APCH
APCH
APCH
A Place Called
PAGE 2A THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER 2022
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Prior to the large major stores coming to Porterville this color photo shows Main Street in decorations from Garden Ave. looking North. In those days; Main Street was always packed.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
This is a rare picture and is the only one I know of that is of
the headgate that used to be in Murry Park. You can see the
grooves in the headgate where the boards were placed to back
up the water. I do not have the identification of the two men.
Murry Park was originally Burbank Park and the name was
changed in 1911 to Murry Park after Pat Murry; a cattleman
who donated land for the park.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
President Richard Nixon was an often visitor to Porterville since his aunt lived in Strathmore. This was a campaign visit in
1952 and Frank Brown has the microphone in the Mr. Nixon’s face for his listeners. On the left is Bill Rodgers, Charles Haener
(back to the camera), Richard Nixon, Frank Brown and going out of the picture is Pat Nixon. In 1923 and 1924 Richard Nix-
on was sent to Strathmore to live with his aunt and learn to play the piano. He attended school at the Sunnyside School west
of Strathmore. Not many people know this but Richard Nixon often made an overnight visit to see his aunt and his political
friends in the area. In 1954 television was coming in strong and KTIP changed hands and the new owner was a “newsman”and
Frank Brown was offered the money to purchase the station by Claude Nelson but Frank decided to leave Porterville and went
to work at the Radio Station in Eureka, CA.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Max Jamison, a 92 year old retired Porterville attorney is a
Dale Frost of Porterville was a city councilman and also an inventor. He invented a hydrometer that could measure the water content phenomenon in that he can write with either hand, right or
in the ground and allow the farmer to determine when to irrigate thus; saving water. He also invented the thermometer that would ring left. Also he can write with both hands at the same time and
the famers phone when the temperature neared freezing so the smudge pots and wind machines could be started.; One invention that in a demonstration at the Porterville Lanes Coffee Clatch he
became international was the airbags in automobiles. He worked with the Dunn family at the ABC Awning Co. on west Olive Ave. Both wrote Max Day’s name with both hands at the same time.
Laverne Dunn and his son Lewis perfected the airbag part of the invention.; The Dunn’s also installed the airbags in the Cadillac Lim- Max with the left hand and Day with the right hand. Max
ousine and it worked. The Mercedes Car Co. in Germany purchased the rights to the invention and they were the first to have airbags in attended the Alta Vista Grammar School and wrote on the
the cars. In this picture with the old Cadillac is Roscoe Land. blackboard with his right hand and at his desk with his left
hand.
A Place Called
PAGE 4A THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER 2022
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
SRehab
ierra Valley
Sierra Valley Rehab Center has been
serving the city of Porterville for more
than 20 years, and we pride ourselves
Center
on the reputation we have built in our
community. We have been voted Best
Excellence In Caring Elder Care in our community three
years in a row, and we continue to
strive towards excellence.
• 24 Hours Skilled Nursing Care
• Specialized Alzheimer’s Program 301 West Putnam Ave., SIERRA VIEW
DISTRICT HOSPITAL
559-784-7375
REHAB CENTER
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Frank Neiblas and Bill Knighten enlisted in the army after
The Flour Mill in Murry Park is seen across the lake at Murry Park. This was the second flour mill in Murry Park. The first one graduation from the Porterville High School in 1942. Bill
was a wooden structure and this one was of brick. When it was torn down in 1938 the City Manager was Charles Cummings and Knighten died in 1943.
he got the brick to build his new home on Corona Drive. This building would have made a great Museum.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Porterville getting ready for the November 11th Armistice Day Parade. This picture was taken in the 1940’s.
Quik-Rooter and Plumbing Inc. has been loyally serving members of California’s
Central Valley for more than 30 years. Billy Ray Williford established the company
in 1976 to serve just one location in Porterville, California. We now work across five
counties and in more than eight cities to provide commercial, residential, industrial,
municipal and farming and agricultural service.
The Organization for the Legal Advancement of Raza, Inc. is best known
in our community as O.L.A. Raza. The organization was founded in
1974 at U.C. Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco by a group
of Chicano Law Students, including Porterville’s Roberto and Teresa
de la Rosa. O.L.A. Raza’s mission is rather simple: to provide legal
information, education and services to disadvantaged students and Roberto de la Rosa
Executive Director: Recipient of
poor communities. 1993 Tulare County Bar
Association Liberty Bell Award.
