Grapevine February-March 1970
Item
Title
eng
Grapevine February-March 1970
Relation
eng
Grapevine Magazine
Date
eng
1970-02
Format
eng
PDF, 32 pages
Identifier
eng
SCMS_gvmz_00006
transcript of
THE
GRAPEVINE
THE FAMILY MAGAZINE
Harriet Tubman (1823-1913)
Conductor of the Underground Railroad. Born in slavery in
Bucktown, Maryland. Helped thousands of slaves escape
to freedom.
Special Features February-March, 1970
*The Importance of a National Identity
*Black Pioneers of Fresno County
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The GRAPEVINE
Magazine
February-March, 1970
Table of Contents
Editorial ------------------------------------------ 5
Citizen Honored ------------------------------------ 6
Sports --------------------------------------------- 7
Blacks Work For Paper and TV ----------------------- 8
Golden Wedding Anniversary ------------------------- 10
Community Worker ----------------------------------- 11
Home-School Liaisons ------------------------------- 13
Black Is ------------------------------------------- 14
Poem ----------------------------------------------- 15
Pondexter Brothers --------------------------------- 17
Recipe of the Month -------------------------------- 18
The Importance of a National Identity -------------- 21
Pioneers of Fresno County -------------------------- 27
Cover and Page 26 paintings by Eugene E. White
Photo Credits: Fresno Bee, pp. 6, 7, 8, 9, 16, 17
GRAPEVINE CORP.
Fresno, Calif.
1012 S. Trinity
Phone 233-1346
or 485-2832
FRANK JOHNSON
Editor
FREDDIE HAYES
Advisor-Writer
CLEO JOHNSON
Advertising Editor
DONALD THUESEN
Advisor-Writer
JAMES ALDREDGE
Reporter-Writer
HOW TO SUBSCRIBE
Single copies 25c; $3.00 per
year. Send check or money
order to Grapevine Magazine,
1012 S. Trinity, Fresno, Cali-
fornia 93706.
All rights reserved for material
contained in the publication.
Grapevine Magazine will not
return manuscripts unless self-
addressed stamped envelope is
enclosed.
3
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4
Editorial—
Schools and
De Facto Segregation
Frank Johnson
It has been long recognized by educators that intergrated schools are
better educationally for both Black and White children.
Recently there have been many comments and suggestions made to a
committee who is studying the de facto segregation problem. There has
been much talk about neighborhood, experimental, and central core
schools. There has been many heated debates about the issue.
So what is the best way to achieve the best education for our children?
One way that makes sense is to divide all the local schools into grade
levels. For example, schools in West Fresno could hold grades K and 1,
schools in North Fresno could hold grades 2 and 3, schools in East Fresno
could hold grades 4 and 5, and schools in South Fresno could hold
grade 6. The same system or a similar system could apply to the local
junior high and high schools.
The question that is asked next is "How do we get our children to
these different schools?" The answer is a simple one. We bus the stu-
dents to the appropriate schools.
For those parents and students who are scared to death of busing
this information might help. There are over 7,000 local students who are
bussed and have been bussed to the various local city and county
schools for years and there haven't been any major problems. A local
parent recently wrote, "We use our family 'buses' to go to churches,
shopping centers, and other places out of our neighborhood. Some times
we drive five miles for a certain kind of ice cream cone. Going a few
miles (by a school bus) for a balanced education has infinite value by
comparison."
There is no need for more surveys, committees, studies, etc. The prob-
lem, if any, is money. This responsibility is in the hands of the local
city and county boards of education members. So, board members, stop
the talking and start some action.
Editor
5
Joe Lee
Joe Lee, vice principal of Lincoln Elementary School, holds a community
service award he received from the West Fresno Optimist Club, given for
his bravery in entering a burning house near the school November 26 in
an effort to rescue a child. The plaque was presented by Robert Briggs
Jr., the club president.
6
Anthony Makes All-American
Charles Anthony, a bruising 6-foot-l, 217-pound tackle, today became
the second Edison High School footballer in two years to gain prep All-
American honors.
Anthony has been selected to the 1969 Sunkist-Coach and Athlete Prep
All-American football team. He is one of only four Californians in the
select team.
Last year, Edison linebacker Charles Young was accorded All-American
honors by Scholastic Magazine.
Anthony played at the linebacker post vacated by Young but gained
more attention for his outstanding offensive blocking.
He was chosen All-Metro Lineman of the Year for his performances in
leading Edison to an 11-1 season record and the valley Yosemite Division
championship.
More than 30 major universities are in the bidding war for the Tiger
star.
Ervin Hunt Is Drafted By Green Bay Packers
Ervin Hunt, Fresno State Col-
lege's outstanding defensive half-
back, has been drafted by the
Green Bay Packers of the National
Football League as "a sixth round
choice.
Hunt, upon hearing of his selec-
tion, said, "The idea of moving to
Green Bay is very intriguing. They
told me that I have a good chance
of making the team, as one of
their defensive halfbacks played
out his option and they are expect-
ing to make some other defensive
changes."
Packer officials indicated to
Hunt that he might be used at
either corner back or safety.
Hunt, who graduated after the fall semester, will leave for Green Bay
in the near future to meet with Phil Bengston, Packer head coach.
ERVIN HUNT
7
Blacks Work For Paper and Television
By WALT PORTER
The door to the field of journalism has cracked open to admit a trickle
of Black Fresnans.
The field takes in more than reporters writing the news and although
the Fresno Bee does have one Black reporter it has other Blacks working
in journalism's related fields.
Three of the Black employees of the Fresno Bee and KMJ TV are covered
in this article, others will be mentioned in future articles.
The three are Mabel Franklin, Henry P. Anderson and Earl J. Bradley.
All of whom made their presence known to the paper and television
station.
Mabel Franklin
Miss Franklin is the first Black
woman hired by the Bee. She was
hired as a clerk-librarian three and
a half years ago. Her duties are
aiding four other librarians main-
tain the Bee's editorial files (mor-
gue). She had previously worked at
the Fresno County Free Library
which gave her a base for her
present job.
Miss Franklin is a native of
Fresno County and a graduate of
Washington Union High School.
While attending the school she became
the first Black letter girl at
Washington Union. Currently she is
taking courses at Fresno City Col-
lege majoring in education.
Her spare-time activities includes:
tennis, music and reading. She is
a member of the Astro-Playmates,
a social club.
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8
Henry Anderson
Anderson is the first Black print-
er apprentice hired by the Bee. He
began working for the firm three
years ago as a copy cutter in the
editorial department. However, af-
ter successfully completing several
tests, he entered the apprentice
program in the newspaper's composing
department.
Anderson worked to earn a liv-
ing while attending Washington
Union High School and continued
supporting himself following grad-
uation from high school.
He is a native Fresnan. He de-
votes time each day to a ministry
of the Jehovah's Witnesses. His
spare-time activities includes ten-
nis, basketball and chess.
Bradley has worked for KMJ TV
as a news camera man for the past
five months and is the first Black
television cameraman in Fresno. In
his job as a news camera man
Bradley uses still cameras as well
as movie cameras and sound
equipment and processes his own
film. Future training will include
film editing.
He is a graduate of San Joaquin
Memorial High School and became
interested and worked with pho-
tography while attending the
school. Bradley worked as a free
lance photographer before being
hired by KMJ TV.
Bradley is a member of the Lady
of Mt. Carmel parish and the West
Fresno Y's Men's Club.
His hobby is building model air planes
and railroads.
He is married and he and his
wife, Lule, have three children,
Gregory, 12; Denietress, 8, and
Deborah, 6.
Earl Bradley
9
Golden Wedding Anniversary
Mr. and Mrs. Benny Conley
Mr. and Mrs. Benny Conley of 229 W. Eden observed the Anniversary
of the 50th year of marriage Saturday, January 31, at an Open House
Reception hosted by ten of their eleven children and their spouses.
More than two-hundred relatives and friends were on hand to con-
gratulate the couple who was married February 1, 1920, in Boley, Okla-
homa. The family lived in Tulsa before coming to Fresno in 1944.
Gifts included a gold plated plaque with names of children and
spouses engraved on it.
Hosting the affairs were sons Kenneth and Ronald Conley of Fresno,
and Joe Conley of Los Angeles. Daughters Mrs. Rosa Kelley and Mrs.
Willodean Murrill of Fresno; Mrs. Violet Hackett of Sacramento, Mrs.
Elizabeth Meyers of Pocioma, Mrs. Betty Phillips of San Francisco, Mrs.
Shirley Kidd and Bennie Conley, both of Los Angeles. Unable to attend
the affair was Mrs. Lillie Stubblefield of Denver, Colorado.
