Tulare County
History
History of Tulare and Kings Counties, California - History by Eugene L. Menefee and Fred A. Dodge - Historic Record Company - Los Angeles, California, 1913
CHAPTER VIII
PORTERVILLE AND OTHER TOWNS
In the southeastern part of Tulare county, situated on a branch of the Tule river and connected with the cities of Los Angeles and San Francisco by a branch line, which joins the main Southern Pacific at Fresno and Famosa, lies the city of Porterville; conceded by those who have visited it to be one of the most progressive towns of its population in the state. While Porterville is in close proximity to the mountains, the foothills do not tend to retard development, but add to the picturesqueness and prosperity of this thriving community of thirty-two hundred people.
Porterville was, of necessity, on the olden immigrant road, and on the overland stage line, by reason of the fact that in those days it was necessary to keep to the high ground to avoid the marshes of the lowland. Along the base of the spur of hills which here projects into the valley lay the only natural route. Then, as now, passersby found the place attractive and many immigrant trains found along the banks of the Tule river pleasant camping and resting places, the first encountered for days.
J. B. Hockett and party camped here in 1849. Mr. Clapp settled here in 1856 or '57. In the late '50s a number of settlers had made locations and when the Overland Mail from San Francisco to St. Louis was established, in 1859, a stage station was located here. Royal Porter Putnam was placed in charge of this station at the princely salary of $30 per month and board. Mr. Putnam easily took a prominent place, became familiarly known by his middle name and the stopping place was soon called Porter's station. When the stage route was abandoned, in 1861, Mr. Putnam established a hotel and store and then, as befitting the newly-acquired dignity of the place, it came to be entitled Porterville.
Cattle raising constituted the chief occupation of the people in this district, in the days before the Civil war. The era of the cereal commenced in 1874, but floods, followed by drought, disheartened some of the settlers. Not until the coming of the railroad in 1888 did Porterville lift her head and allow prosperity to enter, the latter then coming to remain for all time. The orange now began to perform a very important function. The first grove, of sixty trees, was planted in 1870 by Deming Gibbons on his property, where now stands Plano. These trees were seedlings and for twelve years oranges of quality or quantity failed to mature. Added impetus, however, was given citrus culture by A. R. Henry of Pasadena, who has long since passed to his reward, and in the year 1892 three hundred scattering acres had been brought under the reign of the citrus fruit. During this year a bill proposing the segregation of the Porterville district from the rest of Tulare county was introduced in the state legislature, but was defeated in 1893. To demonstrate the possibilities of Porterville, orchardists installed an exhibit of citrus fruit and apples at Sacramento. Orange experts and many men prominent in the fruit world pronounced the fruit equal to any grown south of the Tehachapi, and Porterville retains this distinction to this day.
Porterville became a town of the sixth class in 1902, when a number of enterprising citizens appeared before the solons at Sacramento. After due legal red tape the charter was granted and Porterville entered upon a period of united development. Porterville now marched rapidly forward until 1908, when by a heavy majority, Porterville citizens voted for the abolition of saloons within the incorporated city of Porterville. Two years later voters again declared the saloon an outlaw. On April 15, 1912, a drastic ordinance against the selling of intoxicants received the unanimous sanction of the city council.
Porterville ranks second to none of Tulare county cities in fine business blocks and residences. Itemized building figures would be useless, for in Porterville the progress of today is history tomorrow. Within the past four years two three-story blocks, several two-story and numerous single business blocks have been constructed, all of fire-proof material and representing a total valuation of $1,750,000. The business district covers an area of six blocks, the business houses being of brick and reinforced concrete. More beautiful and substantial residences are seldom seen, $500,000 being represented in residences erected within the past three years.
Few, if any, towns of the county can present a more imposing and practical school structure than has just been completed at a cost of $45,000, situated at the west end of Olive street, in the center of a district destined to become the residential section of Porterville. It is an eight-room school building of mission design, with the latest and most approved methods of heating, ventilating and fire-escapes. The structure is the most modern of four grammar school buildings, in which more than six hundred children receive instruction. Aside from adequate primary and elementary departments, Porterville is provided with a massive high school building of granite, with a total enrollment of over two hundred students and every probability of twice that number within the next two years. Practical courses are the specialties of instruction. The cost of Porterville's schools aggregate a total of $120,000.
