October 1, 2024

A Message from the President

Dear Members, Supporters, and Friends,

Incredibly, we have started the final quarter of 2024 – way ahead of schedule, I might add. Raise your hand if you think we have any business being in October…my hands are most assuredly down.

I am, however, excited to share with you a project that the Society has been invited to work on – the Fresno Sheriff’s Memorial Museum which will be installed at the brand-new Substation 2 near Armstrong and Fowler avenues. 

The Fresno Sheriff’s Memorial Foundation was established in January of 2022, as a project of the Fresno Sheriff’s Sergeants Association. Their sole mission is to Honor those members of the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office who made the ultimate sacrifice and died in the line of duty. The site will eventually honor their memories, support each family’s’ needs, and pay tribute to their sacrifice.

Current Fresno County Sheriff, John Zanoni, has said, "As the Sheriff of Fresno County, and on behalf of the men and women of the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, it is our privilege to honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice and died in the line of duty. This Memorial will forever honor their memory, support their family’s needs and pay tribute to their service. In Valor There is Hope."  

Three Fresno County Sheriffs, from left to right, Walter McSwain (1911-1915), James Null Walker (1868-1871) and James D. Collins (1899-1907) pose together in 1912.

The Society will be working together with several truly outstanding individuals who are active in the Sheriff’s Department as well as with local historians and writers to create an engaging and interactive Museum to accompany the Memorial.

Within the expansive exhibit, visitors, with an emphasis on students, will learn about a wide range of subjects starting with the history of our region prior to becoming a county and ending with an instructive and exciting representation of the many areas of responsibility that our Sheriff’s Department has today. I learn something astonishing each time our committee meets.

So, let’s enjoy a brief slice of enticement of what is to come to life in the next couple of years.

As you might imagine, law enforcement was among the first responsibilities of the then-new Fresno County in 1856. W.C. Bradley was the first Sheriff. He and many of those who followed in proudly pinning on the County’s Star had their hands full within their vast, often wild and frequently “rough and tumble” jurisdiction. 

Millerton Courthouse Jail.

One of the most important acts of the first Fresno County Board of Supervisors took place on September 15, 1856, when a contract was awarded to Colonel Henry Burrough to build a jail at Millerton for $6,000. But there is way more to the story of this jail and Colonel Burrough as reported in The Fresno Morning Republican newspaper in August 1907…

“It was on the day that Colonel Burrough and the Supervisors were inspecting the adobe jail before accepting the work. There was an inmate in the calaboose, and he hailed Colonel Burrough to the grate opening and said, ‘Say, pard, give me a ten-penny nail and I’ll dig my way out of here in no time.”

“The colonel was positively alarmed, but quieted the prisoner by saying, ‘Keep quiet and wait till the Supervisors have accepted the jail and I’ve been paid for my work. Then you can dig out any way you want to and good luck to you. But man, whatever you do, wait till I have my money.’

“And the prisoner was so struck by the justice of the appeal that he waited until Colonel Burrough was paid that day.”

As you might imagine, this incident is most definitely NOT the end of the story. You will have to wait for the Fresno Sheriff’s Memorial Museum to learn what actually happened to Colonel Burrough, 

For decades (and maybe still today), there was/is quite a crossover in jurisdiction between local police, the Sheriffs and the Constables (you will learn more about them in the exhibit) as is shown in this excerpt from the August 3, 1889, newspaper, The Daily Morning Republican, embodying the frustration of a Fresno Magistrate.

“I am a Magistrate and can try cases coming under the statutes as well as those coming under the ordinances. It is the duty of the police to arrest all violators of law without discrimination…But the City Marshall and the Police Department are not alone responsible for the existence of gambling and vagrancy in the city (Fresno). The Sheriff and Constables are also sharers in this responsibility. The Marshall is directly charged with the enforcement of such of the city ordinances as may be valid and with other duties which take up the greater part of his time, so that looking at it in one way, he is not responsible for. The bulk of the responsibility must rest on the shoulders of the Sheriff and the Constables.”

Sound confusing? Mercifully, the Sheriff’s Department and the rural Constables were finally consolidated in 1973. 

