Selma in Fresno County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Frank Dusy

Photographed By Lester J Letson, March 13, 2010

1. Frank Dusy Marker

Inscription. Born in Canada in 1836, orphaned at age 8, he worked at numerous jobs before arriving in California in 1858. In his 40 years here he pioneered in photography, discovered Tehipite Valley and other prominent Sierra features. He led construction of the Fowler Switch Canal, helped develop the Fresno Scraper, promoted westside oilfields, served as a sheriff's deputy, fought for the rights of the Mussel Slouch settlers, operated a brickyard and several other ventures. Soldier, explorer, developer and patriot, he died in 1898 at his home two blocks southeasterly from this monument.

Erected 1975 by Jim Savage Chapter 1852, E Clampus Vitus. (Marker Number 19.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1818.

Location. 36° 34.05′ N, 119° 36.617′ W. Marker is in Selma, California, in Fresno County. Marker is at the intersection of Mill Street and South McCall Avenue, on the left when traveling east on Mill Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1884 Mill Street, Selma CA 93662, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are

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within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Selma (approx. 0.2 miles away); Libby, McNeill and Libby Cannery (approx. 0.4 miles away); Groundwater Irrigation Beginnings (approx. 1½ miles away); The History of the Town Kingsburg (approx. 4.9 miles away); George Boyle (approx. 4.9 miles away); Fred French (approx. 4.9 miles away); The Historic Kingsburg Jail (approx. 4.9 miles away); Fowler's Switch (approx. 5.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Selma.

More about this marker. The marker is brass on a marble base next to a water faucet on Mill Street near the intersection with South McCall in Lincoln Park.

The corner of Mill and McCall is a large flat concrete area locate in Lincoln Park with designs set into the concrete, and a large bench along one side for seating. When standing in the center of this large concrete open area, you will see the Frank Dusy monument and the water faucet to your right.

Regarding Frank Dusy. Frank Dusy is recognized as a famous figure in Fresno County history. He did not settle in any one location until later in life, preferring to travel all over the Sierras, Fresno County and what is now Kings County. He was comfortable in the mountains as well as the valleys.

Also see . . .

Photographed By Mandy Kirby, January 21, 2019

2. Frank Dusy Marker

“Exploration of the Sierra Nevada” (1925). An article by Francis P. Farquhar. (Submitted on March 5, 2010.)

Photographed By Lester J Letson, circa 1996

3. Frank Dusy Marker

Picture taken from the sidewalk on Mill Street

Photographed By Lester J Letson, circa 2009

4. Frank Dusy Marker

Also from Mill Street sidewalk

Photographed By Fresno County Centennial Almanac, published 1956, circa 1870

5. Frank Dusy

He helped invent the Fresno Scraper that was patented by James Porteous. The scraper engineering fundamentals are still used in backhoes and heavy earth moving equipment used to move large volumes of earth even today.

Fresno Scraper and Plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Lester J Letson, circa 2008

6. Fresno Scraper and Plaque

The Fresno Scraper, patented in 1885 by James Porteous. This horsedrawn earth mover was used extensively in construction of the canals that comprise the Fresno Irrigation District System. The Scraper was created with help from Frank Dusy.

This Scraper and brass marker donated by Jerry Cave in honor of his father Hubert Cave is located next to the Moses J. Church marker on Maple Street in Fresno.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 5, 2019. It was originally submitted on March 4, 2010, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. This page has been viewed 1,806 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on March 14, 2010, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. 2. submitted on January 21, 2019, by Mandy Kirby of Clovis, California. 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on March 4, 2010, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.