June 1, 2025

A Message from the President

Welcome to Summer Members, Friends, and Supporters,

Since our Grapevine newsletter last month, in which I focused on the crucial importance of Archives, I have received many inquiries (thank you all) from interested individuals and businesses that have asked for more information on just exactly what our plans for The Archive on Kern are. 

Working in partnership with Scott Vincent, a first-class historical architect and preservationist, we have brought to life not just our vision, but our actual plans for this impressive edifice who (Yes, she is a “real, living” entity to us) simply charms everyone who enters her welcoming doors. 

I would like to share with you here our “Overview” presentation of the initial revamp of The Archive. Fresno, and, in fact, the Valley, will have no other Research and Cultural Center like it.

THE ARCHIVE ON KERN

Building a home to preserve the poignant stories of our community, funny and heartbreaking, personal and global, for the generations yet to come.

In June 2023, after a long search, the Archive Relocation Committee of the Fresno City & County Historical Society Board of Trustees was presented with the opportunity to purchase a nationally registered historic building in Downtown Fresno, where the original Fresno Republican newspaper was printed on the press that still regally resides inside the main room. The building was constructed the same year that the Society was founded, in 1919. 

With the help of generous donors, purchase of the building at 2120 Kern Street, Fresno CA 93721 for $1,050,000 for the permanent home of the Fresno City & County Historical Society Archives has been accomplished.

The next task is to secure funding for an interior retrofit to convert the building from its current purpose as a restaurant to that of an archive and publicly available research facility. Needs include: finishing the basement with climate control, new stairs and an elevator to safely move large objects between floors; roofing and installation of site-wide HVAC and humidity control system which will include solar; build out of research room with desks, tables, lamps, computers, large format scanners, etc.; custom-built shelving for the McClatchy Collection, a permanent gallery for the Chinese Benevolent Society Collection and archival space for the Pop Laval Photo Collection. 

The Archive on Kern will serve as a first-class repository for the history of Fresno City & County. It will preserve and protect the objects, records, photographs, and personal histories of our communities for generations. Beyond archiving, the facility will provide on-going programing and events that make history come to life for our whole community. Visitors to the space of all ages will be able to research historical events, view fascinating exhibits, participate in engaging programs, and record their personal oral history in a state-of-the-art studio within the building. 

If you have a bit of time on these long, hot days, you can scan the QR code or visit valleyhistory.org/building-support to access the full, 90-page prospectus for your reading pleasure. We certainly think it is worth the investment of time.

So, sticking with essential organizations, I have had the libraries of the nation on my mind. While I am deeply hopeful that the Institute of Museum and Library Services, known as the IMLS, will have its funding restored in due course, it is fair to say the current budget cuts have crippled this great entity which allows such amazing work to be done at the local level. This led me to think about our once stunning Carnegie Library. Yes, Fresno was one of the coveted recipients of the benevolence of the renowned Andrew Carnegie.

A total of 2,509 Carnegie libraries were built between 1883 and 1929, including some belonging to public and university library systems. 1,689 were built in the United States, 660 in the United Kingdom and Ireland, 125 in Canada, and 25 others in Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Serbia, Belgium, France, the Caribbean, Mauritius, Malaysia, and Fiji.

At first, Carnegie libraries were almost exclusively in places with which he had a personal connection, namely his birthplace in Scotland and the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area, his adopted hometown. Yet, beginning in the middle of 1899, Carnegie substantially increased funding to libraries outside these areas. As Carnegie's library funding progressed, very few of the towns that requested a grant, committing to his terms for operation and maintenance, were refused. By the time the last grant was made, there were 3,500 libraries in the United States, nearly half of them Carnegie libraries.

Funded by a 1901 Carnegie grant of $30,000, and completed in 1904, the Fresno Carnegie Library was one of the earliest and costliest of the Carnegies. Architects Copeland and Dole of New York designed the building in the Classical Revival style. The builder was A.M. Jones. Fresno's early library history is extensive. There were 1875 and 1876 Social and Literary Clubs, followed by public but not tax supported libraries in 1882 and 1884. The Fresno Public Library with a Board of Trustees dates from 1891. However, the Carnegie grant provided the first permanent library building. The Fresno Public Library, through the State Library, pioneered rural library service. In 1910 it was among the first to form a county library system providing branches and traveling libraries to mountain and valley towns. A 1912 request to Carnegie for additional library funds was rejected after much correspondence. Librarian Sarah McCardle was noted throughout the state for her leadership; having first served the Fresno Public Library, she then led the Fresno County Library from its inception until 1945. The building was demolished (UGH) in 1959.

Selma also received funding. Early reading rooms and libraries in Selma date from the Selma Reading Room Association of 1888, followed by the WCTU libraries of 1889 and 1898, the Selma Ministerial Union Library of 1902, and the lasting effort of the Wednesday Literary Club in 1903. Selma had incorporated in 1893, and the Wednesday Club sought city trusteeship for the library in 1898 and proposed Carnegie funding in 1900. In 1904, with Prohibitionists in control of local government, a Public Library was finally established. Carnegie funding of $6,000 was granted March 14, 1905. The building, designed by C. K. Kirby, Jr. of Fresno, in the Mission/Spanish Colonial Revival style, had to be scaled down to comply with the size of the grant. The builder was George H. Millward. It was completed in just four months, opening January 12, 1906, with a festive civic ceremony. Selma merged with the Fresno County Library in 1913. The building was outgrown within a few years, and the situation became serious by 1926 when structural problems were identified. However, patchwork repairs and a 1939 remodeling had to suffice until 1952 when the city provided library space in another city building. The Carnegie site was then sold, the building demolished (UGH), and a bank erected in its place.

