This 146-page photo-illustrated booster book was published by the leading Fresno daily newspaper, the Republican in 1897 to tout the beauties, prosperity, and enterprises of this valley county. It includes a mix of narrative, photographs, and statistics describing of the healthful climate, fertile soils, booming agriculture and industries, and varied scenery of Fresno County. The industries range from lumbering and mining to small manufacturing, and the orchards, gardens and vineyards produce a bounty of agricultural products.
The text and photos present the proud public buildings and improvements (electrical, sewer, and water services, good roads, and modern fire protection), and display an array of farms, businesses, churches, street views, and homes of prominent families. The history of settlement is told, as is the story of the development of irrigation systems that support the thriving farm economy. The introduction and success of the major crops (raisins, grapes, and wheat) are described, and important farming leaders and colonies are remembered.
In turn, the book tells the tale of each community: Fresno city (with its many civic improvements and role as the County seat and metropolis), Selma, Clovis, Sanger, and ten smaller towns. The water and power system of the City's new electric utility, the San Joaquin Electric Company, and the San Joaquin Valley railroad are proudly pictured. Land opportunities and costs are detailed, and the County's political movers and shakers are not forgotten.
See the table of contents for this book.
Also included on this CD is a Bird's Eye View of Fresno (1901), in 36 panels. This panorama was published by the Britton & Rey Company of San Francisco, and it features small engraved views of many of the buildings pictured in Imperial Fresno.
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