Selma in Fresno County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Groundwater Irrigation Beginnings
Photographed By Lester J Letson
1. Groundwater Irrigation Beginnings Marker
The Front of the Granite marker commemorating the first Deep Well drilled in California
[Marker Front:]
[Marker Rear:]
Symbol of Progress
The longest life is but a quick drawn breath.
But every generation does what tasks it can
to achieve a sense of worth before its death.
This pioneer village serves as a history’s clerk.
What you see here is more than it would seem.
These simple structures symbolize that work which formed the substance of the American Dream.
This school, this church, the business, and the home,
now here epitomize our country’s might.
They changed a desert’s
this page online
and speak a silent message through this site;
“As citizens we all should strive to be bold builders of a good community.”
Charles B. Garrigus
Poet Laureate of California
July 4, 1980
Erected 1986 by E Clampus Vitus. (Marker Number 30.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Natural Resources • Notable Events. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1875.
Location. 36° 34.817′ N, 119° 37.867′ W. Marker is in Selma, California, in Fresno County. Marker can be reached from Art Gonzales Parkway, 0.2 miles Highland Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1880 Art Gonzales Parkway, Selma CA 93662, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Selma (approx. 1.4 miles away); Frank Dusy (approx. 1½ miles away); Libby, McNeill and Libby Cannery (approx. 1.9 miles away); Fowler's Switch (approx. 4.3 miles away); The History of the Town Kingsburg (approx. 6.3 miles away); Fred French (approx. 6.3 miles away); George Boyle
Photographed By Mandy Kirby, January 21, 2019
2. Groundwater Irrigation Beginnings Marker
More about this marker. Marker is located in Pioneer Village, a park with vintage buildings relocated from around Selma, Houses, an old Opera House and a barn. There are museums displaying different cultures that thrived in the Selma area at the turn of the century. The marker can be viewed by exiting Hiway 99 southbound at the Floral Avenue exit, making a left, turning under the freeway, making the first left turn on to Higland Avenue, and continuing until you reach Gonzales Parkway. A left at this short street will take you to the entrance gates to Pioneer Village. The monument can be seen to the right about 15 yards away from the gates to the park. The gates are usually locked, but are open every other Saturday from 11:00AM to 1:00PM and plans are in the works to make access to the park more convenient soon.
Regarding Groundwater Irrigation Beginnings. Recognized as the first Deep Well sunk in California, and identified as the beginnings of well water being used instead of canal water to irrigate crops in the valley.
Photographed By Lester J Letson, March 13, 2010
3. Groundwater Irrigation Beginnings Marker
Photographed By Lester J Letson, March 13, 2010
4. Centenial Village Marker
Brass plaque installed on the back of the granite monument. The plaque had been installed elsewhere in 1980 when the park originally opened as Centennial Village during the Selma Centennial. The park was later renamed Pioneer Village and the plaque was moved to the back of the Groundwater Irrigation monument sometime later.
Photographed By Lester J Letson, March 13, 2010
5. Groundwater Irrigation Beginnings Marker
Backside of the granite stone showing the Centennial Village brass plaque.
Photographed By Lester J Letson
6. "Opera House" at Pioneer Village
The front of this building says "Opera House" and is one of several buildings in Pioneer Village. It is used as a museum.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2019. It was originally submitted on March 14, 2010, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. This page has been viewed 1,626 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on March 14, 2010, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. 2. submitted on January 21, 2019, by Mandy Kirby of Clovis, California. 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on March 14, 2010, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