Porterville's municipal water system is one of the best, $90,000 having been expended in obtaining the most improved service. In 1908, the plant was purchased from the Pioneer Water Company for $50,000, incidentally reducing the water rate twenty-five per cent. Since the purchase of the system, $45,000 worth of improvements have been added. Located upon Scenic Heights, one hundred sixty-three feet above Main street, is a 300,000 gallon water tower, into which is pumped pure water from two modern plants, the maximum capacity of the plants being 1,250,000 gallons every twenty-four hours. Two auxiliary tanks, one containing 75,000 gallons and a 100,000-gallon reservoir, add ample pressure for fire protection. The domestic supply is furnished by four, six and eight-inch laterals, fed from a ten-inch main, the total length of which is eighteen miles. The foothill lands near Porterville are abundantly supplied by the Pioneer Water Company, whose system is capable of irrigating seven thousand acres, the main canal being sixteen miles in length. Deep well pumps are fast displacing the old irrigation methods, the past year witnessing the installation of one hundred and fifty plants.
Within the past year a $75,000 sewer system has been completed. Nineteen miles of sewer pipe, together with a thirty-acre sewer farm, are adequate accessories for years to come.
Facts and figures show two miles of asphalt streets and ten miles of sidewalks, the former having been constructed during the past year at a cost of $90,000. Five of the principal thoroughfares, Main, Olive, Mill, Putnam and Roche, are the paved streets.
With the completion of street paving, the necessity for efficient fire apparatus was pre-eminent. A chemical engine and a hose cart, propelled by gasoline, were purchased for $10,000. Porterville was the first city in Tulare county to adopt the modern fire-fighting device and therefore has a minimum insurance rate.
In response to the demand for adequate shipping and packing facilities for the citrus industry, eight packing-houses in and near Porterville have been established. These employ a small army of people during, the fruit season. Aside from one thousand ears of oranges shipped annually, Porterville ships many peaches and prunes. Apples rivaling those of the eastern states are grown in the mountain districts.
The thriving condition of two creameries, one in Porterville and the other nearby, attests the statement that the dairy industry has possibilities as great as those of the orange.
A Carnegie library, valued at $10,000, is another of Porterville's acquisitions. The building is filled with the latest productions in science, art, general information and fiction.
Eight religious denominations, Congregational, Methodist, Christian, Baptist, Christian Science, Catholic, Episcopal and German, are represented in Porterville, all these institutions being in a flourishing condition. Seven of the denominations possess buildings of more than passing attention. The Congregational church, erected at a cost of $25,000, is one of the most beautiful edifices of its kind in the valley. A total of $60,000 is represented in these sanctuaries.
The First National Bank of Porterville, one of the strongest banking institutions in Tulare county, was organized June 9, 1903, with a subscribed capital of $25,000. At present the capitalization is $100,000, and it has the largest deposit of any bank in the county. The older institution, the Pioneer Bank, was organized April 19, 1889, with a subscribed capital of $70,000. At the present time this bank is capitalized for $105,000.
Among the factors which tend to advance Porterville, of most importance is the Chamber of Commerce.. This is the largest organization of its kind in the San Joaquin valley, its membership totaling two hundred and fifty. Aside from a continuous and progressive advertising campaign, a club room for the members is maintained, and also a large reading room, banquet hall and billiard parlors. In co-operation with the Chamber of Commerce is the Ladies Improvement Club, a by no means small factor in the development, improvement and maintenance of a clean city.
A public park of thirty acres is situated at the eastern limits of the city. The land for this park was donated by public-spirited citizens and $10,000 has been expended in its maintenance and improvement. A public lunch pavilion, public play grounds for children and other attractive features have been installed.
An important factor in Porterville's advancement is the character of its newspapers. Two of the most consistent boosting journals in the county are represented in the Porterville Daily Recorder and the Porterville Daily Messenger. Both have weekly editions as supplementary publications and their financial future is assured.
Lodges of Porterville include all the leading orders, both beneficiary and insurance: Ancient Order United Workmen, Porterville Lodge No. 1999; Foresters of America, Court Porterville No. 181; Fraternal Order of Eagles, Porterville Aerie No. 1351; Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Porterville Encampment No. 89, Porterville Lodge No. 359, Canton Porterville No. 6, Golden Rod Rebekah Lodge No. 200; Knights and Ladies of Security, Porterville Council No. 1917; Knights of Pythias, Porterville Lodge No. 93; Pythian Sisters, Callamura Temple No. 66; Ladies of Maccabees; Masonic, F. & A. M., Porterville Lodge No. 303; Royal Arch Masons, Porterville Chapter No. 85; Order of Eastern Star, Palm Leaf Chapter No. 114; Modern Woodmen of America, Porterville Camp No. 9064; Royal Neighbors, White Rose Camp No. 5333; Woodmen of the World, Orange Camp No. 333; Women of Woodcraft, Pomelo Circle No. 292.