Now Clovis, on the other hand, has fought mightily, and thus far, successfully, to preserve her Carnegie Library! In the area of Clovis designated as "Old Town" are found municipal and county buildings, a museum, and the Clovis Rodeo. Nearby, in the center of a block of mixed residential and commercial buildings on the east side of Pollasky between Third and Fourth streets, the old Carnegie library at first appears to be one of the residences. Much altered from its original simple classical design with some Spanish elements, it serves as Chamber of Commerce offices and community hall. It was designated Fresno County Historical Landmark #157 in October 1986.

The Clovis library dates from a 1908 Sunday School League meeting which led to the organization of a Public Library Association; it became a municipal library in 1910 and a Fresno County branch in 1912. A $7,000 Carnegie grant was received in 1914, and Glass and Butner designed the building. After a new branch library was built in the civic center in 1976, and an unsuccessful restoration attempt by the Clovis Historical Society in 1979, the Carnegie was threatened with demolition. In 1985 a major community effort led by the Chamber of Commerce with significant city participation resulted in its extensive remodeling and change in style; original floors and interior trim remain. The building still stands thanks to www.saveour1914cloviscarnegielibrary.com.

Our libraries, our Archives, our access to funding for Arts and Culture that celebrate the unique and diverse fabric of our Valley is not to be toyed with or taken for granted. Your engagement will ensure we can proudly proclaim that we care about our pretty and ugly history, our journeys, our struggles, our successes, and our ONE VOICE in over one hundred languages that comprise this land we call home. 

So, I leave you today with a little snippet of what dads were doing for Father’s Day according to The Fresno Bee one hundred years ago in 1925. Take a moment to chuckle at least…

“Did You Know 'Twas Fathers' Day? One Dad Celebrated By Buying Himself A Cigar

Poor Pater! Glory Passes Him By”



“Today (and it is about time) is Dad's Day! 

“That short line above a Fresno department store's advertisement yesterday seemed to be about the only notification that it was Father's Day. Although dad may not be as important as mother in family affairs, yesterday was officially designated nationally as Father's Day. 

“Up to a late hour today no official notice of any formal observance of Father's Day had been received. It was rumored that in some households, fathers received gifts of the usual Christmas variety, Including cigars, neckties and handkerchiefs. 

“One proud parent of a large family late last night remembered the day and strolled down to the corner drug store where he bought himself a cigar and a soda. Having fittingly observed the day; he went to bed. 

“It was reported that in a number of cellars, garages and other modest quarters, small groups of fathers gathered who, as the hours passed by, admitted they were the best people on earth. 

“However, thousands of fathers didn't know what day it was, and it is believed there may be some now living who will never know.”

Until July, coolest wishes to all – and celebrate your dads!

Elizabeth Laval                                               

President                                                 

Fresno City and County Historical Society 

Juneteenth: An American Celebration for All

Panel Discussion - June 19th

Juneteenth, observed on June 19th, marks the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were finally informed of their freedom—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. While often recognized as an African American holiday, Juneteenth is, at its core, an American celebration that honors the ideals of freedom, justice, and unity—values that define the nation itself. America, as we know and love it today, would not exist without Juneteenth. The abolition of slavery was not just a victory for African Americans but a transformation for the entire country. It forced the United States to confront its ideals, reevaluate its commitment to liberty, and take steps toward creating a society where freedom truly belonged to all. The end of slavery unlocked economic, political, and social advancements that shaped modern America, from civil rights to cultural movements. Without this pivotal moment, the country would have remained shackled by inequality and injustice, unable to reach its full potential as a beacon of democracy.

Juneteenth’s significance extends beyond American borders. The celebration of freedom resonates worldwide, reminding people of the struggles for justice and equality in all nations. The holiday’s recognition in the United States demonstrates a national commitment to acknowledging the painful parts of history while celebrating resilience and progress. This message transcends race and nationality—it is a global call to honor liberation and human dignity. People from different cultural backgrounds who embrace Juneteenth recognize the interconnectedness of freedom and how the fight for justice in one part of the world inspires movements elsewhere. Recognizing Juneteenth as an American holiday, not just an African American one, enriches the national narrative and strengthens the country’s unity. When all Americans—regardless of race—celebrate Juneteenth, they reaffirm the shared values of freedom and equality that define the United States. By acknowledging this history, embracing its lessons, and celebrating the perseverance of those who fought for justice, America fortifies itself as a nation committed to the continuous pursuit of liberty for all.

Attending a Juneteenth festival offers a unique opportunity to engage in this history and celebrate the shared values of freedom and equality. It is a chance to learn about the struggles and triumphs that shaped the nation, to honor the resilience of those who fought for justice, and to connect with diverse communities in a spirit of unity. By participating in Juneteenth celebrations, all can demonstrate their commitment to understanding and embracing the full scope of American history, fostering mutual respect and solidarity.

