Harvesting Hope History
The beautiful home of Wendy and Stan Simpson was built in 1931
A Neighborhood with Enduring Charm
Story & Photos provided by Terry Ommen
In 1983, travel writers for the Los Angeles Times called Visalia a
South and west of the cottage are two lovely homes on nearby
“place of enduring charm.” They touted the town’s rich history and
streets that at one time were owned by two former Visalia mayors:
nice neighborhoods, encouraging readers to take a look.
George Tschumy and Jack Davis. Also nearby lived the Blessings, whose son Don attended Visalia Union High School. Don went on
And these journalists were right. Visalia is fortunate to have an
to compete in 1928 as coxswain for the U.S. rowing team in the
abundance of interesting and beautiful neighborhoods. One of them
Summer Olympics held in Amsterdam.
lies between Mooney Blvd. and downtown with Wendy and Stan Simpson’s “Carmel Cottage” near the center. In all directions, there is
Directly north of the Simpson’s cottage is Mill Creek, one of the four
an eclectic array of unique and historical treasures that, when linked
main creeks that flows through Visalia. The city was built on this
together, make for an enjoyable stroll. Here are some of the highlights.
seasonal channel’s banks, making it an important part of Visalia’s beginning. Here, the creek is shaded by a stand of large trees, and
Using the cute cottage as the starting point, one discovers that
when flowing, the water moves westward, meandering under
Sierra Ave. is a short block—maybe the shortest in town. Next door
streets and through other neighborhoods on its journey out of town.
to the west is the stately home built by Edna and Clem “Buck” Buckman, Stan’s grandparents. Built in 1931, the two-story Spanish
On Mill Creek’s north bank is a small shaded grassy area known as
Colonial Monterey-style beauty is the dominant structure on the
Mayors Park. Acquired by the city in 1916, the park is home to trees
street, and it transports imaginations to the days of the Californios.
planted in honor of several past mayors. The last one was an oak tree
Today, this architectural beauty that has been in the family for over
planted in 1994 to honor former Mayor Peter Carey. In 1934, the park
90 years is home to Wendy and Stan.
was also chosen by the Visalia Civic Club to be home to a tiled birdbath. Reportedly, the water feature was designed by a
To the east is a home at 1502 W. Sierra Ave that at one time was owned
“prominent” but unnamed Fresno architect for William R. Spalding
by Clyde and Lois Lary. Lynford “Lyn” Lary, their son, was a star athlete
and his wife Carolyne for their home on Encina Street, but it was
at Visalia High and went on to play professional baseball, both in the
never built. Instead, the widow of Spalding had it built in Mayors Park.
Pacific Coast and major leagues. Lynford began in the big leagues with
Though the birdbath is now missing several of its original elements,
the New York Yankees. In all, the powerful hitter and well-respected
including the figure of a small boy, a dolphin, and two frogs that
shortstop played with seven different major league teams.
spouted water, it is still worth seeing. 32