Porterville never has been or never will be a boom town. It has grown consistently, and it will continue its advancement, as the necessary resources, now in their infancy, will always be behind it. To the east lie many hundred acres of foothill land yet to feel the orchardist's hand. Farther east and up into the mountains are the famous redwood forests, unhindered by monopolists. These forests, together with the rich mineral resources yet to be developed, form a field of inestimable wealth. Excellent mountain resorts, such as the California Hot Springs, whose mineral waters equal those of the famous Arkansas Hot Springs, beckon the tourists from the hot summers of the valley. The feeding and fattening of beef cattle also forms an important occupation of the hill districts. To the south are thousands of bare acres unequaled in orange culture. Agricultural and dairy industries are assured in the broad plains to the west and to the north are produced the finest of navel oranges.
DINUBA
Dinuba is the largest city in northern Tulare county, situated along the foothills on the eastern side of the great San Joaquin valley. It was nearly thirty years ago that the first settlers made their home here, at a time when Traver was a flourishing community and Dinuba was but a cross-roads corner. The country was one vast wheat field, and it was not thought then that in a generation the entire district would be revolutionized and made to bud and blossom with fruit and flower as it does today.
The site where Dinuba now stands was originally owned by James Sibley and E. E. Giddings, and at the time the surveyors of the Pacific Improvement Company laid off the town-site was but a vast stubble-field. Later W. D. Tuxbury bought out Mr. Sibley's interest and Mr. Giddings also sold his interests to Mr. Sibley. The first lot in the new town was sold by the Improvement Company to Dr. Gebhardt, and this was later occupied by the doctor's office, opposite the depot and at the rear of what is now the Alta Garage. Homer Hall and H. C. Austin bought four lots on the corner where the Central Block is now located and on the corner where McCracken's drug store is situated, Mr. Hall built a $1500 frame building—the finest in the district at that time. The lots cost him $250 each and cannot be bought today for much more than that amount per front foot. Here Mr. Hall engaged in the real estate business in the fall of 1888. The building was so arranged that there was a room adjoining the realty office and this was occupied by Dave and Charles Cohn with their general merchandise store. Later the Cohn Brothers bought the corner where the United States National Bank now stands, and a year later the old "adobe" on the corner where the First National bank is now housed in its splendid $20,000 home. This adobe was a land mark in the community for years, and was occupied with general stores, saloons and other lines, until a little over a year ago, when it was taken down for the modern structure which has replaced it.
As stated, the next building to be erected after the Hall building was the office of Dr. Gebhardt. Then Frank Elam built a blacksmith shop on the corner where the Akers shop and machine works are now, but this later burned down. As was usual with a pioneer town, the saloon found a place in the growth of the community, and remained here until five years ago.
A building was moved from south of town by Mrs. Smith, who later became Mrs. Toler, and was located on the rear of the Hall and Austin lots, and this became the post-office. Homer Hall was the postmaster, and Mrs. Toler was his deputy, later succeeding to the office of the growing little town.
About this time the Dinuba Hotel was erected by Sibley and Tuxbury and Mr. and Mrs. Henry Kirkpatrick were the first lessees. They are still living south of town. Mine Host Kirkpatrick was succeeded by Matthews and Wheeler as landlords. This same year the Southern Pacific depot was built. and the public auction of town lots by the railroad took place in the latter part of January, 1889, the auction being "cried" by Mr. Shannon, the railroad auctioneer from Fresno. The railroad people gave the people gathered a big dinner that day, and the new town of Dinuba was given its start.
The "Seventy-Six" Land Company had already commenced the development of water for irrigation here, and later the Alta Irrigation District was formed, with 130,000 acres and absorbing the "76" system. From that time the district began to develop, until five years ago the city was incorporated and has grown until today there are 1,800 people here and Dinuba is the largest city between Visalia and Fresno along the foothills. The city has fine schools, both grammar and high, and seven churches: Baptist, Methodist Episcopal, Christian, Methodist Episcopal South, Presbyterian, Adventist and Church of Christ, Scientist. There are eighteen teachers in the public schools and nearly six hundred pupils. The city has miles of cement sidewalks and paved streets and is reputed as one of the cleanest and most attractive cities in the entire west.