Encourage all families of all backgrounds to attend the Fresno Juneteenth Experience from June 19-22nd in Fresno. The Fresno City & County Historical Society's Director of Tourism and Strategic Initiatives, Candice Hill, will moderate the Black Fresno Today panel on June 19th at 3PM at River Park's Art Groove Gallery and Event Center. More information about this week long celebration is available at fresnojuneteenth.com.

BE THE FIRST TO SECURE YOUR PASS TO MURDER

OCTOBER 23-26, 2025

Tickets for the Society's annual fundraising event Mystery at Kearney Mansion are on sale now! Seats for this unique experience sell out quickly, so don't wait to gather your favorite detectives and secure 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 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.

TICKETS WILL GO FAST - GET YOURS NOW.

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

Fresno City & County Historical Society’s First Ever Succulent Social with The Gray Pot

Join us on Thursday, June 26th from 6:30PM to 8:30PM at Kearney Mansion Museum and Gallery.

Imagine being welcomed at the gates of the Kearney Mansion Museum and being whisked into the Grand Entrance Hall where you enjoy champagne and charcuterie-style goodies to nourish and prepare you for a charming evening.

Ponder engaging in a hands-on succulent planting workshop led by local artisan, Trish Williams, of The Gray Pot, where you’ll create your own beautiful arrangement to take home. Whether you’re a seasoned plant-lover or just getting started, this imaginative session is perfect for all experience levels.

After your succulent workshop winds down, you will be granted an exclusive evening tour of the Kearney Mansion Museum & Gallery, offering a unique glimpse into Fresno’s rich agricultural history and the grandeur of the Gilded Age. All of this can be yours to experience the Kearney Mansion in a whole new light—literally—as twilight settles over the estate.

ARCHIVAL SPOTLIGHT

Rehousing the Past: A New Chapter for the Kearney Collection

By Donald Spencer MSc., Archivist.

Hello Friends of the Archives,

As you have learned, last month, the Fresno City & County Historical Society hosted a Community Archiving Workshop (CAW), in partnership with California Revealed, and it was a tremendous success. This insightful workshop allowed the Society to bring numerous Central Valley historical institutions and professionals together for a day of learning, collaboration, and resource-sharing. We are so proud of the energy, historical knowledge, skill, and community spirit that came out of that day. It was incredibly fascinating to witness the way we all approach our own work, but how the goal is still the same, preserving our stories with great prowess to provide wider access for our communities.

In the Archive, we have begun the process of re-accessioning the Kearney Collection as well as cataloging newly found items relating to M. Theo Kearney, with support from our partners at California Revealed. This project holds special significance to our organization, as the Kearney Collection is not only one of the most cherished in our holdings, but a cornerstone of our entire collection. As caretakers of the Kearney Mansion Museum, ensuring the preservation and accessibility of these materials is both an honor and a duty we proudly uphold.

Through this effort, we are implementing a more structured and sustainable cataloging system supplied by California Revealed that will not only improve the current state of Kearney’s artifacts and history, but will also define how we will manage all archival collections moving forward. By re-accessioning the Kearney Collection, we are setting a new standard to our record’s accuracy, academic accessibility, and long-term preservation across the board. This will ensure all of our collections are easily searchable and more available to both the public and history professionals alike throughout Central California and beyond.

Our ongoing collaboration with California Revealed is both enriching our practices and opening our collections up to a wider research and discovery network, increasing their visibility and value in the broader context of state history.

Be sure to stay informed with The Grapevine newsletter for further updates as we continue on this journey to building a stronger, more accessible archive, rooted in local tradition and evolving into the future.

The Transformative Value

of FCCHS Neighborhood Walking Tours

By Candice Hill, Director of Tourism & Strategic Initiatives

Fresno’s rich history and culture unfolds through the imaginative efforts of the Fresno City & County Historical Society. By orchestrating neighborhood walking tours that traverse the landscapes of Sumner Peck Ranch, Huntington Boulevard, and the Mural District, the Society creates immersive experiences that blend education, community engagement, and economic growth into one dynamic journey. These tours led by Candice Hill,Tour Director, act as living classrooms, where every street, landmark, and mural becomes a narrative thread that weaves together the City’s past and present.

At the heart of the tours is the inclusion of Sumner Peck Ranch—a site steeped in agricultural tradition and historical significance. Once a bustling hub of local farming and winemaking, the ranch offers visitors a tangible connection to Fresno County’s rural heritage. By integrating stops at Sumner Peck Ranch into its itineraries, the Historical Society not only highlights the region’s agricultural legacy but also showcases the transformation of this landscape from a productive countryside to a vibrant cultural landmark. This juxtaposition of nature, industry, and history enables participants to appreciate Fresno’s evolution in a manner that is both engaging and enlightening.

Equally compelling is the tour along Huntington Boulevard, a corridor that encapsulates the evolution of Fresno’s urban environment. The historic homes, iconic storefronts, and storied architecture along this road serve as a testament to the city’s growth over the decades. As the tour guides illuminate the significance of key buildings and share anecdotes of the neighborhood’s past, participants gain an appreciation for the local narratives that have defined this part of Fresno. The Huntington Boulevard segment of the tour reveals not only the aesthetic value of the architecture but also the resilient spirit of the community that has maintained and cherished these landmarks.

