February 1, 2023

A Message from the President

Dear Members, Supporters and Friends, 

What a whirlwind January was! Our team was busy in January submitting six grants for Oral History projects, repairs to the Mansion (time to keep the cats, bats, rats and other critters out!) and our inaugural in-person Time Travelers event coming up in May – we will be sharing a lot more about that soon. 

In the meantime, we are working hard on our Stars, Stripes and Swing Gala to be held at Chandler Airfield on March 24th. Proceeds will benefit our educational and curriculum projects as well as our Community Oral History and Photographic programs. For more information, click here. The theme will embrace the 1940s and WWII and will replicate what our local USOs looked like – in fact, we have dozens of photos from that time period that will also be on display.  

May Ingraham. Photo Credit: War Hawks Air Museum

Did you know that the United Service Organizations (USO) was founded in 1941 by Mary Ingraham in response to a request from President Franklin D. Roosevelt to provide morale and recreation services to U.S. uniformed military personnel? Roosevelt was elected as its honorary chairman. This request brought together under one umbrella six civilian organizations: the Salvation Army, YMCA, Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA), National Catholic Community Service, National Travelers Aid Association and the National Jewish Welfare Board. The goal was to support U.S. troops cohesively, as opposed to operating independently as some had done during the First World War. Roosevelt said he wanted "these private organizations to handle the on-leave recreation of the men in the armed forces." According to historian Emily Yellin, "The government was to build the buildings and the USO was to raise private funds to carry out its main mission: boosting the morale of the military."

The first national campaign chairman was Thomas Dewey, who raised $16 million in the first year. The second chairman was future senator Prescott Bush – yes, that name should sound familiar. The USO was incorporated in New York on February 4th, with the first facility erected in DeRidder, Louisiana, 1941. Centers were established quickly ... in churches, barns, railroad cars, museums, castles, beach clubs and log cabins. Most centers offered recreational activities, such as holding dances and showing movies. And there were the well-known free coffee and doughnuts. Some USO centers provided a haven for spending a quiet moment alone or writing a letter home, while others offered spiritual guidance and made childcare available for military wives.

More USO centers and clubs opened around the world as a "Home Away from Home" for GIs. The USO club was a place to go for dances and social events, for movies and music, for a quiet place to talk or write a letter home, or for a free cup of coffee and an egg. 

But the organization became mostly known for its live performances called Camp Shows, through which the entertainment industry helped boost the morale of its servicemen and women. USO Camp Shows, Inc. began in October 1941, and by that fall and winter 186 military theaters existed in the United States. Overseas shows began in November 1941 with a tour of the Caribbean.

The USO brought Hollywood celebrities and volunteer entertainers to perform for the troops. According to movie historian Steven Cohan, "most of all ... in taking home on the road, it equated the nation with showbiz. USO camp shows were designed in their export to remind soldiers of home." They did this, he noted, by "nurturing in troops a sense of patriotic identification with America through popular entertainment.” An article in Look magazine at the time, stated, "For the little time the show lasts, the men are taken straight to the familiar Main Street that is the goal of every fighting American far away from home." Maxene Andrews wrote, "The entertainment brought home to the boys. Their home." Actor George Raft stated at the beginning of the war, "Now it's going to be up to us to send to the men here and abroad real, living entertainment, the songs, the dances and the laughs they had back home.” 

Photo courtesy of the Pop Laval Foundation.

USO promotional literature stated its goals:

The story of USO camp shows belongs to the American people, for it was their contribution that made it possible. It is an important part in the life of your sons, your brothers, your husbands, and your sweethearts. 

In 2011, the USO was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Barack Obama "for contributions to lifting the spirits of America's troops and their families through the arts.”

I think that is a terrific history lesson! One can only imagine how much salvation those three little letters – U, S, O – provided to young men who were willingly yet painfully serving our country in places many couldn’t find on a map while witnessing horrors that would haunt them forever. 

