the high school ture of the team.”  Olive Avenue) in the an indefinite period. A class. in the 1954 El Granito:”
building. Second PHS site : In spring of 1923. plane was loaned by the 19444/45 PUHS Cadet “The great white pil-
The first school board 1905, the high school In 1918 100 students navy and instruction Corps was greatly af- lars, the smell of chalk
trustees in 1896 were was transferred to the and faculty from PHS in flying in 1920, doing fected by the National dust, the sound of foot-
J.T. Munter, Emil New- newly built “granite” were in the military. And their part to aid in the conflict. Many boys steps in an empty hall,
man, and J.A.G. Smith. structure on the current the El Granito published development of avia- entered the service of we loved it all, every
The first teacher Belleview School site a conspicuously small, tion. the country in various tiny part of it, for it was
was Clara Henry who located between Bel- without frills “War Edi- FFA formed Novem- branches of the service. our school.
taught Latin. She was leview and Morton Ave. tion.” ber 1928, Porterville Many had left and are “In the summer of
the daughter of the man facing “E” street. The epidemic of Influ- Chapter organized fall in the armed forces. 1952 when the moun-
who planted the first The first El Granito enza closed PHS for six of 1929, Charter issued Letters tell of the ad- tains that stand guard
budded orange grove in was published in No- weeks in the beginning Jan. 1930. vantages gained by over our San Joaquin
Porterville. vember 1907 in the of- of 1919. Panther mascot se- their knowledge of the Valley, grew tired of the
The PHS class of fice of the Porterville The Class of 1920, PHS lected by the PUHS Stu- military through cadet same scene, they moved
1899, had eight gradu- Enterprise, by Porter- Football Porterville, 87; training.
dent Body 1931/32. a bit and the valley floor
ates, and the 1912 El ville High School, Edi- Woodlake, 0 Panthers Baseball
1938/39 Porterville trembled and shook.
Granito gave their pro- tor Sardis Templeton. Porterville, 42; Visa- team had one of the
Panthers Tennis, took a We survived the shock
fessions, as Flora Mac- “Porterville High has lia, 0 most successful seasons
position in the league, and our building stood,
Donald was a teacher in in PUHS history 1946/47.
been distinguished for Porterville, 27; Ex- showing good consis- but the bricks were
Oakland, Charles Dun- The team had many vet-
its lack of class and eter, 0 tent team playing. The loose and the mortar
can was a Presbyterian erans from last year’s
school spirit,” said an Porterville, 68; Lind- Panther Band was in- had turned to sand. We
Minister in Seattle, WA, squad.
article. say, 0 volved in school activi- moved from the build-
Coolie Harper, married SWIMMING STARS
A PHS Tennis Club In 1924/25 PUHS bas- ties, there was a Spanish ing and left it deserted.
J.A. Niles in Porterville, 1949/50 was the second
was formed and grounds ketball played in the Club, and PUHS Cadets year of the swimming Now it is gone forever,
Lizzie Montegomery for the tennis court State championships, af- showed their skills on nothing left, except the
moved to Berkeley, CA, team at PUHS, and they
were laid out behind the ter winning the Southern Armistice Day. were rated as one of the shining image in our
Perry MacDonald be- school building. “This and Central California 1939/40 PUHS Orches- memory.”
best teams in the coun-

‘Bit of History’
By Jeff EdwardS day. The class moved lot of flack was cre-
to the new school at ated. For the next 25
PUHS 1923 mid-term and graduat- years, every bond is-
School demolished ed from the new school sue in Porterville was
Even though Por- in 1923. defeated without any
terville High School The people of Por- formal opposition.
started in the Mor- terville were proud Fifty years later, this
ton Street Grammar of this high school. picture by Hammond
School the granite El The building was im- Studio still causes
Granito was the first pressive, and for this comments whenever
high school build- reason Frank “Buck” it appears. The article
ing in town. The first Shaffer came to teach was written by local
high school class was in Porterville. Buck Jeff Edwards is a local
in the Morton Street was very impressed historian and photog-
Grammar School in with the building and rapher. 
1896 and there was one with the concerns of Bill Horst, another
graduate, a girl named the local people in the local historian, was in
Frankie Flint. The area for the education the last class to grad-
new Porterville High of their children. uate from PUHS in
School was built in “This building was 1952, and he said for
1923 and the El Gran- erected by the people many years the peo-
ito became Belleview of Porterville for the ple of Porterville just
Grammar School. The education of their chil- “hated” the town fa-
1952 earthquake dam- dren,” read the inscrip- thers who condemned
aged the high school tion on the front of the
building, which was the High School. After
building. years working in a local
demolished. In 1952, there was
No picture of Porter- construction business,
a serious earthquake
ville’s history arouses Horst realized that the
centered in Tehachapi,
more comments than beautiful and impos-
and Porterville was
the below photo of the ing old school struc-
also shaken up. It was
old Porterville High ture could have been
decided that the high
School taken by Ham- saved and re-enforced
school was so severely
mond Studio. but that was well after
damaged that it would
It took a lot of work have to be torn down. the fact.
in 1920 to get a bond Thirty years is not a Unfortunately, many
passed to construct the long time for a struc- old and beautiful
building and get the ture like a high school. structures have been
first high school class The people of Por- lost to the wrecking
started in the year terville accepted the ball, without adequate
1922 in the old Grani- decision but when the thought for historical
to High School, where contractor went broke preservation or city
Belleview School is to- trying to wreck it, a beautification.

Porterville High School circa. 1953

 A Place Called
FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2020 THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER PAGE 3C

CONTRIBUTED PPHOTO BY JEFF EDWARDS

This is the original Harmony School that was west of Strathmore on Ave. 184, when it was decided they needed a school west of Strathmore a problem arose as
to put it on the east end or the west end. Those on the wast got together and voted to put it on the east end. Those people on the west were outraged and said it
was not fair because they were all in Harmony. So those on the east named their school Harmony. Those on the west built their own school and named it Surprise.
The Surprise school is at the Mooney Grove Museum in Visalia. The Harmony High School in Strathmore is named after the original Harmony School.

CONTRIBUTED PPHOTO BY JEFF EDWARDS CONTRIBUTED PPHOTO BY JEFF EDWARDS

This photograph is the North Taylor building, the site of the first reading room This is downtown poplar on the main drag. The large building is the Methodist
that was sponsored by Inter Se Circle. This site is currently Beneficial State Church in Poplar. THe smaller buildings are stores that served the area. At this
Bank, formerly the Finance and Thrift building. time in the 1950’s the street was dirt with a little asphalt in places.

Contributed photo by jeff edwards

These people are from the Rockford School and they are crossing the Rockford Bridge on their way to the school. Holding hands like they are you can tell the
width of the bridge. Rockford is one of the oldest schools in the county. Originally it was called Rocky Ford School because the Tule River bottom was rocky and
couldn’t be crossed.
 A Place Called
PAGE 6B THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2020

Memories Monache High

By Martha A. Flores The following year the first graduation
1968, we were all sopho- events and our varsity
I vividly remember mores, the upper class- sports teams took nu-
the first day of school in men. Again, we were all merous championships.
1967. I was a freshman Monache and Porterville So soon it was June and
and would be attend- High School Students. Monache High School,
ing the brand new high In 1969 when we were Class of 1971 became
school. The bus picked juniors, I recall that was the first graduating
up my brother and me in when boundaries were class.
front of our house, but developed for Porter- Throughout our four
this year would be dif- ville and Monache High years on campus, we
ferent. As a freshman, Schools. Porterville had teachers who with-
I would be dropped High School students out any reservations
off at Monache High were no longer on the encouraged us. I recall
School and my brother campus. Those of us Mrs. Rodgers, Mrs. At-
would go on to Porter- remaining at Monache kin, Ms. Corbin, Mr.
ville High School. All of were in the Monache Briscoe, Mr. Kavadas,
the students at the new High School district. Mr. Hernandez, Mr.
school were freshmen. These high school Funderburk, Mrs. Hick-
We were Monache and years were the best. man, Mrs. Land, and the
Porterville High School I always felt that we list continues. My high
freshmen were upper classmen. school counselor during
Taking the first step We paved the way for these years was Mrs.
off the bus onto a new others. We became Mo- Longley.
campus., I was in awe nache Marauders. It It seems like yester-
of the architectural de- was in this year that we day. I am grateful to the
sign of the new modern- chose our school colors, committee that worked
ized structures. We all mascots, formed and diligently on the Mo-
walked toward the cam- founded clubs on the nache High School Blue
pus center to the tables campus, sports teams, and Gold Gala in April
where we would pick and planned events that 2018. I attended and it
up our class schedules would become Monache was just like yester-
(3-part hand written traditions. day to be amongst my
carbon paper copies!). 1971, our senior year classmates with those of
Then came the assign- (I’m smiling), was a us still standing. Even
ment of book lockers year full of firsts. We better was to see the
and combinations. The ordered the first MHS friends and classmates
first bell rang and it was class rings, waited for that followed in the
Contributed photo
time to get to class. Doc Small (Gene Duncan) is checking Deamond Lil (Jean Hanggi) in 1961.
our yearbooks, planned years after us.

PORTERVILLE
COLLISION
CENTER Gift Baskets • Nuts
Dried Fruits recorder file photos
Members of Roma lodge area chapter of the Sons
Olives • Sweets of Italy of America, were treated to a tour of new
emergency facilities under construction at Sierra

Paint & Beef Jerky Made Fresh View District Hospital before presentation of a
$1,000 check to the hospeital for this mechanized

Daily manikin, Annie, used for training of cardiopulmo-

nary resuscitation techniques. At presentation in the

Body
new trauma room, from the left are Maria Forner, R.
N. emergency room official and CPR instructor, Hos-
pital Administrator Carol Leesch and lodge members
Ben Serafin, Pas Della, Ruby Serafin, Lupe Briano,

Shop
Tillie Briano, Catherine Fazio and Frances Della.

697 S. Plano Street

721 N. Sunnyside St. Porterville, CA 93257
Porterville, CA 93257 (559) 781-3487
[email protected] 764 N. Prospect Street
Phone (559) 782-5181 Porterville, CA 93257 A pay telephone for free use by the residents at

Fax (559) 784-0488 (559) 781-6328 Porterville State Hospital, donated to Ward F-1 by
Telephone Pioneers of America, is being used here
by Sharon Goddall, while Betty Bevins, Senior psy-
www.planojerky.com chiatric technician II looks on.

The Lindsay wellness center idea was developed in 2002

after the  Lindsay District Hospital  closed. The project
was a partnership between the  City of Lindsay  and
the Lindsay District Hospital board. The facility has been
developed to provide adults with a state of the art safe
and friendly place to learn about health and wellness
related conditions, enjoy the company of others and
exercise at their own pace. In addition to our group
fitness classes, aquatics center, and fitness center, we
offer a variety of educational and social activities.
We invite you to visit us to take a tour of our beautiful
facility and meet with our membership team! The
Lindsay Wellness Center is a premier wellness facility.
Our mission is to provide a safe and affordable facility
for the individual self-discovery of their own personal
good wellness.

860 North Sequoia • Lindsay, CA 93247 • (559) 562-5196

Monday–Thursday: 5:00 AM–8:00 PM
Friday: 5:00 AM–5:00 PM • Saturday: 7:00 AM–12:00 PM
 Town &
Country Market
Your Local Independent Grocer
Since 1953

The Wong family has been serving customers in Porterville

for more than six decades. Through the years Town & Country Market
has become a staple of the community, giving back for over 67 years.
Teddy, Norman, and Henry were in their early to late twenties
when they opened Town and Country Market in 1953.
There are now four generations of the Wong family serving
the community of Porterville for over 67 years.

This 1950s photo commemorates the first carload of Procter & Gamble products to be delivered to Porterville at Town and Country Market.
Standing in the foreground next to boxes of laundry detergent are Town and Country employees, including owner Ted Wong (right).

1310 W. Olive Ave., Porterville • (559) 784-6431

 1961

2020
59 years still
Porterville’s Finest
place for your
Home Furnishings
HARRIS HOME
FURNISHINGS
214 N. 2ND ST. • PORTERVILLE, CA 93257
(559) 784-1746
 A Place Called
FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2020 THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER PAGE 9C

Monache celebrates 50 years

lished many years ago,” that there will be more proud to be a Marauder As dinner began af-
said Drum. “Those tra- opportunities to recon- to see all our successful ter her comments and
ditions of excellence in nect in the future.”  graduates from differ- the celebration contin-
academics, athletics, As business owners, ent fields and how much ued, Drum looked out on
music and most impor- community leaders and Monache has contribut- the hundreds of smiling
tantly in character live professionals from all ed to the community.” faces and listened to the
on in each of us.” walks of life and mul- Looking at the large many happy conversa-
Drum went on to an- tiple generations remi- turnout for the evening, tions mingle together.
nisced and reflected, the Marauder Band director She wiped joyful tears
nounce the creation of
evening felt like a class and MHS class of 1992 from her eyes, knowing
the Monache Alumni
reunion for all 50 years graduate Justin Adams that the year of hard
Foundation, which will work and preparation by
organize future alumni of MHS graduates. was glad to hear there
Anthony Martin, Bur- will be more alumni her and the 50th com-
events and contribute to mittee had resulted in a
scholarships for MHS ton administrator and events similar to the
member of the MHS gala in the future. Marauder event for the
students with fundrais- ages.
ing activities. class of 2000, was struck “It’s a great night. We
by the diversity of the should have been doing “It means so much. It’s
“We want the legacy beyond words for me,”
group. this a long time ago,” he
THE RECORDER Elegant table settings, of excellence that was said Drum. “To see all
“It’s an amazing cel- said. “You can see the
[email protected] rustic decor, and dis- started 50 years ago to of these Monache leg-
ebration of all the things popularity of the event, ends come together in
plays chronicling MHS continue long after this
Editor’s Note: The fol- Monache has stood for and it’s going to be great one place, it could never
milestones and memo- evening is over,” said
lowing article appeared over the years,” Mar- to have an alumni foun- have happened without
ries transformed the Drum. “As we go our tin said. “It makes me dation grow out of this.”
in The Recorder on April separate ways, know an event like this.”
venue into equal parts
26, 2018.Monache opened
museum and Monoway
in the fall of 1967.
yearbook.
For anyone loyal to the
The event began at
Blue and Gold of Mo-
5:30 p.m., and attendees
nache High School, Sat-
spent the first hour tak-
urday evening was truly
ing in the spectacle of
an occasion to remem-
the occasion, reconnect-
ber. ing with familiar faces,
Nearly 700 alumni, having their portraits
teachers and commu- taken, and bidding on
nity members gathered dozens of silent auction
at the Porterville Fair- items as the MHS Stage
grounds for the Blue Band played in the back-
and Gold Gala, the cap- ground.
stone event of Monache “The Marauder pride
High School’s year-long in this room tonight is
50th anniversary cele- just overwhelming,”
bration. said Monache Principal
Judging from the re- Eric Barba as he wel-
actions of attendees as comed guests. 
they entered the room, He then introduced
the scene successfully Emily Drum, MHS
captured the spirit of teacher and head of the
the occasion and lived 50th anniversary com-
up to the anticipation. mittee, who thanked her
“This is amazing. fellow committee mem-
We’ve only walked in the bers and their families
door and I’ve seen a hun- for their hard work and
dred people I know,” said gave her thoughts on the
Dennis Townsend, MHS occasion.
class of 1979. “Walking “Whether a student
in and seeing all of this or a staff member, we
really brings back the have all contributed to
Blue and Gold pride. I’m the Monache legacy, and
ready to sing the victory I’m so proud to carry
song.” Monache High School groundbreaking.
on the traditions estab-

Porterville has always been a place called

home for Carroll’s Tire Warehouse!
It all started in 1974 when Randall Carroll After 43 years in business Carroll’s Tire
and his high school friend, Kevin Burford Warehouse has 9 stores: including two stores
started selling used tires out of his truck. They in Porterville – Visalia – Tulare – Hanford -
would recycle used tires found at dumpsites. Delano and three stores Bakersfield.
After a process called recapping them they It’s all been possible because Carroll’s Tire
would sell them at swap meets up and down Warehouse believes in customer service. It’s
the Central Valley. It didn’t take long before the foundation of our business. We appreciate
1990 Randall realized that selling tires could be a every one of our customers and major tire
good business! suppliers because you have helped make our
In 1977 Randall sold his 1965 Corvette to success!
make a down payment on the property located Carroll’s Tire Warehouse will always guarantee
on North Grand Avenue and Hwy 65. He every day low prices on thousands of name
put out a sign that said “Carroll’s Tire brand tires and wheels, custom lowering kits
Warehouse - Now Open” and the - suspension lift kits and complete auto care
2014 rest is history! services to keep your vehicles safe for you and
your families!
In 2006 CTW was
recognized as the 39th We invite you to visit our website at:
largest independent tire carrollstire.com or simply stop by and say hello
dealer in the United States. at the place we call home in Porterville USA.