The couple has thirty-seven grandchildren and three great grand-
children. Many of whom were also present for the celebration.
10
Citizen Honored For Community Service
This month the Grapevine Magazine honors Mrs. Etta M. Sheffield for
her many years of volunteer service given to the Fresno community.
Mrs. Sheffield's first effort in community service started in 1921 in her
church, the Second Baptist of Fresno. There she was president of the
young peoples's group then called B.Y.P.U. (Baptist Young People's
Union) helping to train these young people for five or more years. Later
she worked with the Brownies of the Y.M.C.A.
She was for two years an active
member of The Fresno League of
Women Voters, serving on several
committees.
During Gordon G. Dunn's term
as mayor of Fresno, Mrs. Sheffield
was appointed by him to the City's
Tree Board which had the authority
to select the trees that line our
streets and boulevards. She served
from 1953 to 1957.
Mrs. Sheffield gave many active
years promoting the N.A.A.C.P. in
its early years in Fresno. She is a
Past Matron of Razina Chapter #23
O.E.S., Prince Hall Affiliation and
was treasurer of the organization
for 18 years.
In 1951 she was elected Charter
President of the Fresno Council of
Negro Women of the Nat'l C.N.W.
During her two years as president
there were organized two very suc-
cessful P.T.A. groups: Columbia
Elementary and Irwin Jr. High
School. Because of this, communica-
tions between parents and teachers was greatly improved.
Due to foregoing efforts Mrs. Sheffield was honored with a Life Time
Membership Certificate in California Congress of Parents and Teachers,
Inc., in 1959.
Six years ago she was one of the organizers of the "Senior Vigiletts
Reassurance Club," a group that looks out for the well being of elderly
persons living alone.
For five years she has been a member of the Executive Board of Older
Americans Organization's Fresno Council. At present she is a member
of the finance committee. This group operates a Guidance Center and a
Learning Center at the Hotel Fresno. In 1965 she participated in the
Federal Medicare county-wide information program for Senior Citizens.
Mrs. Sheffield has also been an election inspector for the past 25
years.
Mrs. Etta M. Sheffield
11
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12
HOME-SCHOOL LIAISONS
There are many people who are employed in the local schools that
are doing an important job, but get little, if any, recognition. They help
students, parents, and other school officials in a variety of ways. Many
times they play an important role in keeping students in school.
This month the Grapevine Magazine recognizes and salutes two in-
dividuals for their work with West Fresno children.
John Hampton, who lived in
West Fresno most of his life is a
graduate of Edison High School.
He attended Fresno City and Fresno
State Colleges. Presently he is tak-
ing extension classes from the Uni-
versity of California at Santa Cruz.
While at Edison, Hampton was
one of the top prep basketball
players in the state. He still holds
the school record of 43 points he
made against Fresno State College
Frosh team in 1957. Hampton also
made All-League, All-Valley and
first string for the All-Northern Cali-
fornia basketball team. Included on
this high school team were Tom
Meschery, now a top professional
player, and Cornell Green, who presently is a professional football play-
er for the Dallas Cowboys.
Hampton participates in many community activities. He is vice presi-
dent of Avenue Community Center and treasurer of the West Fresno
Federation board. He holds memberships in the St. Alphonsus Parish
and the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity.
John Hampton
Mr. Bradley, from Richmond, Cal-
ifornia, a graduate of Richmond
High School, attended West Contra
Costa Jr. College before entering
the Air Force in 1953. While in
high-school, he was active in three
sports: basketball, football, and
golf. He made all conference in all
three sports. At Contra Costa, it
was an instant replay of his high
school days.
After being discharged from the
Air Force in 1956, Mr. Bradley mov-
ed to Fresno and became active in
community affairs, some being:
The Spartan League Program, West
Fresno Y Men Club, Board of Di-
rector at Hinton Center, and served Elmo Bradley
as a member of the EOC in Fresno.
Mo, as he's called, now lives at 2674 Carver St. with his wife, Barbara,
his daughter, Orinda, and his son, Brian.
Elmo Bradley
13
BLACK IS
Recently a West Fresno junior high school teacher made a class as-
signment on the topic "Black Is" . . . Below are some of the ways in
which the students expressed their feelings on the subject.
BLACK IS when people call you
black, and it hurts inside.
BLACK IS walking into a store
and they try to cheat you out
of your money, because they
think you're ignorant just because
of your skin.
BLACK IS when all the colors in
the world are made by you,
and they don't appreciate it.
BLACK IS a color that some peo-
ple really adores and wants to
be.
BLACK IS not understanding white
man ways.
BLACK IS when you are the best
dancer at a dance.
BLACK IS trying to love your fellow
man. We're all alike in-
side.
BLACK IS being stupid.
BLACK IS being happy about
your color.
BLACK IS when I see a white man
trying to sing a James Brown
record.
BLACK IS when your mother said
"We're too poor . . ."
BLACK IS when your history teach-
er teaches you about white
history.
BLACK IS having to do what a
white man do.
BLACK IS a good color because
it's me!
BLACK IS a person who calls you
black, and they is black their
self.
BLACK IS a lot of soul.
Meet ALLEN LOGAN Fresno's
first and only Black New Car
Salesman.
Before you buy your next
new car see Allen. He knows
his Business.
GET TO KNOW HIM!
SANDY CROCKET DODGE
650 Fulton Fresno, Calif.
14
I, TOO
I, too, sing America.
I am the darker brother.
They send me to eat in the kitchen
When company comes,
But I laugh,
And eat well,
And grow strong.
Tomorrow,
I'll sit at the table
When company comes.
Nobody'll dare
Say to me,
"Eat in the kitchen,"
Then.
Besides,
They'll see how beautiful I am
And be ashamed—
I, too, am American.
by Langston Hughes
Taken from his book, The Dream Keeper
15
SPECIAL ARTICLE NEXT MONTH
There have been many developments in Fresno recently that have or
will affect Black people in the near future. Two of the people who are
making these decisions are Mayor Ted Wills and Dr. Karl Falk.
Next month the Grapevine will feature articles discussing these men.
Mayor Ted Wills — Involved in
several controversial issues which
include the Internal Revenue Ser-
vice (IRS) Center location, the firing
of Redevelopment Director G. Allen
Kingston, and the appointment of
a controversial Redevlopment Board
member. Presently Wills is a victim
of a recall sponsored by a group
of West Fresno citizens.
Mayor Ted Wills
Dr. Karl Falk — Recently Dr.
Falk was appointed acting presi-
dent of Fresno State College. Since
his appointment he has replaced
many of the department heads
which has resulted in several strong
protests.
Many students and parents believe
that since Folk's appointment,
the Educational Opportunities Pro-
gram (EOP) and other programs
geared for minority students are in
jeopardy.
Dr. Karl Falk
16
Meet Roscoe and Clifton Pondexter
Roscoe (left) and Clifton Pondexter (No. 42) who play for Fresno's San
Joaquin Memorial High School are two of the top high school players
around.
Roscoe, 17, is a junior and stands 6 feet 5 inches tall. Fie averages 26.5
points per game. Little brother, Clifton, 15, who is a freshman and
stands 6 feet 6 inches, is playing his first year of high school ball and
is averaging 16 points per game.
Both were basketball stars while attending Ivy Junior High School in
West Fresno.
17
FOODS
Recipe
of
the
Month
by Frank "Gil" Glasse
SHRIMP GUMBO
• 1 Tablespoon Bacon Drippings
• 1 Bunch Green Onions (cut)
• 2 Cups Chopped Okra
• 6 Cups Soup Stock (chicken or beef)
• 1 Pod Red Pepper
• 1 Green Pepper (sliced)
• 1/2 Teaspoon Thyme; 1 Bay Leaf
• Salt to Taste
• 1 Pound Cooked Shrimp
• 1 Tablespoon File'
• 1 Cup Tomatoes (chopped)
Heat bacon dripping in a sauce pan, clean green onions, chop
onions, saute in hot drippings along with okra 10 minutes; add to-
matoes, cook 5 minutes; add stock, pepper, green onion tops,
thyme, bay leaf and salt. Bring to a boil, cook 15 minutes; add
shrimp, cover pot, cook slowly 1 hour. Just before serving add
file' moistened with a little soup.
Serve with rice.
18
Frogs and Freedom
"There's an old story that says you can't kill a frog by dropping
him in boiling water. He reacts so quickly to the sudden heat that
he jumps out before he's hurt. But if you put him in cold water and
then warm it up gradually, he never decides to jump till it's too
late. By then he's cooked!
