Delano Area, CA

Delano's roots were firmly established in 1873 with the construction of the Southern Pacific Railroad. However, with the building of the Friant-Kern Canal System through the Southern Joaquin Valley and the promise of a continued water supply for the area's populace and crops, the city's continued growth was ensured. Dorothy Kasiner takes the reader through a photographic tour of this historic town, highlighting its achievements and pioneering spirit.The abundance of water prompted local agriculture to erupt into a multi-million-dollar business, and the influences were felt in the towns surrounding Delano, including Richgrove, Earlimart, and Terra Bella. This collection of photographs portrays the early days of the area, including the part played by the Delano Airport in the defense of the Pacific Coast during World War II, the effects of the 1952 earthquake, and the region's most controversial agricultural labor strike.