TULARE
Tulare, the second city in size in the county, is situated on the main lines of both the Southern Pacific and Santa Fe, at their intersection, some ten miles south from Visalia. With a population of about 4000, rapidly growing; with the modern facilities and conveniences common to up-to-date cities of its size; surrounded by a thickly-settled, fertile, well-watered and productive farming section, Tulare does not present in aspect striking peculiarities.
Historically, however, Tulare possesses distinctive prominence. A checkered career, marked by a series of staggering misfortunes, has been her lot. The adage, "It never rains but it pours," seemed peculiarly applicable at one time. That " 'Tis always darkest just before dawn" proved true at last. The record of these events reads more like a story than the sober chronicle of history.
The earliest settlers of the county passed by the section in the vicinity of Tulare, because it did not lie in the path of water-courses. A few real pioneers there were, notably W. F. Cartmill, J. A. Morehead, J. W. Hooper, I. N. Wright, the Powell, McCoy, Hough and Wallace families, whose homesteads were tributary to what is now Tulare, but no settlement existed in this neighborhood prior to the coming, in 1872, of the Southern Pacific Railroad.
Unlike the other railroad towns of the county, however, an immediate growth followed the sale of lots. In fact, Tulare commenced with a boom. There was occasion for this, because, according to the railroad's plans, which were duly heralded, it was to be the end of a division, the site of great railway repair shops, and not least, the county seat of Tulare county. In the plats submitted to prospective investors, the many projected enterprises, as factories, railroad yards, and shops and the courthouse, were outlined. And there were many purchasers anxious to get in on the ground floor; the town started amidst a general whoop and hurrah. It came to pass that the railroad shops were erected, perhaps not on quite as extensive a scale as anticipated, but still there they were, and so, too, were several hundred employees, all of whom had to be housed and clothed and fed. Consequently there was need for merchants of all kinds, and these came. To be sure, the courthouse did not materialize. This for the reason that Visalia influence secured the passage by the legislature of a bill permitting Tulare county to issue bonds for the purpose of erecting a new courthouse at Visalia. Flourishing enough, however, were conditions to cause the town to grow apace. Among the pioneers of industry at this time may be mentioned J. O. Lovejoy. who built the first residence in the town, also a mill and a hotel, and I. H. Ham, who erected blocks of buildings, both in the business and residence sections.
Many of the railroad employees were men of family in numbers purchased lots and erected dwellings thereon, for on the installment plan. Now were planted gardens and on the sides of many of the principal streets shade all thrived. An ever-growing beauty and an ever-greater characterized the town. Monthly came the pay car with $40,000.
In July, 1883, a disastrous fire swept the business section, entailing a loss of about $150,000 and destroying about twenty-five places of business. From the effects of this fire Tulare rapidly recovered. Better buildings almost immediately took the place of those burned, and bustling progress was promptly resumed.
Prosperity was uninterrupted for three years only. In 1886, on the night of August 16th, the business portion of the city was entirely destroyed by fire. The magnitude of this second disaster can scarcely now be realized. Nothing was left except, to quote from the Tulare Register of the time, "a fringe of residences around a fire-swept gap." In the published list of the business houses destroyed are enumerated seventy-seven--practically all.
The loss occasioned by this fire was so great, so nearly did it take the accumulated savings of all the business men, and so closely did it follow the former conflagration, that it might seem that endeavor would be paralyzed.
Knowledge of the town's resources, supposed to be permanent, inspired hope and courage, however, and the town was rebuilt in better and more substantial form than before.
And now, indeed, in the latter part of the '80s, secure once more, enjoying renewed prosperity, the inhabitants may be pardoned for believing that their troubles were over; that, having weathered safely the storms, they were to have for the remainder of the voyage fair weather and fine sailing.
However, the Fates held the most crushing bolt yet in their hands. In 1891 it fell. In that year the railroad company removed its shops to Bakersfield, taking tenants and trade. Most dismal and discouraging was the situation for the villagers who remained. A score of merchants found their patronage insufficient to make them a living. Artisans and other craftsmen were without employment. Rents dropped to almost nothing; business houses suspended and closed; gardens were neglected and rioted in weeds; dwelling houses displayed first the sign "For Rent," then "For Sale."
