FRESNO COUNTY CALIFORNIA AND THE EVOLUTION OF THE FRUIT VALE ESTATE ILLUSTRATED REVISED EDITION 1903 60 NEW PLATES NEW READING MATTER. [Fresno: M. Theo. Kearney], 1903. 19x24.8 cm (oblong octavo), pp. [1-3] 4-179 [180: blank], profusely illustrated, professionally rebound with original wrappers laid down on front and rear covers. Revised edition. The 1904 "Souvenir" issue of this very elaborate prospectus for an agricultural development in Fresno, California. M. Theo Kearney, born Martin Thomas Carney (1842-1906), developed the 5,000 acre Fruit Vale Estate (Kearney Ranch) over three decades from 1867 until his death in 1906. He founded the colony farm system on the property. Kearney aimed to create a model agricultural community, dividing the land into smaller parcels for middle-class buyers to cultivate. The estate included vineyards, a ranch town, and Kearney's impressive mansion. Today the land is home to Kearney Park where only four of the original structures still stand: Kearney Mansion, its Servant's Quarters, the Carriage House and Ice house. "M. Theo. Kearney’s life is the story of Fresno ... A history of Fresno County without a sketch of Mr. Kearney would not be a history." The validity of this assessment made in a November, 1897 editorial from the FRESNO EXPOSITOR newspaper is seen through the photographs in M. Theo Kearney’s publication. In his book, FRESNO COUNTY CALIFORNIA AND THE EVOLUTION OF THE FRUIT VALE ESTATE (1903), the images not only showcase the dramatic progress of agricultural development on his Fruit Vale Estate, but also depict the abundance and resources of Fresno City and County with their businesses, schools and churches as a 'modern' Victorian city -- selling the California dream to investors and settlers" (Fresno City & County Historical Society). Rocq (1970) 1924. A very good copy. Scarce in commerce. (#177244).
Price: $100.00
REVISED EDITION 1903" on title page; "Souvenir Edition, 1904" on front wrapper.