STORIES FROM VISALIA’S PAST

WE WANT YOUR STORIES!

One of the best ways to talk about history is to tell the story. Did your parents or grandparents hand down a story about early Visalia? Did they come by wagon or train? Did they live in an historic building? Maybe you have a story about eating in The Depot Restaurant.

We’re starting to collect those stories. If you think your story should be included in Visalia’s history, email it to Alison Miniaci, miniacali@yahoo.com or Donna Orozco, dorozco1115@yahoo.com.

WHERE IS IT NOW?

Visalia Heritage recently received this letter about an historical home. I’m reaching out in hopes you might be able to help me with something very meaningful to my family. My grandmother (Grammy) has often spoken about a house that belonged to her grandparents, Arthur and Emma Crowley, and then their daughter, Elsie Elizabeth Crowley. Grammy’s mother, Ruby Crowley, grew up there. The home was originally located on Lincoln Oval, but at some point before 1980 or 1990 was moved. From what my Grammy can remember, it was relocated across the railroad tracks from the Oval, near the Visalia Country Club, and that it was later converted into an apartment building. Recently, my Grammy and I came to Visalia trying to find it, but we couldn’t. She was so disappointed, and I would love to surprise her by finally locating the house she remembered from her family’s stories. What I know about it:Two-story house (likely an early 1900s foursquare/Victorian style) Belonged to Arthur and Emma Crowley Moved before 1980 or 1990 from the Lincoln Oval area The balcony may be gone or look different Reportedly converted into apartments after relocation This is a photo of the house when the Crowley family lived there. I know some things about it have been changed, such as the door. If you have any records, notes, or knowledge of this house—especially the current address or apartment name—it would mean so much to my Grammy and to me. Thank you kindly for your time and for any help you can provide. Sincerely, Ruby-Grace Martin Maine If you know anything about this house, please contact President Walter Deissler at 559 972-4872

The Depot First Dedicated on Fourth of July, 1916

Visalia Morning Delta July 4, 1916 The formal dedication of Visalia’s new Southern Pacific depot will take place this evening at 8 p.m. with B.M Maddox of Visalia [newspaper publisher and Mt. Whitney Power Company] representing the city and H.R. Judah, assistant general passenger agent, at hand for the railroad company. During the exercises the depot will be in total darkness while the Visalia band plays several selections. The first ticket will be sold to Jas T. Boyer of the Visalia Board of Trades. According to Agent Lary, the ticket will be from Visalia to New York and return, Mr. Lary insisting that Mr. Boyer return. The hour of 8 o’clock has been selected as the most appropriate, the lighting effect of the depot being quite elaborate. Visalia will readily respond to this dedication as the depot is now a reality, and they appreciate it as one of the finest in the valley. When the parking is completed and the paving done, the structure will show up even larger and more auspicious that it does now. A separate story told about the elaborate Fourth of July activities planned: The headline said rooming houses and hotels were crowded to the limit. The day would begin at 9 a.m. with the Visalia band playing. There would be a baseball game against the Bakersfield Elks and patriotic activities in the new auditorium (the Visalia Municipal Auditorium on the northwest corner of Acequia and Garden, which would be dedicated at a later date, so as not to detract from the depot opening). There would be a carnival on Center St. and a 150-mile road race with a purse of $1,800. There were 14 entries. The day would also celebrate the completion of the new state highway between Hanford and Visalia. Hanford was going to close down almost entirely so those from Hanford could come to Visalia and hold a twin-city celebration. Then there would be another band concert in the business section, the official opening of the depot, and a dance in the new auditorium. The newspaper called it “one of the best Fourth of July programs in years, despite the militia boys going away.”