The Mural District, a living canvas of community expression, offers another layer of insight into Fresno’s identity. The vibrant murals that adorn the walls of this district are more than mere art; they are historical documents that tell stories of cultural pride, social change, and creative innovation. During the walking tour, guides encourage participants to pause before each mural, discussing the symbolism, techniques, and community narratives embedded within the artwork. This exploration of the Mural District transforms a routine stroll into an active dialogue between the past and the contemporary artistic voice, deepening visitors’ connection to the city’s evolving cultural dialogue.

Beyond its educational benefits, the strategic direction of these walking tours by the Historical Society carries notable economic and social advantages. By drawing locals and tourists alike, the tours stimulate economic activity—encouraging patronage of nearby cafes, shops, and cultural venues. Moreover, the shared experience of exploring one’s own neighborhood fosters a stronger sense of belonging and civic pride. Residents who learn about the struggles, successes, and subtle stories of their locales often emerge as more engaged and active community members, dedicated to preserving their city’s heritage for future generations.

In conclusion, the Fresno City & County Historical Society’s neighborhood walking tours are an exemplary model of how history can be brought to life. By carefully curating routes that highlight the distinct narratives of Sumner Peck Ranch, Huntington Boulevard, and the Mural District, the Society turns a simple walk into a comprehensive exploration of Fresno’s multifaceted identity. These tours illustrate that history is not confined to textbooks, it flows through the very streets we walk, the art we admire, and the communities we nurture.

There is a wealth of further discussion on how immersive historical tours not only preserve local heritage but also inspire modern urban revitalization. Exploring similar initiatives in other cities may offer additional insights into crafting engaging historical narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. 

Sharing Our Heritage: A Community Oral History Project

By Cami Cipolla, Director of Educational Services and Community Engagement

Hello Friends of the Archives,

As promised, this month I’m sharing another excerpt from one of the stories we recorded for the Sharing Our Heritage: A Community Oral History Project, made possible through an Expanded Access to Arts and Culture Grant administered by the Fresno Arts Council. 

I’d like you to meet Beverly Cho, proud owner of Cho’s Kitchen, her family’s beloved restaurant in Selma, California, which opened its doors in 1963. Bev has been an active member of the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association (CCCBA) for over a decade and a dedicated member of the Central Valley Lioness Lions Club for more than 20 years, where she has served as treasurer for many of those years. She’s taken numerous community groups to China, loves to travel, and has served as Mayor Pro Tem on the Selma City Council. I first met Bev during the planning stages of the From China to Fresno exhibit at Kearney Mansion Museum, and we hit it off right away, bonding over our shared passions for food, culture, and heritage. Bev later joined us for a panel discussion during History Happy Hour titled Food For Thought: Cultural Perspectives on Chinese Cuisine, where she offered a rich and thoughtful perspective on the intersection of tradition and adaptation in Chinese American foodways. Her stories, deeply rooted in family, resilience, and community, prompted me to ask her to participate in the oral history project. Below are just a few excerpts from our conversation. Our FCCHS President, Elizabeth Laval, conducted the interview.

“I was the oldest, so to be the oldest, you take care of the youngers. 

"Those days, it's safe. The streets even are safe. So not like nowadays. I do remember when I was a youngster in San Francisco, we would go to school, American school, during the morning, and come home, get something to eat, and then we'd walk to Chinese school. So, we'd have a couple hours of Chinese school before we'd get home and start over. And then in those days, we lived in Chinatown. And we hanged our laundry on the rooftop.

"It's kind of like all the things that people do in those days. So, kind of traditional or not, but that's why the Chinatown was so populated. But it's really kind of different now. To me, it's a whole different dynamic now."

(Elizabeth asked…)

"Do you think your parents were glad that they made the decision when they did to bring you all to come here to have a family?" 

“I'm pretty sure most of the Chinese that came over here did want to come here. And there's no regrets because they say, ‘Why would you make a major decision like that to transfer your whole world to be different?’ Except for a different world, I'm trying to establish it and go through all the hardship and people don't like you because you're different. They worked hard enough, and they earned everything. They earned respect. Most of them were really hard, and that's what shows."

(Elizabeth asked…)

"When you were young, were most of your friends-- were they also from China or first or second generation, or is that where you branched out into being friends in America?"

“Well, I think basically when we went to school was when we learned how to speak English. So I went to kindergarten, probably not speaking any English. But in San Francisco, yes, most of the kids or students are Chinese. But when you got into the Valley, no. Not that many were around. We were not concentrated into a certain area. You might have a couple maybe in your class and then maybe-- but from then on, it was not a majority of any sort that I found. In Fresno, I think they tried, you know, too, also because we used to have a Chinese school. And then on weekends, they would send the kids to learn Chinese and Kung Fu, and different cultural things. That's the second generation that was doing that. I wasn't able to because in Selma, my parents didn't have the time to drive me up here. So, I was not able to do that."

(Elizabeth asked…)

"So, let's pick back up now that you're in America and you're growing up. And tell us a little bit about the course that your life took."

“Okay, one of the major things our parents want for us is our life be better than theirs. And they work so hard to make sure we get the education we're supposed to have.

