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
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.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 28, 2011
2. Converse Basin Grove Marker
this page online
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. 3˝ 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
Photographed By Lester J Letson, September 20, 2010
3. Converse Basin Grove dedication pamphlet
Front page of the 1977 Converse Basin Dedication pamphlet.
Jim Savage Chapter 1852
— Submitted November 12, 2011, by George L Page of Kingsburg, California.
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 1,207 times since then and 22 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.