Kevin Burford aka “Tireman” 1977

1974
ll
Randall Carro Kevin Burford an
d Randall Carroll

2018
Randall & Susie Carroll

Customer Appreciation sale

1995
9 Valley Locations
Porterville:
Corner of 65 & North Grand • (559) 781-5040
43 rd
677 South Plano • (559) 266-5040
 COMISION HONORIFICA
MEXICANA AMERICANA, INC.
(CHMA)
CHMA Proudly Celebrates its
93rd Year of Cinco De Mayo Fiestas
in Porterville, California

FIESTAS
Preserving our Cultural Heritage, Promoting Cultural Diversity,
Equality and Racial Harmony

Cinco de Mayo 2020

“Todos Contamos En 2020 We All Count”
16 de Septiembre 2020
* Weds/Miercoles April 29 Pageant/Certamen * Tue/Martes September 15
* Fri/Viernes May 01 Día Del Niño * “Grito” Ceremony
* Sat/Sabado May 02 Parade /Desfile * Dinner /Cena
* Sun/Domingo May 03 Park Fiesta * Arte Exhibit
* Tue/Martes May 05 Reception
(Interested Miss Cinco de Mayo Candidates, please Call Grace Munoz Rios: 289-9381)

CHMA Community Center

466 Putnam Avenue, Porterville, California

Posada 2020
Fri/Viernes Dec 18
* Nacimientos
Dia De Muerto 2020 * Tamales/Posole
Sun/Domingo Nov 01 * Raffles /Regalos
* Altares * Ballet Folklorico * FREE/GRATIS
* Danza Azteca * Dinner /Cena (OLA Raza Event)

PLEASE SAVE THE DATES AND PARTICIPATE

 A Place Called
FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2020 THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER PAGE 11C

Monache history
Compiled by Emily Drum Over the next  50 large equipment moved year, the ethnic make-up
years, the controversy onto the property to of our site is:
Long before the first of color would become start construction.  Con- Hispanic, 75.8%, with
students arrived on the an ever-present issue.  struction of the facilities 14.6% White and non-
Monache campus in the The purchase of school officially began in May Hispanic, with other eth-
fall of 1970, a controver- shirts, uniforms, and of 1966, and the corner- nicities.
sy was brewing over the school materials always stone was laid on No-  
colors that would come to seem to raise the issue, vember 6th, 1966. Academic Programming
embody Marauder spirit.  what shade of blue do we In May of 1966 Mr. Eu- Monache High School
On November 16th, 1968, use? During the 1980’s gene R. Berryhill, known continues to focus on
the Porterville Record- and 1990’s, navy was the as “Chief”, was chosen quality educational pro-
er announced that the dominant shade of blue by the Governing Board grams for all students
colors purple and gold chosen for athletic, band, to be Monache’s first through a wide range of
had been chosen for Mo- choir, cheerleading, and principal.  The first day academic and vocational
nache High School. They other school uniforms of school was Thursday, offerings. In addition to
would be called the Ma- and school materials. To- September 7, 1967. The the Multi-Media Acad-
rauders and their band day, the blue and gold dedication of Monache emy (MTA), Monache
would be known as the tradition is a combina- High School took place also has an Environmen-
Monache  tion of “Columbia Blue”, on Thursday, September tal Science Academy
Marauder Band. The navy and gold.   14th, 1967.  A memorial (ESA), Manufacturing
selection of school colors Monache High School plaque, honoring the late Construction Academy
was made by students (MHS) campus sits on Harold Wilcox, created (MCTA), and Academy of
at a sophomore election approximately 73 acres by Gordon Rippey, was Hospitality (AH!).  The
and would go into effect between Henderson and hung in front of the Li- launch of Academies and
Monache High School circa. 1977
when the school became Mulberry, just east of brary and depicts the Linked Learning Path-
a separate entity in 1970. Newcomb,  nestled be- symbolism, the habits, ways, gives students ad-
staff, student body, par- 2018, and continues to be
Junior varsity teams tween a quiet residential and beliefs of the Mo- ditional opportunities to
ent groups, and commu- troublesome for many
would be known as the neighborhood, and com- nache Indians.  explore career possibili-
nity support.  families in Porterville.
Chiefs; B Class teams mercial properties. The   ties and exemplify our
Monache is supported The median household
would be the Warriors, name “Monache” was School and district motto, “Creating
by parents, community income hovers at $39,763
and C class teams would chosen by the governing Community Profile Opportunities, Changing
leaders, and staff mem- and 40% of families
be the Braves. board in January 1965. Monache High School Lives”. All high schools
bers via advisory groups make less than $25,000
According to school The school’s architecture is currently one of four in the Porterville Unified
and receive financial annually.  Around 31% of
records, it was not pos- reflects Native Ameri- comprehensive and two School District have de-
sible to get the mate- can design with a stucco support from booster or- Porterville residents are
charter high schools ganizations such as:  considered living in pov- veloped plans to provide
rials needed in purple finish, and cuplas on top in the Porterville Uni- current and incoming
and also the high cost of of buildings, which pro-  English Learner Advi- erty. Approximately 71%
fied School District that sory Committee (ELAC), of students qualify for students with a variety
purple materials forced vide a decorative cover- serves the city of Por- of choices from environ-
the issue and a new elec- ing for the heating and School Site Council, Path- free or reduced lunch.
terville, a population of way/Academy Advisory Under a district-wide mental science to busi-
tion was held.  Classes cooling equipment.   approximately 58,000 ness and health, agri-
selected blue and gold Committees, Monache provision, two grants
The property was people.  Monache High Alumni Association, from the national school culture and multimedia,
(modeled after UCLA purchased from Mrs. School receives students journalism, performing
colors). Other potential Genevieve Wilson. The Athletic Boosters, Band lunch program), all stu-
from three junior high Boosters, AG Boosters, dents receive free break- arts and engineering.  
colors included Red/ contract for construc- schools within the dis- Teachers, counselors,
White, and Navy Blue/ Football Boosters.  fast and lunch.  Monache
tion of Monache HIgh trict, from several uni-   parents’ educational lev- district personnel, and
Gold. The school gym
School was given to the fied elementary districts Family and Community el has slightly changed outside resources are
was painted during the
Macomber Construction including Burton, Pleas- Trends/Socio-Economics since the last accredita- working together to de-
summer of 1970 with red
Company of Oakland for ant View Elementary, Status tion: 27% do not have velop rigorous course
and white by a school
the sum of $3,093,682.  Rockford Elementary, Located between Fres- a high school diploma, offerings that meet A-G
administrator, in opposi-
300 people were pres- Sausalito Elementary, no and Bakersfield in the 21% have a high school requirements for stu-
tion to the student body’s
ent for the groundbreak- Springville Elementary, San Joaquin Valley, the diploma, 24% have some dents who participate
chosen colors.  The final
ing ceremony, known Terra Bella, Woodville City of Porterville has an college, 16% have gradu- in Linked Learning.  In
decision was announced
as “Geronimo”, which Elementary, and from a economy composed pri- ated college, and 6% spite of the uncertainty
by ER Berryhill, the
took place on March few private schools like marily of agri-business, have BA of higher.  in the state budget, the
Principal of Monache
23rd, 1966. Following St. Anne’s and Zion El- light industry, govern- Current Monache district is dedicated to
High School, confirming
the ground breaking ementary.  Monache has ment jobs, and com- enrollment is 2071 building capacity for
the voice of the student
body before the school ceremony, local rancher, developed a strong tradi- mercial enterprise.  The (2019/2020).   According Linked Learning with
year began in the fall of Guido Lombardi, leveled tion of excellence, stem- unemployment rate is to the most recent data additional funding from
1970.  the stalks of cotton and ming from a dedicated around 13.1% as of March from 2018-2019 school private grants. 

35634 Highway 190, Springville. CA 93265 • 559-483-9525

 A Place Called
PAGE 12C THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2020F

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Rockford School 1915

History of Rockford School

By Mrs. Marie Miramon (1955) on this site was a one room school but larger than with a sliding partition to enlarge the one room to
the previous schools with two ante rooms added accommodate patrons of the district when enter-
The first school house in Rockford District later on the outside, a shelf for the lunches, hooks tainment was given.
was built in 1862 on the “Tip” Niles Ranch and and nails for coats and hats and a porch between As the attendance increased, more room was
was known as Oak Grove School since it was sur- ante rooms. There was a small mirror in each ante needed. In 1925 the room to the south of the main
rounded by oak trees. room, a common comb, hand towels and a tin cup building was built. In 1947 the two-room barrack
This ranch went on to be the D. F. Clark place. for pupils to drink water. There was a hand pump was bought and moved to its present location, then
This school was a small one room building that for school use with a wooden trough to water the in 1950 another room was moved onto the site.
burned down a few years later. horses. In 1955 school officials and citizens of the Rock-
August 5, 1868, Twyman Harper, a man who The pupils either rode or drove horse if too far ford School District joined on the site of the new
believed in the education of the youth donated an to walk. Hay was carried in burlap sacks to feed Rockford School (a few yards north of the 1915
acre of ground to build a schoolhouse, one-half the horses. site)to break ground for the present school build-
mile east of the Rockford Road, back in the field. The flag raising was in 1895. The bell was added ing.
This school was well-known as Rockyford School. in 1908. Jack Byers and S.V. Bradley built the In 1956, the new school was completed. It in-
It was built of rough lumber, no ceiling except belfry. cluded two wings of classrooms and office and a
a roof, had one door and four windows. Fifteen In 1911 the room was divided with a burlap cur- cafeteria. A few years after the completion of the
pupils attended and used rough homemade seats tain to make two classrooms. A heating stove was project, an additional wing was added with three
and no desks. at the end of the room. classrooms and a kindergarten classroom was
In 1885 that building was sold to Harry Quinn, That building was sold at auction to James B. added to an existing wing. In 1989, Rockford com-
a pioneer sheep and cattleman and was moved to Hornsby, was torn down and the lumber was used pleted a modernization project and enlarged the
the A.M. Falconer Ranch. to build the Fred Hornsby home. cafeteria. Since that time, portable classrooms
Captain Jacob Hayes donated the present build- The present building, Rockford School, was have been added to accommodate the student
ing site on Rockford Road. The first school built built in 1915 with two classrooms, a wide hall population.

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 A Place Called
FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2020 THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER PAGE 13C

Sierra View, Caring for patients since the 1950’s

By ALEXIS ESPINOZA munity, you have given Robert Miller, who came tal’s bed count to 53. And tween 1981 and 1990. In 2003, SVMC opened
[email protected] them a wonderful gift, to the post from Visa- the growth continued in With the advent of the its Medical Office Build-
the gift of life and cer- lia where he had served 1973 with the addition 1990s, hospital leaders ing (MOB) on Pearson
When Sierra View
tainly the gift of hope.” as administrator of the of a 6,500-square-foot continued to stretch to Drive to offer outpatient
Medical Center (SVMC)
Mrs. Bush’s remarks Visalia Hospital. The administration complex, meet the medical needs services while also cre-
opened its new, five-
came just a little more first Chairman of the which included space for of the community. In ating more office space
story, gleaming glass
than 38 years after the Board was Ralph Tyr- offices, waiting room fa- 1992, it added a new di- for staff. In 2010, the
patient care tower on
March 6, 1996, former hospital first opened at rell. The hospital opened cilities and a gift shop. agnostic tool, a magnetic hospital opened a Level
first lady Barbara Bush its current site on with about 30 local phy- Then, in 1981, the hos- resonance imaging unit, II Nursery, allowing new-
was on hand to do the Putnam Avenue at Jaye sicians, mostly general pital’s support group, the better known as an MRI, borns requiring special
honors. Street in March of 1958. practitioners, on staff. Sierra View District Hos- which can peer inside care to stay at SVMC.
Mrs. Bush, the wife of The 42-bed facility, which Room rates were $20 to pital League, dedicated the body without the use In 2013, SVMC unveiled
former President George replaced the old Porter- $30 a day. In those early a new chapel/meditation of radiation or invasive the Central Utility Plant,
Bush, who served from ville City Hospital, with days, the average oc- room, which was built surgical techniques. constructed with state-
1989 to ‘93 praised hospi- its 17 beds, did not come cupancy level ran from with private donations By 1995, the board was of-the-art automation,
tal officials, the Board of into being without some five to 15 patients and raised by league mem- again eyeing an expan- in order to provide real-
Directors and the com- struggles, according to the emergency room saw bers from local civic sion package. The one time energy efficiency
munity for successfully news reports published an average of 200 visits organizations, churches, that would bring the to support the hospital’s
bringing the construc- in 1988 when the hospi- a month, as opposed to clubs and individuals impressive blue glass future needs.
tion project to fruition, tal was celebrating its an estimated 30,000 or from the community. By tower, which, with its In 2014, SVMC opened
according to news re- 30th anniversary. more ER visits a year the early 1980s, the hos- 125,000-square foot pa- a new diagnostic labo-
ports published at the The hospital district today. pital was again strain- tient care area, doubled ratory and underwent
time. She said the effort was formed by resolu- By 1965, the demand ing its capacity, and the size of the hospital a rebranding to “Sierra
exemplified two quali- tion of the county Board for services had risen officials responded by and brought its bed ca- View Medical Center.”
ties that are dear to her of Supervisors in 1947 dramatically. With an av- authorizing construction pacity to nearly 160. In 2015, the hospital
heart - self-reliance and for the purpose of bring- erage occupancy rate of of a three-story addition, With the tower came
opened the Urology Clin-
accepting responsibility. ing a modern medical more than 75 percent, which brought the bed a number of other im-
ic in partnership with
‘’We need to teach our facility to Porterville to hospital officials began capacity to 93 and added provements, including
the University of South-
children and remind serve the city and sur- thinking about expan- space for such services upgraded maternity fa-
ern California Institute
ourselves that we can- rounding communities. sion. A laboratory wing as an eight-bed ICU, a cilities, additional space
of Urology, and in 2015
not always depend upon It took nearly 10 years was added in 1967. Two five-suite surgery unit, for administrative ser-
the Wound Healing cen-
others to find solutions to get together the half- more significant addi- and a five-bed family vices, improved and ex-
million dollars in fund- tions came in 1972, ac- birthing center. In 1987, panded emergency room ter was equipped with
to our problems; not our two hyperbaric oxygen
government, not our ing for the hospital’s cording to historical data the hospital added a service and improved
construction. Fund- provided by the hospital, CAT scan suite, and in employee parking facili- chambers.
schools, not our places of Recently, in 2017, a
employment. If we see a ing came from the U.S. when the hospital gained 1990 it opened its cancer ties. And it was all those
Department of Health, improved storage fa- treatment center, which attributes taken togeth- Cardiac Catheterization
problem, we should try
Education and Welfare, cilities, as well as more made it possible for lo- er that Mrs. Bush was Lab was added to the
and fix it.
the state Department of space for patient care cal residents to receive speaking of when she ap- hospital for heart relat-
“When you saw a need
Public Health and from services, including a new radiation and medical peared at the dedication ed health conditions and
in your community for
better health care, you a local bond issue ap- recovery room, a nurses’ oncology services in ceremonies and told the imaging, and in 2018 a
figured out the solu- proved by the voters in lounge, a patient exam their home community. crowd: “It is my distin- PET/CT scanner became
tion, and then you went 1950. area, a seven-bed acute A year after it opened, guished honor on behalf available to patients at
to work. You didn’t call Ground was broken comprehensive care the center was named in of the Board of Direc- SVMC, providing im-
Sacramento or Wash- for the project in Febru- unit, a medical/surgical honor of the late Roger tors of this fine hospital ages that pinpoint and
ington, you just did it ary 1957, and work was nurses’ station, a confer- S. Good, who had served to dedicate this beautiful provide more accurate
yourselves. By provid- completed a year later. ence room and 11 private as the hospital’s admin- building to the people of diagnoses than the two
ing quality health care The hospital’s first patient rooms. The addi- istrator during the vig- Porterville and the sur- scans (PET and CT) per-
to the people of the com- administrator was J . tion brought the hospi- orous growth period be- rounding communities.” formed separately.