A dreary stagnation ensued for several years, a retreat, as it were, before the overwhelming forces of adversity. Houses by the score were sold very cheaply and moved to different portions of the county. Tulare was looked upon as dead beyond hope of recovering.
And yet to the sturdy resident who refused to be a quitter came the insistent query, Why? He looked around at the vast expanse of fertile land surrounding the town and again asked, Why? The answer that farming tried on a big scale, wheat farming, had failed, because of insufficient rainfall or insufficient sub-irrigation did not satisfy him. He said "If it is water that is lacking, why, we will get water. We will make this land produce the abundant crops Nature intended and we shall become a rich and prosperous community, self-supporting, independent of railroad patronage."
And from this resolve a great irrigation system was planned with wide canals and far-reaching laterals. To carry out this project the people in the territory to be embraced formed the Tulare Irrigation District and voted bonds in the sum of $500,000.
With the bonds selling readily, the vast irrigation enterprise giving employment to an army of men well under way, the vast benefits that would accrue on its completion readily foreseen everyone again felt encouraged and hopeful. All trouble was now thought to be over.
As a matter of fact, it had just begun. Litigation over water rights involved the new district from the start. Finally, largely from this cause the money was all spent and there was no water, or at least, not sufficient water.
Remember, all this occurred just as the general hard times and financial depression of '93 were being most severely felt. The result was that default was made on the interest on the bonds. Conditions became almost intolerable. Lack of funds prevented proper upkeep of the canals. There was no water to speak of and yet there was an ever-increasing indebtedness that with the dragging weight of an incubus prevented any onward progress.
Land depreciated in value until it practically became unsalable. Discouragement gave place to despondency and despair.
Joe Goldman and other progressive citizens of Tulare finally evolved a. plan to try to compromise with the bondholders. They succeeded in securing a concession whereby the bonds and accrued interest, aggregating $750,000, could be wiped out for about $273,000.
An assessment was levied in the fall of 1902 upon the real estate of the bonded district sufficient to cover the amount, the bonds were placed in escrow and strenuous efforts, ultimately successful, were made to collect the money.
October 17, 1903, was the day appointed for the exchange. A monster celebration was held in honor of the event and the cancelled bonds were burnt in the presence of the assemblage amidst the greatest rejoicings. That day marked the turning point in Tulare's career. Progress since has been rapid and increasing. The irrigation system is now the property of the district and the only expense for water is the cost of maintenance. Pumping plants, irrigating lands not reached by, the ditches, have also been installed in great numbers, bringing into production thousands of additional acres.
Having become the center of the dairy district of the county, possessing three of the largest creameries, Tulare city now enjoys a permanently assured large and increasing income. Vineyards, deciduous fruits of all kinds and many other products contribute also, but the sum received from the sale of cream, now over $100,000 per month, is of first importance, not only because of the amount, but because it is paid in cash each month.
Tulare merchants enjoy the benefits of a cash trade and their customers partake of the benefits by reason of lower prevailing prices than in towns where a credit system is in greater vogue.
The present rapid growth of Tulare is well indicated by the building operations, which for the past two years have run about $250,000 per year.
Tulare possesses a first-class sewer system, an abundant supply of absolutely pure water piped everywhere, electric power and lights, gas for fuel and lighting. There is a large cannery, three creameries, a flour mill and a planing mill and furniture factory. A handsome free library building houses a six thousand volume collection of books. New school buildings with the best modern equipment and with extensive surrounding playgrounds and experimental plats are a feature.
There are two banks, two daily newspapers and corresponding business facilities of all kinds. Ten churches of as many denominations minister to the religious needs of the people.
Of the early improvements made in the days of the railroad shop and "before the fire" one only remains, and that is the shade trees planted along the streets. These, now about thirty years old, have grown to be of great girth and, wide-spreading, their tops almost meet above the broad streets.
LEMON COVE
Eighteen miles east of Visalia the foothill slopes to the north and south of the Kaweah river approach at an angle to form a sheltered vale, which with the village and post-office there located, is called Lemon Cove.
Originally the settlement and post-office went by the name of Lime Kiln, from the early discovery of lime in the vicinity by William Cozzens.
J. W. C. Pogue, one of the earliest settlers, was the founder of the town and the father of the great development in citrus culture that has taken place in recent years. The first orange orchard in Tulare county was planted by him. The successful growth of these first few orange and lemon trees and the entire freedom from frost noted during the years up to their coming into bearing, led him to plant a second orchard and to become a whole-souled, energetic promoter for the section.