During its first decade of service, O.L.A. Raza increased the number
of Public Interest Law Attorneys by assisting thousands of Law
School applicants in California, Arizona, New Mexico, Washington and
Colorado gain admission to law schools by preparing them for the
Law School Admission Test and by providing them with a Summer
Legal Studies Institute. O.L.A. Raza Law Graduates participated in its
Bar Exam Preparation and New Attorney Placement Project.
Its Executive Director, Roberto de la Rosa and its Director of Advocacy, O.L.A. Raza Staff
2020
Teresa de la Rosa welcome invitations to deliver immigration and
citizenship information to churches, schools or colleges, clubs and
parents groups.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
u s t L ike Home
J
SPECIAL THANKS TO
ALL OF OUR OUTSTANDING
Transmission & 4x4 CAREGIVERS!
DONNIE WILSON 365 N. Pearson Drive,
Owner Suite #1 Porterville, CA 93257
559-781-7779 Office (559) 781-4378 • Fax (559) 781-4234
wilsonstransmission.com * Personal Caregivers * Homemakers * Respite Care
68 W. Henderson Ave. * Convalescent Care * Alzheimer’s * Hourly Care
Porterville, CA * CA License #544700004
A Place Called
2022 THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER PAGE 9A
Build Upon the Past;
Build a Brighter Future
With a Degree from
National University
at Porterville College
• Onsite degrees offered at
Porterville College
° Bachelor of Science
in Criminal Justice
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Monty Reyes and Jeff Edwards do a little historical skit on the history of Porterville. Monty is
Administration
Royal Porter Putnam the founder of Porterville who has been reincarnated for the Sesquicen-
tennial year of Porterville. Jeff Edwards interviews Mr. Putnam about historical events that ° Bachelor of Arts in
are funny or sensitive happenings. Jeff and Monty can perform the skit at service clubs and
gatherings under the auspices of the Sesquicentennial Committee in celebration of the 150th
Interdisciplinary Studies
year of the City of Porterville.
with an Inspired Teaching
and Learning Preliminary
Multiple Subject Teaching
Credential
• Four- Week Classes with
over 75 additional degree
programs offered online.
• Participates in the California
Community Colleges-
Associate Degree for Transfer
a (CCC-ADT) program reducing
tuition to ONLY $7,000
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
This is the Kiwanis Food Booth at the Porterville Fair in 1948. Ross Boyd; a Porterville builder per year.
is congratulating Mac Williams; the other man is unidentified. Hamburgers and hot dogs were
twenty cents and drinks just ten cents.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
The Ice House on the corner of D Street and Vine Avenue was built right after the railroad
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 in Porterville. Howard was a great help in
naming the different homes as he had delivered ice and been in most of the homes.
31 Years!
Since 1991
Congratulations on being
selected DC of the Year –
five years in a row!
Springville Chamber
celebrating its 70th anniversary
BY Springville CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
One of the notoriously steep grades in the mountains was the Fraizer Grade; on the way to
Mountain Home. Many of the Model T Fords would have to back up the grade. The gas was
fed to the engine by gravity and when the motor was higher than the gas tank the engine
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO would quit.; Coming down; the hill was so steep the old Fords would lose their brakes so to
Peddlers were prominent in the early days and in this case Mr. Gruninger not only had to prevent a run-away; the driver would cut a small tree and drag it behind the car as a brake.
bake his bread and pastries he then had to go out and sell it all over town. Milk and Veg- Here you see the tree behind the old car about 1913. Mr. Wong sold his vegetables tot the
gies were also sold in this fashion and Mr. Wong delivered his veggies to Mountain Home people working in Mt. Home lumber mills and once his wagon and team lost control amd
in the summer time. Mr. Wong was killed on the Frazier Grade.
Income Tax
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
These men were employed by the Sunbeam Bakery. They are from left; Dom Spallina; Dean Hahn; Irvin Christl and Laverne Kunert.