OLA Raza: Making the legal system accessible to all

By ALEXIS ESPINOZA of service, OLA Raza tion Program as a grant- State of Washington and National Immigration Rosa, welcome invita-
[email protected] increased the number ee of the Legal Services Mexico. Project, and collabo- tions to deliver immi-
of Public Interest law Corporation, Washing- For over 50 years rates with the United gration and citizenship
The Organization for
Attorneys by assisting ton, D.C. It has provided OLA Raza’s Immigrants Farm Workers of Amer- information to church-
the Legal Advance-
thousands of Law School consultant services for Rights Centers have as- ica, California Rural Le- es, schools or colleg-
ment of Raza, Inc. is applicants in California, LSC programs in Cali- sisted families in attain- gal Assistance (CRLA),
best known in our com- es, clubs and parents
Arizona, New Mexico, fornia, New Mexico, ing the American dream Central California Le- groups.
munity as OLA Raza. Washington and Colo- Colorado, Georgia and of becoming eligible for gal Services (CClS), Im-
The organization was OLA. Raza, Inc. oper-
rado gain admission to New York. In response United States Citizen- migrant Legal Resource ates Immigrants Rights
founded in 1974 at U.C. law schools by prepar- to the need for reliable ship. The organization Center, the Center for
Hastings College of the Centers in: Porterville,
ing them for the Law information, OLA Raza operatesa Women’s and Migration Studies, the
Law in San Francisco by Visalia, Tulare, Bakers-
School Admission Test began broadcasting im- Families Defense Proj- National Immigration
a group of Chicano Law field, Delano and Sali-
and by providing them migration information ect (VAWA/U-Visa), a Forum, UC Santa Cruz
Students, including Por- nas, California. It offers
with a Summer Legal under its Legal Ser- Migrant/Rural Leader- Latin American and
terville’s Roberto and Studies Institute. OLA vice Corporation grant ship Project Latino Studies Depart- youth art and culture
Teresa de la Rosa. OLA Raza Law Graduates in 1978. Roberto de la and a Social Justice ment Summer Institute events at it’s Academia
Raza’s mission is rather participated in its Bar Rosa continues to be a Institute that operate and the Juvenil de Arte y Cul-
simple: to provide legal Exam Preparation and weekly guest in Radio from Porterville. Universidad Nacional tura (A.J.A.C.) at the
information, education New Attorney Place- Campesina’s “Martes de OLA Raza is an affili- Autonoma de Mexico. CHMA Community
and services to disad- ment Project. Inmigracion” which is ate member of CLINIC OLA Raza’s Executive Center in Porterville,
vantaged students and In 1978, OLA Raza broadcast by satellite to (Catholic legal Immi- Director, Roberto de la California and at Veri-
poor communities. launched its Community large audiences in Cali- gration Network), the Rosa, and Director of tas Art Center in Lind-
During its first decade Preventive Legal Educa- fornia, Arizona, Nevada, National Lawyers Guild, Advocacy, Teresa de la say, California.

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 A Place Called
PAGE 14B THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2020F

Porterville college will have its 93rd anniversary in 2020

The Recorder seven by name. (Should accomplished.
we name?) Initial efforts to build
“Porterville College Estha Mae Hinton, a new college were in-
is on the move,” wrote then Estha Mae La- terrupted by the bomb-
Anita Stackhouse-Hite, Marsna, was one of the ing of Pearl Harbor,
for the Porterville Cen- 13 students who gradu- Dec. 7, 1941, and the
tennial Edition, pub- ated from the second subsequent involvement
lished by the Porterville class in 1930. of the United States in
Recorder 2002. “as it “I started on day two World War II.
looks to the future with of the college,” said In 1950, according
its educational compass the 92-year-old Hinton. to Clearman’s refer-
pointing toward state- “There were 87 stu- ence work, the Board of
of-the-art technology.  dents who started. That Trustee’s decided to use
It’s a future fueled was an exciting year, portions of $1.4 million
by a rich and colorful because everything we raised in a college and
past.” did was being done for high school bond elec-
2002 marked the the very first time. We tion to develop a college
school’s 75 anniversary, chose the college colors, site. Still, the task was
which coincides with elected officers and es- not a simple one, Shires
Porterville’s centenni- tablished traditions that said. 
al. It’s a time of joyous still exist today.” One of the most chal-
reflection and celebra- When Hinton enrolled lenging events during
tion for the city and its in the college Porter- Shires’ tenure was the Contributed by Jeff Edwards
community college. The ville’s population was 5, move from the Porter- This is a view of Porterville College in 1950. Work was being done on the foot-
5,100 students taking 083. ville High School cam- ball stadium. It was named after Dean Jamison. Nap Easterbrook gave Mr. Jami-
classes online and in the Retired school presi- pus to a temporary son the name of the Porterville College Emeritus.
17 buildings clustered dent Orlin Shires, 84, building on South Main
on the sprawling 63 remembered his days at Street, he said. 
acres of land on College affair.” tage of the educational the college according to
the college.  “The college was be- It was during that pe- process. We make an Andrews, after its 75th
Avenue are a far cry “We weren’t really in ing built, but it wasn’t
from the days when the riod that they had to enormous difference in year, and onto it’s 93nd
the same place as the ready yet, so we moved meet all the challenges the lives of people.” 
college was housed in by others.
high school students, into an olive packing involved in establishing “We make sure we
the west wing of the old Porterville College
even though we shared shed that was owned by classes, luring students have a rigorous cur-
Porterville High School served primarily gradu-
the same campus,” he Edward B. Cornell, who and settling curricu- riculum, but we care
building on Olive Av- ates of high schools in
said. “We had a separate served on the college lums. One of the first and it shows,” he said.
enue.  Lindsay, Strathmore,
building to ourselves in Board of Trustees. For things they did was con- “To me, the big differ-
When the doors that stately old building. a long time we had ol- and Porterville, all in
opened in the fall of nect the school to the ence between senior Tulare County.
The college was there ive crates for walls. It University of Southern education and commu-
1927, there were six from 1927 until 1954. It turned out to be very From the Archives
faculty members. California, and become nity college is smaller Newsletter from Ba-
was nice.”  rewarding because it a feeder school for class size. They have
According to author Shires served as pres- caused a bonding of co- kersfield College about
Lee Clearman’s book, them.” 200 to 300 students in a PC’s 90th Anniversary in
ident from 1955 until operation between ad- Graduates of PC go class. There, you’re just
“Porterville College, 1978, and was the first ministration and faculty, August 7, 2017, former
The First Fifty Years, to USC and beyond, any a number. Here at PC, college president Bill
to receive the official like a family. It worked university or 4-year col- you’re a name. It makes
1927-1977,”  the Sept. title of College presi- out well in the long run. Henry stated, “It’s kind
13, 1927, edition of the lege of their choice. a real difference in the of odd. It can be confus-
dent. When Shires start- It was a lot of work, but “When I think about success of students. We
The Porterville Eve- ed in 1948, 334 full-time it was a lot of fun.” ing. We’ve worked really
ning Recorder reported the early beginnings of don’t want them to fail, hard [over the years] at
students were enrolled. At that time, alfalfa Porterville College, the and we mean it in a very
that “87 students went When he retired enroll- fields dominated the finding our spot. I think
through the doors of first thing that comes personal way.” that the community now
ment was up to 2,134 acreage the site was to my mind is that I’ve Regarding PC’s first
Porterville’s new junior students. When he start- built on, Shires said. understands that we’re
college this morning at met very few people in 50 years, Clearman Porterville …we’re in
ed the Board of Trust- “The first year, we the Porterville area who wrote, “Porterville Col-
the high school.”  ees and Administration had friends of the col- Tulare County … yet we
Two years later, seven haven’t taken classes lege . . . is a living, vital
were working hard to- lege and the community operate as part of a dis-
of the original group of here,” said former col- institution with much of
ward building the col- come and harvest it for trict with (KCCD) three
students became the lege president William its historical impact and
lege separate from the us,” he said with a warm campuses …as a district
first graduating class. Andrews. “Literally influence still before
high school. By the time laugh. “The harvesting we are much stronger
On page five of his thousands of people it.” That, continues to
he retired, the deed was became a community with three campuses.”
book, Clearman lists the here have taken advan- be the consensus about

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 A Place Called
FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2020 THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER PAGE 15C

Contributed by Jeff Edwards

An Arial picture of downtown Poplar in 1949. In the lower middle is the Dance Hall. At this same time Herb Bond was involved with running Poplar and installing
a sewer system that would give Poplar a chance to grow.

Statue unveiled at park Woodville pioneer

in dairy products
culminated its Bicentennial Horizon project
with the unveiling of a statue (on May 19,
1977).
While several hundred people crowded
around the statue in North Park, bands played the recorder Pratt, Rising and La
Marsna families.
and the sculptor, Dr. Kenneth Fox, climbed The first record of a The creamery’s next
up his 30-foot-tall creation peeling away the commercial enterprise buttermaker was Wil-
black plastic robe. in the area is in 1889
liam W. Futrell, who had
The 16-ton concrete and steel creation, de- when John D. Owen
learned the trade from
picting a farmer sitting on a plow, is called built a cheese-making
Thompson. The Wood-
plant which turned out
“Salute to the Farmer.” Its unveiling was ville Creamery had fi-
130 pounds a day at his
timed by the Bicentennial commission to co- Woodville ranch. The nancial problems and in
incide with (the) opening of the (30th annual) milk came from his own 1899 sold to David Udell
Porterville Fair. herd of 25 cows and from and James Miner, who
Before the unveiling bands from Porterville small herds of seven or moved the building and
and Monache highs, Pioneer and Bartlett eight neighbors. equipment to the Miner
In 1895 the Woodville Ranch.
junior highs and Alta Vista and Terra Bella
Creamery was built. Miner later bought
elementary schools marched up Main St. to out Udells’ interest. Mr.
The stakeholders were
pose behind the statue. Members of the Plano John Ball, Samuel Vin- Miner had arrived in
4-H surrounded the huge farmer holding cent, Joe Vossler, Martin the Rockyford District
flags. Members of the Bicentennial commis- Click, J.B. Monroe, J.H. in 1869 and with J.R.
sion stood on a platform in front of the statue Grimsley, Marcus DeW- Hubbs built the Hubbs-
along with members of the city council and itt and A.O. Thompson. Miner Irrigation Ditch,
past mayor. Thompson, an experi- diverting water from the
The statue will be lighted at night. With enced buttermaker, was Tule River. Miner oper-
RECORDER PHOTO
hired as manager and ated the creamery until
The farmer statue unveiling. work provided by Doug Phillips and money buttermaker. 1904 when competition
The Recorder from the Emblem Club the lights were in- Milk for the cream- form Tulare Creameries
stalled prior to the unveiling. ery was furnished by and the nearby Sunflow-
Nearly half a year after the Bicentennial From the Recorder, May 19, 1977 the stockholders and the er Creamery forced him
ended for the rest of the country, Porterville Blair, Stewart, Udell, to close.

Contributed by Jeff Edwards

This is the CCC Camp three miles above Springville in the 1930’s. The CCC Camp was a government program to give men jobs during the depression. The Roosevelt
administration was know as the alphabet governement because they had so many programs that were inititials like CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps.), NRA (Na-
tional Recovery Act), WRA (Workers Recovery Act) and many others.
 A Place Called

Porterville...
Standing the
test of time

Ag & Business
“A Place Called Home” is a trademark of Parsons Publications and can only be used with consent of the trademark owner.
 A Place Called
PAGE 2D THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2020

Taking Care of Business

A busy decade for local businesses
By ALEXIS ESPINOZA Olympic-sized pool and has five classrooms, 15 prospective buyer would FHCN was one of 236 grant from the Mary Kay
[email protected] a $6 million state-of-the- staff members and of- swoop up the steakhouse projects to receive the Foundation that was put
art gym. Buildings were fers a faith-based cur- and its prime location on funding. The Terra Bel- towards providing ser-
Over the past decade,
also erected to ready the riculum that places an Main Street. la facility included six vices to more than 400
the businesses in Porter-
facility for an additional emphasis on social skills At the Chamber exam rooms and three clients seeking safety
ville and the surround-
190 beds. and academics. awards ceremony for dental operatories, and from abuse.
ing areas have fluctuat-
Porterville Ford went Goodwill opened for the year, the award for services include family Instead of honoring
ed. From new businesses
under new ownership af- business in August. The Small Business of the medicine, adult and chil- a small business and a
coming in, to businesses
ter Truman “Tex” Clev- retail store and donation Year went to Sutton’s dren’s dental, behavior- large business for the
relocating and unfor-
enger retired. Formerly center made a home in Iris Gardens, while the al health, nutrition and year, the Chamber of
tunately, in some cases
known as Clevenger the 6,000 square-foot Large Business of the health education. Con- Commerce switched it
closing, this decade has
Ford, the car dealership building that used to Year award was handed struction on the facil- up and handed out only
proven to be a busy one
was handed over to Ford, house Susie’s Deals. The to Sierra Forest Prod- ity began in mid-August one award for Business
for local eateries and re-
Lincoln-Mercury group move to Porterville was ucts. and was completed by of the Year. The recipi-
tail stores. Here’s a look
and renamed to Porter- part of the organization’s 2013 December. ent of that award was
at a few business sto-
ville Ford Lincoln. The 2011-2013 strategic plan, At the beginning of The Chamber of Com- Lindgren’s Jewelry.
ries that made headlines
company officially took which sought to expand 2013, Sierra View Dis- merce awarded Setton 2015
over the last ten years.
ownership of the busi- into new markets across trict Hospital (SVDH) Pistachio with the Large PDC was the recipient
2010
ness on August 1. the Central Valley. saw a change in lead- Business of the Year of millions of dollars in
The decade kicked off
At the annual Chamber At the 2011 Chamber ership. Donna Hefner, award, and gave Hoa- 2014, as California Gov.
with a relatively popu-
of Commerce awards awards ceremony, Bob a then established em- gie’s Heroes the Small Jerry Brown’s 2014-15
lar local eatery chang-
banquet, Webb and Son Ruffa Electric was hon- ployee with the hospital, Business of the Year budget proposed $18.1
ing locations. Although
was honored as the Small ored as the Small Busi- was named as SVDH’s award at the annual million for the expan-
they are no longer open,
Business of the Year, ness of the Year, and interim Chief Execu- awards ceremony. sion of the Porterville
the move to Main Street
and Fruit Growers Sup- Walmart Distribution tive Officer. Hefner had 2014 Developmental Center
in downtown Porterville
ply Company received Center was recognized worked for the hospital Terra Bella, Earlimart (PDC). The budget pro-
was a historical moment
the Large Business of as the Large Business of for more than 20 years and Strathmore resi- posed $27 million from
for Hoagie’s Heroes. In
the Year award. the Year. before receiving the dents saw Dollar Gen- the general fund to in-
a span of 31 years to the
2011 2012 CEO title. eral’s pop up in town crease the Porterville
day, Steve and Joan Fe-
Family HealthCare The beginning of Auto sales revved up during 2014. Terra Bella Secure Treatment Pro-
leay opened and closed
Network (FHCN) had 2012 saw a hometown during the year, and Por- started the Dollar Gen- gram by 32 beds by the
the doors to their origi-
big plans for 2011. It staple, Stafford’s Fa- terville dealers reported eral trend, with Earli- end of 2015. The new
nal location on Olive
added a new pharmacy mous Chocolates, sold to sales had dramatically mart following closely beds were needed to ac-
Avenue, to set up shop
and 12 dental operato- a new owner. Marilyn increased from previous behind. Strathmore commodate the increas-
on Main Street. The new
ry units to its Porter- Stafford, the previous years. At Faggart Buick rounded off the trio of ing number of clients
Hoagies Heroes featured
ville facility. The units chocolate shop owner on south Main Street, cities receiving a Dollar looking to be restored to
an espresso bar, outdoor
were 4,000 square-feet for more than 20 years, car sales had increased General as construction competency in order to
seating and a slew of
and construction began said saying good-bye by 25 percent from the broke late in the year. stand trial in court.
new menu options.
on the units in Febru- to her family business previous year, and Por- The Central Califor- The Success Lake
The Porterville Devel-
ary. FHCN also planned was going to be difficult. terville Ford reported a nia Family Crisis Cen- Marina reopened to the
opmental Center (PDC)
to add new facilities in New owners, the Taylor 30 percent increase. The ter made a new home public and brought with
received a long awaited
Woodlake, Goshen and family, took ownership most popular vehicles at its current location it exciting new options
expansion, as it added
Farmersville. of the business in early sold were the 2014 GMC on Main Street. The lo- for the public to enjoy.
96 beds to the facility.
Hoops Preschool was January, and remain as Pickup, the GMC Ter- cation features a more The marina offered
Those who had the most
honored by the city as the current owners. rain and smaller fuel ef- user-friendly building, seven pontoon boats and
needs on PDC grounds
an Outstanding Business The Oak Pit, a land- ficient vehicles like the a welcoming environ- seven kayaks that could
were offered new living
Honoree for 2011. The mark restaurant for Ford Fiesta. ment, several offices, a be rented for the day.
quarters that included
school was among the Porterville, also went up FHCN received a classroom, an area for Walmart Distribution
a single bedroom, pol-
first local businesses to for sale in 2012. After 30 grant from the Health private counseling, and Center was named Em-
ished hardwood floors
install solar panels on years in business under Resources Services four cubicles to be used ployer of the Year by
and quarry-tiled bath-
its roof, and debuted its the ownership of Tom Agency in the amount by four new case man- the California Disabil-
rooms. In addition to
first kindergarten class and Rosemary Chester, of $726,694 to be put agers. The center also ity Services Association,
the 96 bed expansion,
in the summer. The 7,500 the restaurant closed towards building a new announced in 2014 it was
PDC also received an
square-foot preschool its doors in hopes that a facility in Terra Bella. the recipient of a $20,000 BUSINESS, Page 4D