In the early '90s a considerable acreage was planted to citrus fruits, mostly lemons. In addition to many small tracts, the large groves of the Kaweah Lemon Company and the Ohio Lemon Company were set.
A little story must be told here, for at this time the learned McAdie, our well-known weather prophet, in company with a number of friends, paid a visit to the high Sierras, reached by way of Lemon Cove. On the return the large plantings of young lemon groves attracted attention and Mr. McAdie proceeded to comment thereon in the presence of Mr. Pogue and other residents.
McAdie explained that citrus fruits would not mature in the locality and that it was a foolish waste of time and money to plant them. Reasons scientific, technical and meteorological were given to prove it. Old Jim Pogue, boiling inwardly and scarcely able to contain himself, finally interrupted and said, "Come here a minute; got something to show you." Taking McAdie by the arm he led him to the rear of his residence, where stretched a full-bearing orange and lemon grove, the branches loaded with the yellowing fruit and said, "There, you dad blame fool, there they be."
About a thousand bearing acres now add their testimony to that of Mr. Pogue. The lemon has a more delicate nature and more susceptible to frost than the orange. Lemon Cove is one of the few places in the state where sufficient frost protection is obtained.
Lemon Cove is the outer gateway to the Sierras of the Kaweah watershed and in consequence enjoys a considerable tourist trade.
The town, though small, is thriving and growing. Citrus fruit packing and shipping causes much activity during the season. Three packing houses handle the crop, which now amounts to about four hundred carloads annually.
A two-story hotel, large general store, livery stable, blacksmith shops, bakery and butcher shop make up the town.
SULTANA
Sultana, one of the new towns created by the construction of the Santa-Fe Railroad in 1896, lies three miles due east from Dinuba and is just half-way between that city and Orosi.
Sultana, situated as it is in the very midst of a solidly planted area of orchards and vineyards, has become an important shipping point, both for fresh and dried fruits and raisins and for watermelons.
Being so near the larger city, which has the advantage of lying on both lines of railroad, Sultana will probably never grow to be a large city. On the other hand, its existence is amply justified by the large and rapidly increasing rural population surrounding it.
LINDSAY
Lindsay is situated in the very center of the most extensively developed section of Tulare county's orange belt, lying about twelve miles north of Porterville and eighteen miles southeast from Visalia, on the east side branch of the Southern Pacific.
Orange groves in solid formation and stretching miles in all directions, approach to and extend into the city.
Unlike any of the other towns of the county, diversified products do not contribute to the enrichment of city and country here. Oranges exclusively are now grown and this fact, in connection with the large area of land in the vicinity suited to this culture, has made Lindsay the greatest orange shipping point in the county and many believe that within a few years it will be the most important in the state.
Thirteen large packing houses, equipped with the best modern facilities and machinery, and having a combined capacity of eighty carloads per day, are required to handle the output, which now amounts to about two thousand carloads.
Business, during the harvest season, when the handling of the immense crop requires the labor of an army of pickers, packers, box-makers, etc., is, of course, especially brisk.
The city now contains a population of about twenty-five hundred and is growing rapidly. There are two daily newspapers, two banks, three machine shops, a foundry, a planing mill, two cement works and a talcum powder mill. Two electric companies give power for lighting, heating and pumping. Gas mains will be laid in the near future.
Lindsay was incorporated as a city of the sixth class February 28, 1910, the corporate limits containing an area of nine hundred and sixty acres. The government was placed in the hands of a city council, composed of W. B. Kiggens, president ; Allen McGregor, P. T. Ostrander, Basil Pryor and Charles O. Cowles, and Marshal William Gann; city clerk, W. H. Mack; treasurer, G. V. Reed.
In 1911, bonds in the sum of $130,000 were voted for the purpose of acquiring a municipal water plant and for the construction of a sewer system.
Fifty-five thousand dollars was devoted to the purchase of the plant of the Lindsay Water and Gas Company and the betterment and enlargement of the system. An additional pumping plant was installed, mains extended to cover the entire city, and other improvements effected.
The sewer system, to which $75,000 was devoted, is of modern type and substantial construction, built by Haviland & Tibbetts of San Francisco. Provision for the disposal of sewage was made by the purchase by the city of a ninety-acre tract, situated some two and a half miles from the city. Preparations for farming this tract directly by the city is now being undertaken.