"Men are just as foolish. Take away their freedom overnight, j
and you've got a violent revolution. But steal it from them gradual-
ly (under the guise of 'security', 'peace', or 'progress') and you can
paralyze an entire generation."
Today
There are two days in every week about which we should not
worry. Two days which should be kept free from fear and appre-
hension.
One of these days is yesterday, with its mistakes and cares,
aches and pains, its faults and blunders; yesterday has passed for
ever beyond our control. All the money in the world cannot bring
back yesterday. We cannot undo a single act we performed. We
cannot erase a single word we have said.
The other day we should not worry about is tomorrow, with its
possible adversities, its burdens, its large promise and performance.
Tomorrow also is beyond our immediate control.
Tomorrow's sun will rise either in splendor, or behind a mask of
clouds, but it will rise. Until it does we have no stake in it, for it
is yet unborn.
This leaves only one day, today. Everyone can fight the battles
of just one day. It is when we add the burdens of yesterday and
tomorrow that we are liable to break down. Today is that tomorrow
that you dreamed of yesterday. So it will be to the end of time.
Today, then is your opportunity.
Work
Work is more than the mere act of earning a living. It is good
to remember that, through our daily jobs, we serve our fellowmen.
And at the same time, many other people of every race, creed, and
nationality serve us in return through their work.
There should be no prejudice in the act of working. Don't permit
the stupidity of prejudice and fear to hurt others.
Working harmoniously with your fellowman doesn't mean that
you have to love him. It means that you are doing your best to
understand and live with people of every race, creed and nation-
ality as individuals.
A person should accept or reject a person strictly on his own
merits as a human being and not because he happens to be
different.
19
NATHAN C. HEARD
One of the most extraordinary cultural revolutions of our time has
been the transformation of the Black people. Nathan C. Heard, an author
and visiting lecturer in creative writing at Fresno State College, expresses
his feelings concerning this change.
20
The Importance of A National Identity
Nathan C. Heard
I have been from one end of this continent to the other several times,
and have stopped in many places and discussed everything from race to
space with the numerous black people with whom I've come in contact.
However, Fresno will always stand out in my mind as the one place in
the country where Afro-American citizens (Americans of African descent)
are slowest in keeping up with the rest of the country in the black man's
search for a national identity. This is especially sad when it is plain to
see that Fresno also has such great potential among black people to cast
off the fear (economic and political) of white society.
I fully expect that some "progressive negroes" are going to interpret
what I say as an attack, but I'm not a diplomat and therefore won't at-
tempt to couch what I say in terms which please the ear and soothe hurt
dignities.
Since being in Fresno I have had numerous conversations, and even
arguments, concerning Nationality. I have had to defend the fact that
my nationality is not negro (I don't capitalize adjectives unless they begin
a sentence). The ironic thing about these conversations is that it is
always negroes who argue that negro is a nationality while white people
are quick to recognize that nationality is not a color (which negro means)
but a binding force on people on people whose roots are the same.
You can ask almost any white person in this country what his nation-
ality is and he will respond with an answer which immediately tells you
what his roots are, where his ancestors came from. But when you ask a
self-proclaimed negro of his nationality all you get for an answer is a
color. Negro means black, strictly speaking, but the word is a symbol of
degradation and ignorance that we as people cannot afford to have as
a future.
Ask one of your white co-workers or friends what his nationality is
and the reply you get will be German, French, Irish, etc., a a mixture of
two or more European nationalities which clearly define his origins. But
where in the world is Negrovia or Negroland? That's right, no where!
Those who wish to escape their past so badly because of having internalized
the negative white values about their beginnings have a tendency
to say that their nationality is American. That is a false title because
America is a hemisphere and therefore an Argentine, Cuban or Canadian
is also an American. The question remains: what is your nationality?
For black people in the United States there can be but one real answer;
the answer that more and more black people are beginning to realize and
take pride in. I'm sure that many have noticed the not-so-subtle change
in descriptions that have been taking place over the last few years. Even
EBONY, JET, NAACP and the late Martin Luther KiKng, discarded or are
in the process of discarding negro as a name for a people. For far too
long we have allowed white people to tell us what we are and dictate
what we ought to be. It is about time we defined ourselves for ourselves,
and for our children whom we want to look back at us with pride.
Let us not continue to underplay the importance of a national identity.
It is an invisible power that binds people together in ways which almost
defy understanding. All over the United States people of different nation-
alities celebrate with parades and other festivities their national origins
(Continued on Page 22)
21
The Importance of A National Identity
(Continued)
—everyone, that is, but those people who call themselves negroes. These
other nationalities celebrate some event, good or bad, that occured in the
country of their ancestors. It binds them together so much so that they'll
provide for each other even if they don't know why. And when it comes
to dealing with other people they will present a united front—even when
they feel that their 'brother' is wrong.
At best the word negro comes from the Latin word niger, which means
black, and at worst it comes from the Greek word necros, which means
dead, lifeless, neutral—which we certainly have been—and which in
transliteration from one language to another can use the consonants
C, G, K, with facility. Necro therefore can easily translate into negro.
The question: What's in a name? Can be quickly answered: Everything.
A name not only identifies what you are but also what you're expected
to be. We all know what white people expect negroes to be. But whites
are a little afraid of what Afro-Americans might be. This is a side of
black people they haven't defined and so it scares them, and it should.
An Afro-American, who has defined himself and has pride in his African
heritage is not going to take the junk that a negro would. His blackness
speaks so loudly that others will not dare to act as though it doesn't
equal their whiteness.
Let us not fool ourselves. White people are not going to wake up one
morning miraculously color-blind—no matter how many dinner parties
you may be invited to. We have learned to live with the fact that they
are white and they must learn to live with the fact that we are black,
not negroes. We have to be blind fools not to see how deeply whites
cherish their white-ness. Any newspaper, television or radio can all too
quickly verify this. And for every white person who cares enough about
the future of this country to want to halt racism there are ten who want
it continued. The elections of Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan ought
to make this blatantly clear. The way in which Fresno State College is
steadily undercutting black students ought to bring this fact even closer
to the hearts and minds of black Fresnans, not to mention the very strong
opposition of whites to having the IRS center in West Fresno.
It is my intention to stop arguing with negroes about nationality because
many of them seem to think that because you want a nationality
you want to run out into the streets killing white people. That may sound
stupid but I have actually had negroes say that to me. I'll merely settle
the whole thing by saying: If you don't want a nationality that's all
right with me; and if you don't call me negro I certainly won't call you
black.
20th CENTURY ELKS LODGE
1401 "F" Street Fresno, Calif.
22
IN MEMORY OF . . .
Mrs. Beatrice M. Cooley
Mrs. Beatrice Maurine Cooley of 1113 Irwin Ave., the wife of funeral
director, Jesse E. Cooley, Sr., died recently in the Queen of Angels Hos-
pital in Los Angeles.
She was a native of Mississippi and was graduated from Cambell
College in Jackson, Miss. She also taught at the college before her
marriage. She and her husband moved to Fresno in 1931.
In the early 1930s Mrs. Cooley assisted her husband in setting up
forums in Negro history and in establishing the first Negro funeral home
in the San Joaquin Valley. She also taught courses in adult education,
and during World War II she conducted classes in basic education for
servicemen at Hammer Field and Pinedale.
Mrs. Cooley had served as resident eligibility supervisor for the Fresno
City Housing Authority since 1956.
She was a member of the National Association for the Advancement
of Colored People, Women in Community Action, the National Council
of Negro Women, a board member of the Cecil C. Hinton Community
Center. She was active in the Carter Memorial African Methodist Church.
She was a trustee of the church and also served as organist from 1941
until 1965.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by a son, Jesse E. Cooley,
Jr., who operates the funeral home founded by his father; a daughter,
Mrs. Dorythea Williams of Los Angeles; a sister, Mrs. Octavia Collins of
Fresno, and four grandchildren.
Interment was in Belmont Memorial Park.
23
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BLACK PIONEERS OF FRESNO COUNTY
By June English
A few of the San Joaquin Valley Indians had seen the light-skinned
Spanish from the coast and all had heard of them. They must have
heard stories of men whose skins were darker than theirs and who rode
on the great boats. Boats with high white sails that came to trade with
towns by the great lake on the other side of the western mountains. But,
until Peter Ranne rode through their land, they had not actually believed
there were black men and now they knew these tales were true.
Jedediah Smith, the American explorer and fur trapper chose the best
men he could find to accompany him to California and he selected Peter
Ranne, who, although a very young man, was an experienced frontiers-
man. He was one of fourteen men in the Smith Expedition who survived
to reach California in 1826.
