Saturday, February 28, 2015

 Photograph by  E.A.S. Wyllie (Edward Arthur Sanders Wyllie) of Tulare, circa 1890.    Redwoods were being logged at multiple locations in-and-around Tulare County during this time,   especially the areas near Grant Grove and Balch Park.     In 1890,  oxen were still an integral part of many of these logging operations,  but  eventually much of their work was taken over by steam-engines (e.g.  Dragging cut logs to the sawmills).       (Updated 6/15/16):  I've recently seen another old print of this image which has a "C. C. Curtis" photographer's stamp on the back.   Occasionally, photographers have allowed other studios to print their photos.   I would guess that this is actually a Curtis image that Wyllie paid for the rights to use.  Curtis is known for his many logging photographs.

 
Photo by E.A.S. Wyllie of Tulare, circa 1890.     An image of fruit being dried on trays.    There was a  considerable risk of fresh fruit spoiling during shipment to other markets (The railroads would not guarantee  timely deliveries).   So fruit was commonly dried back then, to preserve it.    In Tulare County;  peaches, apricots,  apples, pears and plums were often dried.     This might be the Paige and Morton Ranch which was just west of Tulare.

 From a photo postcard of Orosi, CA, circa 1911.    There's a bank, drug store and realty office in this image.     A close-up reveals window and street ads for things like Welch's Grape Juice and Bishops Rough House Chocolates.

Photo postcard image of the Bank of Tulare, circa 1907.
This bank was located at the corner of Tulare Avenue and K Street.