July 1, 2025

A Message from the President

Dear Members, Friends, and Supporters,

The second half of the year is certainly making itself known with a number of newsworthy events across the globe! And, just so you know, I do realize this is not Memorial Day May or Veterans Day November. However, with July being a patriotic month and our region being so supportive of our service members, I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to break some very exciting news coming up this fall. 

If you have ever had the honor of visiting the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., you probably, as I did, experienced emotions that were hard to name. The Wall is simply breathtaking. 

The two-acre site features a minimalist design with two black granite walls inscribed with the names of over 58,000 service members who died or remain missing. 

"These names, seemingly infinite in number..."

Here's a more detailed look:

Key Features:

• The Wall: The most prominent feature, a 500-foot-long wall of polished black granite with the names of those who died or are missing in action, listed chronologically. 
• Three Soldiers Statue: Depicts three servicemen, representing the diverse backgrounds of those who served. 
• Vietnam Women's Memorial: Honors the service of women in the Vietnam War. 

Significance:

• The memorial serves as a place for remembrance, reflection, and healing for veterans, families, and visitors. 
• It was initially controversial for its minimalist design but has become a highly visited and respected memorial. 
• It's located on the National Mall, near the Lincoln Memorial, and is maintained by the National Park Service. 

Thanks in large part to the Clovis Veterans Memorial District and several other distinguished Veterans’ groups, a traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. – will visit Clovis, California, from October 9-12, 2025. 

The Wall That Heals is transported from community to community in a 53-foot trailer. When parked, the trailer opens with exhibits built into its sides, allowing it to serve as a mobile Education Center telling the story of the Vietnam War, The Wall, and the divisive era in American history. 

The three-quarter scale Wall replica is 375 feet long and stands 7.5 feet high at its tallest point. Visitors will experience The Wall rising above them as they walk towards the apex, a key feature of the design of The Wall in D.C. Visitors are able to do name rubbings of individual service member’s names on The Wall. 

The Mobile Education Center exhibit includes: digital photo displays of “Hometown Heroes” - service members whose names are on The Wall that list their home of record within the area of a visit; digital photo displays of Vietnam veterans from the local area honored through VVMF’s In Memory program which honors veterans who returned home from Vietnam and later died; video displays that teach about the history and impact of The Wall; educational exhibits told through items representative of those left at The Wall in D.C.; a replica of the In Memory plaque; a map of Vietnam and a chronological overview of the Vietnam War. The exhibits tell the story of the Vietnam War, The Wall, and the era surrounding the conflict, and are designed to put American experiences in Vietnam in a historical and cultural context.

I am hopeful this advance notice will give you plenty of time to plan to visit.

Before we move on, I wanted to remind everyone of the Dinuba Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Wall which is on permanent display.

“The Vietnam Wall was created to commemorate all who gave their lives during the Vietnam conflict The wall represents a small portion of all who died in defense of our beloved country, the United States of America. During the Vietnam War over 58,300 died and over 2,590,000 served. We the veterans in Dinuba want to preserve and ensure that these young men and women ore never forgotten. We the veterans of Dinuba and the Dinuba American Legion Post-19, want the country, our state. and our community to understand that the freedom we take for granted is not free.

“In June of 2014. Dinuba Alta post-19 took a huge undertaking and agreed to sponsor a nonprofit campaigning to purchase a 50% replica of the Vietnam Wall. The Vietnam Wall Memorial Fund soon began. The first to get on board was The City of Dinuba which gave a donation pledge of $5,000. Since then, the Vietnam Memorial Wall has taken a life of its own. Soon after a contract was drawn between the moving wall out of Texas and the Dinuba American Legion Post-19.

“The replica of the Vietnam Wall arrived in Dinuba on April 19, 2015. On April 30, 2015, the wall was dedicated. which marked the 40th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. The wall is located in the Dinuba Veterans Memorial Building.”