(559) 333-2656
559-539-2341
Since 2015
hornsby@ocsnet.net
www.successlakemarina.com LICENSED, INSURED and BONDED
A Place Called
2022 THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER PAGE 15A
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
In 1950 Drive Inns were popular and Porterville had about five drive inns and Delaney’s was the most popular. It was located on West Olive Ave, Service as by a pretty girl and you never had
to get out of your car, Draggin Main was popular and kids would drive from The Anslemo Drive near Gang Suesand turn around at Coleman’s at the high school. Today the Chinese Buffet
Restaurant is on the same location and a portion of the Delaney Drive is was used in the construction of the Chinese Restaurant.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
From the left is Roland Croslin, organizer. Herb Bonds, master of ceremonies , John Gobel,
President and John Hobbs from the United Way.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
How did Mill Ave. get its name? There was a flour mill in Burbank Park, that is now Murry
Park, and this was the street that lead directly to the mill. Mr. Bunker has a load of the grain to
be ground and is headed to the mill. Mr. Bunker lived in the Poplar area.
Take notice of the building on the right. That was the Majestic Theater on the northwest cor-
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO ner of Mill Ave. and Third Street. When the theater was torn down for the French Laundry.
J.R. Francis is adjusting hie digital equipment prior to starting the show that he worked on for The granite not used for the Morton Street School was put in the hole. If you dig down a foot
almost a year prior to the 55th Reunion of the Class of 1954. or so you will hit rock.
1961
2022
61 years still
Porterville’s Finest
place for your
Home Furnishings
HARRIS HOME
FURNISHINGS
214 N. 2ND ST. • PORTERVILLE, CA 93257
(559) 784-1746
Education
Health
Lorem
A Place Called
PAGE 2B THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER 2022
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
In 1962 Buck Shaffer stood the Porterville High School Band to the Seattle World Fair and represented the State of California. Governor Edward Brown complimented the band on
their conduct and performance. Bill Rodgers lined up the band of this picture and the Needle and Jeff Edwards took the picture. The occasion was California day at the fair and Bill
Rodgers used this picture in his Farm Tribune Newspaper. A bus load of local people made the trip to be at the celebration.
PORTERVILLE B.P.O.
ELKS #1342
(SINCE 1917)
386 N. MAIN STREET (Main & Morton)
Porterville, CA 93257
Our regular membership meetings
are on the second, and fourth
Thursdays at 7:00 PM.
Exceptions: (November & December second Thursdays Only.)
(July & August, 4th Thursday only.)
Our Lodge members are encouraged to attend these sessions.
Host your meetings, social events,
fundraisers and more with us!
Questions
Call for more information 559-784-1342
We are accepting applications for new memberships
A Place Called
2022 THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER PAGE 3B
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
After World War I all of the schools had a Cadet Corps and Porterville was no exception. Frank Howard was the first musical director of the Porterville High School. In 1925; when
this picture was taken by Bill Hammond. Mr. Knott was the musical director and Miss Noyes was the choir director and taught violin for the orchestra. The drum is lined with; Por-
terville Union High School with HSC in the middle. HSC stands for High School Cadets. The band played for celebrations.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Clyde Edwards and his best frien; Clarence Futoza went to school together from the first grade until they graduated There’s no place like
‘‘Home”
fromj Tulare High School. Clyde is in the center of this Oakdale School class picture and Clarence is on Clyde's right
side.; After graduation they both went into the service. It was during World War II. Clyde joined the Army and Clarence
the Navy. Iwo Jima was one of the most costly and hard fought battles of the Pacific and Clyde was on a landing craft
getting ready to land on the beack. The landing craft was circling in the bay when Clyde noticed the piolot of the land-
ing craft had Frutoza on the back of his shirt. Sure enough it was his school buddy Clarence taking him to the beach of
Iwo Jima. Both Clyde and Clarence survived the war. Both have died of old age.
Opening in 1985 as
Home Realty and
Appraisal
we have been continuously adapting to the
changes in our industry, while growing our
business and supporting this community
where we are deeply rooted.
In 1991 we changed our name to “Home Realty and
Land Co” to be more representative of who we are
as your hometown real estate company. In 2015 we
renovated an office building at 120 N. Main Street,
so we can be located in the heart of downtown
Porterville.
With a focus and pride on being locally owned,
our agents do business in all areas of real estate -
home, commercial and agriculture.
