Traver in Tulare County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Traver

Photographed By Lester J Letson, July 12, 2014

1. Traver Marker

Lost for many years, this marker was re-dedicated 40 years later, well most of it, part of it was cut off and recycled years ago.

Inscription. Traver Traver townsite was laid out by the 16 Land and Water company. An auction of lots was held on April 8, 1884. Within sixty days a small town was in existence It prospered for a few years and was probably the largest grain shipping point in the United States. Irrigation caused the alkali to come to the surface in the area nearby and the land became worthless. Construction of the Eastside branch of the Southern Pacific diverted freight to Reedley and Dinuba. The 16 Company sold its canals and water rights to the Alta Irrigation district in 1890. Traver almost disappeared.

Dr. Samuel Gregg George Chapter No. 1855
E Clampus Vitus
October 5, 1974

Erected 1974 by E Clampus Vitus, Dr. Samuel Gregg George Chapter No. 1855. (Marker Number 1.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 8, 1884.

Location. 36° 26.887′ N, 119° 29.168′ W. Marker is in Traver, California, in Tulare County. Marker can be reached from -119.486134 (State Highway 99) one mile south of Merritt Drive (J36). South bound on Highway 99, exit at Merritt Drive,

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cross over the freeway and turn right on 6th Street. Drive about a mile, Bravo Farms is on the right between 6th Street and Highway 99. The marker is in the open courtyard in the middle of the Bravo Farms counpound. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 36005 California 99, Traver CA 93673, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Historic Kingsburg Jail (approx. 5.9 miles away); Fred French (approx. 5.9 miles away); George Boyle (approx. 5.9 miles away); The History of the Town Kingsburg (approx. 5.9 miles away); Alta Irrigation District (approx. 8.4 miles away); Poole's Ferry (approx. 9.6 miles away); Libby, McNeill and Libby Cannery (approx. 10.3 miles away); Frank Dusy (approx. 10.8 miles away).

More about this marker. This marker was originally dedicated in 1974, the first year of E Clampus Vitus Chapter 1855, but was stolen sometime in the 1980's. The thieves started to cut up the aluminum back plate, sawing off an angular piece of it for recycling. The largest part of the marker was then discarded and was not found until a few years ago. Dr Samuel Gregg George chapter 1855 is proud to re-dedicate this marker during their 40th anniversary.

Instead of leaving the marker up in the courtyard at Bravo Farms, it was moved out of the courtyard and leaned

Photographed By Lester J Letson, July 12, 2014

2. Traver Marker

centered in the courtyard at Bravo Farms

against a fence in the back. Somehow the wooden frame that holds the original metal marker caught fire, so the wood is now charred along the bottom. The marker is still intact, just scorched, and no longer standing in the courtyard, it is along a back fence now.

Regarding Traver. Traver's largest tennant, Eclectic Bravo Farms has been called an "Early Knott's Berry Farm" for its antiques and collectables, its 7 story treehouse, and 2nd floor miniature golf course. The Traver marker sits right in the middle of the courtyard among the antiques and attractions in the shade of the treehouse.

Bravo Farms courtyard image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Lester J Letson, July 12, 2014

3. Bravo Farms courtyard

One of the walls of one of the buildings in the courtyard at Bravo Farms with all the old signs. The marker is to the right of this picture. The picture was taken during the re-dedication of the marker.

7 story tree house at Bravo Farms image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Lester J Letson, July 12, 2014

4. 7 story tree house at Bravo Farms

This 7 story tree house is built onto a huge tree that takes up one corner of the courtyard at Bravo Farms and shades the newly dedicated Traver monument.

Bravo Farms police car image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Lester J Letson, July 12, 2014

5. Bravo Farms police car

a part of the surroundings, a car sits on top of one of the buildings

Traver re dedication Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Lester J Letson, July 12, 2014

6. Traver re dedication Marker

small marker above the full sized marker commemorating the re dedication of the original Traver marker

Well's Fargo Cash Box image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Lester J Letson, July 12, 2014

7. Well's Fargo Cash Box

The entire area is filled with historical and nostalgic items. This old stage cash box is sitting on the ground in the courtyard year the new Traver marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 13, 2017. It was originally submitted on October 7, 2014, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. This page has been viewed 1,115 times since then and 56 times this year. Last updated on March 10, 2017, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 7, 2014, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. 3, 4. submitted on October 8, 2014, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. 5, 6, 7. submitted on October 13, 2014, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.