As the mother of an active-duty Army Captain, who has friends and colleagues stationed at many bases located in some troubled spots around the world, please join me in hoping every single one of those brave service members and their families, who, for 250 years, have and continue to dedicate themselves to defending our great nation, are able to enjoy a blessed and uneventful holiday as our country turns the corner toward our Semiquincentennial in 2026.

Wishing you a “safe and sane” July, 

Elizabeth Laval                                               

President                                                 

Fresno City and County Historical Society 

“What I don't want to see is we get into this whitewashing or straight washing or any washing of anybody's uniqueness. What really makes Fresno unique is the vast difference. Had I moved to Northridge or L.A., I feel like that's more everybody's like everybody else. Everybody's trying to compete to live up to the Joneses and have all the same things. I love that I live in a farming community, that I can see where our food is grown, and I see the businesses that are trying to build from the bottom up. I hope and envision a downtown that doesn't look like L.A. but looks uniquely weird like Fresno and uniquely different from the Tower District. I hope that we can live in a space that embraces the differences, respects that we can agree to disagree on some things but doesn't let go of the American ideal of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” 

-Robin McGhee 

“Well to start out about me, I was born in Fresno in August of 1949 at St. Agnes Hospital and that's the same place my grandmother died in later years, but the first Gragnanis that came to Fresno County actually were in 1906. My grandfather came through Ellis Island in New York and came across to San Francisco. He worked in San Francisco for about a year, and he told me his stories. He would tell me about working in a coffee company making glass jars and different things that he did for the coffee company in San Francisco.”  

-Gary Gragnani

Oral history is more than storytelling—it’s the preservation of cultural memory. These voices help us understand where we’ve come from and shape the way we move forward together.

We’re honored to be stewards of this work and can’t wait to share more as the project continues. 

Cheers friends!

Shadows of the Past: Twilight Tours at the Kearney Mansion

by Debbie Unger, Tour Manager

This summer, history comes alive in the golden glow of twilight at the Kearney Mansion Museum. The Fresno City & County Historical Society invites you to experience Shadows of the Past: Twilight Tours at the Kearney Mansion Museum & Gallery, a unique after-hours look at the historic home of M. Theo Kearney who was known as the “Raisin King of California.”

As the sun sets over the Kearney Mansion, visitors will experience the Mansion’s historic path and the lives once lived in its Servants’ Quarters, with compelling narratives about the early 1900s. The fading light casts new shadows on old tales, adding mystery and beauty to every room.

Each tour lasts approximately one hour and twenty minutes, with plenty of time to explore the Museum’s current exhibits, shop at our Kearney Ranch Market and enjoy a closer look at Kearney Park’s beautiful renowned landscape. With limited group sizes, the experience is intimate and personal, offering time for questions and quiet reflection.

Upcoming Twilight Tour Dates:

Beginning Thursday, July 31st, Twilight Tours will run each Thursday evening through September 25th, beginning at 7PM.

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased on our website.

Whether you are a first-time visitor or a local history buff, Twilight Tours offer a rare and unforgettable glimpse into Fresno’s past.

SECURE YOUR PASS TO MURDER

Saturday Night - SOLD OUT

Tickets for the Society's annual October fundraising event, Mystery at Kearney Mansion, have been on sale for four weeks. Saturday night's performance has already SOLD OUT. Seats are still available for all other dates, but don't wait to secure your tickets to this unique experience. Gather your favorite detectives and book your invitation to Murder. 

This year, our mystery will take place in 1931. As you step into the past at Kearney Mansion, you could be forgiven for thinking the Great Depression was already over. Ben Carrie-Deway, one of the nouveau riche, and owner of the Mansion is well known for hosting lavish soirees. You have been invited to the affair. Be sure to dress the part; cocktail attire, feather boas, and top hats are encouraged, although not required. 

Before the evening ends, all of the guests will be suspects and it’s up to you to solve the crime!