On that note, I wanted to mention a documentary that I have been a part of since its inception, Unbroken Honor, which will premiere on Valley PBS February 19th at 5:00pm. I don’t want to give away too much, but the film highlights the ultimate irony of WWII; Japanese American soldiers, all volunteers, elected to fight to free those being held in captivity in Europe while their families, three-quarters of whom were CITIZENS of the United States, were confined behind barbed wire on American soil. An encore broadcast of our Emmy® winning program, Silent Sacrifice, will air at 3pm that same afternoon. I highly recommend both films. The date has extraordinary significance for our country – see ROOTS OF THE VALLEY to learn more. 

Seems like I have a lot to say this month (every month) but I like you all to know how diligently our little team is working to preserve, protect and share the incomparable history of our San Joaquin Valley. 

In the meantime, please support these herculean efforts by becoming a member and coming to our grand Gala!

All the best, 

Elizabeth Laval

President, Fresno County Historical Society

FIELDS OF FRESNO AG TOUR

TRAVELS THE BLOSSOM TRAIL THIS MONTH

(Only 10 seats remaining)

By Candice Hill

Today I pre-toured one of our upcoming Ag sites. I was surprised to see a breakfast café on site. So of course, I ordered two breakfast meals to go after the owner graced me with a private tour of her land. Gem after gem is what I and guest are experiencing on the Fields of Fresno Ag Tours. This season we’ve had such a great response from local Ag sites including gardens, breweries, wineries, cattle ranches, agri-business marketing companies,

agri-tourism sites, Ag trails, National Parks, logging companies, tree farms, the rodeo…you name it. 

On Saturday, February 25th we’ll kickstart this year with a tour of the Blossom Trail. A new feature we have this year is a pre-Ag Tour mixer the Friday before each Saturday Ag Tour day. The mixer will take place Friday, February 24th at the Kearney Mansion from 3-4:30 pm for wine, music and a Mansion tour with me. The following day, Saturday, February 25th, will be our Ag Tour day with check in at 8:15 am. The bus will depart at 8:45 am. Our first stop along the Blossom Trail will be at Simonian Farms to learn about the contribution of Japanese American farmers and soldiers who fought in WWII as their families were trapped in the internment camps. There is a unique story of how some Valley families and neighbors cared for their Japanese neighbors' farms while Japanese families were unjustly held in the internment camps. 

Our second stop will showcase the blossoms along Chandler Farms where our guide will be our own Board Chairman, John Chandler. John will take us through his land operations and make sure you leave knowing how to tell the blossoms apart. 

The last Ag site will be for lunch and wine tasting at Kings River Winery for a barrel tour. Lunch is provided by Sweet Bees Catering / Chef B. By 1:15 pm we’ll have you back at the Kearney Mansion. Get ready for a lively tour especially on the bus! Test your local Ag knowledge for the chance to win local wines and unique keepsakes!

All guests are invited to attend a complimentary tour of Kearney Mansion at 2pm as well.

Secure your tickets today - space is limited.

FEBRUARY ARCHIVES SPOTLIGHT

By Cami Cipolla

Hello Friends of the Archives!

This month I want to share a story with you about a dress. Not just any dress, but a dress that symbolizes and represents 80-years of commitment, love, respect and friendship. In 1919, La Verne Call was born in Fresno. It was at Hamilton Junior High that she met the love of her life, her best friend, Malcolm Masten, while playing the clarinet in the school’s orchestra. Though they did not have their official first date until a school dance at Fresno High, Malcolm recalled that La Verne was always “his girl.” Both La Verne and Malcolm had accomplished academic years, Malcolm graduating first in his class, La Verne graduating second at Fresno State College, their friends affectionately nicknamed the couple the “brain trust.” In June of 1943, Malcolm and La Verne were married; a marriage that lasted for 79-years. It was during Malcolm’s tour of duty in post-war Germany that the pair developed a love for travel and adventure; over their 79 years together the couple traveled the world, visiting 100 countries. Malcolm became a well-respected doctor in Fresno, specializing in internal medicine for 41 years, specifically heart disease. He assisted in establishing coronary care units and modern cardiovascular units in the United States at Fresno Community Regional Medical Center in downtown. With her degree in business, La Verne assisted in the daily operation of Malcolm’s medical practice until their daughters, Marilyn and then Marlene, were born. La Verne was incredibly active in the community, she loved music, dancing, traveling, and backpacking, her last backpacking trip was when she and Malcolm were 79-years old. 