Established in 1981
131 W. Putnam Ave, Porterville, CA 93257
Office: 559-782-3696
Website: www.ruralagins.com

Rural Ag Insurance Services, LLC has been serving Central Valley residents since 1981.
We are a family-owned agency built upon quality relationships and traditional values. We
specialize in providing farm and ranch insurance products for small to mid-size opera-
tions. In addition, we offer insurance for businesses, homes, personal and commercial au-
tos, long-term care, life, health and more. Over the years we have helped our clients
through many hardships, including the disastrous freezes of 1990, 1998, and 2007. We’ve
also been there to help our clients get back on their feet after house fires, automobile ac-
cidents, and many other tragedies. We aim to continue our history of personalized, atten-
tive care for all of our Central Valley customers long into the future!
 A Place Called
FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2020 THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER PAGE 3D

Recorder Archival Photo

It was the burning of the Bank of the Sierra business office that caused the
bank to have to rebuild on Main Street.

RECORDER FILE PHOTO

Four-year-old Heather Brown opened her first savings account and was one of
the first recorded customers at Bank of the Sierra when they opened in January
1978.

RECORDER FILE PHOTO

Heather Brown, one of Bank of the Sierra’s first customers, is pictured over 20 RECORDER FILE PHOTO
years later with the bank’s President Jim Holly (right) and Vice President Ken The main office of Bank of the Sierra offically opened to the public with a rib-
Goodwin. bon cutting ceremony on January 19, 1978.

Keeping it local since day one

By ALEXIS ESPINOZA was completed by to Porterville busi- Market President appointed President remains commit-
[email protected]
Steven Luis Ball in nesses that create for more details. and Chief Executive ted to Porterville as
Over 40 years ago, 2012. In the mural, opportunities for the Bank of the Sierra Officer in 2015. He part of its promise
Bank of the Sierra Ball hid five mules community. Bank has also contributed has been in the bank- to help make every
set their roots in the painted in the land- employees give back considerable dona- ing industry for 28
scape. throughout Porter- tions to Porterville community they’re
City of Porterville years, including 18 part of better. One
and since then have In 2017, to cel- ville by working with and its organizations with Bank of the Si-
ebrate the bank’s nonprofits, teach- outside of the Sierra of the ways the bank
grown into the well- erra. McPhaill grew
known company they 40th anniversary ing financial educa- Grant program. For accomplishes that
up in Tulare County,
are today. and give back to the tion at schools, and example, the bank goal is the aforemen-
community of Por- conducting student has sponsored the attended Fresno Pa-
Bank of the Sierra cific for his under- tioned Sierra Grant
got its start when a terville, Bank of the tours of our Porter- Porterville Fair for program. The bank
Sierra constructed a ville branches. several decades, and graduate degree,
few Porterville busi- also regularly pro-
massive three-story The bank’s Sierra in 2017-18, the bank and earned his MBA
nessmen completed motes volunteerism
playground at the Grant Program has built and donated a at Fresno State.
an application to
Porterville Sports given over $2.1 mil- playground to the Bank of the Sierra to its employees.
form Bank of the
Sierra in November Complex featuring a lion to nonprofit or- City of Porterville.
1976. The Bank’s custom forest theme, ganizations in the Bank of the Sier-
founders saw the four slides, and the communities they ra has had only two
need for an indepen- capacity to hold 167 serve. Each quarter, presidents in its his- There’s no place like
dent bank in Porter- children. In a heart- many local nonprof- tory. The first Presi-
ville. They submit- warming ceremony its submit requests dent and CEO was
ted an application to conducted in Janu- for financial help James Holly, who
form the city’s first ary 2018, the play- with programs and was instrumental in
independent bank ground was donated projects. Grants are founding Bank of
Since opening our doors in 1985 as Home Realty and Appraisal,
which has been in op- to the City of Porter- awarded in three cat- the Sierra and re- we have been continuously adapting to the changes in our industry,
eration since the end ville. egories: community, mains on the bank’s while growing our business and supporting this community
where we are deeply rooted.
of World War II.The Bank of the Sierra park preservation, Board of Directors
Throughout our 35 years we have changed our name to “Home Realty and Land Co”
company was estab- has invested in Por- and education. Orga- as Vice-Chairman. to be more representative of who we are as your hometown real estate company, and

lished in 1977, and terville by support- nizations in need are Holly maintained his in 2015 we renovated an office building at 120 N. Main Street, so we can be located in
the heart of downtown Porterville.

Bank of the Sierra’s ing local programs encouraged to visit role as President and In 2017 founding owner, Geane Lohse, sold Home Realty to longtime associate Mike

first branch opened and organizations BankoftheSierra. CEO for nearly 38 Bennett. Mike, who was born and raised in this community, has been a real estate
broker since the 1970s, and became a member of the team at Home Realty in 2004.

on Main Street in whenever possible. com/SierraGrant or years. With a focus and pride on being locally owned, our agents have more than 80 years
of experience, and do business in all areas of real estate – home, commercial and
Porterville in Janu- The bank also lend talk with their local Kevin McPhaill was agriculture.
Home Realty and Land Co. takes pride in being an active member of the Porterville
ary 1978. community we have called home for more than 35 years. We are looking forward to
the next 35 years and continuing to serve the needs of our community who have
Bank of the Sierra become friends, family and neighbors.
grew quickly and
opened another Por-
terville branch on
West Olive Avenue
in January 1981. In
December of that Mike Bennett Geane Lohse Catie Puett Bob Purkiss
same year, the bank Owner Broker
Lic #00475779
Broker Associate
Lic #00554082
Broker Associate
Lic #01839779
Realtor®
Lic #01809471
opened its third
branch in Lindsay.
In October of 1991,
a devastating fire
consumed the third
floor of Bank of the Lauren Johns David Huddleston Kris Kusnierek Zodeiva Lemus
Sierra’s corporate Realtor®
Lic #02055197
Realtor®
Lic #01985592
Realtor®
Lic #02059395
Broker Associate
Lic # 01380483
offices. At the time,
the Porterville Re- Our agents come from diverse
corder reported that backgrounds dedicated to the same goal
it “may be the most Providing High Quality Service to our Clients.
costly fire in Porter-
ville’s history.”
Bank of the Sierra
is the largest pub-
licly traded compa-
ny that has its head-
quarters in Tulare 120 N. Main Street - Porterville, CA 93257
County. On the back
wall of the corporate RECORDER FILE PHOTO
559-784-4000
offices in Porterville Former Bank of the Sierra President Jim Holly is shown standing under the home-realty.com
@Home RealtyandLand | @Home RealtyandLand
is a large mural that “Grand Opening” sign for Bank of the Sierra in 1978.
 A Place Called
PAGE 4D THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2020

Serving the community one generation after the next

The Recorder neral Service a leader This enabled Myers In the 1960’s, Ted there into adulthood lies in the Lindsay/
in the funeral industry Funeral Service to be Goode became another and learned about all Strathmore area.
In 1944, Frank and - from being one of the one of the first funeral valued member of the aspects of the funeral Myers Funeral Ser-
Eunice Myers, with 19 first funeral homes to homes in the nation to Myers staff. In the late business. They have vice also gives sup-
years of experience in transport remains by operate an air removal 1970’s Alson and Betty readily accepted the port to the community
the funeral industry, commercial air carri- service. In the 1950’s Wise promoted him to commitment to the through membership
came to Porterville ers in the mid-1940’s Elvin Shoemaker be- the position of manag- continuation of the in and contributions to
from Tulare and estab- to operating their own came a valued mem- er, where he continued family tradition of ser- local service clubs and
lished the Myers Fu- airplane to managing ber of the Myers staff. to uphold the Myers vice. In keeping with organizations.
neral Service on the their own crematory Several years ago the tradition of service. tradition of complete Throughout it’s histo-
corner of Putnam and to developing eq- Myers family was He hand-picked service to the commu- ry, one word describes
E. Street. With the es- uitable pricing and thrilled when Jeff Ed- Richard Mendivil to nity, a crematory was Myers Chapel: Service.
tablishment of Myers to sponsoring a grief wards presented them be the assistant direc- added in 1984. It was Service to the families
Chapel a tradition be- support program. It with a picture of the tor. Upon Mr. Goode’s then the only crema-
gan, that through to- it serves, service to the
Is this commitment to original building be- death in 1993, Mr. Men- tory in the Porterville community, service to
day, is the basis of My- the families they serve fore it was converted divil succeeded him as area.
ers Funeral Service. all people of all back-
and the community to a funeral home. manager. As manager The tradition of ser- grounds. Nancy Wise
Mr. and Mrs. My- that has brought them In 1960 a new mor- he continues the com- vice to the community
ers held firm to the Hutton recalls this
national recognition: tuary was built north mitment to service. continues and in De-
belief that all people, quote from her grand-
numerous state and of the original. Within Mrs. Myers passed cember 1995, Myers
regardless of social, father as he concluded
national committees a year it was decided away in 1980. After the expanded this tradi-
ethnic, or economic an interview with a
and boards and having that the new facility deaths of Alson Wise Sr. tion with the inaugu-
circumstances, were prospective employee,
funeral homes from was already too small in 1981 and Betty Wise ration of the Myers
to be treated with the all over the U.S. seek and the first of sev- in 1982, Myers Funeral Christmas Memorial “At Myers Chapel, ev-
same dignity and com- their advice. eral expansions and Service was passed to Tree, which provided ery person who enters
passion as an immedi- Betty and Alson remodelings, the latest their children. Alson an opportunity for the here is to be treated
ate member of their Wise, daughter and being a complete reno- “Mike” Wise Jr. and community to come to- with the same respect
own family. It is to this son-in-law of Mr. and vation and remodeling Nancy Wise Hutton be- gether and celebrate and compassion you
belief in service that Mrs. Myers, joined in 1994. gan working at Myers the lives and memories would treat an imme-
three generations of the Myers Funeral Mr. Myers passed Chapek at an early age of family members and diate member of your
the Myers family and Service in 1948. Alson away in 1967 and the dusting, vacuuming, friends at Christmas. own family. If you can-
chapel staff have re- had been a pilot in the Myers Chapel was washing cars and set- In 2001, they opened not do that, there is
mained committed and U. S. Army Air Corps passed to Alson and ting up flowers. Both a facility in Lindsay in the door and you may
has made Myers Fu- during World War II. Betty Wise. conituned to work response to the fami- leave.”

Business Outstanding Business in

the city.
Sierra View Medical
Small Business of the
Year was given to The
Flower Mill, while Bank
standing Business Hon-
orees, while Townsend
Architectural Group
Business of the Year,
and Porterville Shel-
tered Workshop as the
too cream to dog treats,
and every single item
contains CBD in differ-
Continued from Page 2D Center (SVMC), previ- of the Sierra secured the and SVMC walked away Large Business of the ent doses. There’s mas-
ously known as Sierra Large Business of the with the Chamber of Year.
for partnering with Pro- sage lotions, pain relief
View District Hospital, Year award. Commerce’s awards for 2019
moting Self Worth in or- creams, gummy treats,
earned the Joint Com- 2017 Small and Large Busi- Even though Walmart
der to employ those who honey sticks, tinctures,
mission’s Gold Seal of Porterville became ness of the Year, respec- pulled the contract for
have developmental and and more. Central Val-
Approval Hospital Ac- the home of a brand new tively. the Super Walmart in
intellectual disabilities.
creditation, after under- teppanyaki and sushi bar 2018 2019, several other ma- ley Pure CBD is also its
Walmart Distribution
going an extensive sur- in the early part of 2017. Lindsay became the jor brand name busi- own brand.
Center was chosen out
vey. During the review, Nanlangka made its way host for a new sushi res- nesses opened their The Porterville City
of 27 businesses state-
a team of Joint Commis- into the city at a prime taurant. Oh! Sushi was doors to the public. The Council approved per-
wide for the award.
sion expert surveyors location on Main Street approved by the Lindsay most notable include mits for two recreational
RM Parks Inc. received
evaluated compliance in March, and quickly City Council in March. The Habit, Chipotle and
the honor of Business of cannabis retail sites and
with hospital standards became a popular desti- The sushi bar offers Blaze Pizza. The three
the Year during the 2015 one permit for a medical
related to several areas, nation for those looking lunch and dinner as well restaurants finally made
Chamber of Commerce cannibas retail site.
including emergency to eat out. as karaoke. Oh! Sushi their way to the corner
award ceremony. Sears closed its doors
management, environ- A much needed men- took the building where of Henderson Avenue
2016
ment of care, infection tal health facility also Straw Hat Pizza once and Prospect Street, for- at its Jaye Street loca-
Billiou’s, an outdoor
prevention and control, came to fruition in the was in the Olivewood merly known as Ginger’s tion but the building was
equipment store, cele-
leadership and medica- early part of 2017, as Plaza shopping center. Corner. Fugazzi’s also quickly filled when Har-
brated 70 years of busi-
tion management. Sur- Porterville Wellness Bank of the Sierra re- made their way into the bor Freight announced it
ness in 2016. As America
veyors also conducted Center opened its doors vealed the playground it city, and plans to open
was still emerging from would move into the lo-
on-site observations and on Henderson Avenue. had donated to the Por- its doors within the next
World War II, Lawrence cation and is scheduled
interviews, even doing The facility was the first terville Sports Complex two weeks.
and Jean Billou opened to open in the spring.
what’s called “tracers” mental health facility to in the first few days of Huge advancements
the store with just $600 Another new retail busi-
where they go through open for business in the February. The three- were made in the Eagle
in capital.
patient charts to see if city in over a decade. story play structure Mountain Casino reloca- ness, Bath & Bodyworks
Billou’s wasn’t the
care was provided ef- San Joaquin Valley Col- stands as a symbol to tion project process af- is also scheduled to open
only store celebrating a
fectively and safely. lege (SJVC) established commemorate the 40th ter the Bureau of Indian in February in Porter-
milestone anniversary
GreenPower Motor itself in the community anniversary of the bank. Affairs gave the thumbs ville Marketplace which
during the year. David
Company confirmed with a ribbon cutting The playground can hold up to the project. When includes Target and
Horowitz Jewelers hit
its move to the city, an- in September. Porter- up to 167 children and construction begins at
the big 25. When the Kohl’s
nouncing its plans to ville welcomed the 15th is equipped with four the new location, it’s es-
store opened, it featured Young’s Commercial
build a 138,000 square- SJVC campus site which slides, log steps, rock timated more than 1,100
a window area that func- Trucking was recog-
foot factory to assemble is located on Main Street steppers and three log construction jobs will be
tioned as a space for peo- nized at the 30th annual
large, electric-powered near City Hall. The 7,320 benches. created and 1,000 new
ple to look in and watch
buses. The company square-foot campus in- Aldi’s excited the Por- permanent jobs will be California Family Busi-
Horowitz at work. What
brought with it employ- cludes a reception area, terville community with up for grabs. ness Awards ceremo-
began as a trade shop
ment opportunities for administration offices, its grand opening in De- The first CBD store ny, where it received
run out of his garage,
as many as 1,000 people. classrooms, a medical cember. Even though the in all of Tulare County the 2019 Distinguished
evolved into something
GreenPower moved into lab, break room, student weather was rainy and opened in Porterville in
David Horowitz remains Family Business Award.
town in September after lounge, library/resource cold, long lines of people September. Central Val-
proud of. Young’s was one of nine
securing a 9.3 acre lot at center and ample park- gathered at the grand ley Pure CBD is the only
Three businesses were family businesses cho-
the Porterville Munici- ing. The campus began opening on December 7 store in the county where
named Outstanding sen to be celebrated at
pal Airport. by offering three pro- in order to be one of the consumers can purchase
Business Honorees by
The Chamber of Com- grams, which were clini- first shoppers to check pure CBD products. A the annual event held
the city. OACYS Tech-
merce awards ceremony cal medical assisting, out at the grocery store’s focus of Central Valley in Fresno. Young’s em-
nology, Eagle Mountain
reverted back to handing medical office adminis- registers. Pure CBD is to educate ploys roughly 100 full-
Casino and Town and
out two business awards tration and business ad- The 2018 Chamber the public, especially time support staff mem-
Country Market were
for the year: Small Busi- ministration. of Commerce awards CBD consumers. The bers, along with 150 to
all bestowed with the
ness of the Year and S.T.O.P. Alarm and ceremony featured products displayed in
prestigious glass trophy, 300 drivers, depending
Large Business of the Promoting Self Worth Hergesheimer’s Donut the store range from
marking their spot as a on the season.
Year. The award for were recognized as Out- Factory as the Small everything between tat-

PORTERVILLE FEED
20 South D Street • Porterville • 781-5414

Porterville Feed is proud

to be a part of the community!
 SIERRA
FOREST
PRODUCTS
Locally Owned & Operated
Since 1966

Since construction
began in 1966, Sierra
Forest Products has been
a part of our community.

