Let’s Talk Clovis

Louis Milanesi, Clovis’ First Motorcycle Officer

PEG BOS

Historian/Clovis Museum Sponsor

The Milanesi family arrived in Clovis in 1900 and Louis was born here in 1903. Louis was admired for his physical strength, personal integrity, and generous spirit. He lived in Clovis until his death in 1981.

Louis was the third of eight children. His family moved from their home on the west side of Front Street (Clovis Ave) between 7th and 8th streets to a 13-acre olive farm east of Clovis on Tollhouse road. Their farm became the favorite playground for young boys. They were called the “Katzenjammer Kids.”

The early deaths of his parents (his father died when Louis was nine and his mother when he was 14) resulted in the children being “farmed out’ to various families. Louis lived with the John Shafner family. He was paid 50 cents per day for farm work.

By age 17, he was working in the barley mill owned by Wyman and Price. Price purchased a pool hall and Louis worked there. He also worked as a box maker at the numerous Clovis fruit packing sheds.

The County Sheriff was the top law enforcer after the 1856 formation of Fresno County. Cities and townships elected Marshals or Constables (title changed with size of territory) to serve as local law enforcement.

In 1927, Louis became Deputy Marshall of Clovis. He invested $200 of his money to buy a motorcycle, a gun and his uniform. His duties included traffic control, checking locks on stores at night and maintaining order.

He championed “instant justice” for the law breakers. Just the mention of his name would quell any fight in progress. His imposing physical build and the baton (night stick) he carried at his side reminded all that Clovis was a city of law and order.

He was a role model for the youth. He stated: “In those days we didn’t fool around with kids. They obeyed orders and did what they were told.”

Louis’ salary was $5 per day and reimbursement for gas and oil for his motorcycle. He worked a twelve-hour day, seven days a week with one night off each month.

Louis married Helen Quick in December of 1927. Their two sons (Louis and Milton) were raised at their home (923 DeWitt). Helen’s family (Ben and Edna Quick) resided on the second floor of 620 ½ Fourth Street. Ben and J.F. Gomez operated a barber shop at 643 Fifth Street.

In December of 1928, Roy Landers was appointed Chief of Police and Milanesi’s title changed to assistant Chief of Police. His duties and salary stayed the same and Clovis remained a “two man” police force. He had no formal police training. He remarked: “In those days you went out alone and did your job.”

He was also a volunteer fireman. He would ring the fire bell a 9 p.m. for the curfew that sent youth to their homes. Saloons were closed at 10:00 p.m. and the streets of Old Town were usually deserted until the shops opened the following morning.

Contributed by Clovis Museum

Louis Milanesi, Deputy Marshall. Photo taken in 1927.

Louis was a member of the fire department baseball team. He suffered a broken nose during a game with Selma. His reputation as a “tough guy” was reinforced as he rode patrol with a bandaged nose and two black eyes.

In addition to this police duties, Louis would hand sweep the major streets in Old Town. In 1930 he managed the City sewer, water and street departments. In 1957, he moved to the Clovis Sewer Farm, located south of Hammer Field (Yosemite Air Terminal) east of Peach and north of McKinley. He remained there until his retirement in 1967.

In 1981 Clovis Police Chief Gerald Galvin dedicated the Clovis Police Department annual report to Louis for his years of service.

The Milanesi family left us a rich heritage.