“And that's why I always kid about it. And our Cho’s Kitchen, I think, is going to be the most educated Chinese kitchen you ever find. Because three of us, my two brothers and I, we all cook. And, you know, one brother has a master's. I have a BS. The other one has a BA. So, I say not too many Chinese restaurants, you know, in the kitchen, you find the graduates. So, we didn't exactly do what my mom probably wanted. She wanted more like doctors and lawyers. So, we didn't go that route. But, you know, we chose the path that we wanted to do. They work so hard to basically make sure our life was easier. And it was easier. And that was, you know, that's basically what our parents do. You know, the kids have it easier than they had to do it."

(Elizabeth asked…)

"Well, you did some other things besides the restaurant. You're kind of famous in Selma. Tell us a little bit about your connection with the community there."

“Selma, basically, I got involved in the Lions Club, and then I've been with them, this club, since we chartered in 2004. Okay, and then I just stayed with Lions because I believe in what they do. They are all over the world. 200 countries in this world have Lions. It's like 1.4 million Lion members. So, I believe in what they do because they help the community.

"And so, I got into it. I was probably the president, I don't know, five times, etc. And then we were lucky enough to twin with a Beijing Lions Club. That was one of my pet things that I really thought was me. And also, oh yeah, another part of the storyline is I did, at that time, once I got back to Selma, I started taking groups to China. It's twelve times. So, since we became a charter, every time I go back, I would visit with them, we do something with them, with that Lions Club. So, it's pretty neat, you know. My Selma people, you know, the only reason why they went is because they knew me. And so, I took care of them, you know, and made sure they got there. I'm the international guide, and I have people over there that I've dealt with all this time. They're fantastic. As a husband-and-wife team, and I've known them, I do remember, I've known them when they didn't have kids. Now they have two teen years kids. That's how long I've known them. And most of my trips out of my 12, 10 of them probably are with them. So, I feel really safe with them when I set up the groups. So, I've offered now, if somebody wants to go, I will help set them up."

(Elizabeth asked…)

"Can you talk a little bit about your connection as Mayor Pro Tem and some of those things? How did all that happen?"

“Well, being in Selma all these years, you know, everybody always says, ‘Why don't you run for an office? Run for a councilman.’ I don't know. I don't know how to get into that. Politics, you know. I don't know anything about it. And then things happen, and they say, ‘Well, maybe you can make a difference.

"I said, ‘Okay.’ So, they keep saying it, and then after a few, this last, well, four years, I just finished a four-year term. And somehow, they talked me into it, and I did it. I don't regret it. It's a tough world, and, you know, because either these people like you or they don't, and they come after you at all lengths. They don't care, you know. They go after your family, they go after your business, they go after everything. I learned to have a little bit of tougher skin, you know, but I'm done, four years is good enough. But I feel like I made a difference. I mean, we did some stuff that hasn't happened in years and years. So, to me, my stint was good. It was good. So that serves the purpose. So, I'm still in the Lions Club. I am in the Chamber of Commerce and the Kiwanis Club. Most of the people that's in this are actually, and I end up saying, you know, that we're in all the different groups because we care. We just do different things.”

And that, dear friends, is just a glimpse into the remarkable life of Bev Cho. She’s a bridge between generations, cultures, and communities, a true force in Selma, Fresno, and even Beijing! So next time you find yourself in Selma, or simply craving a hearty meal served with heart, make your way to Cho’s Kitchen and say hello to Bev. Chances are, you’ll leave not only well-fed but also inspired by her warmth and wisdom.

For more information or to sign up, contact:

ccipolla@valleyhistory.org | 559.777.4092

You can also register directly HERE.

ROOTS OF THE VALLEY:

The Birth of Woodward Park    

A story written by Edwin Streit for The Fresno City & County Historical Society’s Journal, Past and Present

With recent news about the Fresno’s contemplation of where to put a new $20 million park in the city, which, by the way, also happens to be from the same tax dollars that annually funds the Expanded Access to Arts and Culture portion of Measure P, which FCCHS is so very grateful for, we thought you might enjoy taking a look back at how one of our most treasured and truly utilized by all (just drive by on any holiday weekend) green spaces came to be: The Ralph W. Woodward Park and Bird Sanctuary.

THE LEGACY

This is the story of a legacy and its impact on the City of Fresno. It is also the story of the men and women whose vision and perseverance made it happen. Out of this legacy came the Ralph W. Woodward Park and Bird Sanctuary and it was to be located in the northern part of the city, almost reaching the San Joaquin River. Only when the last will and testament of Ralph W. Woodward was admitted to probate was it revealed that he had left the vast majority of his entire estate of $1.6 million for the establishment of a city park and bird sanctuary. But it almost didn't happen, and the fact that the park came into being in its present location can probably be credited in large part to one person, as the story unfolds. 

This man was not a native son. He was born in Clinton, Illinois, in 1881, the second son of Oscar James Woodward and Anna Woodward. In 1885, the year of Fresno's incorporation as a city, the family, which also included older son Roy and daughter Abbie, came to Fresno. He soon became a power in the new community as a banker, real estate developer, and investor. Ralph attended Fresno schools and graduated from Fresno High School in one of its early classes. He and his brother, Roy, owned and operated the Woodward Company, an agricultural implement firm, until the mid 1930s. They were also the owners of commercial real estate properties in the city. He died at his home in Fresno March 6, 1961, at 79, after an illness of several years’ duration. His sister, Abbie Woodward Parker, and nephew, O. J. Woodward II, Roy's son, survived him.