Home Realty and Land Co. takes pride in being an
active member of the Porterville 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
become friends, family and neighbors.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
This is the Dr. Henrehan Home and was just east of the Senior Center in Porterville. Dr. Henrehan was a veteran
of the Civil War and came to Porterville right after the Civil War ended and was the only Dr. in Porterville until the
coming of the railroad in 1888. The tree was called the hanging tree because the Indians who killed Mrs. Jesse
Bonsell and her two children; Charles and Walter; were hung there. In 1916; the Santa Fe Railroad; came to Porter- 120 N. Main Street - Porterville, CA 93257
ville and the tree was in the right of way and was cut down. 559-784-4000
home-realty.com
@HomeRealtyandLand | @HomeRealtyandLand
A Place Called
PAGE 4B THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER 2022
A Place Called
2022 THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER PAGE 5B
PORTERVILLE
COLLEGE
We Make it
Easy to get
Started
Get help paying for
school, books,
food, supplies,
& more while you
go to school!
Porterville College
has over 40 degree
and
Job Skills Certificate
programs to help
you on the path to
YOUR FUTURE!
REGISTER NOW
for Fall Classes!
ALL NEWLY ENROLLED STUDENTS RECEIVE:
• A NEW Windows Laptop to keep!*
• 24/7 Access to Mental and Medical Health Care with
PC Telehealth**
• Financial Aid Support (for those who qualify) to help with
tuition and other costs.
• Easy Access to tutors, mentors, and other instructional
support programs.
Apply Today!
Scan this QR code
with your phone to
get started.
www.PortervilleCollege.edu
*You must complete a full semester to keep the laptop. See Financial Aid website for details. **Paid for by student health fee.
Visit www.PCTelehealth for more information. ***Depends on program eligibiltiy. Visit individual program websites for details.
*****Earn up to $1500 in grants based on the number of units taken.
Must be enrolled in at least 6 units to take advantage of offer. See financial aid website for details.
Groundbreaking for PC
Allied Health Building held
BY JAMIE A. HUNT
jhunt@portervillerecorder.com
The groundbreaking
ceremony for the long-
time planned Porterville
College Allied Health
Building took place to
great acclaim on Thurs-
day, February 24.
Dignitaries from the
Tule River Tribe, Por-
terville College district,
City, State representa-
tives attended the cer-
emony.
Vice Chairman Shine
Nieto of the Tule River
Tribe of Yokuts acknowl-
edged the land, and said,
“I’m very happy for you
guys, and thank you for
how you are helping
everyone with cancer,
and the diseases that
we all get. Welcome to
this land; It’s not just on
the reservation, it’s all
of us together. “We are
all Yokuts, “The People.”
Thank you for all you do
to help us.”
Dr. Claudia Habib,
Porterville College RENDERING CONTRIBUTED BY PORTERVILLE COLLEGE
President welcomed ev- This Computer Rendering illustrates the main entrance of the Allied Health building at Porterville College.
eryone to the grounding
breaking ceremony and Measures J and G, and State funds, and working the architects who he worked with, the size and the
spoke about how near-and-dear to her heart the with Randy Rowles, the architect and his team. cost of the building, and praised all the people he
project for the Allied Health building was, and This groundbreaking marks a new beginning for worked with. He said the new health care building is
how it was the first project she championed as PC our college, and the Allied Health students of the fu- targeted to be completed by December 2023.
president. ture. The AH Program Building will set itself apart. Gabriel Garcia represented the students from
She thanked KCCD chancellor Sonya Christian, There are not enough words to thank the people of the Allied Health program at PC and spoke about
KCCD Board of Trustee John Corkins,and said his Porterville and Tulare County.
how he felt when he began working in the program
support was invaluable, and thanked Porterville Thank you for putting your trust in us to educate and how supportive they’ve all been. The journey
Mayor Martha Flores, and Sierra View Medical the Allied Health professionals of the future.”
of the program and completing the clinical hours,
Center KCCD trustee John Corkins spoke about the de-
CEO/President Donna Hefner for being at the cer- velopment of the building and welcomed the ground and the support of health care staff, he’s excited
emony, as well as Randy Rowles, everyone at Teater breaking. He said it would go a long way in helping for the students and professionals. The new build-
Architecture Firm, the students and staff from the to create and educate the nursing, paramedic, and ing will provide opportunities for health careers
Allied Health Center. health care professionals not just in Porterville, but and nursing in Porterville, and possibly paramed-
“This is a big day for us,” said Habib, “after all all the surrounding communities in Tulare County. ics and a nursing program.