In the spring of 1827, after a forced stay in Southern California, they
rode horseback north from the Tehachapi Mountains and crossed the
Kings River, trapping through the San Joaquin Valley to the American
River at the north end of this great Valley. Peter Ranne became the first
black man of record to enter what is now Fresno County. Ranne was
later killed by the Umpqua Indians in Oregon, July 14, 1828.
Americans Move West
Many years before the Smith Expedition arrived in California, men of
fashion all over the western world began to prize hats made of fur. Fur
of all wild animals were used but they coveted hats made of beaver
skin. The beaver were found along the rivers, streams and lakes west
of the settlements on the American and Canadian frontiers. Men made
great fortunes sending out expeditions to hunt for the small animal. As
the beaver were trapped out the "mountain men" moved always farther
West to new unhunted territory. When word went out to the other fur
companies that the beaver and other animals were to be found in abund-
ance in California, they too came to hunt and trap. When they returned
East they told of the beautiful rich land near the sea that we now call
California. Wagon trains of families began to move west to settle the
land. Then, in 1848, gold was discovered! Men from the States and all
over the world rushed here expecting to become rich. Entire families came
to wash the gold out of the rivers and creeks. By 1850, California had be-
come a State of the Union and gold had been found in the Sierra Nevada
(mountains) as far south as the San Joaquin River.
Early Miners
Fresno County was a part of the huge Mariposa County in 1850. In
that year and again in 1852 a Census was taken to count the number of
people who were living here and to record where they had come from and
what they were doing for a living. Nearly five thousand people had
come to work and mine the gold. Among them were 57 black men, 4
women and 8 children living and working in the mining region of what
is now, Merced, Mariposa, Fresno and Madera Counties. These included
three family groups with small children. Nearly all are listed as citizens
of the United States. About half came from the Northeastern states and
the rest from the South and other countries. Only one man listed Africa as
his birthplace. Some had skilled occupations apart from mining.
27
Black Pioneers of Fresno County (Continued)
Fresno County Pioneers
The new County of Fresno was formed in 1856 and the mining town
of Millerton, now under the water of Milierton Lake, became the new
county seat, of what is now Madera and Fresno Counties. Millerton was
the largest town and on the streets of that wild settlement could be found
men and women representing nearly every country in the world.
By the year, 1860, only four black Americans, three men and a woman
were listed in the official files of the county in a total population count
of 4,605 whites, Chinese and Indians. They include:
Jane Dermon
There is little left to show that Jane Dermon ever existed but a line in
an old record and the writings of one early historian, who remembers
that she came to Millerton with Ira McCray. She was the only black wo-
man in Fresno County at that time of which there is any record.
She was born about 1821 in North Carolina. Many thought she was
a freed salve though some hinted that she was a runaway. Whatever
had happened, she must have found life difficult and somewhere Ira
McCray had found her and brought her to Millerton with him.
She occupied a dwelling next to the Oak Hotel and established her
own home. She made her living the only way an honorable woman
could in those days. She, too, was famous as a baker and a cook. Her
southern-styled foods were eagerly bought by the miners and she wash-
ed clothes for her neighbors and their many children in competition with
the other widows and unmarried women in the town. She was a proud
woman and immaculately clean, an attribute that many frontier women
did not possess. She nursed and cared for the ill and injured with wisdom
and tender care. She particularly loved the children.
She was forty-four years old when she died in 1865 and she was
mourned by the whole community. Friends, women who were her neigh-
bors, prepared her for burial and accompanied her body across the river
on McCray's Ferry and buried her in the cemetery across from Millerton on
the Madera side of the river. The flood of 1867 washed away her grave
that bore only the name of "Jane" on the marker. No one of that time
or later historians wrote down her last name. They may not have known
it. I searched and found it 104 years after her death.
Tom McCray
Ira McCray was at one time the wealthiest and most influential white
man in old Fresno County. He came to Millerton in 1854 and built the
famous Oak Hotel on the banks of the San Joaquin River. He brought
with him a black man and a woman, who were not associated with each
other in any way. The man used the name of Tom McCray and he must
have been a most unusal man. He was described as being about 25 or
30 years old when he came to Millerton. White people who remembered
him said he was slender, goodlooking, cultured and very honest. Ira Mc-
Cray entrusted the complete management of his hotel to McCray. He was
a famous cook and ably managed the busy hotel. He earned the respect
of those who knew him and his friends were staunch defenders of Tom
McCray's rights.
The residents of Millerton were used to seeing costumes that were
28
Black Pioneers of Fresno County (Continued)
strange to them but they were really astounded at Tom's cloths! He wore
many startched petticoats beneath a short full silk skirt. Long white pants,
white socks, custom made shoes and a straw hat completed his striking
costume. No mention was made of a foreign accent or his origin but
perhaps he came from a land where men wore such garb.
He was welcome in the home of Millerton families and the children of
the town adored him. In 1873, he cooked a wedding feast that took
three days to prepare. He was described as a genius in the art of
cookery.
Ira McCray lost everything he possessed in the flood on Christmas Eve
of 1867 that destroyed almost the entire town of Millerton and he drifted
away only to return and die in the new town of Fresno nearly ten years
later. Evidently Tom McCray stayed in Millerton until sometime after
1873, when he moved to Visalia and there died in poverty.
He had left his mark on the frontier town. Children of the Millerton
families grew up with a bit of culture in lives that would have been quite
devoid of the fancier things of the world had it not been brought to them
by Tom McCray.
Michael Sanford
Sanford was born in New Jersey in 1813. Nothing more is known
about him except where and for whom he worked. A name in an old,
faded, handwritten Census book.
Gabriel Bibbard Moore
In April of 1965, a visit was made to the old Akers Cemetery near Cen-
tervilie, the oldest remaining cemetery in Fresno County. Adjacent to the
fence, near the Trimmer Springs Road, stands a beautifully carved white
marble monument. The name section, which had been broken and was
lying half buried in the ground, told that this was the grave of Gabriel
Moore, who died May 25, 1880, aged 67 years, 10 months and 23 days.
There are few now who know this was the grave of the industrious and
respected Gabe Moore, Fresno County's first, permanent black pioneer.
Moore was born in Albama in 1812. In 1853, he came to the Upper
Kings River (near Centerville) with the Akers Train, the first wagon train
of families to settle permanently in Fresno County. He was under the pro-
tection of Richard and William Glenn, both younger than Gabe and na-
tives of Arkansas. Other earlier historians suggest that he was a slave of
the Glenn brothers and if he had been, he was not associated with them
in later years. He was never referred to as a servant or a laborer but
always as a farmer or stockraise.
The ealy settlers on the Kings River were primarily cattlemen and were
of a different breed than the miners at Millerton. With few exceptions
they were mostly of southern origin, law abiding and hard working.
Gabe Moore must not have been suppressed by his white neighbors for
in 1857 he was among the few who paid county taxes. Though he could
not read or write, as could not many around him, he possessed personal
property valued at three thousand dollars by 1860. He had become a
cattleman of importance. Sons of white families worked for him, taking
his cattle to the mountains and herding for him. When he was injured or
offended he brought his complaints to the County Court in Millerton and
judgments were brought in for him. After the passage of the 15th Amend-
29
Black Pioneers of Fresno County (Continued)
ment to the Constitution and its ratification by California on February 27,
1869, Gabe's name was on the jury lists of the county. He and his son,'
Ephraim, registered to vote in 1872.
Gabriel Moore was drown while driving his stock across the flooded
Kings River and his will was filed in the Probate Court. His wife, Mary,
and son, Ephraim, were appointed administrators of his substantial es-
tate on July 17, 1 880.
There may not have been many black people here in the early days
of Fresno County, but Jane Dermon, Gabriel Moore and Tom McCray
made a definite contribution to the lives of the people around them.
They were respected and more than just tolerated in the communities in
which they lived.
Mrs. June English writes a series of articles on history in the Fresno
Genealogical Society's magazine, The Ash Tree Echo, and for other his-
torical publications. She was formerly Archivist-Historian of the Fresno
County Historical Society and was appointed History Advisor to the Mill-
erton Courthouse Advisory Committee by the Board of Supervisors. She
has worked closely with State Historians, finding information and help-
ing to interpret the early history of this area as it will be represented in
the Millerton Courthouse Museum, soon to be opened to the public.
In her research for this article Mrs. English used many sources includ-
ing National Census records, Mariposa newspapers, Fresno Times, 1865,
the Fresno Expositor, Board of Supervisors Minutes, beginning with Vol-
ume I in the Hall of Records, Old Court of Sessions book in the archives
of the Fresno County Historical Society as well as court records, inter-
views, and letters.