Little is recorded of his life, at least in public records. However, he was known as a sportsman, was a member of several San Joaquin Valley skeet and duck clubs, and was extremely interested in outdoor recreation and bird life. The Fresno Bee on March 12, 1961, reported: "The $1 million estate willed by the late Ralph W. Woodward to the City of Fresno for the creation of a municipal park reflects his heartfelt interest in community welfare." A Fresno resident since his boyhood days, he was keenly concerned about the need for adequate recreational facilities.

SELECTION OF THE PARK AND BIRD SANCTUARY SITE 

Mr. Woodward had named Claude Rowe, his attorney and good friend of thirty years, to serve as executor and trustee of his estate, together with his sister, Abbie Woodward Parker. As she was unable to serve, Judge Matt Goldstein in April appointed Chester H. Warlow to serve in her stead. For 17 years Warlow had served as a member of the California Highway Commission and was a respected Fresno attorney. The will provided that upon completion of probate the net assets were to be transferred to the trustees. They then were to immediately search for and select a suitable property for the development of a bird sanctuary, within a five-year time limit. Another provision was that not more than 20 percent of the estate could be used for the purchase of land, with the balance restricted to development. It appears that he had envisioned the selection of an exceptionally large acreage, probably in the foothills. The final and important provision was as follows: the property selected and the 80 percent converted to cash for development, need be offered first to the City of Fresno. 

This, of course, would require the selection of a site near the city to permit annexation and thus eliminate the foothills. If the city did not accept, it was to be offered to the County of Fresno; if the county did not accept, it was to be offered to the State of California. The city agreed on August 25, 1961, to accept the bequest with the following condition; the transfer was to be made when the site had been chosen, with required agreement that the city administration would be consulted in the final selection; however, the will provided that the trustees had sole discretion in the decision. Probate was completed in December 1961, and the assets were distributed to the trustees. They consisted of cash, corporate stocks, and two commercial buildings, with a total value of more than $1.6 million.

After Chester Warlow's death in December 1963, Judge Goldstein appointed Lewis S. Eaton, president of Guarantee Savings and Loan Association, to serve as co-trustee with Claude Rowe. He began his duties in January 1964. As subsequent events unfolded, this proved to be a most fortuitous appointment on the part of Judge Goldstein. It appears that, in the three years from the death of Ralph Woodward to the death of Chester Warlow, the latter and Claude Rowe considered a great many possible properties but could not come to agreement on any one. Among the last ones considered was one of several hundred acres located east of Fresno, bounded in part by Belmont and Fowler Avenues and Fancher Creek. 

Pictured from right to left: OJ Woodward III, OJ Woodward II, Mrs. Nadine Woodward, Lewis Eaton and Claude Rowe.

Comments by Lewis Eaton in an interview: 

“In starting to work with Mr. Rowe, I realized that he had become frustrated through his three years of efforts with Mr. Warlow in looking at dozens of pieces of land and never being able to arrive at a joint agreement. I was not enamored by the site on Belmont which had high tension power lines running across the property and was remarkably close to the landing pattern of the Fresno Air Terminal. It did have Fancher Creek running through the rear of the property. When I told Mr. Rowe that I could not get excited about that piece of land, he said to me, ‘Why don't you try to find a piece that you would like better? I have searched for three years, and this is about the only piece I feel suits the purpose and comes within the bounds of the money we have to spend for the purchase of the property.' I immediately set about looking for pieces of land and quickly thought that somewhere on the river bluffs might be an attractive place for a park and a bird sanctuary, particularly since I felt the city would be growing to the north." 

THIS BECAME A CHALLENGE FOR EATON

He then said he was soon attracted to the some 3,500 acres of grain land owned by the Santa Monica Mountain Park Company, located along Blackstone Avenue and Friant Road north of Pinedale to the San Joaquin River. He realized that because of the limitation on the amount that could be used for land purchase, a parcel of not more than 350 to 400 acres could be considered. He then selected a parcel of that size between Blackstone Avenue and Friant Road, attracted by the rolling terrain and frontage on what would become a lake if the proposed dam across the San Joaquin River became a reality. After completing his research, he made a plane trip to New York to talk to Meyer Handelman, property manager of Santa Monica Mountain Park Company.

Again, quoting Lewis Eaton: 

"Handelman immediately told me that there was no way he would sell 300 or 400 acres of that large parcel. He would sell the entire 3,500 acres in one piece but was not interested in parcel sales. 

“Returning to Fresno from that trip, I was naturally disappointed but determined to try to figure out some way to convince him it would be in the best interests of the property owners to sell a portion of this for a public park, that would enhance the value of the remainder of the land for residential development. After working for two or three months, I prepared a booklet filled with aerial photographs and copies of land surveys I had commissioned to be performed on the property. I went to New York a second time to talk to Mr. Handelman and go over my extensive written proposal. He turned me down the second time, both because he still was not interested in selling a portion of the Santa Monica holdings, and even if he were of a mind to sell the specific piece I was proposing to buy, he would not agree to sell it for the price I had offered, the maximum amount allowed by the Woodward bequest for land purchase. I expressed great disappointment at his further rejection of this proposal but asked him to think about it. 