the years of planning the wait is finally over. The KCCD Assoc. Vice Chancellor, and Construction Also students and nurses would not have to
project that started as a vision has now been made and facilities planning Randy Knowles spoke about travel to Fresno or Bakersfield to continue their
possible by the KCCD trustees, with monies from the design of the building, studies with the new state-of-the-art building.
fun
SUPPORTIVE
community-minded
member driven
ENGAGED
DiscoverTulareCounty.com
dynamic
CIRCLE OF EXCELLENCE
COMMUNITY LEADERS
A Place Called
PAGE 10B THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER 2022
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
PC Allied Health Building and College Ave. Realignment plans.
The CG7200 is a keyboard operated display photo-typsetting machine designed to produce continuous photographic paper output copy with a 14-72 point size range, top aligned for all
point sizes, that was purchased by The Recorder in 1969.
When a key on the input keyboard is depressed, it generates a STROBE signal and locks down through a mechanical interlock system incorporated into the keyboard. The STROBE signal
sets flip flop-LKOUT on the lead edge, which generates a pulse. At the same time, the code generated byu the key being held down is impressed upon the keyboard decoder. This card
decodes all the space codes and control functions used to operate the typesetting unit.
2019 to
present
65 N.
Hockett St.
in downtown
Porterville.
Ag - Business
A Place Called THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER 2022
PAGE 2C
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
From the 1930’s into the 1950’s Cotton Center; west of Porterville was the asparagus capital
of California. Fred and Raymond Williams were the big growers but other families like the
Bunkers and Postens were also involved in the growing of asparagus.; This photograph
shows two men and a mule harvesting asparagus. The men would cut the asparagus and
use the same mule and sled. The mule was trained to pull up when he heard the word
hay and to stop when he heard the word; Haw.; Asparagus grew quickly and had to be
cut practically every day. The Williams brothers had a packing shed and refrigeration shed
in Cotton Center and held their harvest until the price was right and then they dumped
everything on the Los Angeles Market and killed the market for the smaller growers. This
photograph was taken in 1947.
2016
2018
Randall & Susie Carroll
1995
8 Valley Locations
Porterville:
Corner of 65 & North Grand • (559) 781-5040
45th
677 South Plano • (559) 266-5040
CARROLLSTIRE.COM
2022
A Place Called THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER PAGE 3C
One of the reasons we have a good accounting pers and claimed to have once been the youngest managing editor in
of the last 110 years of Porterville history here the country. The Deans ran The Recorder until Freedom Newspapers
at The Recorder is that we have been around for bought the paper in 1974, at which time Graham Dean retired as its
most of it — 113 years, to be exact. editor and publisher.
Estha Mae Hinton went to work at The Recorder in 1963 as society
The first issue of The Porterville Recorder was published on May
editor: she was a natural at it.
21, 1908. The lead story introduced readers to staffers such as Percy
“In my position, I met people at all the most emotional times of their
F. Adelsback, who was pulling double duty at the time as managing
lives — births, school events, graduations, engagements, weddings,
editor and publisher, and bragged on the “up-to-the-minute” equip-
receptions and the deaths of loved ones,” said Hinton years after her
ment (like the Linotype typesetting machine) that was being used to
retirement when she was 92. “By being one with the family at the
produce the new newspaper. It was evident at the very start that The
happy, proud and sad times, I became very fond of a wide section of
Recorder wanted to be the community’s hometown paper.
Porterville.”
In that first story, Adelsback practically threw open the front doors.
Hinton maintained The Recorder’s strength is in its emphasis on local
“We will be glad at all times to have our friends come in and inspect
news.
the plant,” he wrote, adding a special invitation to “our out-of-town
“Our paper is the best because it’s the only one in position to tell the
friends, especially the farmer people who make only occasional trips
world what’s going on here,” Hinton said. “If we don’t toot our own
to the city.”
horn, nobody else is going to toot it for us.”