Back to this dress. This dress was handmade by La Verne and her mother for her wedding. She cared for this dress, a loving reminder of her love and friendship with Malcolm that lasted for 79 years until her passing in 2022. I received a call from La Verne’s daughter, Marilyn, that the Masten family wanted to donate La Verne’s wedding dress to the Historical Society to preserve her memory and for us to tell the story of Malcolm and La Verne Masten. When I arrived at Dr. Masten’s apartment, I met with both daughters, Marilyn and Marlene, and also with Malcolm. The daughters shared stories of their parents' lives together, stories of adventure, friendship, and love. Marilyn showed this image of their wedding day to Malcolm, she asked “Hey Dad, who’s that?” 103-year old Malcolm replied, “Well, that’s my girl. The love of my life.” 

This dress is not just a dress, it is a symbol of life, love, family, and friendship. We are always grateful and thankful to those who share their stories with us, and entrust us with their memories. It is an honor to share the story of La Verne and Malcolm Masten with you. Cheers friends!

VOLUNTEER WITH FCHS THIS YEAR

vol·un·teer·ism

/ˌvälənˈtiˌrizəm/

Noun NORTH AMERICAN

the use or involvement of volunteer labor, especially in community services.

Volunteerism can mean a lot of different things, to many different people. At its most basic, it’s a vital expression of human relationships. The by-products of volunteerism are many. The true spirit of volunteerism is infused with many societal values such as mutual trust, providing a sense of belonging and empowerment; these all notably contribute to one’s quality of life. These are the types of cornerstones that make one feel complete and connected to their community.

Ben Franklin founded the first Volunteer firehouse in 1736 after a ship fire caused a wharf, warehouses and homes to literally go up in smoke. Did you know that The Revolutionary War (1773-1783) was one of the largest volunteer opportunities that popped up in the beginning of its history? It provided a way for ordinary citizens to do something to help the cause without being on the actual battlefield. Then the 1800’s came along, ushering in The Great Awakening, a religious revival that swept the country and can be attributed to the sheer numbers of charitable organizations founded on a religious basis that emerged. These groups secured volunteers to join the fight to abolish slavery, help the disadvantaged and support servicemen. This widespread collective volunteerism in America continued into the 20th century, as volunteers helped improve the lives of communities across America.

Here is a point to ponder: 

According to Key Findings from the 2019 Current Population Survey: Civic Engagement and Volunteering Supplement completed by Americorps, an estimated 30 percent of Americans or 77.9 million people reported they volunteered for an organization or association. This volunteering rate is comparable to 2017 and has remained largely stable over the past two decades. 

The Fresno County Historical Society has been and is currently focused on community - partnering with community leaders, working on collecting and preserving all written records and other materials of historical value to the citizenry of Fresno County and more broadly, the San Joaquin Valley. We want to ensure that future generations will look back and understand the important part that Fresno County has played in the rich history of California. Volunteerism has been woven through the fabric of Valley history. We have a saying that it’s not just about what happened a hundred years ago. It’s about every single thing we do that creates ripple effects in history. We are making history every day.

If you would like to help us make history every day, consider helping us during one of the many upcoming events we host:

ROOTS OF THE VALLEY: Executive Order No. 9066

On February 19, 1942, in the frantic aftermath of Pearl Harbor, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt issued Executive Order No. 9066 authorizing the establishment of military areas from which certain persons might be excluded as a security measure.  

On March 2, 1942, General John L. DeWitt, Commander of the Western Defense Command, established Military Area No. 1, which included parts of Washington, Oregon, California and Arizona. Beginning on March 24, 1942, General DeWitt issued a series of orders establishing curfews and travel restrictions on Japanese Americans and requiring them to report to assembly centers within 6 days taking only what they could carry.  