A few more interesting pieces of information we will be expanding on include:

• 1907 – Sheriff Robert Chittenden takes office; inaugurates motor patrolling and fingerprinting.
• 1911 – Lizzie Grue, first female law enforcement official, hired by Fresno County Sheriff, Walter McSwain.
• 1975 – Sheriff Harold McKinney takes office and spearheads computerization advances and massive jail expansion.
• 2006 – Margaret Mims elected as Fresno County’s first female sheriff.

I can’t close my letter without a reference to one of our very favorite photographs.

Photo Credit: Pop Laval Foundation

Posted on the highway at the Herndon and San Joaquin River Bridge, Fresno’s famous “On Your Honor” billboard was advertised world-wide due to Governor Hiram Johnson stopping with his entourage to be filmed by a Pathe Weekly newsreel crew.

The billboard, erected by local law enforcement officials, warns drivers to watch their speed. With the dawning of the automobile era, new safety laws became necessary as fast-paced cars were scaring the horses still used by many people as a primary means of transportation – 1915.

Well, enjoy October and please plan to support our many worthy projects by attending one of our upcoming events or just by contributing generously to our Archive Construction fund.

Don’t blink or you may be hearing jingle bells!!!

All the best,

Elizabeth Laval                                               

President                                                 

Fresno City and County Historical Society 

MYSTERY AT KEARNEY MANSION - NEARLY SOLD OUT

Each October, the Society hosts one of our most popular annual events - Mystery at Kearney Mansion. All four evening performances have SOLD OUT, but don't worry detectives, there are still a limited number of tickets available for our Matinee on Saturday, October 26th at 11:00AM. This special daytime event features the same fun mystery with a chance to find clues, interview suspects, and solve the crime, but includes sunshine and brunch.

This experience includes a delectable five-course grazing brunch menu served throughout the Kearney Mansion and filled with savory and sweet delights. You will also be treated to a special welcome mimosa. Additional libations are available for purchase on-site. Ticket also includes unlimited non-alcoholic beverages and coffee.

Space is selling fast so book today.

CHRISTMAS IS COMING...PLAN TO CELEBRATE WITH US

NOVEMBER 29, 2024 - JANUARY 5, 2025

This holiday season, the Society will fill the Kearney Mansion Museum & Gallery with the splendor of the season with our annual Christmas at Kearney display. The Mansion will feature 16 decorated trees, each representing a local decorator's interpretation of a favorite Holiday dessert for our Christmas at Kearney: Holiday Sweets and Winter Treats theme.

From November 29th through January 5th, guests will learn the history of treasured family recipes and how they came to be holiday favorites around the world. Additionally, visitors will tour the Kearney Mansion and learn the story of M. Theo Kearney and the Fruit Vale Estate.

We will add to the celebration with a series of special events. On December 7th & 8th, the Society will host a Meet & Greet with Santa at the Kearney Mansion Museum. Plan to bring your family to take pictures with our Victorian Santa and enjoy a self-guided tour of this historic home decorated with themed Christmas trees. Tickets include a cup of cocoa and a holiday craft for each child.

New this year, the event will also offer a Christmas Market with holiday gifts and handmade items for sale, food, and hot beverages. You are sure to find unique gifts and stocking stuffers that are perfect for someone you love.

Children who have not yet reached their 4th birthday will not need a ticket. 

Also, back by popular demand, is the annual Holiday Tea Party on December 14th.

Create a new Christmas tradition at this special event. Guests will enjoy the elegance of Holiday Tea served in the Mansion dining and reception rooms surrounded by Christmas trees. 

The event includes a guided tour of the Mansion and discounted shopping in the Kearney Ranch Store.

Seats will fill quickly and space is limited. 

ONLINE 30-DAY HOLIDAY BID BASH

Bidding Opens November 15th - Register Now

The Fresno City & County Historical Society is excited to announce our upcoming online gift auction kicking off bright and early at 8:00AM on November 15, 2024, running through December 15, 2024, just in time for holiday giving! This fun contest will play a valuable role in funding educational programs and furthering our mission to create a home for the treasures donated by generations of Fresnans.

Pre-registration is OPEN NOW, and we look forward to revealing all of the juicy details very soon!

ARCHIVAL SPOTLIGHT

By Cami Cipolla, Director of Educational Services and Community Engagment

Hello Friends of the Archives!