Doors open at 6PM sharp for all evening performances and 11AM for our Saturday Matinee. Please arrive promptly to avoid missing an important clue - or becoming a victim yourself. As you know…. murder waits for no one! Those that succeed in their quest will win prizes for their ingenuity.

All persons and events presented during the evening are fictional. The event is not intended to present historic events.

Succulent Social Blooms at Kearney Mansion: 

Community Gathers for an Evening of Creativity & Charm 

By Debbie Unger, Tour Manager 

A charming evening was had by all. On June 26th, the Kearney Mansion Museum was buzzing with laughter, creativity, and the soothing sounds of summer as guests arrived for the highly anticipated Succulent Social with “The Gray Pot." From 6:30 to 8:30PM, attendees enjoyed a warm and welcoming atmosphere filled with hands-on planting, tasty bites, Watermelon Champagne and a bit of Fresno’s rich historical roots. 

Local plant lovers and newcomers alike were guided by The Gray Pot’s expert, Trish Williams, to create their own beautiful succulent arrangements in a fun, relaxed setting. Guests enjoyed a curated charcuterie spread as they mingled on the historic mansion grounds, snapping photos and swapping garden tips. 

After the planting wrapped up, participants were treated to an intimate Twilight Tour of the Mansion, learning about M. Theo Kearney’s legacy and the deep agricultural roots in the San Joaquin Valley. 

“This event was such a fun way to spend time with friends learning a new skill and the rich Valley history of the Kearney Mansion Estate,” said one guest. “It felt like a little escape right here in Fresno.” 

The event sold out quickly and left attendees quite eager for the next unique evening experience at the Kearney Mansion Museum. 

ARCHIVAL SPOTLIGHT

A Light in the Tower: Preserving the Daily Planet

By Donald Spencer MSc., Archivist.

Hello Friends of the Archives,

We are honored to share an incredibly special addition to our collection this year, which connects deeply to the proud work we do here to preserve our local history. We gratefully accepted the collection from the beloved Daily Planet restaurant, once a vibrant cornerstone of Fresno’s historic Tower District.

Generously donated to us by the family of Hannah Benson, we have accessioned a remarkable set of artifacts that tell the story of a restaurant, and its founder, which helped shape the spirit of a neighborhood. For 25 years, The Daily Planet was not just a place to grab a bite to eat, it was a community hub, filled with music, conversation, art, and soul. Under the leadership of founder Hannah Benson, the restaurant became an emblem of Tower District pride, known as much for its personality as its food.

The collection includes early photographs of the restaurant, candid images of Hannah in her element, hand-written recipe books, vintage banners, a Key to the City, awards, blueprints for redesigns, and snapshots of The Daily Planet’s famous Art Deco murals, which are now lost to time. Perhaps most iconic of all, we have acquired the original neon The Daily Planet sign that once glowed brightly in the restaurant’s window, a symbol recognized by generations of Fresno locals and visitors alike.

Hannah Benson was more than a restaurateur, she was an enthusiastic advocate for local history, preservation, and revitalization. As a founding member of the Tower District Marketing Committee, she poured her heart into Fresno’s cultural future. In a 1987 interview with The Fresno Bee, she said, “One thing I cannot stand is the destruction of Fresno's history and identity through the deterioration of its older neighborhoods. Downtown, the West Side, and the Tower District are an important part of what makes Fresno special." When asked what she would do with a million dollars, she answered simply: “I would invest it in the Tower District.”

In her memory, and in recognition of everything she built, we can repay that sentiment and are proud to preserve the story of The Daily Planet for future generations. The collection has been fully accessioned into our archive and will soon be digitized for easier access to this tremendous history. It is a hopeful ambition that one day we may be able to restore the neon sign to its former brilliance, and that it may bring light to our community once more.

We know that many of you remember The Daily Planet. Maybe you had a favorite booth. Maybe you saw the murals before they were painted over. Even a favorite dish from their menu. History is not just preserved in objects, but in the lives they touched and remain alive through spoken words.