Japanese Americans were held for over three years without charges or trial. In Hawaii, where 37% of the residents were of Japanese Ancestry, there was no similar internment. Throughout the war, not one Japanese American in the U.S. or Hawaii was ever charged or convicted of espionage or sabotage.

On December 17, 1944, the War Department rescinded the exclusion orders. The following day, the United State Supreme Court upheld the military’s exclusion and detention orders in the Korematsu case but struck down the leave restrictions as applied to admittedly loyal Americans in the Endo case. In 1984, Fred Korematsu’s conviction was vacated.

In 1980, Congress established a Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians to review the facts and circumstances surrounding Executive Order 9066 and its impact on the Japanese Americans. The Commission concluded that military necessity did not warrant the exclusion and detention of Japanese Americans. It concluded that the actions were based on “racial prejudice, war hysteria, and a failure of political leadership”.

The Civil Liberties Act of 1988 was passed by Congress and signed by President Ronald Reagan issuing an official government apology and monetary compensation to those interned during World War II. At a ceremony marking the Civil Liberties Act on October 9, 1990, at Fresno District Court in Fresno, six of the oldest living Japanese Americans in Central California were given letters of apology signed by President George Bush and a check of $20,000.

On February 19, 1991, a California State Historical Monument was dedicated at the Fresno District Fairgrounds recognizing its use as the Fresno Assembly Center during World War II and reads, in part, “May such injustice and suffering never recur.” An outdoor museum has been built on the grounds that honors every name of the residents of the Assembly Center. 

In 2007, the Pinedale Assembly Center Project Committee dedicated a unique and beautiful memorial at the Pinedale Assembly Center Site.

There is so much more information on Japanese American Incarceration available – we hope you will take the time to learn more. It should be noted that after 9/11, the Japanese American Citizen’s League and other organizations representing the Japanese community were amongst the first groups to vehemently urge not to go down the same unsavory path with Muslim Americans. Their voices were resoundingly heard!

Making History Every Day:

Southwest Fresno Lands 1st Starbucks



Reprinted From GV WIRE, written by Bill McEwen, January 26, 2023

Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer says a Starbucks featuring the company’s new community store concept is coming to southwest Fresno in 2024.

Dyer said that a conversation with Pastor DJ Criner made him think about “how much we take for granted some of the things in our neighborhoods. I drive by Starbucks every day in all parts of the city, but there’s not one in southwest Fresno.”

The mayor also provided a preview of the new concept that Starbucks will introduce at the location.

“It took some time,” Dyer said. “But I’m thankful to say today that they’ve committed not only to a Starbucks store in southwest Fresno, but the first community Starbucks in Fresno. … What does that mean? It’s a larger Starbucks. It’s designed so that people will come in and stay longer, more of a community feel, (and) they’ll hire people from the community. It has a community theme to it.”

The Starbucks is part of the West Creek Village master-planned community bordered by Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Jensen, Church, and Walnut avenues.

The village often has been described as an economic “game-changer” for impoverished southwest Fresno and its overwhelmingly minority residents since being proposed.

West Creek Village is between Gaston Middle School and the Fresno City College satellite campus under construction at 600 E. Church Ave.

In 2019, then-Fresno Mayor Lee Brand said that the mixed-use village likely will be “the single biggest economic development in the city’s history for this side of town.”

Incentives provided by the city figure to shave about $6 million in development fees and infrastructure costs.

According to a description provided by Retail California CRE, the village is a 120-acre neighborhood in southwest Fresno comprising the 36-acre college campus, a 10-acre community park, a seven-acre elementary school, along with single- and multi-family housing, and a transit-oriented mixed-use town center.

“The town center is a lively mix of residential, retail, and restaurants and is proposed in two parts: One centered on a conventional, car-accessed grocery store and the other on a walkable main street,” said Retail California.

Among the proposed retail opportunities are an anchor grocery store, movie theater, home improvement center, banks, and restaurants. About 50,000 square feet of office space is planned.