5 minute read
Discover Tulare
DISCOVER TULARE
Words by Lifestyle Staff | Photos by Topograph
Right in the heart of California, you’ll find Tulare, a city that has all the big-city amenities but still holds on to that small-town feel. This is a place known for its agriculture and dairy where the locals and visitors can enjoy a glass of Rosa Brothers milk or freshly picked fruit. It’s also home to the Tulare County Fair, Tulare Historical Museum, and the International Agri-Center where many events are held throughout the year.Whether you want to take in the richness of the local history, go on a picnic in Del Lago Park, shop at the outlets which include a luxury movie theater, or be transported back to the “good ol’ days” by taking a stroll downtown, there is something for everyone.
HISTORY
Tulare was founded in 1872 by the Southern Pacific Railroad to serve as their San Joaquin Valley headquarters. In the early years, Tulare faced many struggles, including burning down and having to be rebuilt three times, and having the railroad (the reason Tulare was founded) relocate to another city entirely. Through hardship and ingenuity, Tulare stayed resilient and turned to agriculture as their main industry. To this day, they remain a top producer in the agriculture world and host the international, three-day World Ag Expo every February.
NOTEABLE PEOPLE
Tulare is the hometown of three Olympic medalists. The first was Bob Mathias, who at the age of 17, became the youngest athlete to win gold in a track-and-field event. Similarly, Sim Ness won gold at the 1952 Olympics in Finland. Most recently, Richard Torrez Jr. brought home a silver medal in super heavyweight boxing at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. You can find their larger than life murals in downtown Tulare.
AMERICAN VETERANS MEMORIAL
The memorial located next to Mefford Field was originally unveiled in 1994 and was restored and rededicated in 2022. The memorial consists of a 1964 Vietnam War GF-4C Phantom II fighter bomber and a World War II Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress. The memorial honors 77 fallen Vietnam War soldiers from Tulare County and is dedicated to all of the men and women who have served in the wars.
TULARE PUBLIC LIBRARY
The first public library in Tulare was built in 1882 by the Southern Pacific Railroad as an employee recreation center. Originally called a library hall, the first books it housed were donated by the railroad and it functioned as a place to learn as well as a place to play billiards and chat with friends. Since then, the community has outgrown the library, but the original building is known as the oldest surviving building in town. The current library, built in 2010, sits on M Street, offering the diverse community the resources they need to succeed.
DEL LAGO PARK
Tulare has many parks and walking trails to enjoy, but one in particular has multiple amenities to discover. Located in the Del Lago community, Del Lago Park is a 28-acre park built as a part of the master-planned community. It boasts a pond, six picnic areas, tennis courts, many play areas, ample shade, and a 1.35 mile lighted walking path.
LINDER MANSION
This historic home was completed in 1914 by Senator Reynold Linder and his wife Adeline, who also owned Linder Hardware, which opened in 1884. Reynold lived in the home until he retired to the Bay Area and his son George moved into the home with his wife, Julia. When George passed in the late 50s, his son David and David’s wife Frances, who also owned Linder Tractor Equipment, moved in. Frances passed in 2017 at the age of 100, and her granddaughter Carrie moved into the home where she currently resides. The home still has the original wood floors and the exterior’s original features have been maintained, as well.