A big shoutout to our Archives Ally Program members for your ongoing support of this monumental project. We would also like to extend a warm welcome and thank you to our newest Archives Ally, Carolyn Peabody!

Thanks to your support, we have made great strides in re-accessioning and cataloging our vast archive resources. We have purchased essential archival supplies, completed the rescanning and re-accessioning of the Porteous Collection, and are gearing up for the next one. Joshua and I are still debating which group of objects to dive into next—Mattie B. Myers is calling my name, while Joshua has his eye on local school acquisition. With so many options, it is a tough decision! The process is time-consuming and requires the right equipment, but thanks to our Archives Allies, we are making steady progress.

One challenge we face when working with our diverse assemblage is tracking down accurate historical and familial information for the materials. Some groupings come to us with little or no background information, which means we need to do our research to fill in the gaps. Using resources like the FCCHS, the Downtown Fresno Library’s Heritage Room, the Fresno State University Library, and external tools like Newspapers.com and Ancestry.com, we are often able to piece together the historical context. This research allows us to expand the collection, providing a fuller understanding of the elements, the era, and the heritage they represent.

Now, what is happening with The Archive On Kern? Transforming a former Printery into an Archive is no small feat! We are excited to be collaborating with historic architect, Scott Vincent, founder of The Vincent Company, on this renovation. As we mentioned last month, we are developing a Climate Smart plan to make the building ecologically sustainable while preserving its historic character. This plan includes solar panels, low-E glass thermal windows, liquid-free fire suppression systems, and more. While funding these upgrades is challenging, especially for a non-profit, we are actively seeking grants to help cover the costs. Ensuring that the pieces are housed in a climate-safe environment is a top priority, and it is a responsibility we take seriously.

The Archives Relocation Project is a massive undertaking—but it must be! We are relocating over one hundred and fifty years of Fresno County memories, stories, and culture, and we want to get it right the first time. Our goal is to make this new location the Archives’ forever home, and we are fully committed to doing it right.

Cheers, friends!

HOLIDAY STITCH AND SIP EVENT December 12, 2024 

Bring back a bit of nostalgia and old-fashioned fun on December 12th at 5:30PM at our holiday-themed Embroidery Stitch & Sip event in the reception room of the Kearney Mansion Museum. Your class will be presented by our local expert, Norla Henderson, who will offer one-on-one assistance with any embroidery project you are currently working on as well as get you started on your very own Embroidered Christmas Ornament to take home. Imagine creating a new family tradition by adding one each year!  

Yummy bites, bottomless holiday cocktails, and endless chatting with friends, new and old, are included with ticket purchase. Guests will also receive a festive guided tour of the historic Kearney Mansion Museum which will be aglow with over a dozen Christmas trees and other glorious decorations you won’t want to miss.

Space is quite limited and is already filling up quickly.

Please contact Debbie Unger, FCCHS’s Events and Children’s Services Manager, at 559-441-4087 should you have any questions or follow the link to secure your tickets now. 

ROOTS OF THE VALLEY: Fresno State College Football and more…

With the announcement of Fresno State’s selection for the PAC 12 Conference, we thought the time was right to look back at some gridiron-related history…

Football in Fresno County gained distinction in Selma in the 1890s with games between rivals Selma and Fresno high schools. The Selma Athletic Club Invincibles were a powerhouse, even holding the University of California to a 0-0 tie in 1904. However, the sport was dangerous and in 1911, rugby replaced American-style football after an outcry over injuries causes a halt to gridiron play.

High school football returned with a vengeance in 1915 when legendary coach, J.W. “Pop” Warner, a name synonymous with youth football, led strong teams at Fresno High and later Fresno Tech.

The Fresno State College Bulldogs began earning the ardent support of fans and coaches dating back to the early 1920s; a phenomenon that continues today with the Red Wave. Throughout the decades, several County legends have continued to shine in the ranks of the pros. 

Fresno Morning Republican, November 3, 1921

The Fresno Morning Republican reported in August 1921 that the possibility of a football team from the college was likely that fall.

“THREE TEAMS TO REPRESENT FRESNO IN FOOTBALL CIRCLES THIS SEASON American Legion High School and State Normal Plan to Place Fast Football Machines in Field This Fall.”