From participation in
our local events to
helping build our
childrens’ future,

we make great efforts to

be a company you can
trust. At Sierra Forest
Products we endeavor to
aid our environment,

take care of our

employees, and give
back to our communities
so we can fulfill our
duty as an American
company.

9000 Road 234 • Terra Bella • 535-4893

 A Place Called
PAGE 6D THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2020

An ‘Ag’-citing decade
The top Ag stories over the last 10 years
By ALEXIS ESPINOZA monds, marking the first year were impressive as Citrus crops received employees year-round the Central Valley, the
[email protected] time more than one nut that total value of farm some much needed hy- to help spread employ- Tulare County Board of
crop value exceeded $1 commodities totaled a dration, as March and ment costs across more Supervisors delegated a
The Ag industry saw
billion. 2010 was a ban- gross of $5.6 billion. April came with an abun- jobs. But a shortage of total of $250,000 to cov-
many changes over the
ner year for nut crops, Despite a positive dance of rain. 83 million workers made hiring er costs associated with
course of the last decade.
with almonds, pistachios crop report for the year, cartons of oranges were year-round help rather removing the infected
Despite the drought,
and walnuts all setting farmers faced a trou- shipped from the Central difficult. trees in the area.
which lasted a few
records for production. bling cold spell during Valley alone. The 2012 2015 The Tulare County
years, and the discovery
Pistachios, almonds and the final months of 2011. crop size came close to As the drought contin- Sheriff’s Office (TCSO)
of many Psyllids in the
walnuts were the sixth, After already combat- breaking records with a ued to take its toll in implemented their
citrus groves, overall ag
ninth and tenth highest ting dangerously cold 6 percent increase from 2015, resulting in large SmartWater CSI pro-
has been booming in the
valued crops in Tulare weather, a freeze watch the last year. Tulare crop losses from lack gram, to help curb ag
area. Here’s a look at
County. was put into effect in County growers harvest- of access to irrigation crimes in the county.
some major stories that
The Friant-Kern Ca- late December, with tem- ed 76,100 acres, coming water, employment on SmartWater CSI is a si-
made headlines over the
nal received some much peratures reaching the in at a value of more local ranches, groves lent, invisible, wet mate-
past 10 years.
needed repairs. The low 20’s. But just before than $540 million. and farms staggered. rial that appears under a
2010
152-mile long canal was the start of 2012, farm- As the year came to Roughly, 18,600 full- and blacklight. The SmartWa-
In early June, con-
drained for a three-year ers got a break from the a close however, the part-time jobs were lost. ter CSI program nabbed
struction broke on the
check-up and repairs. frigid temperatures. Na- drought that lasted for The Workforce Invest- its first two thieves in
newest location for the
Roughly 200 cement vel oranges and lemons years began affect- ment Board reported September, the first
Porterville Fairgrounds.
panels were replaced, survived the weather, ing local farm lands. 277 employees were laid known SmartWater CSI
The fairgrounds, which
and the canal’s metal while clementines and The USDA reported 80 off or had their work case for TCSO.
used to be located near
working were inspected. other mandrain variet- percent of agricultural hours reduced due to 2018
to Downtown Porter-
Debris was cleaned up ies took a hit. land was experiencing the drought, and United In the early months of
ville, changed to their
and removed, as well as 2012 drought. Way of Tulare County re- 2018, almond growers
new and current location
buildup of silt. Kurt Parsons, a Porter- 2013 ported they had received fearfully faced a frost
off Teapot Dome. Webb
2011 ville High School gradu- EZ Ranch was recog- more than 800 calls re- that could have devas-
and Sons handled the
The Porterville Fair- ate and member of the nized nationally by the questing referrals for tating impacts on their
general contracting for
grounds officially school’s FFA Chapter, American Angus Asso- drought assistance. crops. Already in full
the project.
opened to the public was named the Nation- ciation for having one Fruit and nuts grow- bloom, the almond trees
Olive crops exceeded
in the early part of the al FFA Organization’s registered Angus cow ers had to rely on the became particularly sus-
expectations for the
year. In January, the 2012 American Star in included in the associa- underground water sup- ceptible to colder tem-
2010 season, as the crop
fairgrounds hosted the Agricultural Placement. tion’s 2013 Pathfinder ply, which was a normal peratures. The crops
hit its highest prices in
2011 Sierra Winter Clas- Parsons was just one of Report. occurrence for many were in early bloom after
history after suffering
sic, the first event to be four FFA members na- Income for farmers farmers in the region. a warm winter, making
crop failures for three
held at the new location. tionwide to be selected rose in 2013, netting Despite this, growers the cold temperatures of
years. More than 92,000
The three-day steer and for the award which is roughly $120.6 billion. seemed optimistic about the early months even
tons were harvested in
heifer show featured 175 one of the highest hon- This total was up 6 per- the crop size for 2015, more dangerous to the
the autumn months.
exhibitors and 235 ani- ors the FFA can give to cent from 2012. but began to be wary of almond trees. Wind ma-
But it wasn’t just olives
mals. its members. Although the net in- the lasting dry spell. chines were put in place
that prevailed. The gross
Setton Pistachio an- Thanks to the freezing come for farmers rose, On a positive note, Set- to help curb the cold and
value of farm commodi-
nounced the completion temperatures of Decem- the walnut crop declined ton Pistachio was named help save the nutlets that
ties in Tulare County in
of its dual solar-power ber 2011, almond crops slightly, with 495,000 a finalist for Martha began to form.
2010 was $4.86 billion,
project in June. The across the county flour- short tons produced for Stewart’s 2015 American The U.S. Ag Secretary
the third highest total on
solar-power system was ished in 2012, producing the year, compared to Made Awards. Sonny Perdue found his
record. Tulare County
projected to offset 1,880 roughly 2 billion pounds the 497,000 short tons 2016 way to Porterville Cit-
came second to the gov-
metric tons of carbon of almonds. February produced the previous As 2016 kicked off, Tu- rus in February. Perdue
ernment as the largest
emissions annually, sav- was nice and warm, year. In July, market ac- lare County was named toured the facility and
employer for ag related
ing the company an es- creating a high bloom cess was granted allow- the leading producer of held a discussion on a
jobs in the county. The
timated $14 million in for the season. Almonds ing California walnuts to milk in the state. Milk range of topics relating
gross value for almonds
energy costs over 25 were ranked as the 9th be shipped to India. Wal- was the highest valued to agriculture. Before he
was up by 10 percent
years. highest commodity in nut production began to ag commodity, topping left, Perdue also toured
from 2009, and pistachios
Crop reports for the Tulare County. see a steady increase, out at $9.3 billion with a mandarin grove where
and walnuts joined al-
as 11,000 new acres of $8.8 billion coming from he interacted with har-
almond trees were plant- Tulare County alone. vesters and sampled the
ed. Farmers finally got fruit.
The citrus industry some much needed re- 2019
also took a slight hit, as lief from their irriga- As the decade came
the 2013 crop was small- tion drought when water to its final year, addi-
er than that of the previ- from Millerton Lake was tional efforts were seen
ous year. Even though sent down the Friant- in conserving water and
the crop size was small- Kern Canal. The Federal creating plans to help
er, the quality and size of Bureau of Reclamation keep groundwater sus-
the fruit was better. made an initial allocation tainable. California Sen-
2013 went down into of 30 percent of Class ator Melissa Hurtado
the history books as one 1 water with the prom- took huge strides in wa-
of the driest years in ise of more to come. ter supply for the area
California history. Por- The Friant-Kern Canal, when she introduced
terville received an an- which had basically been Senate Bill (SB) 559, ap-
nual total of 5.25 inches a long holding pond for propriately titled for the
of rain. The amount of two years with no real Central Valley. The bill
available water for irri- flow, was predicted to be proposes bringing $400
gation also hit a histori- holding water at full ca- million for repairs along
cal low, with Friant wa- pacity within a week. the Friant-Kern Canal.
ter users given less than Farmers ran into a The canal’s capacity has
half of their 1.2 million totally new problem as degraded, with a portion
acre feet average. Farm- the summer months of of the canal subsiding
ers weren’t the only ones 2016 began. Asain cit- by 12 feet, the canal has
affected by the drought rus psyllid findings ex- suffered a loss of 60 per-
however. Residents of ploded with 32 separate cent to its carrying ca-
the city were asked to discoveries surfacing by pacity. The bill is up for
begin conserving even June. The tiny insect can approval in 2020.
Since 1969 more water as ground- carry the disease huan- The Eastern Tule
water levels began to glongbing (HLB) which Groundwater Sustain-
deplete. can be deadly to citrus ability Agency (ETGSA)
2014 trees. Discoveries of the released its Groundwa-
The drought continued insects popped up in Tip- ter Sustainability Plan
to wreak havoc through- ton, Tulare and Lindsay. (GSP) to the public,
out 2014. The World Ag The largest finds was in where it was open for
Expo hosted a water fo- a single lemon tree in public comment for 90
rum panel, where rep- Tulare, where over 100 days. The plan outlines
resentatives discussed live psyllids were dis- strategies to help con-
the water crisis facing covered. Treatment to serve, raise and sustain
the Central Valley. Rain- remove the insects and groundwater levels,
fall totaled less than one infected trees began im- which have depleted sig-
inch for the new year, mediately. nificantly, by 2040. The

"We Set the Standard" devastating crops in the

region. The Friant-Kern
Canal was on lockdown,
2017
The beginning of 2017
saw a shortage of farm la-
GSP’s public comment
period closed in mid-
December and is now
in Fuel and Service and water from the ca-
nal wasn’t being allo-
bor workers, and several
buses of willing workers
being revised based off
of comments that were
cated in enough quantity were transported into submitted. The GSP is to
1061 N. Main St. • Porterville, CA 93257 for farmers to be able to
sustain their crops. The
the area from Colima,
Mexico and Guatemala
be submitted to the state
no later than the end of
east-side of Porterville’s to pick oranges. The January 2020.
Office: 877.784.2384 agricultural land took
a huge hit, as 300,000
crew of 120 men arrived
in Porterville during the
A collection of vin-
tage orange box labels

Fax: 559.784.1098
acre-feet of water was first week of February. found their way back to
in the hole. 7,000 acres As the battle against their home in Lindsay
of oranges in Terra Bella the psyllid raged on, this year, and are now
saw no water supply, and reports of more of the housed in the Lindsay
a small amount of wa- insect discoveries dra- Museum and Gallery.
ter was released from matically decreased, as The collection includes
Success Lake for Terra less than 20 discover- more than 100 orange
Bella crops. ies were reported. The box labels from packing
With the minimum wet weather seemed to houses that ran out of
wage rising to $9 an deter the disease carry- the City of Lindsay. The
hour, some growers were ing insects, benefiting museum staff is proud
faced with reducing la- crops across the Valley. of this accomplishment
bor costs. Instead of hir- 285 infected trees were and still have their eyes

www.RMParkslnc.com
ing seasonal help, farm removed across the peeled for any labels that
labor contractors began state, mostly from the may be missing from the
to shift over to hiring Los Angeles region. In collection.
 A Place Called
FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2020 THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER PAGE 7D

RECORDER FILE PHOTO RECORDER FILE PHOTO

Psyllids posed a large problem for farmers as several seperate discoveries of Tulare County was the number one producer of milk in 2016, exporting roughly
the disease carrying insects were made in 2016 and 2017. $8.8 billion worth of milk.

RECORDER FILE PHOTO

Orange crops, among others, were faced with major setbacks when the drought hit the Central Valley.

contributed photo by jeff edwards

The Sunbeam Bakery was one of the major businesses in Porterville in the 1930s
and 1940s They distributed bread throught the County. Their prime loaf of
bread they called “Jim Dandy” and it was a large loaf but had air pockets in the
bread. Because of its size it was a big seller. Jerry Hildbrand and Gene Bluekel
RECORDER FILE PHOTO
were the owners. Jerry ran the business and Gene was the baker. Today this
Pistachios, a major ag commodity for Porterville and the surrounding areas, are spot is a parking lot on the west side of Second Street between Putnam Ave.
one of the most sought after crops for exports and consumers. and Cleveland Ave.
are you sick of dealing with
slow state agencies?
do you have any issues you
just can’t get resolved?
As your representative in the California
State Assembly, it’s my pleasure to help
you navigate state agencies, learn more
about veteran benefits, find information
on unemployment and disability insurance,
handle professional licensing and consumer
complaints, get help with DMV issues or
advocate for issues you’re passionate
about. My office is your resource to state
government, serving you fairly, efficiently
and with respect.

It’s my privilege to make sure that your

voice is heard.

100 WEST WILLOW PLAZA, SUITE 405, VISALIA, CA 93291

559.636.3440
[email protected]
ASMRC.ORG/MATHIS

@ASSEMBLYMANDEVONMATHIS @ASMDEVONMATHIS
@AD26MATHIS
E.M. THARP, INC.

In 1935 E. M. "Gene” Tharp at age 18 put Five years later in 1966 the International In 1979 TEMCO was opened to meet
a down payment on his first truck. It was a Truck Franchise was obtained and he started our customers Financial needs. They offer
1935 International C-35 with a 35' Reliance selling new trucks. The business grew rapidly financing for contracts and leasing.
Trailer. By "horse trading" and long hours of and he had to expand the facility.
In 1993 Tharp's obtained Peterbilt Truck
hard work, his dream of a commercial hauling
In 1968 the new facility was complete. The Franchise and opened up Golden State
business of his own was realized. Gene
sales, service, and parts departments were Peterbilt in Porterville.
enjoyed the commercial hauling business and
expanded to meet the customer's needs. A
conducted it successfully for over 25 years. He In 1997 Morris Tharp bought from Mike
deeper parts inventory was gradually built
saw it grow from 1 truck into a fleet of over Tharp American Truck Parts and added used
and a paint and body shop was added.
twenty tractors, and more than a hundred parts and salvage to the operation. In the
pieces of miscellaneous equipment. In 1976 Viking Trailer Corp. was founded same year the trailer lines were expanded
and the first trailer rolled off the line in 1977. to include Landoll Trailers, Smithco Trailers
In 1961 Gene decided to do full time what
They expanded the trailer lines to include flat and Western Trailers.
he had always wanted to do "Sell and Trade".
Bed convertible doubles and Grain Hoppers.
He had a fence put up around the truck yard
Viking does custom manufacturing and
and began buying and selling used equipment.
repairs also.