Tourism & Fostering Community Engagement

By Candice Hill, Director of Tourism & Strategic Initiatives

Tourism offers more than sightseeing — it fosters community engagement, hands-on learning, and meaningful connections that extend far beyond traditional settings. No matter your organization’s mission, tourism can serve as a powerful tool to amplify your message and deepen your audience's understanding of your story and values.

If you're looking to enhance your mission, vision, initiative, or storytelling, consider connecting with the Historical Society. We’d love to explore how tourism can help bring your goals to life in impactful ways.

Let us help you bring your story to life — one step, one vineyard, one mural at a time.

Neighborhood Walking Tours – Returning Fall 2025

We’re excited to announce that our popular Neighborhood Walking Tours will resume in Fall 2025 through Spring 2026!

Highlights from previous tours include:

Huntington Blvd. – Our largest turnout, with over 30 attendees and a featured guest resident speaker.

San Joaquin River Tour – A close second with 10 guests, this tour explored the area's majestic oak trees, the legacy of the Peck family, Ball Ranch history, the mission of the San Joaquin River Parkway & Trust (SJRPT), and the beauty of the river itself.

Mural District Tour – A unique evening experience with eight guests, capturing abstract art and reflecting on the personal meanings of each mural.

Looking ahead, our tours will revisit these locations and expand to include:

Kings Canyon / Cesar Chavez

Van Ness Avenue

Kearney Blvd.

Tower District

Private Agricultural Tour Demand Growing

Interest in our Private Agricultural Tours continues to rise! These immersive experiences showcase the heart of Fresno County’s agricultural heritage and innovation.

Typical tours last a half-day, with full-day or multi-day options available.

Tours include multiple ag stops, lunch, wine tasting, and interactive bus engagement.

Email us at info@valleyhistory.org with your tour inquiry.

Chinese American Museum Project: Update

By Cami Cipolla, Director of Educational Services and Community Engagement

Hello Friends of The Archive On Kern!

We’re thrilled to share that we’re in the final stages of exhibit design and installation for an expansion of the popular exhibition, From China to Fresno, in partnership with the Chinese American Museum Project (CAMP) and the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association (CCBA).

While elements of the exhibit will remain on view at the Kearney Mansion Museum Gallery, the next installment will debut at The Archive On Kern (AOK) in August. This new iteration will feature different artifacts, educational materials exploring Chinese American history in Fresno, cultural traditions, and introduce you to the Chinese Americans who have shaped our region’s past.

As part of our continued collaboration with the CAMP, we have exciting plans lined up for the 2025–2026 year. In addition to the exhibit, we’ll be offering workshops, public discussions, and immersive cultural experiences for the community to enjoy.

With potential support from the Expanded Access to Arts and Culture grant, CAMP and the Fresno City & County Historical Society (FCCHS) aim to launch a robust slate of programming in the months ahead. Our goal is to establish a permanent home for the full exhibit at AOK in downtown Fresno.

This move represents an unprecedented opportunity to preserve and share the rich cultural heritage and contributions of the Chinese American community in Fresno. It will also allow us to delve more deeply into the history and evolution of Fresno’s Chinatown. The exhibit will draw from the extensive collections of the CCBA and FCCHS, including rare artifacts, photographs, and oral histories that document generations of Chinese American life in the region.

The project will also record and preserve four to five new oral histories from Chinese American community members. These will be made accessible to the public through the CCBA and FCCHS websites and archives.

To foster further community engagement and education, we’re planning eight events over the next year. These will include cultural workshops and public presentations that celebrate the historical experiences and living traditions of Chinese Americans in Fresno. Through these events, we hope to reach new audiences and honor the legacy, resilience, and vital contributions of this foundational community.

This project represents a historical step forward in recognizing and honoring Chinese American heritage in Fresno. We can’t wait to welcome you to The Archive On Kern to explore From China to Fresno, take part in workshops like Moonlight Mahjong and the traditional tea ceremony, and experience the vibrant culture and history of Fresno’s Chinese American community!