Lindsay possesses school facilities considered superior to those of any city of similar size in the state. These consist of three grammar school and one high school buildings, with extensive grounds, representing an investment of $70,000.
The appearance of Lindsay is made attractive by the nearly uniform excellence of both business structures and residences. There are six miles of concrete sidewalks and the streets are generally well graded, firm and smooth.
The growth of Lindsay, while never of a mushroom character, has been exceedingly rapid, about fifteen years only having been required for it to reach its present status as one of the most important cities of the county.
Nowhere else in the county has a more complete, radical, and rapid transformation in characteristics been effected than in the section around Lindsay.
When the overland stage line to St. Louis was established in '59, a station called the Eighteen-Mile House was erected a little south and west of the present town on the old Porterville road. Between Outside creek near Farmersville and Porterville this was the only house, and it remained so for many years. The country between was a dreary hog-wallow waste considered worthless except for spring feed.
As stock raising became a more important industry ranches were located in the foothills where water from springs or creeks was to be found and in the spring-time the flocks were removed to the adjoining plains and temporary camps established there.
This constituted all of the development until the early '80s, when the coming of the railroad through the valley gave an impetus to wheat growing.
After a few good crops had demonstrated the profits to be made in this culture some enterprising men of the period jumped in and proceeded to raise wheat on a large scale.
In the Lindsay district J. J. Cairns, G. S. and W. S. Berry, and others, as the Keeley's and William Mehrten (known as Dutch Bill) farmed practically the entire territory from north of Exeter to Porterville, including a large area to the west of Lindsay.
J. J. Cairns alone put in in one year 25,000 acres and was reputed to have cleared up $50,000 on the crop. The lands upon which these wheat kings operated were not owned by them, but were leased, usually upon shares, and lay in separated tracts. Although most of the country thus came under cultivation, no material progress resulted. Plowing and seeding outfits with temporary camps moved from place to place during the winter season and temporary movable quarters also sufficed for the harvest time. Neither did any permanent profit inure to the few men engaged in this lordly farming, as seasons of drought wiped out the profits from years of plenty.
In 1888 the east side branch of the Southern Pacific railroad was completed and Lindsay was made a station and given a siding. Capt. A. J. Hutchinson donated fifty-one per cent of the town-site for this concession, but this was not considered sufficient inducement for the erection of a depot and it was not until two years later, when Mr. Hutchinson donated more land, that one was built.
In 1889, however, the McNear company erected a large grain warehouse on the track and a few business houses sprang up to care for the wants of the sparse and largely floating population. Charles Rankin opened a general store and Ed and George Hannaford started a hotel and a few other shops followed.
The new era began in 1891 when Captain Hutchinson began the active promotion of the section for orange culture, placing twenty-five hundred acres of land on the market for this purpose.
Previously John Tuohy, on his Lewis creek ranch, had planted a number of orange trees, the growth of which had shown the adaptability of soil and climate. J. J. Cairns had set out a small orchard, and Captain Hutchinson himself had the previous year set out an experimental grove of five acres. Mr. Cairns also had put down a well, the first in the district for irrigating purposes, and had proven the existence of a great available water supply.
To Mr. Hutchinson, however, properly belongs the credit for being the founder of the community, as through his enterprise development on a larger scale was undertaken and the district's merits exploited in a way to attract attention from many men of prominence who became identified with the section's development.
Thomas E. Johnson of San Jose and C. J. Carle were among the first outsiders to whom the locality made a strong appeal and these, both by their own efforts and through their influence, became important factors in furthering the growth of the community.
About four hundred acres were 'set' out in 1891, more than double that in 1892, and considerably more in the years following. Not until 1896 and 1897, however, when returns came in from the first orchards planted, did the boom, as it may be called, set in that has lasted until the present day and gives no signs of abating.
Southern California growers in general had not thought it possible that oranges could be grown commercially north of Tehachapi. When the Lindsay groves first began to produce oranges and get them east in time for the Thanksgiving market, the fact attracted wide attention in the south. Many growers visited this section, foresaw its possibilities and invested.
Lindsay has proven an exceptionally fine locality for hustlers of limited means. By reason of the rapid rise in land values and on account of the prevailing activity in all lines of business due to the rush in leveling, planting and installation of pumping plants unusual opportunities have offered themselves. Lindsay boasts a large number of citizens who, entering the field without a dollar, now measure their wealth in five figures.
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler.