{Upon a recent visit to Fresno, one will find that history abounds in the north of the State. A small gallery, Pop Laval, seeks to maintain and preserve that history by restoration of early photographs. They have an online store as well as a way to donate to their mission.}
Claude "Pop" Laval (1882-1966) transplanted from his home in Pennsylvania to rural Fresno in the very early 1900s. It was here that he pursued photography and was known as the man to call for any photographic event. All told, he shot on some 100,000 negatives. He worked closely alongside contemporary Ansel Adams, who had taught Laval to keep logs of all his photos, producing a rich history of the Central Valley.
This view of Fulton Street at Tulare in downtown Fresno is a snapshot in time. The buildings have not all survived since 1936, so it is crucial to see what did exist and understand what came before. Looking closely you will see the ubiquitous drug store (Owl Drug Co) a postal telegraph service in the back, The street is teeming with people in their summer clothes. The casual, non suit of California, the white dress shirt, pulled up at the arm
The cars appear to be a mixture of both 1934 and 1935 Fords. A truck hawking 'accurate' painting patiently awaits the street to clear.
Another beautiful story in the Laval collection is Hart's Restaurant, which was razed in 2004. The giant neon clock and signs were a 'beacon' during the hard times of the pre-war Depression. {A beautiful story is here on the Fresno Bee Hive.}
It was opened on April 8th, 1936 and was a 24-hour cafeteria, serving what you would expect of a diner of that era. It remained a center point for many Fresno families through 1968. I could only imagine the late stories told over cups of coffee and fresh pies. Pies made from the cornucopia that Fresno is known for.
A Shropshire Lad 1: From Clee to heaven the beacon burns
BY A. E. HOUSMAN
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| Picasso - 'Girl Asleep at Table', 1936 |
The shires have seen it plain,
From north and south the sign returns
And beacons burn again.
Look left, look right, the hills are bright,
The dales are light between,
Because 'tis fifty years to-night
That God has saved the Queen.
Now, when the flame they watch not towers
About the soil they trod,
Lads, we'll remember friends of ours
Who shared the work with God.