Feel free, he said, to make The Recorder office your “headquarters”
One milestone in The Recorder’s history was the move to its current
and spend with us your “idle time.” Adelsback was being neighborly,
office at 115 E. Oak Avenue. The building was extensively remodeled
starting a tradition that has continued to this day.
and had its grand reopening in 2001. Publisher Tom Conner noted at
“When you pick up a copy of The Recorder, you become more con-
the time that some visitors said “they could not recognize the place —
nected with your community, from developing issues about local
the change is that dramatic.”
government and schools to human interest stories that chronicle the
When Rhode Island Newspapers purchased the Recorder in 2013,
experience of living in Porterville,” says current Recorder editor Matt
Rick Elkins was named publisher. Elkins was at the helm until his
Sarr. “I feel that the more a person reads about the happenings in their
retirement in September of 2017. Bill Parsons became publisher in
town, the more likely they are to take ownership and get involved in
February 2018. In the news story introducing Parsons he said if a pa-
making that town a better place to live. We try every day at the Re-
per does not serve its community it has no reason to exist.
corder to tell your stories and the stories of your friends and neigh-
“We are here to serve this community and bring to our many read-
bors.”
ers the very best newspaper each day that we can possibly be,” said
Rhode Island Suburban Newspapers purchased The Recorder in 2013
Parsons. “It has been a pleasure to be part of the Recorder staff and
from Irvine-based Freeedom Communications, who had owned the
to lead such a talented, hard-working group of newspaper profession-
paper since 1974. Prior to 1974, the paper’s ownership had changed
als,” Parsons continued. “Our goal each day is to bring the community
hands quite often.
news and sports that our readers want. Covering local events and the
In 1909, John T. Goodrick Jr. and Leslie McAuliff acquired control-
people of this community is what we do best.
ling interest, promising to “give the news accurately and impartially,
“No one covers Porterville and Southern Tulare County the way we
without discriminating (and) regardless of its effect on friends or
do”, continued Parsons. “The Recorder has served this community
enemies.”
faithfully for over 110 years. The challenge of continuing that out-
In 1920, John R. Bell, formerly of Storm Lake, Iowa, bought The Re-
standing coverage is one we accept and will do our best to make all
corder, bringing to Porterville “wide newspaper experience.”
those staff members that have called the Recorder home over the
In 1923, Will H. Hornibrook, described as a new arrival in the city,
years proud of our efforts. Just as it was back in 1908, we invite you
became the paper’s owner. The announcement heralding his arrival
to come visit and spend some time with us. The Recorder is your
noted that Hornibrook had successfully published newspapers in
hometown newspaper.”
Oregon and Vancouver, Washington, and had “served in the American
Even today in the Internet age, The Recorder still employs 20 people
diplomatic service in the capacity of United States Minister to Siam.”
in Porterville and publishes papers six days a week.
In 1924, The Recorder became the property of C.L. Day, former pub-
“Even in modern times when people have so much information avail-
lisher of the San Luis Obispo Daily Telegram.
able to them in an instant through their smart phones, The Recorder
In 1927, readers opened their papers to read, “Folks, meet Homer W.
remains a publication where you can read stories about Porterville and
Wood.” Wood, a lawyer who was said to be the “father of the Rotary
surrounding neighborhoods that you can’t find anywhere else,” said
on the Pacific Coast,” had bought The Recorder. He ran the newspaper
Sarr. “If we continue to be an active and caring member of this com-
until 1960.
munity, and as long as readers know they can walk in our door at any
In 1960, Mr. and Mrs. Graham M. Dean bought The Recorder from
time and tell us what’s on their mind, I think our paper will continue
Mr. Wood. Graham Dean had an extensive background in newspa-
to be an important part of Porterville life for years to come.”