In the year 2000, that little company founded in At that point they knew they had to do what
1935 had grown to nearly 250 employees and takes it took to keep the customer here and happy.
in 5 counties to its area of responsibility. It’s been a That’s why they specialize in so many different
bumpy road with lots of ups and downs along the way lines.
but E. M. Tharp, Inc. has had a lot of enjoyment and 3. They have a good understanding of their
met and made lots of good friends along the way. customer base and what they do. That
Factors that distinguished their business from allows them to service them quickly, help them
others and helped make it successful are: in being more productive and profitable.
1. Employees. Without the hard work and 4. Training. They train their employees on the
dedication of their employees they would not be latest technology and new equipment.
as large as they are today.
5. E. M. Tharp’s success depends on customer
2. A One Stop Shop. “During the beginning they satisfaction, advertising and word of
had to go out to get certain items repaired and mouth.
a customer said “I’ll just take it there myself.”

15243 Road 192 • Porterville, CA 93257 • (559) 782-5800

 A Place Called
PAGE 10D THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2020

Former Porterville Mayor Ensslin passes

THE RECORDER nity, and he did it not for in life, but inspired us co-chairman of two sis-
[email protected] the recognition, but be- and instilled in us good ter cities of Porterville,
cause he genuinely loved values. He would do La Barca, Mexico and
Editor’s note: this town. If you wanted anything for his fam- Mikkabi, Japan. He was
to emulate somebody, ily, but he would also do also selected to serve as
This article you could really look up anything for a complete the California Registra-
appeared in to someone like him.”
Mr. Ensslin was born
stranger. He didn’t have
an enemy.”
tion Chairman and on
the California Indepen-
The Recorder in Porterville in 1927, He was later offered dence Day Committee
just six blocks from City a contract to play foot- and Attorney’s Commit-
on December Hall. He attended Alta ball for the Los Ange- tee in Sacramento.
6, 2017. Vista Elementary, where
he received honors in
les Rams, but after his
friend and future bas-
“I was his neighbor
down the street for
Mayor, businessman, both academics and ath- ketball Hall of Famer many years, and I knew
athlete, veteran, Por- letics, and spent his free Bill Sharman advised him from church for 37
terville Exchange Club time milking cows with against it, he declined years, so I had a lot of
founder, native son and his stepfather and dig- the offer and returned contact with him,” said
ging up Indian arrow- to Porterville. Tulare County Judge
pillar of the community. 
heads and beads around Mr. Ensslin began Glade Roper. “He was
These are all terms
Rocky Hill. his professional career a hometown boy, and I
that describe Theodore
He held every stu- working as an agricul- think he spent his whole
“Ted” Ensslin Jr., who
dent body office includ- tural manager for An- life trying to make Por-
passed away peaceful-
ing class president in derson Clayton from terville a better place.”
ly Thursday in Gilbert,
elementary school, and 1951 to 1957, and in 1958 Ensslin is a proud life-
Ariz., at age 90. 
served as student body began working as an in- time member of the Por-
“He had a wonderful
president in high school surance agent for New terville Exchange Club
life,” said Porterville
and at Porterville Col- York Life Insurance, the and its founding presi-
Unified School District
lege.  company he would be af- dent. He joined a pro-
trustee and long-time
He attended the Uni- filiated with for almost fessional speakers club
business colleague Fe-
versity of Nevada, Reno, 60 years. and donated his time Theodore “Ted” Ensslin Jr.
lipe Martinez. “Porter-
where he was an All- He served on the Por- to share inspiration to
ville was his heart, and American football star terville City Council for schools and organiza-
he did whatever he could of admiration by many. differences of opinion,
and earned a bachelor’s 10 years and as the may- tions all over the coun-
to improve the quality of They called him a lion he pushed that away and
degree in Physical Edu- or from 1977 to 1981, try. He was also knight-
life in Porterville, not of the community, and held no animosity or ill
cation.  and later from 1989 to ed in New York City for
only for his family but he certainly fit that de- will towards anybody —
After graduation, Mr. 1991.  distinguished and chari- scription — a total gen-
for anyone that resided not everybody can say
Ensslin married Doro- During his time on the table achievements and tleman.”
here.  that.”
thy Campbell in 1947, Council, he became very noble deeds.  Mr. Ensslin’s life was
“I guess the best word Mr. Ensslin is survived
and he briefly taught at involved with local com- Mr. Ensslin’s passion one of uncommon char-
[to describe him] would by four children and nu-
Battle Mountain High mittees that brought nu- for serving the commu- acter and achievement,
be inclusive — Ted was merous grandchildren.
School in Reno, where merous businesses and nity and his notable ath- and his impact on the
inclusive with anybody His services will be held
he coached their foot- jobs to the area. letic talents earned him community was not lost
that came into his life.” ball team to two Class “I worked with Ted on many significant awards on Monday, Dec. 11 at
With his passing, Por- on the friends and col- 10:00 a.m. at the Church
B state championships many projects,” said for- and achievements, in- leagues who worked
terville loses a man who in 1949 and 1950. The mer Porterville Mayor cluding the Porterville of Jesus Christ of Latter-
spent decades of his and lived alongside him day Saints, 837 E. Mor-
couple had four children Joe Faure. “He was very Wall of Fame and Por- through the years.
time and effort mak- and were active in the responsive to the needs terville College Hall of ton, Porterville. Condo-
ing Porterville a better “He was a person that lences may be sent to his
Church of Jesus Christ of the community. He Fame, just to name a merited great respect,
place to live, and those of Latter-day Saints. was greatly respected few, and he credited his family at www.myersfu-
who knew him fondly and I think he was al- neral.com.
Dorothy passed away and was just a great man success to always being ways respectful of oth-
recall his passion, integ- two years ago. and served his commu- honest, working hard “For those that he
ers,” Roper said. “Just leaves behind, he leaves
rity and commitment in “He loved his family nity and his church very and being willing to of- a few years ago, he told a lot of fond memories,”
all of his endeavors. and little kids, but really well. He was known to be fer time to help others. me, ‘I have no ill feeling Martinez said. “For those
“You could genuinely loved his grandkids,” a very forthright man. “He was always very toward any other per- that didn’t get to know
tell that he loved Por- Steve Ensslin said. He spoke what he felt in kind and positive and son.’  Ted, they missed out on
terville and its people,” “He was devoted to the his heart and acted on engaged on community “I think that real- a good person upon this
said his son Steve Ens- church and the commu- behalf of the community matters,” said Porter- ly says a lot about his
slin. “He loved being nity, and he provided not in the same way.” ville City Manager John world.”
character. Whatever dis-
involved in this commu- just the material things He was chairman and Lollis. “His legacy is one agreements he had or

The staff at Black Bear Diner Welcomes You

The History of
Ryan’s Place Restaurant and Bakery
“Who is Ryan?” Ryan is the son of Bob and Stella Rose. This married couple started
this concept in 1986. Although, it may seem easy to start up your own restaurant,
allow me, Amy Rose (the daughter of Bob and Stella Rose) to tell you Bob’s history.
Bob began his restaurant carrier in 1966 with the progressive concept of Sambos
Restaurants Inc. He opted into Management where he invested his own money
to train and become a top performing General Manager. Bob being a very detail

VALUE THAT GETS

orientated man, chose to stay in training longer than most trainees. He knew the
heart of this business started in the back of the house with the prep cook area. After
he felt confident, he moved himself up on the cooks line and then to the front of

BETTER BY THE MILE.

the house.
His determined personality and attention to detail moved him up the ranks quickly;
by constantly proving great food cost, customer satisfaction and dollars to the
bottom line. Within 5 years he became the Territory Director for Sambos Restaurants
Inc. and moved to Jackson, Mississippi. There he managed 4 States and built the
OUR PROMISE INCLUDES Sambos brand.
Subsequently, he was hired by Dave Nancarrow of Carrow’s Restaurants. Dave saw
Bob’s drive and potential and offered him the role of Director of Operations to soon
PEACE OF MIND TIRE PROTECTION become the Chief Operating Officer.
• If a Tire is Damaged Beyond Repair, After having built and supported two restaurant chains, Bob was ready to start
his own. He and Stella took their savings and moved their business to Los Banos,
We’ll Replace its Value. California over 30 years ago. Since opening Los Banos, Bob and Stella have built
many Ryan’s Place Restaurants; all succeeded and two still exist today.
• We Guarantee Our Work for the Life
of Your Tires. In 2004 Bob met the Co-Founder of Black Bear Diner, Bruce Dean. Since then Bob
has transformed 4 of his Ryan’s Place Restaurants into Black Bear Diners. We own
• Free Pre-Trip Safety Checks the Black Bear Diners from Los Banos to Porterville. I am proud to say, I support my
father in running both brands and love them both for their own identity.
Our communities love us. We love them. Our guests are our family,
FREE LIFETIME TIRE & MILEAGE CARE and our kitchen, is their kitchen. We pride ourselves on the quality
of food. Our slogan is “Homemade Is Our Specialty” and this is the truth.
• Flat Tire Repairs We make everything from scratch and we buy the best meat,
• Tire Rotations & Rebalancing fish and produce for your family.
We welcome you into our home here at Ryan’s Place. Come and enjoy
• Tire Pressure Checks some great food, wonderful people and excellent customer service.
• Brake & Alignment Checks Warmest regards,

Amy Rose & The Ryan’s Place Family

Our Standard: Excellent Food,
Excellent Service and your Home Away from Home

PORTERVILLE • 640 S. Jaye St. • 559-788-2708

PORTERVILLE • 640 S. Jaye St. • 559-788-2708
PROUD TO SERVE PORTERVILLE
AND THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITY
PROUD TO SERVE PORTERVILLE
AND THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITY 910 W. Olive Ave. at HWY 65 • 559·784·3648
 A Place Called
FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2020 THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER PAGE 11D

Porterville downtown’s colorful history

By Rick Elkins in 1983, the number lect their wagonmas- 1900s. He noted that in but where I don’t hold the story until the
Editor’s note: and type of nightlife
establishments down-
ter), the Frontier Club,
the Mecca (which is
early 1900 that every
other building down-
know, although a few
people were arrested
next week, feeling it
was an inappropriate
This article town would make one the only one left to- town was a drinking on that charge just subject for the Satur-
was written believe that claim.
Today, as most will
day), the Palace, Gang
Sue’s, the Eagle, the
establishment.
Edwards’ book also
the other day at one
of the local motels.
day before Easter.
That plan, however,
by former notice, there are not Hi-Lo Club and the notes the city’s his- When I first came went out the window
Recorder many bars in the
downtown, or even in
Hofbrau to name a
few downtown. There
tory with prostitution
and what were com-
to town, prostitution
was alive and well on
when the police de-
partment rounded up
Editor Rick the community. About were others in town at monly referred to as Main Street. the girls on Good Fri-
Elkins in 2013. the mid-1980s, efforts
were made to get rid
that time as well — the
7-11 club, Primetime
Cat Houses. Again,
The Recorder has a
I recall driving
down Main Street one
day. Much of our story
ran on Saturday with
of many of the Main Lounge, the Trail’s connection here. The warm day and heard a the story on the arrest
When I first came
Street bars, and for Inn, the Paul Bunyan site of The Recorder woman’s voice yelling of the girls and I don’t
to Porterville in 1983,
good reason. They and a few others. office today is in the at me. It was one of think we’ve seen pros-
Main Street still had
were not the image In Jeff Edwards’s area that was known the girls at the Por- titutes on Main Street
that old west feel. No,
one wanted for down- book, Main Street as the city’s red light terville Hotel hanging much since then.
there were not a bunch
town Porterville. book 1, he notes Por- district, with one fa- out the window and Porterville has a
of hitching posts
In 1983, if my mem- terville’s Wild West mous brothel locat- yelling at men that very colorful history
downtown, but the city
ory serves me cor- reputation and its fas- ed just east of The drove by. and Jeff Edwards
still had its bars and
rectly, there were no cination with bars. In Recorder office, but That prompted us to has caught much in
saloons, many which
fewer than 15 bars, fact, The Recorder there also was a house do a story on the girls his books. Bars and
looked like they just
or restaurants with has it roots deeply in just east of the Porter- and one of my report- prostitution probably
came out of the old
a bar, along Main the bar history. It was ville Hotel that was ers had already inter- cannot be found in
Wild West.
Street. Some of the a paper that opposed frequented by more viewed several and any Chamber of Com-
I have heard Porter-
more famous were the the proliferation of than one gentlemen the story was ready merce brochures, but
ville described as one
Mountain Lion (where bars and editorialized over the years. to run. However, be- they are definitely a
of the last old west
the Jackass Mail Run the city should shut Prostitution prob- cause it was Easter part of the city’s col-
towns in California and
committee would se- them down in the early ably continues today, weekend, I decided to orful past.

contributed photo by jeff edwards

The Skateway was on the north side of West Putnam Ave. and Kessing Street.
The Skateway was run by Jess and Letha Dickerson. This building used to be the
Green Mill Ballroom and they had dances and automobile new car shows. They
contributed photo by jeff edwards also had some wrestling matches and Georgeous George was one of the wres-
In 1911 Juan Magano murdered John Lamkin in the Lamkin and Graham cloth- tlers. The Barn Theater also used the building for two years before they built
ing store in the Chapman Building. Magano purchased a butcher knife at the their own theater.
Price Hardware Store and pretended to want a pair of shoes and when Mr. Lam-
kin turned his back he was stabbed in the back. When Lamkin turned around
he was again stabbed but the knife hit the sternam bone in the chest and
Magano’s hand slid down the knife and was badly cut. Magano was working on
the railroad to Springville, the work was being done by Mexican labor and they
were camped at Chico Flat, just below Success Lake. Ed Isham was the law and
he arrested Juan Magano and he was housed in the jail in Visalia. He was tried
and convicted and in June he was hung in the San Quinton Prison.

contributed photo by jeff edwards

This view of Main Street was taken in 1951. It is of the east side of Main Street
south of Garden Ave. Montgomery Ward was one of the major merchants on
Main Street and the construction was for the new Newberry’s Dime Store. It
also had a cafe that catered to the local lunch crowd.

Historic Elster Building - 1912

Research For Hire, Inc.

is located in
Porterville, California
559-784-5787
Work in a Beautiful Setting Overlooking Downtown Springville!
Professional Office Suites Available • Call for Details - 539.2711

C F Smith Realty
Christine Smith Broker - GRI • Lic. #00839260
Conducting Agricultural Research Since 1983
 A Place Called
PAGE 12D THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2020

Young’s Commercial Transfer: Over a Century on the Road

By ALEXIS ESPINOZA expansion in the agricul-

[email protected] tural industry, and the
need for truck trans-
Commercial Transfer,
portation boomed along
specializing in the trans-
with everything else. J.
portation of agricultural
R. Young established and
commodities, was in op-
ran a trucking company
eration before 1910 in
that was known through-
Lindsay, California. Af-
out the state of Califor-
ter coming from Oklaho-
nia for its integrity and
ma during the dust bowl,
customer service until
George Washington
his death in 1966.
Young settled his family
Larry Young, J. R.’s
in Porterville and pro-
son, owns Young’s Com-
ceeded to begin a truck-
mercial Transfer and
ing company with his
has served as its presi-
son, J. R. Young. In 1935,
dent for the last 36
J. R. Young bought Com-
years. During this time,
mercial Transfer from
Young’s has maintained
J. B. Lowery, moved the
its reputation as being
business to Porterville
one of the best agricul-
and renamed it Young’s
tural trucking compa-
Commercial Transfer.
nies in the state special-
Oranges from the lo-
izing in cannery toma-
cal packing houses were
toes. From July to Octo-
the first major commod-
ber, Young’s Commercial
ity Young’s Commercial
Transfer is expected to
Transfer hauled. During
transport 1,300,000 tons
World War II, the United
of tomatoes from the
States government hired
fields to the canneries
Young’s to haul agricul-
requiring up to 600 loads
tural produce into Fort
a day. Larry Young’s
Ord for the Army. Af-
family has joined him
ter the war, in the late
in the company and will
40’s and through the
continue his legacy into
50’s, there was a great
the next generation.
amount of growth and
OUR ROOTS
RUN DEEP.
Young’s Commercial Transfer has been growing a trusted
legacy in agribusiness since our humble beginnings in 1935.
This commitment to our customers and community is
staunchly rooted in our strong foundation of family values
and good business.

Young’s is as much a tradition of California’s Central Valley

agricultural community as the ketchup we help provide for
your french fries or the orange juice at your breakfast table.
As the nation’s leader in agricultural transportation, we are
branching out into new territories while keeping our roots
firmly planted here in Porterville.

