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

Converse Basin Grove

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 28, 2011

1. Converse Basin Grove Marker

Inscription. One of the largest stands of Giant Sequoias, it contained some of the finest Big Trees. The grove was logged as a private land between 1897 and 1907, first by the Sanger Lumber Company and later by Hume-Bennett Lumber Company, which in 1909 developed Hume Lake for a mill. Converse Basin, two miles northeast of this monument, had its own mill and narrow gauge rail connection to the logging town of Millwood, from which lumber was sent to Sanger in the valley by flume. Although they never realized any profit, the companies cut several thousand Big Trees and left only the largest, the Boole Tree, unfelled. The area today is part of Sequoia National Forest which regulates all uses including logging, but none of the ancient giant sequoias will ever be commercially cut again.

Erected 1977 by Jim Savage Chapter 1852, E Clampus Vitus.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Horticulture & Forestry • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1897.

Location. 36° 46.685′ N, 118° 57.624′ W. Marker is near Dunlap, California, in Fresno County. Marker is at the intersection of State Highway 180 and Forest Service

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Road 13S03, on the left when traveling north on State Highway 180. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Dunlap CA 93621, 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. Gamlin Cabin (approx. 2.2 miles away); The Centennial Stump (approx. 2.2 miles away); General Grant Tree Trail (approx. 2.3 miles away); The Fallen Monarch (approx. 2.3 miles away); Technology in Timber County… (approx. 3½ miles away); Millwood (approx. 4.1 miles away); Buck Rock Lookout (approx. 6.4 miles away); Dunlap Cemetery (approx. 10.6 miles away).

Additional commentary.
1. Converse Basin Grove Marker
I built this marker myself with very little help. It is 50 plus miles from home and being an undertaker with odd hours it was hard to get a work crew together. The Forest Service Super. and I could never get together to pick a spot for the monument. Finely he told me to pick a spot and he would be there for the dedication, he was pleased with the placement. I check it at least once a year. A Clamper stoneman did the lettering in black granite for me. For sure there are Clamper memory items in the base.
George L Page XNGH #17
Jim Savage Chapter 1852

— Submitted November 12, 2011, by
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 28, 2011

2. Converse Basin Grove Marker
George L Page of Kingsburg, California.

Converse Basin Grove dedication pamphlet image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Lester J Letson, September 20, 2010

3. Converse Basin Grove dedication pamphlet

Front page of the 1977 Converse Basin Dedication pamphlet.

Photographed By Lester J Letson, September 20, 2010

4. Converse Basin Grove dedication pamphlet

Inside of the dedication pamphlet from 1977

Credits. This page was last revised on July 31, 2018. It was originally submitted on July 7, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,310 times since then and 31 times this year. Last updated on February 5, 2012, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 7, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 3, 4. submitted on October 28, 2014, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.