“Many weeks later, Mr. Handelman called from New York and said he had been conferring with the owners of the property and they felt my proposal had merit and they would agree to sell the parcel to me for $2,000 an acre, but the Santa Monica Company would discount the price to $1,600 an acre provided they could count the $400 difference as a donation for tax purposes to the City of Fresno. At this point it was not known whether or not the city would accept the Woodward offer for a park and bird sanctuary, since no specific proposal could be made. 

“Naturally, I was delighted with this turn of events; however, the $1,600 price amounted to about $85,000 more than the executors could expend under the terms of the will. I then approached Rotary Playland to see if they could participate by using some of their funds to make up the difference and round out the acreage which was most desirable for the proposed park. Rotary Playland agreed to do this, and we went forward with the purchase of the property after getting approval from the city that they indeed would accept the property and operate it as a public park and bird sanctuary in accordance with the wishes of Ralph Woodward.” 

It is apparent that, once having made the decision to acquire the Santa Monica property, it became a challenge to Eaton to pursue the matter to its conclusion. How fortunate for the citizens of Fresno City and County that he had the determination and persuasive powers to do so!

Negotiations with the property owner, finally, were for the purchase of a 235-acre parcel in the area selected. The Board of Rotary Playland Trust Fund agreed to participate with a contribution of $80,000 for the purchase of 50 acres, leaving 185 acres to be purchased by the estate trustees for $296,000, and transfer of the entire property to the City of Fresno. All parties, including Claude Rowe as co-trustee, approved the transaction in September 1964. The escrow was closed in April 1965, and the title passed to the city. 

At the conclusion of the interview, Lewis Eaton made the statement that of all the civic projects in which he had a part, including the Fresno Metropolitan Museum, he is most proud of his part in the creation and location of Woodward Park. 

Thus, was set in motion the building of a second major City of Fresno park, the first since the establishment of Roeding Park in 1903. As finally completed after State Highway 99 was rerouted as a freeway in 1954, Roeding Park covers 157 acres. Woodward Park now embraces almost 300 acres, after the later addition of the 60-acre parcel adjoining the original property on the northwest, and somewhat less than five acres when Friant Road was realigned as an expressway.

The selection was made despite claims by some that it was "too far out of town." In fact, it was then 2.75 miles north of the city limits. But an editorial comment in the September 7, 1964 Fresno Bee seems to have put the matter in perspective: "It raises the question of how far outside the city the park system should go. But to call this site -- 2.75 miles north of the northernmost city limits -- too far out would be thinking small indeed. Witness the mistake of the city council (Author’s Note: it was then the city board of trustees) in 1898 when it turned down Frederick W. Roeding's first offer of park land." Luckily there was a second chance. 

THE PARK AND BIRD SANCTUARY COME INTO BEING 

After the purchase of the property in April 1965, the next step was annexation to the city, completed in August, but not without some vocal objection because it was by means of "strip annexation" along Blackstone Avenue. During these times when many important decisions were being made, Margaret Robinson was chairman of the Parks and Recreation Commission, Howard Holrnan was director of the Parks and Recreation Department, and Sam Setincich was Parks Superintendent. Wallace Henderson was mayor, followed by Floyd Hyde, and H. K. Hunter was City Chief Administrative Officer (the title now City Manager). Henderson was a former president of the Fresno County Historical Society (before City was added to its name). O. J. Woodward II, nephew of Ralph, was a long-time member of the Parks and Recreation Commission, its chairman several times, and until his death in 1979, was active in promoting the development of the park and bird sanctuary.

Holman, in a statement made at the time of acquisition of the property, predicted that it would be five years before the park was ready for use by the public, ten years for full development, and twenty years for it to reach maturity, and that a total cost of at least $6 million could be expected. Events have confirmed the accuracy of his prediction. 

Now the time had come for the creation of a Grand Plan. The city contracted with San Francisco landscape architects Alan Ribera and John Sue for design services. Dr. Arthur E. Staebler, associate professor of biology at Fresno State College and former director of the Kellogg Bird Refuge at Battle Creek, Michigan, was retained as consultant for the design of the bird refuge. Ben Glading of the California Fish and Game Department was another advisor. Harry Buckley, superintendent of the 7,600-acre park system of Portland, Oregon, was engaged as a consultant for the park design. All involved were to keep in mind the provisions of Ralph Woodward's will that "the park be a quiet one and a sanctuary for birds, with no heavy activity to distract from its peaceful and serene beauty.” It was to be a place "to waste time pleasurably and profitably." There were to be no playground or carnival-type developments, and no commercial enterprises such as restaurants or entertainment galleries.

Ribera and Sue considered the site to be ideal for a park. They took advantage of the naturally rolling terrain by creating several distinctive viewing outlooks with views of the San Joaquin River, the Sierra Nevada, and the large lake to be created. Trees were to be used to make a shaded environment to help offset the hot Fresno summer climate. In addition to shade, the trees would provide windbreaks, background, screening of motor vehicle parking areas, and vista control. They would provide seasonal changes of foliage, and therefore year-round interest for human use. The trees also would provide food and shelter for birds in the refuge to be created in the southeastern area of the park. Birdwatching vantage points and duck feeding areas would be included. There were to be a large lake and several smaller ones, an amphitheater, and picnic facilities. To ensure that it be a "people park" and not a "motor vehicle park" the plan included one-way motor vehicle circulation, with no more than two entrance/exit gates, and parking areas screened by trees. 