We would like to thank our employees,

business partners and vendors for your
commitment to excellence in these
first 85 years.

Together we look forward to building

healthy business, community and families
in the generations to come.
 A Place Called THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER
Tulare County: It Does a Business Good!
PAGE 14D FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2020

• A leader in national
agricultural production

• The top dairy production in

the nation -
$1.68 billion - 2018 milk
production

• Streamlined & Simplified

permitting

• Centrally located between

three majorports:
Long Beach, Oakland, and
Stockton

• Easy highway & railroad

accessibility

• Abundant supply of sites

contributed photo by jeff edwards
and buildings
When the purity Grocery Store came to Porterville it was located on the north-
• Talented, skilled, and Young west corner of Second Street and Garden Ave. The previous business was a war
workforce surplus store. In a short period of time Purity expanded and built a large store
on West Olive. Both of their stores are still there today. The large store is now
the Sheltered Workshop. This area had been called “Geoble Town.” There were
Begin Exploring Tulare Count Opportunities at more than 50 small houses on the land for migrant workers coming to town to
www.GrowTulareCounty.org work in the harvests. Geoble Town was torn down in 1959 to make way for the
new Purity Grocery Store.

Tulare County
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
5961 South Mooney Boulevard, Visalia,
California 93277
Office (559) 624-7000 • Fax (559)
730-2653

contributed photo by jeff edwards

The Ice House on the corner of D St. and Vine Ave. was built right after the rail-
road came to Porterville in 1888. Jesse Frame owned the ice house and he got
his ice by the railroad from Fresno. In those days there was no refrigeration so
all of the homes had an ice box and his son Howard Frame delivered ice to the
homes of Porterville. Howard was a great help in naming the different homes
he had delivered ice to and had been in most of the homes.
 Aldo and the staff at Direct Capital Lending would like to express our sincere
condolences to the families and the Porterville Fire Department for the tremendous
loss of Capt. Figueroa and FF Jones.

Call A l d o !
Direct Capital Lending was established in 2002
by Aldo Gutierrez with the mission of creating
extraordinary mortgage solutions for the citizens
of California. hat mission continues to be a driving
force through today. Direct Capital Lending has
DIRECTO CAPITAL always sought out the nation’s most creative and
LENDING responsible lenders. This enables us to be one of
California’s most respected mortgage brokers.
We use the latest in financial technology to bring
you the most up-to-date information. Our financial
products vary from simple to simply spectacular.
We are experienced with both residential and
commercial real estate purchases. We understand
the needs of today’s investor. If you are looking
for your first home, we will help you finance the home of your dreams.
We always operate with honesty, integrity, and a solid commitment to
quality. We never sacrifice quality for profit. In fact, we enjoy a great
amount of leverage with our lenders due to the reputation we have earned.
We create financial solutions with the end consumer in mind, allowing you
to rest assured you are getting the best loan possible.
Direct Capital Lending has never waivered in our commitment to supporting
communities. Direct Capital Lending has been involved in many charitable
causes and civic organizations over the years. Direct Capital Lending
believes in supporting the community. Building communities through
responsible lending is what we do best!
The office where Direct Capital Lending is now located was formerly the
Famous Department Store in the early 1950’s, then more recently around 1976
was also home of the Crocker Anglo Bank. The building sat vacant for
some years until it was purchased by Aldo to become the home of Direct
Capital Lending.

Offering the best home loans

in the Central Valley for over 18 years!

1960’ss
1930’’ss 2021

206
2 06 N
N.. M
Main
ain S
Street,
treet, P
Porterville,
orterville, C
CAA9
93257
3257
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BRE Lic. #01399575 • NMLS: 278744 • NMLS Company: 396625
 A Place Called

Porterville...
Standing the
test of time

Sports
“A Place Called Home” is a trademark of Parsons Publications and can only be used with consent of the trademark owner.
 A Place Called
PAGE 2E THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2020

Porterville’s Slaughter turned

FCC into state power
Editor's arship toUniversity
of California, Los An-
ing the ensuing 20 years
of Clare's direction at
Note: The geles  and was in the FCC, his team won sev-
middle of spring prac- en conference cham-
following is an tice when he heard that pionships, appeared in
obituary for College of the Pacific four post season bowl
games, won four state
had a flight training
Porterville's program. He eventual- championships and
Clare ly had enough hours to
qualify as a commercial
was undefeated in all
12 playoff games. Clare
Slaughter, pilot and immediately was also voted the Cali-
considered left UCLA and enrolled
at COP. While at COP,
fornia Community Col-
lege Coach of the year
one of the he lettered in football,
Clare Slaughter
four times during his
tenure and literally
greatest track and field, and bas-
ketball. He was a star hundreds of his players
junior college high jumper and partic-
ed by the Washington
Redskins but he decid-
continued to play col-
lege football after being
ipated in the West Coast
football Relays. In basketball,
ed instead to accept a a Ram. In addition, 11 Recorder photo
teaching and coaching
coaches in he was captain and all
position at Galt High
of his players went on
to play in the National
The Strathmore High football team celebrates its
conference center. In
state history. football, he played both
school. When asked Football League.
state championship in 2017.
why he didn't play pro- Clare Slaughter has
offense and defensive
Clare Slaughter was fessional football, he been inducted into the
end under the tutelage
born on December 8, said that at the time he Porterville and Fresno
of the legendary coach,
1920, and passed away "would make more mon- Hall of Fames. Clare
Amos Alonzo Stagg.
peacefully at home sur- ey as a teacher than as was the first inductee
After Pearl Har-
rounded by his loving a professional football in the California Com-
bor, Clare and his best
family on Saturday, No- player." munity Colleges Coach-
friend, John Camicia
vember 30, 2013. Clare At Galt he served as es Hall of Fame and is
(brother of Eveline)
was born in Porterville a successful multi-sport a cornerstone inductee
enlisted. Clare was in
Ca., the son of Hodge coach. While at Galt, into the Fresno City Col-
the  United States Ma-
and Millie Slaughter. Clare and Eveline en- lege Wall of Fame.
rine Corps Reserves. In
While growing up on joyed the birth of their After retiring from
1943, Clare was called coaching and teaching,
the family farm he was first son Jim. In 1950,
to active duty with the Clare devoted his time
taught the importance Clare accepted the head
rank of Second Lieuten- to his family and spent
of hard work, family football coaching po-
ant. During the war he countless hours volun-
bonds, sports, fair play sition at Sanger High RECORDER PHOTO
was promoted to First teering at VA of Central
and above all a deep School. During this time Seeded No. 1 in the CIF Central Section Division IV
Lieutenant and eventu- California, the Maroa
and abiding love of God. they enjoyed the births playoffs, Lindsay High School boys soccer defeated
ally Captain. Clare led Home and his Church.
Clare demonstrated of their children, Jeff, No. 2 Wasco 2-0 for the program’s first Valley title
a platoon which saw ac- He will be lovingly re-
early on that he was a Jon and their long await- under first-year head coach Fode Doumbia. Tony
tion at the Battles of membered and greatly
person who enjoyed the ed daughter Julie. Clare Godoy and Diego Medina scored for the Cardinals.
Tinian, Saipan and Oki- missed for his gentle-
challenges and delights coached and taught at
nawa. ness of spirit, strength
of a life well lived. Clare Sanger High School Members of the Valley championship team were
After the war, Clare of character, genuine
attended Porterville from 1948 to 1954. Jose Beltran, Lorenzo Ibarra, Johnny Villanueva,
returned to Stockton to humility and always
High School, Porterville In 1955, Clare became Jose Castro, Juan Gomez, Aristeo Sampablo, Jehova
pursue the love of his calm and thoughtful de-
Junior College, and was the assistant football Villanueva, Miguel Bernabe, Adrian Medina, Tony
life, Eveline Crudeli. meanor. 2 Timothy 4:7
an exceptional athlete coach at Fresno City Godoy, Martin Avila, Daniel Palos, Emidio Villanue-
He managed to win her I have fought a good
in football, basketball, College and in 1959, he
heart and they married fight, I have finished va, Jose Madrigal, Federico Lule, Estevan Gonzales,
baseball and track. was named to the head
on August 18, 1946. In my course, I have kept Joshua Castro, Filiberto Gutierrez, Sergio Lemus and
He accepted a schol- coaching position. Dur-
1945, Clare was draft- the faith. Diego Medina.

“United We Stand”
The Porterville Library staff would like to thank all who have reached out to us.
It is so touching to see how supportive everyone has been during this difficult
time. We will keep everyone up to date as soon as we receive information.
ONCE AGAIN, FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS,

���������
 Weisenberger’s Ace Hardware
CALLING PORTERVILLE

Home Since 1944

As the “helping
helpful you is
hardware the most
folks in your important
community, thing we
we promise have to do
that, today.”
875 W. Olive Ave, Porterville CA 93257
(559) 784-3292
 A Place Called
PAGE 4E THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2020F

Valley champions, state champions, a national champion

By Charles Whisnand girls basketball in 1924 junior Tim Vanni and that game reminiscent first state title, it almost Eddie Ramos, Joe Soto,
[email protected] it didn't take long for the Bill Kropog won individ- of when coach Norman won its first state title Yero Washington and
Orange Belt to win its ual crowns to lead the Dale was going to use almost 90 years earlier Mason Pengilly have all
Over nearly 100 years,
next Valley title as the Marauders to the Val- star player Jimmy Chit- in 1925 when that 1925 won state titles. For Mo-
the five Orange Belt high
Porterville High boys ley crown. What makes wood as a decoy but the Valley championship nache, Nathan Timmer-
schools have combined
basketball team won the that title so special is the team balked and Chit- PHS basketball team lost man and Matt Gamble
to win 83 Valley titles. to Stockton 21-12 in the have won state titles.
Valley crown in 1925. Marauders competed wood said “I'll make it.”
The first came in 1924 State Finals. And the Orange Belt
It would be another 90 with just five wrestlers SHS faced a fourth
when Strathmore High Another memorable has at least one national
years before Porterville and all five wrestlers and seven in Orange ter-
won the Valley title in Valley title came in 1991 champion in its history.
won its next Valley ti- placed. ritory late in the game,
girls basketball. when the Monache base- Pengilly accomplished
tle in boys basketball in The Strathmore High clinging to a 31-29 lead.
The 83rd title for Or- ball team beat Bullard that feat when he won
2015. football team has be- Instead of punting the
ange Belt high schools 5-4 in the Valley Champi- the national title in 2014.
Another memorable come a Valley — and ball, Strathmore went
came this past fall in onship Game at Porter- PORTERVILLE COL-
Valley title for PHS state power — in recent for it and of course un-
2019 when Porterville ville College. LEGE
came in 2016 when head years. Strathmore won der coach Jeromy Black-
High won the Division IV When it comes to PC has also won a state
coach Mike Hill led the its first Valley title in well, the Spartans would
Valley title in boys cross Valley titles in the Or- title, beating the College
Panthers to a Cinderella 1992 – a year after going run the football.
country led by Jorge ange Belt, Strathmore of the Sequoias at the
run to the Valley title. winless — and has won But Strathmore's Jaden
Sanchez, who won the leads the way with 40. University of Pacific
Porterville needed to five Valley titles since Guire, the Spartans best
individual Valley title. Monache has won 15, in the men's basketball
beat Monache in its fi- then (1998, 2009, 2016- lineman, was battling
The first “modern” Porterville has won 14, state finals to win the
nal regular season game 2018). a lower back injury, so
Valley title in girls bas- Lindsay has won 13 and state crown in 2000. Un-
just to qualify for the The Spartans also Blackwell wanted to run
ketball came when the Granite Hills won its one der head coach George
playoffs but then the made it to the State the ball to the other side
trio of Amanda Baker, title in 2015. Nessman, the Pirates ad-
Panthers used the mo- Championship Game of the line. But running
Shea Purkiss and Bryn While Strathmore vanced to three straight
mentum of that victory three straight years back Joseph Garcia told
Britton led Monache to High football has the Final Eights from 1998-
to win four straight play- (2016-2018), winning the Blackwell “I'll make it”
a thrilling victory at Clo- Orange Belt's only state 2000.
off games on its way to state title in 2017 when it if he ran behind Guire
vis West in the Division I team title, several local PC also advanced to
the Valley title. beat Orange 31-29. and he did.
Valley finals in 1997. wrestlers have won state the State Final Four in
Monache's first Valley Strathmore had its As long as it took the
After that first title titles. 1978 under head coach
title came in 1978 when “Hoosiers” moment in Orange Belt to win its
won by Strathmore in For Porterville High, Jim Maples.

Contributed photo PHS Archives Contributed photo PHS Archives

Portervile High School senior girls basketball team 1928. PHS girls’ p.e. circa 1963

Melvin’s
Tire & Auto Service, Inc.
134 S. Main St. Porterville, CA Bill Melvin &
Bill Melvin. 1988 Quality Tires & Auto Service Since 1977 Matt Melvin 2020

FOR MAKING US
YOUR FAVORITE
• TIRE STORE
• AUTO REPAIR
FACILITY
• OIL CHANGE/
LUBE CENTER

Thank You Porterville

Since Starting my business on July 1, 1977 our philosophy has remained

the same “treat people fair and honest and provide quality products and
excellent customer service”. Now, our business is celebrating 41 years of
continued success with the help of my son Matthew who has been with
me for 28 years and counting. Great employees, the best customers in the
universe and living in a great town had kept us going and we’ll continue
to keep going for many more years to come.

Owners/Operators
Bill & Matt Melvin & Crew

Thank You Porterville,

Our Great Customers, and Friends,
For Your Continued Loyalty and Support
 A Place Called
FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2020 THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER PAGE 5E