Mrs. English is a dedicated "historical detective" and works to pre-
serve the history of this region of the San Joaquin Valley.
The editor gives special thanks to Mrs. English for accepting the invi-
tation to write this article especially for the Grapevine Magazine to help
celebrate "Black History Month".
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Special Features February-March, 1970
*The Importance of a National Identity
*Black Pioneers of Fresno County
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The GRAPEVINE
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February-March, 1970
Table of Contents
Editorial ------------------------------------------ 5
Citizen Honored ------------------------------------ 6
Sports --------------------------------------------- 7
Blacks Work For Paper and TV ----------------------- 8
Golden Wedding Anniversary ------------------------- 10
Community Worker ----------------------------------- 11
Home-School Liaisons ------------------------------- 13
Black Is ------------------------------------------- 14
Poem ----------------------------------------------- 15
Pondexter Brothers --------------------------------- 17
Recipe of the Month -------------------------------- 18
The Importance of a National Identity -------------- 21
Pioneers of Fresno County -------------------------- 27
Cover and Page 26 paintings by Eugene E. White
Photo Credits: Fresno Bee, pp. 6, 7, 8, 9, 16, 17
GRAPEVINE CORP.
Fresno, Calif.
1012 S. Trinity
Phone 233-1346
or 485-2832
FRANK JOHNSON
Editor
FREDDIE HAYES
Advisor-Writer
CLEO JOHNSON
Advertising Editor
DONALD THUESEN
Advisor-Writer
JAMES ALDREDGE
Reporter-Writer
HOW TO SUBSCRIBE
Single copies 25c; $3.00 per
year. Send check or money
order to Grapevine Magazine,
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fornia 93706.
All rights reserved for material
contained in the publication.
Grapevine Magazine will not
return manuscripts unless self-
addressed stamped envelope is
enclosed.
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4
Editorial—
Schools and
De Facto Segregation
Frank Johnson
It has been long recognized by educators that intergrated schools are
better educationally for both Black and White children.
Recently there have been many comments and suggestions made to a
committee who is studying the de facto segregation problem. There has
been much talk about neighborhood, experimental, and central core
schools. There has been many heated debates about the issue.
So what is the best way to achieve the best education for our children?
One way that makes sense is to divide all the local schools into grade
levels. For example, schools in West Fresno could hold grades K and 1,
schools in North Fresno could hold grades 2 and 3, schools in East Fresno
could hold grades 4 and 5, and schools in South Fresno could hold
grade 6. The same system or a similar system could apply to the local
junior high and high schools.
The question that is asked next is "How do we get our children to
these different schools?" The answer is a simple one. We bus the stu-
dents to the appropriate schools.
For those parents and students who are scared to death of busing
this information might help. There are over 7,000 local students who are
bussed and have been bussed to the various local city and county
schools for years and there haven't been any major problems. A local
parent recently wrote, "We use our family 'buses' to go to churches,
shopping centers, and other places out of our neighborhood. Some times
we drive five miles for a certain kind of ice cream cone. Going a few
miles (by a school bus) for a balanced education has infinite value by
comparison."
There is no need for more surveys, committees, studies, etc. The prob-
lem, if any, is money. This responsibility is in the hands of the local
city and county boards of education members. So, board members, stop
the talking and start some action.
Editor
5
Joe Lee
Joe Lee, vice principal of Lincoln Elementary School, holds a community
service award he received from the West Fresno Optimist Club, given for
his bravery in entering a burning house near the school November 26 in
an effort to rescue a child. The plaque was presented by Robert Briggs
Jr., the club president.
6
Anthony Makes All-American
Charles Anthony, a bruising 6-foot-l, 217-pound tackle, today became
the second Edison High School footballer in two years to gain prep All-
American honors.
Anthony has been selected to the 1969 Sunkist-Coach and Athlete Prep
All-American football team. He is one of only four Californians in the
select team.
Last year, Edison linebacker Charles Young was accorded All-American
honors by Scholastic Magazine.
Anthony played at the linebacker post vacated by Young but gained
more attention for his outstanding offensive blocking.
He was chosen All-Metro Lineman of the Year for his performances in
leading Edison to an 11-1 season record and the valley Yosemite Division
championship.
More than 30 major universities are in the bidding war for the Tiger
star.
Ervin Hunt Is Drafted By Green Bay Packers
Ervin Hunt, Fresno State Col-
lege's outstanding defensive half-
back, has been drafted by the
Green Bay Packers of the National
Football League as "a sixth round
choice.
Hunt, upon hearing of his selec-
tion, said, "The idea of moving to
Green Bay is very intriguing. They
told me that I have a good chance
of making the team, as one of
their defensive halfbacks played
out his option and they are expect-
ing to make some other defensive
changes."
Packer officials indicated to
Hunt that he might be used at
either corner back or safety.
Hunt, who graduated after the fall semester, will leave for Green Bay
in the near future to meet with Phil Bengston, Packer head coach.
ERVIN HUNT
7
Blacks Work For Paper and Television
By WALT PORTER
The door to the field of journalism has cracked open to admit a trickle
of Black Fresnans.
The field takes in more than reporters writing the news and although
the Fresno Bee does have one Black reporter it has other Blacks working
in journalism's related fields.
Three of the Black employees of the Fresno Bee and KMJ TV are covered
in this article, others will be mentioned in future articles.
The three are Mabel Franklin, Henry P. Anderson and Earl J. Bradley.
All of whom made their presence known to the paper and television
station.
Mabel Franklin
Miss Franklin is the first Black
woman hired by the Bee. She was
hired as a clerk-librarian three and
a half years ago. Her duties are
aiding four other librarians main-
tain the Bee's editorial files (mor-
gue). She had previously worked at
the Fresno County Free Library
which gave her a base for her
present job.
Miss Franklin is a native of
Fresno County and a graduate of
Washington Union High School.
While attending the school she became
the first Black letter girl at
Washington Union. Currently she is
taking courses at Fresno City Col-
lege majoring in education.
Her spare-time activities includes:
tennis, music and reading. She is
a member of the Astro-Playmates,
a social club.
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Henry Anderson
Anderson is the first Black print-
er apprentice hired by the Bee. He
began working for the firm three
years ago as a copy cutter in the
editorial department. However, af-
ter successfully completing several
tests, he entered the apprentice
program in the newspaper's composing
department.
Anderson worked to earn a liv-
ing while attending Washington
Union High School and continued
supporting himself following grad-
uation from high school.
He is a native Fresnan. He de-
votes time each day to a ministry
of the Jehovah's Witnesses. His
spare-time activities includes ten-
nis, basketball and chess.
Bradley has worked for KMJ TV
as a news camera man for the past
five months and is the first Black
television cameraman in Fresno. In
his job as a news camera man
Bradley uses still cameras as well
as movie cameras and sound
equipment and processes his own
film. Future training will include
film editing.
He is a graduate of San Joaquin
Memorial High School and became
interested and worked with pho-
tography while attending the
school. Bradley worked as a free
lance photographer before being
hired by KMJ TV.
Bradley is a member of the Lady
of Mt. Carmel parish and the West
Fresno Y's Men's Club.
His hobby is building model air planes
and railroads.
He is married and he and his
wife, Lule, have three children,
Gregory, 12; Denietress, 8, and
Deborah, 6.
Earl Bradley
9
Golden Wedding Anniversary
Mr. and Mrs. Benny Conley
Mr. and Mrs. Benny Conley of 229 W. Eden observed the Anniversary
of the 50th year of marriage Saturday, January 31, at an Open House
Reception hosted by ten of their eleven children and their spouses.
More than two-hundred relatives and friends were on hand to con-
gratulate the couple who was married February 1, 1920, in Boley, Okla-
homa. The family lived in Tulsa before coming to Fresno in 1944.
Gifts included a gold plated plaque with names of children and
spouses engraved on it.
Hosting the affairs were sons Kenneth and Ronald Conley of Fresno,
and Joe Conley of Los Angeles. Daughters Mrs. Rosa Kelley and Mrs.
Willodean Murrill of Fresno; Mrs. Violet Hackett of Sacramento, Mrs.
Elizabeth Meyers of Pocioma, Mrs. Betty Phillips of San Francisco, Mrs.
Shirley Kidd and Bennie Conley, both of Los Angeles. Unable to attend
the affair was Mrs. Lillie Stubblefield of Denver, Colorado.
The couple has thirty-seven grandchildren and three great grand-
children. Many of whom were also present for the celebration.
10
Citizen Honored For Community Service
This month the Grapevine Magazine honors Mrs. Etta M. Sheffield for
her many years of volunteer service given to the Fresno community.