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
This is the Club House that was three miles above Springville. It was built by some prominent business men from Porterville. In the month of April the men would spend a week at the
clubhouse drinking and parting. However people going to Camp Nelson would spend the night there. They could get to the clubhouse from Porterville but from the clubhouse to
Camp Nelson it was by pack train and Jim Akin had a ranch across the road and he rented livestock for the journey. Pearle Zalud spent the summer of 1902 in Camp Nelson with two of
her girl friends Martha McFarland and Gladys Mc Donald. Pearle said they crossed the Tule River 18 times between the Akin Ranch and Camp Nelson. The Club House was torn down in
1930 and became the CCC camp (California Conservation Corp)
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
The Billingsly home was next to the Livery Stable on the west side of Main Street between
Putnam Ave and Cleveland Ave. The Billingsly family owned the entire half block between
the alley and Main Street. All of the Livery Stables in Porterville were owned and operated
by southern people who were confederates in the Civil War.; Billingsly Livery Stable had the
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO contract to grease the whiskey wagons when they came to town with their whiskey bar-
Many new businesses were started soon after the end of World War II and the King's Ga- rels. The grease job was done at night and the next morning Mr. Billingsly seemed drunk
rage was one of them. Wayne and Aphus King started their garage in the early 1950's and and they knew he was stealing whiskey but could not figure out how.; Mr. Billingsly would
featured service and would help people get their cars started at no charge. At the time the drill a small hole in the barrel and then insert a wheat straw and fill several jugs of whiskey
King brothers went in business in the 500 block of West Putnam the Sierra View Hospital and seal the hole with a small stick or match. He was never caught. Later the home was
100 Years
was in construction across the street. moved to Hockett Street and was eventually torn down.
From Downtown
Porterville’s
Hardware Store...
to Downtown
son of French immigrants, originally started in business
in 1916 after winning a bicycle shop in a poker game.
Porterville’s
Whether that’s true or not, we do know that about that
time Frank opened Lalanne’s Vulcanizing Works on the
corner of Main and Olive, in Porterville California. It
Fabric Store
wasn’t long before Frank’s company became one of the
first in Tulare County to receive shipments of rubber tires.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Imperial Ambulance
FUNDRAISER FOR THE ZALUD HOUSE MUSEUM
FREE TO ATTEND
In 1960 Charles Hargis along with business partners Orville and Hazel Loftin purchased
the ambulance transport service from the City of Porterville Fire Department. Together they
created Imperial Ambulance with two vehicles, a 1956 Cadillac and a 1958 Pontiac. The
Loftin’s converted their back residence into the business property so they could operate
the business from home. In 1962 Myron and Miriam Wilcox bought out Charles Hargis to
become partners with the Loftin family at which point they incorporated the business.
Shortly after creating the corporation, the families went on to add a funeral coach and
limousine business along with a medical supply company.
OCTOBER DOWNTOWN
8TH
In the beginning, ambulance personnel were only required to retain a current CPR card
to attend and transport patients. In 1974 ambulance personnel were required to take a
PORTERVILLE
6-month EMT-I course to be eligible to operate as an ambulance attendant and driver.
In 1981 it was required for ambulance attendants to be certified as EMT-II’s and drivers to
continue to be certified as EMT-I’s. As the company continued to grow, Imperial Ambulance
provided the city of Lindsay with an ambulance.
In 1993 Trent Fiori was hired as a parttime EMT-I. Shortly after Trent started the EMT-II program,
was moved to fulltime and later became the youngest EMT-II in Tulare County at the age RIB COOK-OFF I PAGEANTS I VENDORS
of 19. Trent has worked for Imperial Ambulance for 29 years and he continues to work for
Imperial Ambulance as the President of Operations. LIVE SHOOT OUT I HISTORICAL DISPLAYS
Imperial Ambulance continues to be involved with its local community by providing
service to parades, various city events and vaccine clinics. Imperial Ambulance is active
REENACTMENTS I KIDS CORRAL
with the local schools by providing scholarships at Porterville College and Porterville
High School’s Academy of Health Sciences. Imperial Ambulance also provides safety
OLD WEST GAMES I MUSIC & MORE!
Presented By:
demonstrations at local elementary and preschools, standbys at high school sporting
events and graduations.
Imperial’s family legacy continues to this day. The company is
now owned by Orville and Hazel Loftin’s daughter Emily Thiroux,
granddaughters Abby Auffant, Pamela Galbraith and Theresa Hall.
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 2D THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER 2022
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Weisenberger’s Ace Hardware
Home
CALLING PORTERVILLE
Since 1944
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
“Freeman’s Resevoir” on the Freeman ranch near the Saucelito School southwest of Porterville. This was where all the neighbors and their children swa,. The Freeman family moved her
from Santa Monica, Ca. Mr. Bill Freeman soon after built this “swimming hole” for swimming and irrigation.
Believers Church
"Then and Now"
Love God. Love People.