Highway of Champions:
The Orange Belt boasts Olympic, world champions
By Charles Whisnand Let’s start with the
[email protected] two Olympic champi-
You would be hard to ons. Lindsay High’s
find a stretch of high- Richard Schroeder won
way about 10 miles an Olympic Gold Med-
long that spans Lindsay, al in swimming in the
Strathmore and Porter- 1988 Olympics in Seoul,
ville that can boast the South Korea.
athletic accomplish- Duncan Gregg, a
ments of the Orange Strathmore High gradu-
Belt. ate, won a gold med-
We would go as far al competing with the
as to say you can’t find University of California
such a highway as High- eight-man rowing team,
way 65 that links the which represented the
three Orange Belt com- United States in the
munities. 1932 Olympics in Los
Each community Angeles.
boasts of at least one The story goes when
Olympian and at least Gregg walked into the
one person who has room to ask about com-
coached or played at peting for the rowing
the major professional team, he was questioned
level. We would argue if he was strong enough.
no other such area that He proceeded to lift a
can boast that exists. chair off the floor with
The 10-mile stretch one hand and was told
boasts two Olympic he would due.
champions. Two Super By the way, it’s like-
Bowl champions. Some- ly Gregg went to high
one who has won the school with another ac-
most major profession- complished Strathmore
al team titles than any High graduate, Ralph O.
person in history. And Wilcox.
Contributed Photo
that just touches the Wilcox played football
The 1932 Olympic Champions. Standing: #8 Ed Salisbury, #7 James Blair, #6 Duncan Gregg, #5 Dave Dunlap,
surface. at USC from 1928-1930.
He played receiver and #4 Burt Jastram, #3 Charles Chandler, #2 Harold Tower, #1 Winslow Hall. Front: coxswain Norris Graham,
And this column will starboard alternate Herm Holman, port alternate Hayes McLellan, Coach Ky Ebright.
only touch the surface was the team captain in
when it comes to the 1930. During his three
athletic heritage of the years on the team, USC and a catcher in base- sports — football, bas- play-by-play man. of the Baseball Hall of
Orange Belt area. Many posted a 23-4-1 record, ball. ketball and baseball. And there’s Truman Fame in Cooperstown,
who read this column won a national title and Brown, a 1980 Mo- In football, there’s “Tex” Clevenger, who N.Y.
will surely point out a Rose Bowl. nache graduate, boasts John Misko, who was owned Clevenger Ford, Porterville also has
to me I failed to write But Wilcox isn’t the being the only athlete a punter with the Los who won two World Se- a distinguished Olym-
about this or I failed to only accomplished ath- in USC history to be Angeles Rams; 1996 ries rings with the New pic history. There’s Tim
write about that when lete from this area to the team Most Valu- Monache graduate Vic- York Yankees as a re- Vanni, a two-time Olym-
it comes to the Orange compete at USC. Cur- able Player in football tor Leyva; 2004 Gran- lief pitcher in 1960 and pian in wrestling. And
Belt’s athletic heritage. rent Harmony Magnet and baseball during the ite Hills graduate Bear 1961. Porterville can boast
This column is mere- Academy principal Jeff same school year (1983- Pascoe; and 2000 Mo- And there’s also one an Olympic gold medal-
ly to show the Orange Brown was a two-sport 1984). Considering the nache graduate James other notable USC ath- ist in Sim Innis, a Tu-
Belt’s athletic heritage star in football and long athletic heritage Sanders. lete from Porterville, lare Union High School
and not to be all-encom- baseball at USC. He was of USC, that’s saying Pascoe, of course, won 1944 Porterville High graduate who won the
passing. a linebacker in football something. a Super Bowl with the graduate Bill Sharman. gold medal in the dis-
And of course Brown New York Giants in the Sharman is a member cus at the 1952 Sum-
comes from a family 2010 season. He’s not of the USC Athletic Hall mer Olympics and was
with a long athletic her- the only Orange Belt of Fame and the Inter- another legendary USC
itage. Brown’s brothers athlete to win a Super national Basketball Hall athlete. Innis was a long-
Mike, Bill and Steve Bowl. of Fame. time teacher and coach
were all accomplished Bill Baird, a Lindsay Sharman was a leg- at Porterville High and
athletes from Porter- High graduate, was a endary basketball play- Porterville College.
ville before him. starting defensive back er with the Boston Celt- Two other Olympic
Steve, a 1969 Porter- for the New York Jets ics and went on to coach gold medalists also
ville High graduate, when the Jets and Joe the 1972 Los Angeles competed in Porterville
went on to become an Namath stunned the Lakers to the NBA title, at Jamison Stadium.
All-American lineback- world as the AFL Jets leading the Lakers to Bruce Jenner, who won
er at Oregon State. upset the NFL Baltimore a major sports winning the gold medal in the
Mike’s son, Brant, a Colts 16-7 in the 1968 streak of 33 games that decathlon at the 1976
1989 Monache gradu- season Super Bowl. still stands. Olympics, competed
ate, went on to a Major Porterville can boast As a player, coach in a regional Olympic
League Baseball career, a World Champion in and executive, Sharman qualifier at Jamison Sta-
and is now a hitting in- each of the three major won 17 professional dium. And Olympic gold
structor for the Los An- sports. Mulliniks won a titles. The number of medalist Jackie Joyner-
geles Dodgers. World Series Champi- others in the history of Kersee competed in an
Porterville can boast onship ring in his last professional sports who AAU meet at Jamison
of at least four play- season with the Toronto have won as many titles Stadium.
ers who made it to the Blue Jays in 1992. would be zero. Strathmore also
Major Leagues: Rance There’s also three oth- Sharman isn’t the only has someone who has
Mulliniks, a 1974 Mo- ers who came to the Por- person with ties to the coached at the profes-
nache graduate: Brown; terville area with World Porterville area who’s a sional level as Rolland
Steve Cox, a 1992 Mo- Series credentials. Mon- member of a major pro- Todd, a 1951 Strathmore
nache graduate; and te Moore turned KTIP fessional sports Hall of High graduate, was the
Josh Labandeira, a 1997 Radio into the original Fame. Doug Harvey, a first head coach of the
Monache graduate. ESPN with his local longtime resident of the expansion Portland
In all, Porterville can sports coverage. As a Springville area, was a Trail Blazers in 1970.
boast of at least nine ath- broadcaster, he was the Major League umpire That’s just a taste of
letes who have played at announcer for several from 1962-1992, who the Orange Belt’s ath-
the major professional World Series titles as umpired in the World letic heritage. The High-
Contributed Photo
level in the three major the Oakland Athletics Series, and is a member way of Champions.
Bill Sharman as an eighth grader.

Since 1984 we have provided the best

customer service to all our residential
and commercial clients in Porterville and
surrounding areas. Our professional crew
of 5 technicians have over 120 years of
combined experience in the industry.
You can trust in our family owned and
operated company to take care of your
family's comfort. Darrell's Air Conditioning
has created a strong presence in our service
area by giving our clients the best because
they deserve the best.
Darrell Blasingame
1510 S. Westwood Rd
Porterville, CA 93257
(559) 781-1343
www.darrellsairconditioning.com
sales & service lic. #455865
 A Place Called
PAGE 6E THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2020F

Granite Bowl Record (31-19-1 in favor of MHS)

No. Year Winner Score Loser
1 1969 Porterville 22-6 P Monache
2 1970 Monache 28-16 M Porterville
3 1971 Monache 44-6 M Porterville
4 1972 Monache 14-6 M Porterville
5 1973 Porterville 25-3 P Monache
6 1974 Porterville 20-10 P Monache RECORDER FILE PHOTO
Monache wins 31-28 on a game-winning field by
7 1975 TIE 7-7 T TIE Guillermo Castaneda in the final three seconds.
8 1976 Porterville 19-6 P Monache
9 1977 Monache 19-0 M Porterville
10 1978 Porterville 14-13 P Monache
11 1979 Monache 23-20 M Porterville
12 1980 Monache 41-7 M Porterville
13 1981 Monache 23-7 M Porterville
14 1982 Monache 13-10 M Porterville
15 1983 Porterville 20-19 P Monache
16 1984 Porterville 15-12 P Monache
17 1985 Monache 14-0 M Porterville RECORDER FILE PHOTO

18 1986 Monache 20-6 M Porterville Monache defeated Porterville 7-0 in the 2001 Gran-
ite Bowl. It reamins the lowest scoring game in the
19 1987 Monache 43-6 M Porterville rivalry’s history.

20 1988 Monache 13-6 M Porterville

21 1989 Porterville 17-6 P Monache
22 1990 Porterville 24-10 P Monache
23 1991 Porterville 28-14 P Monache
24 1992 Porterville 31-26 P Monache
25 1993 Monache 28-8 M Porterville
26 1994 Monache 55-14 M Porterville
27 1995 Monache 54-0 M Porterville
28 1996 Monache 42-6 M Porterville
29 1997 Monache 44-21 M Porterville RECORDER FILE PHOTO
30 1998 Porterville 10-6 P Monache In 2019, Porterville’s 61-6 win over Monache in the
51st annual Granite Bowl was the largest margin of
31 1999 Monache 42-17 M Porterville victory in rivalry history.

32 2000 Monache 48-16 M Porterville

33 2001 Monache 7-0 M Portervlle
34 2002 Monache 8-6 M Porterville
35 2003 Monache 31-28 M Porterville
36 2004 Monache 10-7 M Porterville
37 2005 Monache 33-21 M Porterville
38 2006 Monache 24-0 M Porterville
39 2007 Monache 23-12 M Porterville
40 2008 Porterville 50-26 P Monache
41 2009 Porterville 41-28 P Monache
42 2010 Porterville 62-14 P Monache
43 2011 Monache 45-14 M Porterville
44 2012 Monache 35-21 M Porterville
45 2013 Porterville 42-35 P Monache
46 2014 Porterville 49-31 P Monache
47 2015 Monache 32-28 M Porterville
48 2016 Monache 21-20 Porterville
49 2017 Monache 35-9 M Porterville RECORDER FILE PHOTO
Porterville High School play celbrates at Granite
50 2018 Porterville 51-40 P Monache Bowl.
51 2019 Porterville 61-6 P Monache

Believers Church
"Then and Now"
Love God. Love People.
Serving our Community since 1981

Pastor Sonjia Braun

222 N. Second Street (559) 782-0531
Services: Sundays 9 am, 11 am
Youth: Wednesday 7 pm
bcporterville.com

GRACE / FAITH / HOPE / LOVE

 A Place Called
FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2020 THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER PAGE 7E

Granite Bowl in photos

contributed photos
Granite Bowl has always
caused a lot of excite-
ment in the community
for more than 50 years.

FIND YOUR NEXT CAR AT

COUNTRY PLEASURES
GIFTS & GUNS
IN PORTERVILLE, CA
WE BUY AND
SELL NEW AND
For years Faggart Auto Center, located in Porterville,
CA, has been your premier automotive dealership, USED GUNS
offering the best selection of used cars, trucks, and
SUVs available. Our knowledgeable sales staff is here to
assure you find the right vehicle for you and
your family. Our mission is to provide the best
customer service while facilitating a fun, hassle-free
car buying experience.

Apply and
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133 S. Main St. Porterville, CA 93257
(559) 784-4595
35585 Highway 190, Springville, CA 93265 www.faggartautocenter.com 177 N. Main St., Porterville, CA
559-539-5345 (559) 784-6451
Mon - Fri 8 AM - 7 PM countrypleasuresgifts&guns • countrypleasuresgifts
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F
 A Place Called
FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2020 THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER PAGE 9E

VALLEY
CHAMPS
RECORDER PHOTO
The Porterville High boys cross country team is the most recent team from
the Orange Belt to win a Valley title, winning the Valley title this past fall.
 A Place Called
FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2020 THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER PAGE 11E

Off To The Races! 1948-49

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
Here are just a few photos from Rocky Hill Speedway from the late 1940s.

With 30 years of
experience It is my
privilege to serve this
community and carry
on the long legacy that
Tom Wright has
USED OIL
established through COLLECTION
years of exceptional SITE!
customer service.
Monday - Saturday • 7:30 AM - 5 PM • Sunday Closed

Rose M Quinonez Greg’s Xpress Oil Change

Insurance Agency 1070 W. Olive Ave., Porterville CA 93257
559-781-2501
837 N Main Street Porterville, CA 93257
Lic# 0800025 • 559-781-7922 Lube & Oil Change Center
 A Place Called
PAGE 12E THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2020F

Porterville brings Moore and Sharman together

recorder photo
Monte Moore looks at memorablia at his home.

By Charles Whisnand with Sharman. turned KTIP into ESPN

[email protected] The two have a lot in before there was ESPN
common, including call- as the radio station cov-
Monte Moore's and Bill
ing Porterville their ered virtually every lo-
Sharman's paths crossed
home. Sharman is a 1944 cal college, high school
before Moore ever came
Porterville High gradu- and major youth sport-
to Porterville. And when
ate while Moore moved ing event there was un-
Moore eventually came
to Porterville in 1978 der Moore's direction.
to settle in Porterville,
when he bought radio Moore and Sharman
he became good friends
station KTIP. Moore first crossed paths in

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Bill Sharman attends the dedication of the gym named in his honor.
1962 in the American
Basketball League when
the Kansas City Steers
norris furniture played the Cleveland
Pipers for the ABL title.
Sharman was the head
living room / dining room / bedroom coach of the Pipers while
Moore was the play-by-

Furnishing your home

play broadcaster for the
Steers. The Pipers went

For over 32 years! on to win the title under

Sharman.
From that series came
something else Moore
and Sharman had in com-
mon. The two worked for
arguably the two most
notorious owners in the
history of professional
sports.
George Steinbrenner
was the owner of the
Cleveland Pipers when
Sharman was the coach.
Moore went on to be the
play-by-play broadcast-
er for the Kansas City
and then Oakland Athlet-
ics who were owned by
Charlie Finley.
As the Oakland A's
play-by-play man, Moore

20% to 70% OFF

was the broadcaster for
four World Series Cham-
pionship teams (1972-
1974, 1989).
In 1973 late in the
season, Moore received
a letter signed “The
Weathermen” essen-
tially stating if Reggie
Jackson played in the
playoffs and the World
Series it would be the
103 n. main last thing he ever does.
Moore turned the letter
559-781-1151 • porterville, ca 93257 over to Finley and it led
larry norris to Jackson receiving FBI
protection and to also
owner hire a body guard.
quality at low prices
TOGETHER, Page 15
 A Place Called
FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2020 THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER PAGE 13E

Contributed photo PHS Archives

PHS Rally Wagon and Varsity Cheerleaders circa 1965.

Build Upon the Past;

Build a Brighter Future
One of the Pros
With a Degree from
National University
at Porterville College
• Onsite degrees offered at PC:
o Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Administration
o Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies
w/Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential
o RN-BSN Completion

• Numerous additional degree programs

offered online
• Participates in the California Community
Colleges-Associate Degree Transfer Program –
ONLY $7000/year

National University was founded in 1971 and

has 28 campuses throughout CA. As the 3rd largest
private nonprofit university in California, their
mission is to provide accessible, achievable higher
education to adult learners. National University has
had a presence in the Central Valley since August
1986, and been holding classes at Porterville College
since 2011. As a pioneer in the digital space, NU has
offered online classes for more than 20 years.

For more information contact:

[email protected]
or 559-791-2231

RECORDER PHOTO
Rance Mulliniks is one of at least a dozen residents from Porterville who have
at competed or been a head coach at the major professional level from the Or-
ange Belt Area.
 A Place Called
PAGE 14E THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2020

Contributed Photo PHS Archive

Porterville HIgh School Students and Rally Wagons 1940's. The Rally Wagons have been there through the years in support of Porterville High teams.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO BY DREW WILLIAMS

Front row left to right: Tim Vanni, Dan Vanni, George Rodriguez, Waco McNutt, Adam Gonzales. Middle row: David Williams, Randy Whitlock, Mark Della, Tim
Whitlock. Back row: Coach Drew Williams, Tim Dennis, Bill Kropog, Dennis Townsend. The 1977-78 Monache wrestling team went 13-0 on the season and won the
school’s first-ever Valley championship. The team had two individual Valley champions in Tim Vanni (98) and Bill Kropog (190)

Family Owned and

Operated
Since 2005

Transmission & 4x4

DONNIE WILSON
Owner
559-781-7779
wilsonstransmission.com
Specializing in service & 1164 W. Olive Ave, Porterville, CA
repair on domestic and
(559) 782-3600 68 W. Henderson Ave.
foreign vehicles Porterville, CA
 A Place Called
FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2020 THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER PAGE 15E

Together
ended up congratulat- was going to flunk,” players in their pefor- a couple the entire sea- greatest upsets in Olym-
ing Moore for his cover- Moore said. mance later on. son. pic history.
age of the situation with Chamberlain went But Chamberlain Sharman led Cham- Mills has come to the
Continued from Page 12 Jackson as a result of on to play for Sharman was known for liking berlain and the Lakers Tule River Reservation
that interview. when Sharman became the night life and the to the 1972 NBA title, numerous times to sup-
The A's went on to Another bigger-than- the head coach of the thought was he wouldn't setting a major sports port the reservation. In
beat the New York Mets life athlete who Moore Los Angeles Lakers participate in the morn- record of 33 straight 1985, Moore organized
in the World Series in and Sharman have in during the 1971-72 sea- ing shootarounds. wins that still stands to- a fundraiser with Mills,
seven games and Jack- common is Wilt Cham- son. One of the things It's still debated if day. who came to the res-
son was the series Most berlain. Moore was the Sharman instituted that Chamberlain actu- During his time at ervation to support an
Valuable Player. Moore University of Kansas teams still use today ally made the first Kansas, Moore also effort for a home for
interviewed Jackson af- athletics broadcaster at was the game day morn- shootaround and Shar- broadcast one other youth whose parents
ter the seventh game and the time Chamberlain ing shootaround. Shar- man admits he doesn't notable athlete, Billy had been incarcerated.
during that interview attended Kansas. man was a big believer know. But Sharman said Mills, whose comeback Monte Moore and Bill
Jackson announced his Chamberlain was even in muscle memory and Chamberlain almost win in the 10,000 meters Sharman. Good Friends.
life had been threatened in a class Moore taught. believed morning shoot- never missed the shoot- in the 1960 Olympics is Who have called Porter-
in the letter. NBC News “There was no way he arounds would help arounds, maybe missing considered one of the ville home.

contributed photo by jeff edwards

Hot Rod Racing was really the thing in 1948. The race track was south of Rocky Hill and every weekend there was a race. Some drivers came from Bakersfield or
even further away to participate. It was a dirt track and banked on the corners. The race cars in the picture are typical of most of the race cars. These two cars are
racing neck to neck to the finish line.

In the early 1900’s,

the gold rush generated
the call for saloons where
men could sip their liquor,
spin their tales and spend
their GOLD...

Scotty’s Saloon was such a place

and it stood where our store is
today! The search for the very
best in gold, diamonds, jewelry
and even a good story still leads
people to the same place...
David Horowitz Jewelry.

175 N. Main Street

Porterville, CA 93257
(559) 784-7123
 Educating
PORTERVILLE
Porterville
COLLEGE for 93 Years!
We offer:
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• Enrollment fees are waived for all
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