Mrs. Sheffield's first effort in community service started in 1921 in her
church, the Second Baptist of Fresno. There she was president of the
young peoples's group then called B.Y.P.U. (Baptist Young People's
Union) helping to train these young people for five or more years. Later
she worked with the Brownies of the Y.M.C.A.
She was for two years an active
member of The Fresno League of
Women Voters, serving on several
committees.
During Gordon G. Dunn's term
as mayor of Fresno, Mrs. Sheffield
was appointed by him to the City's
Tree Board which had the authority
to select the trees that line our
streets and boulevards. She served
from 1953 to 1957.
Mrs. Sheffield gave many active
years promoting the N.A.A.C.P. in
its early years in Fresno. She is a
Past Matron of Razina Chapter #23
O.E.S., Prince Hall Affiliation and
was treasurer of the organization
for 18 years.
In 1951 she was elected Charter
President of the Fresno Council of
Negro Women of the Nat'l C.N.W.
During her two years as president
there were organized two very suc-
cessful P.T.A. groups: Columbia
Elementary and Irwin Jr. High
School. Because of this, communica-
tions between parents and teachers was greatly improved.
Due to foregoing efforts Mrs. Sheffield was honored with a Life Time
Membership Certificate in California Congress of Parents and Teachers,
Inc., in 1959.
Six years ago she was one of the organizers of the "Senior Vigiletts
Reassurance Club," a group that looks out for the well being of elderly
persons living alone.
For five years she has been a member of the Executive Board of Older
Americans Organization's Fresno Council. At present she is a member
of the finance committee. This group operates a Guidance Center and a
Learning Center at the Hotel Fresno. In 1965 she participated in the
Federal Medicare county-wide information program for Senior Citizens.
Mrs. Sheffield has also been an election inspector for the past 25
years.
Mrs. Etta M. Sheffield
11
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HOME-SCHOOL LIAISONS
There are many people who are employed in the local schools that
are doing an important job, but get little, if any, recognition. They help
students, parents, and other school officials in a variety of ways. Many
times they play an important role in keeping students in school.
This month the Grapevine Magazine recognizes and salutes two in-
dividuals for their work with West Fresno children.
John Hampton, who lived in
West Fresno most of his life is a
graduate of Edison High School.
He attended Fresno City and Fresno
State Colleges. Presently he is tak-
ing extension classes from the Uni-
versity of California at Santa Cruz.
While at Edison, Hampton was
one of the top prep basketball
players in the state. He still holds
the school record of 43 points he
made against Fresno State College
Frosh team in 1957. Hampton also
made All-League, All-Valley and
first string for the All-Northern Cali-
fornia basketball team. Included on
this high school team were Tom
Meschery, now a top professional
player, and Cornell Green, who presently is a professional football play-
er for the Dallas Cowboys.
Hampton participates in many community activities. He is vice presi-
dent of Avenue Community Center and treasurer of the West Fresno
Federation board. He holds memberships in the St. Alphonsus Parish
and the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity.
John Hampton
Mr. Bradley, from Richmond, Cal-
ifornia, a graduate of Richmond
High School, attended West Contra
Costa Jr. College before entering
the Air Force in 1953. While in
high-school, he was active in three
sports: basketball, football, and
golf. He made all conference in all
three sports. At Contra Costa, it
was an instant replay of his high
school days.
After being discharged from the
Air Force in 1956, Mr. Bradley mov-
ed to Fresno and became active in
community affairs, some being:
The Spartan League Program, West
Fresno Y Men Club, Board of Di-
rector at Hinton Center, and served Elmo Bradley
as a member of the EOC in Fresno.
Mo, as he's called, now lives at 2674 Carver St. with his wife, Barbara,
his daughter, Orinda, and his son, Brian.
Elmo Bradley
13
BLACK IS
Recently a West Fresno junior high school teacher made a class as-
signment on the topic "Black Is" . . . Below are some of the ways in
which the students expressed their feelings on the subject.
BLACK IS when people call you
black, and it hurts inside.
BLACK IS walking into a store
and they try to cheat you out
of your money, because they
think you're ignorant just because
of your skin.
BLACK IS when all the colors in
the world are made by you,
and they don't appreciate it.
BLACK IS a color that some peo-
ple really adores and wants to
be.
BLACK IS not understanding white
man ways.
BLACK IS when you are the best
dancer at a dance.
BLACK IS trying to love your fellow
man. We're all alike in-
side.
BLACK IS being stupid.
BLACK IS being happy about
your color.
BLACK IS when I see a white man
trying to sing a James Brown
record.
BLACK IS when your mother said
"We're too poor . . ."
BLACK IS when your history teach-
er teaches you about white
history.
BLACK IS having to do what a
white man do.
BLACK IS a good color because
it's me!
BLACK IS a person who calls you
black, and they is black their
self.
BLACK IS a lot of soul.
Meet ALLEN LOGAN Fresno's
first and only Black New Car
Salesman.
Before you buy your next
new car see Allen. He knows
his Business.
GET TO KNOW HIM!
SANDY CROCKET DODGE
650 Fulton Fresno, Calif.
14
I, TOO
I, too, sing America.
I am the darker brother.
They send me to eat in the kitchen
When company comes,
But I laugh,
And eat well,
And grow strong.
Tomorrow,
I'll sit at the table
When company comes.
Nobody'll dare
Say to me,
"Eat in the kitchen,"
Then.
Besides,
They'll see how beautiful I am
And be ashamed—
I, too, am American.
by Langston Hughes
Taken from his book, The Dream Keeper
15
SPECIAL ARTICLE NEXT MONTH
There have been many developments in Fresno recently that have or
will affect Black people in the near future. Two of the people who are
making these decisions are Mayor Ted Wills and Dr. Karl Falk.
Next month the Grapevine will feature articles discussing these men.
Mayor Ted Wills — Involved in
several controversial issues which
include the Internal Revenue Ser-
vice (IRS) Center location, the firing
of Redevelopment Director G. Allen
Kingston, and the appointment of
a controversial Redevlopment Board
member. Presently Wills is a victim
of a recall sponsored by a group
of West Fresno citizens.
Mayor Ted Wills
Dr. Karl Falk — Recently Dr.
Falk was appointed acting presi-
dent of Fresno State College. Since
his appointment he has replaced
many of the department heads
which has resulted in several strong
protests.
Many students and parents believe
that since Folk's appointment,
the Educational Opportunities Pro-
gram (EOP) and other programs
geared for minority students are in
jeopardy.
Dr. Karl Falk
16
Meet Roscoe and Clifton Pondexter
Roscoe (left) and Clifton Pondexter (No. 42) who play for Fresno's San
Joaquin Memorial High School are two of the top high school players
around.
Roscoe, 17, is a junior and stands 6 feet 5 inches tall. Fie averages 26.5
points per game. Little brother, Clifton, 15, who is a freshman and
stands 6 feet 6 inches, is playing his first year of high school ball and
is averaging 16 points per game.
Both were basketball stars while attending Ivy Junior High School in
West Fresno.
17
FOODS
Recipe
of
the
Month
by Frank "Gil" Glasse
SHRIMP GUMBO
• 1 Tablespoon Bacon Drippings
• 1 Bunch Green Onions (cut)
• 2 Cups Chopped Okra
• 6 Cups Soup Stock (chicken or beef)
• 1 Pod Red Pepper
• 1 Green Pepper (sliced)
• 1/2 Teaspoon Thyme; 1 Bay Leaf
• Salt to Taste
• 1 Pound Cooked Shrimp
• 1 Tablespoon File'
• 1 Cup Tomatoes (chopped)
Heat bacon dripping in a sauce pan, clean green onions, chop
onions, saute in hot drippings along with okra 10 minutes; add to-
matoes, cook 5 minutes; add stock, pepper, green onion tops,
thyme, bay leaf and salt. Bring to a boil, cook 15 minutes; add
shrimp, cover pot, cook slowly 1 hour. Just before serving add
file' moistened with a little soup.
Serve with rice.
18
Frogs and Freedom
"There's an old story that says you can't kill a frog by dropping
him in boiling water. He reacts so quickly to the sudden heat that
he jumps out before he's hurt. But if you put him in cold water and
then warm it up gradually, he never decides to jump till it's too
late. By then he's cooked!
"Men are just as foolish. Take away their freedom overnight, j
and you've got a violent revolution. But steal it from them gradual-
ly (under the guise of 'security', 'peace', or 'progress') and you can
paralyze an entire generation."
Today
There are two days in every week about which we should not
worry. Two days which should be kept free from fear and appre-
hension.
