Coalinga in Fresno County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The Bertrich Block
Constructed 1906 Destroyed 1983
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, March 22, 2013
1. The Bertrich Block Marker
Caption: The Bertrich block, became known as the “Kettleman” apartment. This plaque is inspired by Rebecca Zinn Todd, whose mother managed the apartments at the time of her birth.
Inscription.
The Bertrich Block. Constructed 1906 Destroyed 1983. A story in the “Coalinga Oil Record: described it as, “A two story modern brick building, of which the second story is under construction, and when completed will be one of the most modern equipped apartment houses in the valley.” The lower story, which was built some time ago, was occupied by some of Coalingas business houses. The grocery firm of “Burke and Tennant” occupied the corner store. It constantly had on display an excellent line of groceries and cereals. The room next to the grocery was occupied by the “Usher” Waist shop, which carried an elegant line of ladies waists and furnishings. In the store adjoined was “Mrs. Henrys” Millinery establishment, with an excellent display of millinery and hat trimmings. Then came the “Vogue” which carried one of the swellest lines of ladies goods and notions on display in the valley. The last business house was the “W. Smith Hardware and Sporting Goods.”
A story in the “Coalinga Oil Record: described it as, “A two story modern brick building, of which the second story is under construction, and when completed will be one of the most modern equipped apartment houses in the valley.” The lower story, which was built some time ago, was occupied by some of Coalingas business houses. The grocery firm of “Burke & Tennant” occupied the corner store. It constantly had on display an excellent line of groceries and cereals. The room next to the grocery was occupied by the “Usher” Waist shop, which carried an elegant line of ladies waists and furnishings. In the store adjoined was “Mrs. Henrys” Millinery establishment, with an excellent display of millinery and hat trimmings. Then came the “Vogue” which carried one of the swellest lines of ladies goods and notions on display in the valley. The last business house was the “W. Smith Hardware and Sporting Goods.”
Erected by Coalinga Lions Club.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce.
Location. 36° 8.456′ N,
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120° 21.742′ W. Marker is in Coalinga, California, in Fresno County. It is on Coalinga Plaza (North 5th Street) near West Durian Avenue, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 399 Coalinga Plaza, Coalinga CA 93210, 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 walking distance of this marker: Liberty Airdome Theater (a few steps from this marker); The Phelps Building (within shouting distance of this marker); B.M. Food Market (within shouting distance of this marker); Coalinga Womans Club (within shouting distance of this marker); Dr. Bill (within shouting distance of this marker);
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on March 29, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 554 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on March 29, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