  “The third and possible football team to take the field this year as their initial debut in the gridiron world will be the new State Normal College of Fresno Although there has been no announcements as to their athletic outline for this year it has been rumored that the officials of the school are heartily in favor of football and that it would be taken up this fall A number of high school football stars have indicated their Intention of entering the school and judging from the material, they should have a fast team In case these three teams materialize as is hoped and expected practice scrimmages and even early season games among them will ma greatly In the development of fast and experienced teams.”

On October 23, 1921, The Fresno Morning Republican gleefully reported on the first Fresno State game. This is certainly a fun read! 

“State College Eleven Wins Hard Fought Game From the Strong California Tech Team”

“Fresno Team Turns Out to Be Strong Grid Combination Able to Meet Stiff Competition”

“As five hundred State College of Fresno students wound their way across the speedway and through the goal posts yesterday afternoon. In a snakelike procession, their joyous serpentine told the story of their first football victory, a smashing 12 to 0 defeat of the strong California Technical college eleven. This game, the first college football game played in Fresno, was won after a hard fight by an eleven which four weeks ago was only an unorganized group of huskies. Yesterday they played like a veteran football team and triumphed over an experienced college eleven with a statewide football reputation.

“From the moment Clever started the game by kicking off for the California Tech eleven until the final whistle announced the end of the game, the Fresno team played an offensive game that the hard fighting Tech men could not withstand. The former Troop College stars were kept on the defensive throughout the ' game and seldom threatened the Fresno goal line.

“Fresno outplayed their opponents throughout the entire game making their downs I2 times, while the Tech eleven only made downs three times. The state college line, which looked weak at the start of the game, improved as the game progressed and during the last half opened up holes in the Tech line that allowed the Fresno backs to go through time after time for six-and eight-yard gains.”

“Fresno Offensive Team”

“Fresno not only proved to be the superior team on offensive playing but showed that it has overcome to a great extent the tendency to fumble which lost the game last week with the College of the Pacific. While the visitors were fumbling the ball nine times, the local team only let the pigskin slip away from them three times during the game.

“Kazanjian, the heavy Fresno fullback, was easily the star of the game. Kazanjian carried the ball through the opposing line repeatedly and often gained eight and ten yards around end. He carried the ball over for the second of the State College touchdowns, while the gains that put Greeley in a position to go over for the first score were very largely traceable to his spectacular playing.”

“Robinson Stars”



“Robinson was another star on the State College eleven who showed excellent knowledge of the game from his position at right guard and stood out as one of the best players in the line. Both Garia and Greeley did good work on the backfield.

“For California Tech, Thomas, the flashy quarterback, was the outstanding star. He figured in almost every play.

“Aside from the few fumbles they made, the Fresno team only showed one marked weakness. The local backs showed little ability to cut in through guard and tackle and take advantage of the holes on the opposing line when a play had started around end. On several occasions, they could have gained several yards more had they cut in sooner instead of trying to carry the play around the end of the Tech line.

“Fresno scored once in the second quarter and again in the third quarter after 11 minutes of play. Both scores came as the result of straight football and heavy gains through the Tech line. Only three forward passes were attempted during the game. Tech tried one and failed in the second quarter and again in the last three minutes of play made a desperate effort to score…”

The Fresno State College lineup for this game was as follows:

• Enlow-Left end                                                       
• Foster-Left Tackle                                                    
• R. Hunkins-Left Guard                                           
• W. Hunkins-Center                                                 
• Robinson-Right Guard                                         
• Wilson-Right Tackle                
• Ferria-Right End            
• Paulston-Quarterback                                    
• Goree-Left Half                                  
• Greeley-Right Half
• Kazanjian-Full Back

By November 1921, Bob Hastings was identified as team coach. Interestingly, but not uncommonly, newspaper sources changed the spelling of players’ names seemingly at will. Do you recognize any family members from this first FSC Team? We would love to know.

The Bulldogs competed as an independent in 1921 and became a charter member of the California Coast Conference (CCC) the following season. Emory Ratcliffe coached the team in practice until a permanent skipper could be hired. A well-known name in the region, Ratcliffe was born in 1879 in New Castle, Indiana and graduated from Earlham College in 1903. Despite his small stature, he starred in football and track and set a collegiate record by drop kicking ten field goals in one game. Ratcliffe came to Fresno State in 1913 to organize the social science department, which he headed for 35 years.