One of these days is yesterday, with its mistakes and cares,
aches and pains, its faults and blunders; yesterday has passed for
ever beyond our control. All the money in the world cannot bring
back yesterday. We cannot undo a single act we performed. We
cannot erase a single word we have said.
The other day we should not worry about is tomorrow, with its
possible adversities, its burdens, its large promise and performance.
Tomorrow also is beyond our immediate control.
Tomorrow's sun will rise either in splendor, or behind a mask of
clouds, but it will rise. Until it does we have no stake in it, for it
is yet unborn.
This leaves only one day, today. Everyone can fight the battles
of just one day. It is when we add the burdens of yesterday and
tomorrow that we are liable to break down. Today is that tomorrow
that you dreamed of yesterday. So it will be to the end of time.
Today, then is your opportunity.
Work
Work is more than the mere act of earning a living. It is good
to remember that, through our daily jobs, we serve our fellowmen.
And at the same time, many other people of every race, creed, and
nationality serve us in return through their work.
There should be no prejudice in the act of working. Don't permit
the stupidity of prejudice and fear to hurt others.
Working harmoniously with your fellowman doesn't mean that
you have to love him. It means that you are doing your best to
understand and live with people of every race, creed and nation-
ality as individuals.
A person should accept or reject a person strictly on his own
merits as a human being and not because he happens to be
different.
19
NATHAN C. HEARD
One of the most extraordinary cultural revolutions of our time has
been the transformation of the Black people. Nathan C. Heard, an author
and visiting lecturer in creative writing at Fresno State College, expresses
his feelings concerning this change.
20
The Importance of A National Identity
Nathan C. Heard
I have been from one end of this continent to the other several times,
and have stopped in many places and discussed everything from race to
space with the numerous black people with whom I've come in contact.
However, Fresno will always stand out in my mind as the one place in
the country where Afro-American citizens (Americans of African descent)
are slowest in keeping up with the rest of the country in the black man's
search for a national identity. This is especially sad when it is plain to
see that Fresno also has such great potential among black people to cast
off the fear (economic and political) of white society.
I fully expect that some "progressive negroes" are going to interpret
what I say as an attack, but I'm not a diplomat and therefore won't at-
tempt to couch what I say in terms which please the ear and soothe hurt
dignities.
Since being in Fresno I have had numerous conversations, and even
arguments, concerning Nationality. I have had to defend the fact that
my nationality is not negro (I don't capitalize adjectives unless they begin
a sentence). The ironic thing about these conversations is that it is
always negroes who argue that negro is a nationality while white people
are quick to recognize that nationality is not a color (which negro means)
but a binding force on people on people whose roots are the same.
You can ask almost any white person in this country what his nation-
ality is and he will respond with an answer which immediately tells you
what his roots are, where his ancestors came from. But when you ask a
self-proclaimed negro of his nationality all you get for an answer is a
color. Negro means black, strictly speaking, but the word is a symbol of
degradation and ignorance that we as people cannot afford to have as
a future.
Ask one of your white co-workers or friends what his nationality is
and the reply you get will be German, French, Irish, etc., a a mixture of
two or more European nationalities which clearly define his origins. But
where in the world is Negrovia or Negroland? That's right, no where!
Those who wish to escape their past so badly because of having internalized
the negative white values about their beginnings have a tendency
to say that their nationality is American. That is a false title because
America is a hemisphere and therefore an Argentine, Cuban or Canadian
is also an American. The question remains: what is your nationality?
For black people in the United States there can be but one real answer;
the answer that more and more black people are beginning to realize and
take pride in. I'm sure that many have noticed the not-so-subtle change
in descriptions that have been taking place over the last few years. Even
EBONY, JET, NAACP and the late Martin Luther KiKng, discarded or are
in the process of discarding negro as a name for a people. For far too
long we have allowed white people to tell us what we are and dictate
what we ought to be. It is about time we defined ourselves for ourselves,
and for our children whom we want to look back at us with pride.
Let us not continue to underplay the importance of a national identity.
It is an invisible power that binds people together in ways which almost
defy understanding. All over the United States people of different nation-
alities celebrate with parades and other festivities their national origins
(Continued on Page 22)
21
The Importance of A National Identity
(Continued)
—everyone, that is, but those people who call themselves negroes. These
other nationalities celebrate some event, good or bad, that occured in the
country of their ancestors. It binds them together so much so that they'll
provide for each other even if they don't know why. And when it comes
to dealing with other people they will present a united front—even when
they feel that their 'brother' is wrong.
At best the word negro comes from the Latin word niger, which means
black, and at worst it comes from the Greek word necros, which means
dead, lifeless, neutral—which we certainly have been—and which in
transliteration from one language to another can use the consonants
C, G, K, with facility. Necro therefore can easily translate into negro.
The question: What's in a name? Can be quickly answered: Everything.
A name not only identifies what you are but also what you're expected
to be. We all know what white people expect negroes to be. But whites
are a little afraid of what Afro-Americans might be. This is a side of
black people they haven't defined and so it scares them, and it should.
An Afro-American, who has defined himself and has pride in his African
heritage is not going to take the junk that a negro would. His blackness
speaks so loudly that others will not dare to act as though it doesn't
equal their whiteness.
Let us not fool ourselves. White people are not going to wake up one
morning miraculously color-blind—no matter how many dinner parties
you may be invited to. We have learned to live with the fact that they
are white and they must learn to live with the fact that we are black,
not negroes. We have to be blind fools not to see how deeply whites
cherish their white-ness. Any newspaper, television or radio can all too
quickly verify this. And for every white person who cares enough about
the future of this country to want to halt racism there are ten who want
it continued. The elections of Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan ought
to make this blatantly clear. The way in which Fresno State College is
steadily undercutting black students ought to bring this fact even closer
to the hearts and minds of black Fresnans, not to mention the very strong
opposition of whites to having the IRS center in West Fresno.
It is my intention to stop arguing with negroes about nationality because
many of them seem to think that because you want a nationality
you want to run out into the streets killing white people. That may sound
stupid but I have actually had negroes say that to me. I'll merely settle
the whole thing by saying: If you don't want a nationality that's all
right with me; and if you don't call me negro I certainly won't call you
black.
20th CENTURY ELKS LODGE
1401 "F" Street Fresno, Calif.
22
IN MEMORY OF . . .
Mrs. Beatrice M. Cooley
Mrs. Beatrice Maurine Cooley of 1113 Irwin Ave., the wife of funeral
director, Jesse E. Cooley, Sr., died recently in the Queen of Angels Hos-
pital in Los Angeles.
She was a native of Mississippi and was graduated from Cambell
College in Jackson, Miss. She also taught at the college before her
marriage. She and her husband moved to Fresno in 1931.
In the early 1930s Mrs. Cooley assisted her husband in setting up
forums in Negro history and in establishing the first Negro funeral home
in the San Joaquin Valley. She also taught courses in adult education,
and during World War II she conducted classes in basic education for
servicemen at Hammer Field and Pinedale.
Mrs. Cooley had served as resident eligibility supervisor for the Fresno
City Housing Authority since 1956.
She was a member of the National Association for the Advancement
of Colored People, Women in Community Action, the National Council
of Negro Women, a board member of the Cecil C. Hinton Community
Center. She was active in the Carter Memorial African Methodist Church.
She was a trustee of the church and also served as organist from 1941
until 1965.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by a son, Jesse E. Cooley,
Jr., who operates the funeral home founded by his father; a daughter,
Mrs. Dorythea Williams of Los Angeles; a sister, Mrs. Octavia Collins of
Fresno, and four grandchildren.
Interment was in Belmont Memorial Park.
23
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Grapevine
26
BLACK PIONEERS OF FRESNO COUNTY
By June English
A few of the San Joaquin Valley Indians had seen the light-skinned
Spanish from the coast and all had heard of them. They must have
heard stories of men whose skins were darker than theirs and who rode
on the great boats. Boats with high white sails that came to trade with
towns by the great lake on the other side of the western mountains. But,
until Peter Ranne rode through their land, they had not actually believed
there were black men and now they knew these tales were true.
Jedediah Smith, the American explorer and fur trapper chose the best
men he could find to accompany him to California and he selected Peter
Ranne, who, although a very young man, was an experienced frontiers-
man. He was one of fourteen men in the Smith Expedition who survived
to reach California in 1826.
In the spring of 1827, after a forced stay in Southern California, they
rode horseback north from the Tehachapi Mountains and crossed the
Kings River, trapping through the San Joaquin Valley to the American
River at the north end of this great Valley. Peter Ranne became the first
black man of record to enter what is now Fresno County. Ranne was
later killed by the Umpqua Indians in Oregon, July 14, 1828.
Americans Move West
Many years before the Smith Expedition arrived in California, men of
fashion all over the western world began to prize hats made of fur. Fur
of all wild animals were used but they coveted hats made of beaver
skin. The beaver were found along the rivers, streams and lakes west
of the settlements on the American and Canadian frontiers. Men made
great fortunes sending out expeditions to hunt for the small animal. As
the beaver were trapped out the "mountain men" moved always farther
West to new unhunted territory. When word went out to the other fur
companies that the beaver and other animals were to be found in abund-
ance in California, they too came to hunt and trap. When they returned
East they told of the beautiful rich land near the sea that we now call
California. Wagon trains of families began to move west to settle the
land. Then, in 1848, gold was discovered! Men from the States and all
over the world rushed here expecting to become rich. Entire families came
to wash the gold out of the rivers and creeks. By 1850, California had be-
come a State of the Union and gold had been found in the Sierra Nevada
(mountains) as far south as the San Joaquin River.
Early Miners
Fresno County was a part of the huge Mariposa County in 1850. In
that year and again in 1852 a Census was taken to count the number of
people who were living here and to record where they had come from and
what they were doing for a living. Nearly five thousand people had
come to work and mine the gold. Among them were 57 black men, 4
women and 8 children living and working in the mining region of what
is now, Merced, Mariposa, Fresno and Madera Counties. These included
three family groups with small children. Nearly all are listed as citizens
of the United States. About half came from the Northeastern states and
the rest from the South and other countries. Only one man listed Africa as
his birthplace. Some had skilled occupations apart from mining.
27
Black Pioneers of Fresno County (Continued)
Fresno County Pioneers
The new County of Fresno was formed in 1856 and the mining town
of Millerton, now under the water of Milierton Lake, became the new
county seat, of what is now Madera and Fresno Counties. Millerton was
the largest town and on the streets of that wild settlement could be found
men and women representing nearly every country in the world.
By the year, 1860, only four black Americans, three men and a woman
were listed in the official files of the county in a total population count
of 4,605 whites, Chinese and Indians. They include:
Jane Dermon
There is little left to show that Jane Dermon ever existed but a line in
an old record and the writings of one early historian, who remembers
that she came to Millerton with Ira McCray. She was the only black wo-
man in Fresno County at that time of which there is any record.
She was born about 1821 in North Carolina. Many thought she was
a freed salve though some hinted that she was a runaway. Whatever
had happened, she must have found life difficult and somewhere Ira
McCray had found her and brought her to Millerton with him.
She occupied a dwelling next to the Oak Hotel and established her
own home. She made her living the only way an honorable woman
could in those days. She, too, was famous as a baker and a cook. Her
southern-styled foods were eagerly bought by the miners and she wash-
ed clothes for her neighbors and their many children in competition with
the other widows and unmarried women in the town. She was a proud
woman and immaculately clean, an attribute that many frontier women
did not possess. She nursed and cared for the ill and injured with wisdom
and tender care. She particularly loved the children.
She was forty-four years old when she died in 1865 and she was
mourned by the whole community. Friends, women who were her neigh-
bors, prepared her for burial and accompanied her body across the river
on McCray's Ferry and buried her in the cemetery across from Millerton on
the Madera side of the river. The flood of 1867 washed away her grave
that bore only the name of "Jane" on the marker. No one of that time
or later historians wrote down her last name. They may not have known
it. I searched and found it 104 years after her death.
Tom McCray
Ira McCray was at one time the wealthiest and most influential white
man in old Fresno County. He came to Millerton in 1854 and built the
famous Oak Hotel on the banks of the San Joaquin River. He brought
with him a black man and a woman, who were not associated with each
other in any way. The man used the name of Tom McCray and he must
have been a most unusal man. He was described as being about 25 or
30 years old when he came to Millerton. White people who remembered
him said he was slender, goodlooking, cultured and very honest. Ira Mc-
Cray entrusted the complete management of his hotel to McCray. He was
a famous cook and ably managed the busy hotel. He earned the respect
of those who knew him and his friends were staunch defenders of Tom
McCray's rights.
The residents of Millerton were used to seeing costumes that were
28
Black Pioneers of Fresno County (Continued)
strange to them but they were really astounded at Tom's cloths! He wore
many startched petticoats beneath a short full silk skirt. Long white pants,
white socks, custom made shoes and a straw hat completed his striking
costume. No mention was made of a foreign accent or his origin but
perhaps he came from a land where men wore such garb.
He was welcome in the home of Millerton families and the children of
the town adored him. In 1873, he cooked a wedding feast that took
three days to prepare. He was described as a genius in the art of
cookery.
Ira McCray lost everything he possessed in the flood on Christmas Eve
of 1867 that destroyed almost the entire town of Millerton and he drifted
away only to return and die in the new town of Fresno nearly ten years
later. Evidently Tom McCray stayed in Millerton until sometime after
1873, when he moved to Visalia and there died in poverty.
He had left his mark on the frontier town. Children of the Millerton
families grew up with a bit of culture in lives that would have been quite
devoid of the fancier things of the world had it not been brought to them
by Tom McCray.
Michael Sanford
Sanford was born in New Jersey in 1813. Nothing more is known
about him except where and for whom he worked. A name in an old,
faded, handwritten Census book.
Gabriel Bibbard Moore
In April of 1965, a visit was made to the old Akers Cemetery near Cen-
tervilie, the oldest remaining cemetery in Fresno County. Adjacent to the
fence, near the Trimmer Springs Road, stands a beautifully carved white
marble monument. The name section, which had been broken and was
lying half buried in the ground, told that this was the grave of Gabriel
Moore, who died May 25, 1880, aged 67 years, 10 months and 23 days.
There are few now who know this was the grave of the industrious and
respected Gabe Moore, Fresno County's first, permanent black pioneer.
Moore was born in Albama in 1812. In 1853, he came to the Upper
Kings River (near Centerville) with the Akers Train, the first wagon train
of families to settle permanently in Fresno County. He was under the pro-
tection of Richard and William Glenn, both younger than Gabe and na-
tives of Arkansas. Other earlier historians suggest that he was a slave of
the Glenn brothers and if he had been, he was not associated with them
in later years. He was never referred to as a servant or a laborer but
always as a farmer or stockraise.
The ealy settlers on the Kings River were primarily cattlemen and were
of a different breed than the miners at Millerton. With few exceptions
they were mostly of southern origin, law abiding and hard working.
Gabe Moore must not have been suppressed by his white neighbors for
in 1857 he was among the few who paid county taxes. Though he could
not read or write, as could not many around him, he possessed personal
property valued at three thousand dollars by 1860. He had become a
cattleman of importance. Sons of white families worked for him, taking
his cattle to the mountains and herding for him. When he was injured or
offended he brought his complaints to the County Court in Millerton and
judgments were brought in for him. After the passage of the 15th Amend-
29
Black Pioneers of Fresno County (Continued)
ment to the Constitution and its ratification by California on February 27,
1869, Gabe's name was on the jury lists of the county. He and his son,'
Ephraim, registered to vote in 1872.
Gabriel Moore was drown while driving his stock across the flooded
Kings River and his will was filed in the Probate Court. His wife, Mary,
and son, Ephraim, were appointed administrators of his substantial es-
tate on July 17, 1 880.
There may not have been many black people here in the early days
of Fresno County, but Jane Dermon, Gabriel Moore and Tom McCray
made a definite contribution to the lives of the people around them.
They were respected and more than just tolerated in the communities in
which they lived.
Mrs. June English writes a series of articles on history in the Fresno
Genealogical Society's magazine, The Ash Tree Echo, and for other his-
torical publications. She was formerly Archivist-Historian of the Fresno
County Historical Society and was appointed History Advisor to the Mill-
erton Courthouse Advisory Committee by the Board of Supervisors. She
has worked closely with State Historians, finding information and help-
ing to interpret the early history of this area as it will be represented in
the Millerton Courthouse Museum, soon to be opened to the public.
In her research for this article Mrs. English used many sources includ-
ing National Census records, Mariposa newspapers, Fresno Times, 1865,
the Fresno Expositor, Board of Supervisors Minutes, beginning with Vol-
ume I in the Hall of Records, Old Court of Sessions book in the archives
of the Fresno County Historical Society as well as court records, inter-
views, and letters.
Mrs. English is a dedicated "historical detective" and works to pre-
serve the history of this region of the San Joaquin Valley.
The editor gives special thanks to Mrs. English for accepting the invi-
tation to write this article especially for the Grapevine Magazine to help
celebrate "Black History Month".
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