ROOTS OF THE VALLEY

With America celebrating her 249th birthday on July 4th, we thought you would enjoy learning how Fresno celebrated the nation’s 149th birthday, one hundred years ago in 1925.

“Bee Broadcasts Superb Radio Program And Aids In Observance Of Fourth”

Constructed for the newly founded Fresno Bee in 1922, this historic building was also home to the city’s first radio station, which began broadcasting as KMJ in 1925. The Fresno Bee and KMJ called the building home for over fifty years before relocating in the early seventies. The building was donated by the McClatchy family in 1979 to start a new museum for Fresno, familiarly known as “The Met.”

“Aiding in the celebration of the Fourth of July, The Fresno Bee’s broadcasting station did its share this afternoon in making the birthday a memorable occasion. 

“Commencing at 2 o'clock several well-known artists were on the air with popular and classical numbers all culminating in the singing of the national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner, by Miss Laura Lauritzen at 3 o'clock when the concert ended and radio fans could tune off and adjourn to the band concert in Courthouse Park. 

“Piano solos of the afternoon were offered by Mrs. Thomas Leddy, an active member of the Fresno Musical Club, who has been on other Bee programs. Her first group consisted of Miracle of the Dwarfs, by Grieg, and Japanese Sunset. Her second selection was Kammenoi Ostrow, by Rubenstein.”

“Miss Laura Lauritzen Sings”

“Miss Laura Lauritzen, possessor of a clear and beautiful soprano voice of matchless purity, gave a program containing not only classical numbers, but some of those old, sweet songs SO beloved by the American nation. 

“Her first group consisted of The Star, by James Rogers and, Children of the Moon, by Warren Homing, and At Parting, by James Rogers, followed. Then came the favorites of bygone days comprising My Wild Irish Rose, by Chauncey Olcott, The Last Rose of Summer, and Dear Little Mother of Mine.

“A feature of the program was the piano solo work of Grove Scott Sims, an 8-year-old boy, who stands on the threshold of a great musical career. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. F. A. Sims of 2012 Clay Street, and his exceptional talent was revealed in a recent studio test made by The Bee. 

“Grove, proud that he had been selected to play on a radio program, gave up the hours usually devoted to play and accumulating Fourth of July fireworks, to long and tedious piano practice in preparation for the concert. 

“Superlative merit of the Friday night program stretched the entertainment well past the signing off hour, but thousands of fans registered approval of the extra time taken.”

“Orchestra Makes Hit”

“Starting off with fast and zippy dance numbers by John C. Edwards and his Californian Hotel Orchestra, interspersed with vocal warblings by Elwood Chamberlain and Unfortunate Blues made happy by Glenn Coleman of the orchestra, the evening drifted into a variety of entertainment. 

“Melba Maltry, cellist and member of the Severance Trio, played several solos, including My Old Kentucky Home and, Mighty Lak’ a Rose. Aerial critics said the voice of the cello went on the air in beautiful fashion. 

“Francis Weisert, Fresno baritone and well-known to music lovers of the city, was a feature of the program. His wonderful voice was heard to advantage in operatic arias and ballads by Sydney Homer, famous American composer. Mrs. Marian Darrah at the piano provided sympathetic accompaniments. 

“Etta Hasse Morrison, pianiste and member of the Severance Trio, a favorite organization of Fresno radio fans, gave several solos on the grand piano commencing with the noted Raindrop Prelude by Chopin and ending with the gorgeous, colorful Spanish Dance by Ketton. The soloist is a graduate of the School of Music at Northwestern University at Evanston, Illinois. 

“George Hackett, organist at the Liberty Theater, made his first radio bow, playing special piano arrangements of several popular airs of the day, including My Little Gypsy Sweetheart, Tiny Dove and Bygones, Ida and Bogie, and Will You Remember, from Maytime.

“Abe Jacobs with his violin gave his wide circle of friends another thrill by playing a medley of American patriotic airs In addition to his regular program, which included such selections as Souvenir and Salut d'Amour. Miss Minnie Marshall was at the piano. 

“Ending a perfect evening, Miss Marie Zirbes, the little girl with the big voice, sang that entrancing gem of beauty, Il Bacio, The Kiss, by Arditti. Miss Marshall was at the piano. The soloist is now preparing a lengthy program which will be broadcast in the near future.”

Interestingly, the celebrations that took place in Fresno’s West Side were chronicled separately from other gatherings in the city. Actually, these activities sounded a lot more fun!

“West Fresno News”

“HOLIDAY NOTED IN WEST FRESNO”  “Houses Decorated, Citizens Join In Celebration Of July Fourth”

“Citizens of West Fresno today joined in the gala celebration of Fourth of July, hundreds attending the down town parade. Houses were decorated with the American flag, and red, white and blue bunting in observance of Independence Day. 

“Because of the two-day holiday, a number of West Fresnans took the opportunity to make week-end trips, celebrating the Fourth in other places. A number of members of the Edison Social Club took part in the Defense Day parade last night.” 

“July Fourth Dance Given” 

A Fourth of July dance was given last night in the Garibaldi Hall by the Sons of Italy, Fresno Loggia Columbo, No.1147, more than a hundred persons attending. A number of prizes were given. 

“On the committee in charge of the dance, which was given as a benefit for the lodge, were: Antonio Brucia, James Calandra. B. Pollina, R. Schurba, A. Giuseppe, Peter Orlando, G. De Leonardo, B. Raso and Sam Pascuzzi.”

We are very much looking forward to the commemorations of our country that should be spectacular and brilliant as she turns 250 in 2026. Have a healthy, happy, and safe July 4th.

MAKING HISTORY EVERY DAY:

Fresno County’s $268K Fix: Downtown Decade-Long Pigeon Plague Finally Under Control 

By Mayra Franco, kmph.com, June 26, 2025

After more than a decade of battling pigeons in Downtown Fresno, particularly around the Crocker Building, Fresno County officials say they’ve finally found a solution that’s humane, effective, and already delivering results.

For nearly 15 years, pigeons have plagued the area by nesting and dropping feces.

“We had lots of concerns from the community along with employees in the area,” said Raymond Hunter, Director of General Services for Fresno County.

Hunter says it became a big health and safety concern.

Over the years, the county has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars trying to manage the pigeon infestation.

Some of those efforts included: taking off the building's back facade that was a popular nesting spot.

It costs them more than $142,000.

The pigeons still continued to nest.

They did a massive cleanup of bird poop which costs another $39,000.

Plus, they spent another $87,000 to install new netting, OvoControl-feeders, and other deterrents.

"It's money well spent," said Hunter. “When we look at the cost it's cheaper than workers comp and the other issues that we would have had to deal with if we hadn't addressed it"

What worked best?

Hunter says OvoControl, also called "Planned pigeon hood" by its distributor.

The county installed automated feeders on the building, which dispense the bird-friendly kibbles once a day.

Hunter said, “OvoControl is recommended by the EPA along with PETA.

Erick Wolf, CEO of Innolytics, said, “OvoControl is simply birth control for pigeons.”

Wolf says that while the treatment won’t completely eliminate pigeons, it can reduce populations by 90–95% over time and Fresno is already seeing about a two-thirds decrease.

He says his company has heard of many success stories.

Like pest control for rodents, Wolf explained, pigeon management with OvoControl is an ongoing process.

"It's not something that you do once and done," he said. "As long as you’ve got a problematic pigeon population, you can keep doing it."

He says pigeons are what are called resident birds. They don’t migrate and are known for nest fidelity, meaning they return to the same nesting sites.

Once they have a successful nest, he says you have them for life.