Although his own playing career ended over a century ago, Emory Ratcliffe is acknowledged as one of the greatest contributors to athletics at Fresno State College.

As the organizer and coach of many of Fresno State's early athletic teams, as practice coach of FSC’s first football team in 1921, as chairman of the Fresno State Board of Athletic Control until his retirement in 1949 and as leader of the drive to construct the stadium which still bears his name, Ratcliffe left a deep and lasting imprint on Fresno State. He was enshrined in the Fresno Athletic Hall of Fame’s Class of 1960.

Originally known in 1926 as Fresno State College Stadium, Ratcliffe Stadium was renamed in 1941 for Fresno State’s illustrious coach, Emory Ratcliffe, and was the Bulldogs’ home until 1980. The West Coast Relays also took place there for decades – Ratcliffe, himself, was one of the founders of that prestigious meet as well. Today, Ratcliffe Stadium serves as Fresno City College’s home field.

Below: Ratcliffe Stadium view from field (left) and Ratcliffe Stadium aerial view (right).

SHARING OUR HERITAGE

Our history, traditions, and culture are passed down through stories and memories. Many of us carry our family’s past in our minds or diaries, or we have shoeboxes of photos tucked away in closets. Preserving one’s story can feel overwhelming, and many of us don't know where to start.

That’s where Sharing Our Heritage comes in.

This community project is designed to engage Fresno in preserving the rich tapestry of our heritage. It’s crucial to the growth and development of our city to safeguard this knowledge and share it with future generations. By doing so, we can bridge cultural and generational gaps within Fresno.

The project invites Fresnans of all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds to visit the Archive On Kern in Downtown Fresno. Participants can record their oral histories and have family photos and memorabilia professionally digitized. Their stories and images will then be preserved in the Archive, accessible to the community, and provided to participants to keep for future generations.

And, we need your help! The goal of this project is to bring Fresno's colorful chronicles to life in an accessible way that celebrates the diversity of our community. We are seeking participants from all demographics to help us fill the gaps of Fresno's bygone eras. 

We are proud to announce that we’ve received an Expanded Access to Arts and Culture Grant to support this unique project. Administered by the Fresno Arts Council, this grant supports both emerging and established arts and culture organizations in Fresno. The Fresno City & County Historical Society is using these funds to support Sharing Our Heritage.

If you’re interested in participating, please click HERE to submit your survey. Thank you for helping us Make History Every Day!

The Fresno City & County Historical Society’s Sharing Our Heritage Project is funded in part by the City of Fresno Measure P Expanded Access to Arts and Culture Fund administered by the Fresno Arts Council.

MAKING HISTORY EVERY DAY

Fresno State to officially join Pac-12 conference in 2026, school confirms

Reprinted from ABC30.com, By Stephen Hicks and Kellie Helton, September 12, 2024

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Fresno State is officially joining the Pac-12 conference in 2026, the university has announced.

The Bulldogs, along with Boise State, San Diego State, and Colorado State, will officially become members of the conference on July 1, 2026.

The Pac-12 has been looking to regroup following the departure of 10 teams to various college football conferences. Currently, the only schools in the conference are Washington State and Oregon State.

"Joining the Pac-12 Conference is a transformative moment for Fresno State," said Garrett Klassy, Fresno State's Director of Athletics in a press release.

The conference is now working to rebuild to the NCAA's minimum of eight schools by July of 2026.

The Pac-12 is a conference that Fresno State has been trying to get into for years.

Most of Fresno State's athletics programs have been in the Mountain West since 2012.

Now that’s interesting!

San Joaquin Valley Town Hall

Daytime Speakers Series

On October 16, 2024 at 10:30AM at Saroyan Theater Scott Pelley, 60 Minutes Correspondent, will present his lecture:

“Truth Worth Telling”

Take an exciting journey with Scott Pelley, a renowned investigative reporter, news anchor, and bestselling author. With over 40 years of experience, Scott has bravely reported from global hotspots like Ukraine, Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan. From candid interviews with presidents, kings, and global celebrities to exploring everyday heroes’ lives, Scott’s insights will take you around the world and behind current events. Join us to hear his captivating stories and his views on pressing global issues, guided by his commitment to truth and integrity.

Tickets are available HERE.