Resources

Handouts from my lectures

Schematic map showing decades when neighborhoods began to expand north. There is some overlap.

Sample of resources to explore that is not exhaustive, but will point you to more.

researching your own home

Construction date and modifications:
Visit the Fresno city records office in City Hall downtown (1250 Van Ness Ave, Fresno, CA 93721), third floor. If permits were pulled, you may find the original construction date, contractor, estimated construction cost, a record of all changes since then, and, in the early years, whether day laborers were used.

The people who lived there:
Look in city directories at the Main Fresno Library downtown (2420 Mariposa Street, Fresno, California 93721), or at online census records. Search on specific names in databases like Newspapers.com, and Ancestry.com. Although much is available online, some information needs to be accessed through the California History Room in the Main Fresno Library. Ask about books that feature prominent citizens over the decades.

Photos:
Search online to try to find old photos or prior owners who may have photos of the house.

Fresno history

Fresno County Historical Society:
Learn more about their archives, including the Ben Walker clippings

San Joaquin Heritage and Genealogy Center:
Contains abundant resources related to Fresno’s history

Newspapers in the library’s California History Room:
A rich source of information about people and events, especially in the 1800s and early 1900s on microfilm since Fresno newspapers are unavailable online

A Guide to Historic Architecture in Fresno:
A robust web resource with information about more than just architecture

Beyond Fresno

The Bancroft Library, at UC Berkeley:
Extensive collections related to California history

Online Archives of California (OAC):
Research gateway to unique and historical materials at archives, libraries, and museums throughout California

Historical societies and library archives:
Other cities where original homeowners lived prior to Fresno may have information about them, or related to your search