 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
REEDLEY came into being as the Southern Pacific line continued south toward Porterville in 1888. Thomas Law Reed, a local wheat grower, gave the railroad a one-half interest in a 360-acre townsite. The townsite was in the middle of a huge wheat growing area - near the northern end of 76 Land and Water Company properties. The 76 Land and Water Company had completed canals through the area. The railroad called the town Reedley in honor of Reed.
L.D. Norton surveyed the town in May 1888 and Reed began selling lots. The first post office opened that June in the home of Mr. & Mrs. F.S. Knauer, who built the first house in the new town. William McCreary opened a livery stable and E. Hirschfield established a general merchandise store. Soon other businesses, homes and churches were being built and the town grew quickly. The city was incorporated on March 14, 1913.
Shortly after the town was founded, a large group of German Mennonites settled in Reedley. Today, only one other community in the country has a higher population of Mennonites.
Reedley’s slogan is “The Fruit Basket of the World.” The community’s superior produce has been recognized many times over the past century at the Fresno County Fair.
Historical Information from "The Heartland's Heritage", written by Catherine Rehart
| Reedley Wagon Train Schedule |  |
|
| Assembly Information: | Thursday, April 11th | |
| 4:00 pm | ||
| Lincoln Elementary | ||
| 374 E. North Avenue | ||
| Participating School: | Lincoln Elementary | |
| Superintendent: | Juan Garza | |
| Evening Schedule: | 5:00 pm | Dinner |
| 6:00 -- 9:00 pm | Wagon Train Activities | |
| 9:00 pm | Camp Lights Out | |
| Departure Information: | Thursday, April 12th | |
| 9:00 am | ||
| Morning Schedule: | 6:00 am | Rise |
| 7:00 -- 8:00 am | Breakfast & Chores | |
| 8:00 -- 9:00 am | Preparation For Departure | |
| 9:00 am | Head to Sanger! | |
Please Contact Carole Lester, Fresno Historical Society for further
details.
559.441.0862 fresnocounty150@aol.com
Check back to this page for images from
the Sesquicentennial Wagon Train as we
“Celebrate The Journey” through Fresno County!