Selma in Fresno County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Libby, McNeill and Libby Cannery
Photographed by Frank Vallejos, December 10, 2011
1. Libby, McNeill and Libby Cannery Marker
Attracted to Selma by many orchards of cling peaches and early success of a much smaller cannery a few blocks away on Whitson Street, Libby's grew quickly and a year later doubled its production capacity. In 1914, this large warehouse structure was constructed while other major improvements were made to the adjoining cannery along Center Street. Further expansion made Libby's one of California's largest canneries and southern Fresno County's biggest employer.
Thanks to Libby's, Selma in 1914 adopted its first community theme -- "Home of the Peach." Declining supplies of fruit, falling production and antiquated facilities led to the cannery's closure on September 24, 1971. The main cannery building was later demolished.
Erected 2011 by E Clampus Vitus, Jim Savage chapter 1852 and Stonecutter Lodge 437.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Horticulture & Forestry
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Location. 36° 33.733′ N, 119° 36.383′ W. Marker is in Selma, California, in Fresno County. It is on East Front Street 0.2 miles west of Park Street, on the left. Marker is on the small portion of brick wall that remains from the original cannery, located at Selma Cold Storage. To get to the marker, park on Front Street and cross over the railroad tracks. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1326 East Front Street, Selma CA 93662, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Joaquin Valley, specifically in the Central Valley, and in the Sierra Nevada. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Frank Dusy (approx. 0.4 miles away); Selma (approx. half a mile away); Groundwater Irrigation Beginnings (approx. 1.9 miles away); History of Kingsburg (approx. 4.4 miles away); Fred French (approx. 4½ miles away); George Boyle (approx. 4½ miles away); The Historic Kingsburg Jail (approx. 4½ miles away); Fowler's Switch (approx. 6.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Selma.
Photographed by Lester J Letson, December 10, 2011
2. Selma Cold Storage building with marker showing in the middle
Originally built as the Libby Mcneill and Libby Cannery. This picture is taken from the intersection of Todd Street and Whitson.
Photographed by Frank Vallejos, December 10, 2011
3. Libby, McNeill and Libby Cannery Dedication ceremony
Members of E Clampus Vitus celebrating the dedication of the cannery marker.
Photographed by Lester J Letson, December 10, 2011
4. Original site of Libby, Mcneill and Libby
Picture taken showing the vacant lot where the offices used to sit, the functioning water tower originally built by Libby's is visible in this picture. The tower can be seen from downtown Selma.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 7, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 5, 2012, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. This page has been viewed 2,200 times since then and 49 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 5, 2012, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