Well, this story tells quite a different tale from the realities of Woodward Park 2025 - with marathons, concerts and so many other activities. But there is so much more to share about how the park was actually constructed. Look for Part II of this endeavor in future issues of The Grapevine. Amazing how some of the same names recur as true founders of our community…

MAKING HISTORY EVERY DAY:

Central Fish has thrived for 75 years in Fresno’s Chinatown. What’s next? 

Written by Thaddeus Miller and reprinted from The Fresno Bee, May 4, 2025

The anchor of Fresno’s Chinatown, Central Fish Co. has thrived for 75 years by building a loyal customer base and selling products sold nowhere else in the region. Owner Morgan Doizaki has run the family-owned store — which is also a fish wholesaler and restaurant — since he took over the 1535 Kern St. mainstay in 2003.

He grew up in Los Angeles but would work at Central Fish during the summers off from school. He was still in college studying business when he convinced his family to let him take over Central Fish, and transferred to Fresno Pacific University. But the shop goes back to 1950, when Doizaki’s great-uncle, Akira Yokomi, opened a store around the corner on Kern and F streets. Doizaki said his uncle, who was born in Fowler and known by the nickname “Okie,” wanted to cater to shoppers who were not already shopping at other Japanese markets in the area. “It’s a very unique place that brings a lot of people here of all types, you know, from a homeless person to a millionaire, from a judge to a student,” he said. “And it’s a destination spot too.”

Central Fish in Fresno Chinatown The 44-year-old said he still meets shoppers who are older than him who reminisce about Yokomi giving them candy when they were little.

Doizaki said Central Fish offers less commonly found meats, continuing his great-uncle’s legacy of finding a niche in the market. There’s an array of Cajun, Portuguese and Hawaiian sausages and products, as well as Japanese snacks and mushrooms customers won’t see on other stores’ shelves. But the real star of the show at Central Fish is just that — the fish. When a diner sits down to enjoy sushi or a cut of salmon in Fresno, there’s a high likelihood it came through Fresno’s Chinatown. “I say we don’t sell price, we sell quality. And that separates us,” he said. “It’s going into quality sushi restaurants and white tablecloth restaurants and saying, ‘We sell quality stuff.’ That keeps the standards high and keeps our reputation a certain way.”

Then there’s the restaurant. Doizaki said everything is made in-house, and he’s seen success lately with a new menu item called the Inflation Fighter. That comes in a couple of different forms whether chicken or seafood with rice and a drink that totals $9.99 after tax.

Running what amounts to three businesses in one has its unique struggles. “Only a crazy man would say, ‘Hey, you want to start a business. Yeah, but why don’t you open up a restaurant, fish market and all in the same house?’ ” he said. “It’s kind of madness.” One emerging market for fish sellers, he said, is small catering parties that were spawned during the pandemic. A buyer can go into Central Fish and buy a large cut of sushi-quality fish and make rolls at home for friends and family, cutting out the expenses that come with buying it at a restaurant.

Like any business that’s been around for decades, Central Fish has seen ups and downs, including an unspeakable tragedy, but its been able to continue to adapt, he said.

In 1996, Yokomi was murdered by a former employee in a crime that shocked the city. The 75-year-old was doing some paperwork after hours inside Central Fish on June 24 of that year when the former employee and a 14-year-old accomplice confronted Yokomi. The two had hidden behind some boxes until the store emptied out. The former employee stabbed Yokomi in the chest from across a desk before running around it to stab him several more times. The killer was sentenced to life in prison. Doizaki has fond memories of Yokomi, who was killed when Doizaki was 16. “He was the nicest guy ever,” he said. “When people talk stories about him, it just solidifies in my head, like, they don’t make people like this anymore.”

Revitalization and high-speed rail Many businesses in Chinatown — Chef Paul’s, La Elegante and Ho Ho Kafe, to name a few — survive by being a destination. They’re not picking up business off of foot traffic so much as being a place where residents who know what they want are going to make the trip.

Central Fish is Chinatown’s flagship in many ways, according to Jan Minami, the project director for Chinatown Fresno Foundation. “I think it’s a good place to start when you think about revitalization, and Morgan is such a strong advocate for the whole neighborhood,” she said. “His business is really important, but his attitude is equally important to the neighborhood, because he hears a lot of things. He knows what’s going on.” Chinatown and much of downtown is going through a transformation between the high-speed rail construction and the now-delayed $200 million downtown investment Gov. Gavin Newsom announced in 2023. Chinatown has been choked by construction in recent years, and Central Fish sits in the middle of much of it. The city is also replacing water lines throughout Chinatown. Doizaki said he’s optimistic about what the future holds. Central Fish has come a long way from when he took over what was a failing business in 2003. “We’ve positioned ourselves to hopefully benefit from all this investment coming in, infrastructure and all this stuff and high speed rail,” Doizaki said. “We want to be a part of this revitalization.”

“When I came here in 2003 I had a five-year plan. I’m still here, and I don’t think I’m going anywhere, because I want to see this place succeed, this area succeed.” Central Fish at 1535 Kern St. is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day, and stays open 30 minutes later on Friday and Saturday. For more, go to www.centralfish.com.

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