Porterville in Tulare County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Nettie Smith's Place
1. Nettie Smith's Place Marker
At this location from 1895 until the late 1920's Mrs. Nettie Smith had a dance hall, bar and restaurant with several small rental cabins reputed to have been a brothel. Mrs. Smith was for years accepted as a business woman in this town, she was from a much respected ranching family of Zamora, Michoacan, Mexico. She was a good friend and benefactor of the Mexican quarter of this city. Mrs. Smith came to Bakersfield in 1875, and to Tulare in 1888 where she married Joseph Smith then to Porterville in the 1890's. Her brother Frank de la Mora, had a horse raising and training business in the area. There was an extensive and respectful article on the front page of the Porterville Recorder at the time of her passing in September of 1944 at age 54.Erected 2019 by Dr. Samuel Gregg George Chapter 1855 of E Clampus Vitus.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Women. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1944.
Location. 36° 4.062′ N, 119°
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Dr. Samuel Gregg George (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Elisha Packwood (about 700 feet away); Porterville's Badman (approx. 0.2 miles away); Time Marches On (approx. ¼ mile away); Gabriel Moraga (approx. 0.7 miles away); Tule River Stage Station (approx. 0.9 miles away); a different marker also named The Tule River Stage Station (approx. one mile away); Vandalia (approx. 1.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Porterville.
Additional keywords. sex work, prostitution
2. Nettie Smith's Place Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 23, 2019. It was originally submitted on October 14, 2019, by Frank Gunshow Sanchez of Hollister, California. This page has been viewed 356 times since then and 67 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 14, 2019. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