Serving our Community since 1981
DROUGHT
RESPONSE Phase III
Mandatory Odd/Even Watering Schedule, based on address.
Residents will be allowed TWO days a week to water lawns
and landscapes. No watering allowed on Mondays,
Thursdays, and Fridays.
DROUGHT
RESPONSE
PHASE lll
The City of Porterville has adopted Phase Ill of its
Drought Response Plan. As part of the Phase Ill plan,
the City has restricted watering days to two days per
week, based on address.
DO OK OK DO DO OK OK
NOT TO TO NOT NOT TO TO
WATER WATER WATER WATER WATER WATER WATER
OR
EVEN NUMBER ADDRESSES
If your address ends with
an “even” number, 0, 2, 4, 6,
or 8, your watering days are
Wednesday and Sunday only.
Mandatory Excessive
Odd/Even Watering water runoft
Schedule prohibited
The washing of sidewalks and
driveways is prohibited
Vehicles shall only be washed on
designated watering days and
with hoses equipped with a
shut-oft 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 ON
CONTRIBUTED BY SHIRLEY PERRY POLANEC MONDAYS, THURSDAYS,
AND FRIDAYS.
My mother and father, Earl and Clotes Perry, took all six of my siblings, in the summer of
1954, to Bartlet Park for a picnic and swimming. I did not like to get in the water so no
bathing suit. I enjoyed walking on the rocks.
A Place Called
PAGE 6D THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER 2022
This picture
was taken at
the Grand
Opening of the
Zalud House
on April 29,
1977.
CONTRIBUTED
PHOTO
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
How did Mill Ave. get its name? There was a flour mill in Burbank Park, that is now Murry Park, and CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
this was the street that lead directly to the mill. Mr. Bunker has a load of the grain to be ground and In 1961 Lupe Haun on the right was Woman of the Year for her work in starting
is headed to the mill. Mr. Bunker lived in the Poplar area. the Sheltered Workshop and was awarded a certificate by Maxine Hodgson
Take notice of the building on the right. That was the Majestic Theater on the northwest corner of who was the 1960 Woman of the Year. The Sheltered Workshop has continued
Mill Ave. and Third Street. When the theater was torn down for the French Laundry. The granite not to grow and employ the handicapped and proved services to the community.
used for the Morton Street School was put in the hole. If you dig down a foot or so you will hit rock.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
• Collision Repair
• Complete Paint Jobs
Happy Hearts • Towing Available
Children‛s Center Lifetime Guarantee on all repairs & paint!
CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
Above: The Van Doorman tree was such a large redwood tree that it could not be hauled
out of the mountains in one piece and had to be split into sections and then put together at
another location. People would not believe a tree could be so big and having been split into
sections only increased their doubt. One of the men doing the splitting is John Talley. He
worked with a partner, Earl McDonald and it could be him in the picture.
Right: John Talley and Earl McDonald were premier tree fallers in the Mountain Home are in
the 1900’s. The cut in the tree is the direction the tree was going to fall. The redwood trees in
our area are brittle and they tried to fall the trees up hill so it was a shorter fall. The redwood
tress has a thick bark and when Earl McDonald died his lungs were like fur because of all the
bark that he inhaled. The ladders went to spring boards that the men stood on and swung
their axes or pulled their saws.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
Right: Pat McDonald of Springville invented this wedge to use in the processing of the red-
wood trees in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Today the wedge is on display in the Springville
Museum.
Pat McDonald was a pioneer lumberman and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He
was a heavy equipment operator and got the idea of using a wedge to split the large redwood
logs in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
At the end of the war in 1947 Pat went to work with the Jordan family to harvest the large
redwood logs that had been abandoned because of their size. Pat designed this wedge that
would be attached to the blade of a caterpillar tractor. There was some slack in the shaft of the
wedge. The wedge was placed on the log and then the tractor would pop the clutch and split
the redwood stump wide open. Now the stump would be small enough to be handled.
The Jordan Family offered to pay Pat on a percentage of stumps harvested or to work on
salary. Pat chose the salary and had he chosen the percentage he would have made a lot of
money.
Soon limits were placed on the use of redwood so the next year Pat McDonald went to the Or-
egon and Washington states and remained in the lumber industry. I never saw Pat McDonald
after he left Porterville.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO