Countryside Community Church- ESPARTO
COUNTRYSIDE Community CHURCH- Called by Christ to Care- Esparto (Yolo County) California
Sacramento Union, Number 26158, October 29, 1922
“COMMUNITY CHURCH” FOR ESPARTO
Esparto, October 28.—— Plans for a “Community Church” will be discussed at a mass meeting tomorrow in the Esparto High School.
Celebrating a 100 years- Esparto’s Countyside Community Church is serving the Esparto community!
Tomato Field- Metal Reminder
ESPARTO (Yolo County) California- Explosion - Fireworks Warehouse- July 1, 2025
Esparto, Yolo County-
~~~Tomato Field with the Metal - July 1, 2025~~Fire Works Explosion
~Agriculture surrounds Esparto- tomato fields, Wheat fields, and Bean fields were among the damaged crops- never to be harvested- from the July 1- Fireworks Explosion.
~~Tragic loss of life, the scares to the agriculture- the silence of the birds in the trees…..The trees in the Orchard- still stand proud- yet stand with “metal reminders” in their limbs!
Praying for RAIN- to wash away the footsteps, and give a “muddy renewal” !!
Esparto (Yolo County)
Street MAP OF ESPARTO- Voting locations!
-Sacramento Union, Number 28, March 21, 1911
Esparto Someday to Be on the Map;
Looms Up as a Real City at Last
Fine Buildings Erected in Former Days are being Renovated-
Colonies of Tennesseans and Germans Established
New Owner Will bring Many Storekeepers.
Special to the Union.
ESPARTO (Yolo County), March 20——
Esparto, through the efforts of A. H. Fredson, a former Supervisor of San Benito county, and Real Estate agencies of San Francisco and Sacramento, bids, “Esparto to be on the map in the near future.”
The town is taking on new life. A colony of Tennesseans, and another of Germans, have been located on subdivisions near here.
The “first new business” is a Lumber Yard established by Fredson.
Fredson purchased the entire town a few months ago. S
Shortly, after the beginning of the year, made Esparto his residence.
“His energy and enterprise,” will make Esparto more than a town of a few fine buildings, as it is now.
Several years ago Esparto was started as a “Railroad Town.”
The people who became interested were inspired with great expectations.
A brick Hotel with appointments and capacity that would have been a credit to a city as large as Woodland was constructed.
A “block of bricks store buildings” was also one of the equipments of the new town.
Other buildings necessary for the transaction of nearly all lines of business followed in order of their importance.
But the “business activity” of the town was short lived.
The competition was too keen in other localities.
The Hotel was closed; the stores were vacated; one by one other business enterprises were abandoned.
Finally there came a time, when but for “the splendid High and Grammar School Buildings,” the town would have been practically deserted.
The “fine brick hotel” is being repaired and renovated throughout. Paint, plaster and paper are changing the appearance inside and outside.
The brick stores have been overhauled, and newly equipped, and are ready for occupants who will soon come.
Two stores have been fitted up for merchandise and the other for a garage.
Another brick building has been leased by J. Arher of Madison for a butcher shop.
A. H. Fredson is refitting the other buildings as rapidly as possible, and “is confident that he will have all of them occupied by different lines of business in a few months.”
“Large tracts of land have been the cause of the poor progress of Esparto,” but with the “era of subdivisions” that has set in the energy of the owner of the Esparto, a change is rapidly coming.
Esparto promises to be the greatest Almond Growing Section in the country. the “Hopping tract,” which has all been sold in subdivisions, is being set to many acres of almonds.
Esparto-FIREWORKS EXPLOSION - July 1, 2025
ESPARTO- EXPLOSION- July 1, 2025…..Fenced & Clean-up has begun…..
Esparto (Yolo County)- ESPARTO EXPLOSION July 1, 2025
Three weeks- Particially Fenced…. Devastation is absolutely without explanation or spoken-words- only SILENCE & STILLNESS for the unspoken “loss of friendship…”
The smell of old-fireworks- burnt ugly, among the ripe tomatoes, ready to pick and scorched wheat ( not recognizable as wheat)…..
…. across the road only BLACK scorched ground made HOLY & SACRED…..
ESPARTO July 1, 2025 FIREWORKS-EXPLOSION
1915-ESPARTO -Yolo County- changing the Date of the ALMOND FESTIVAL
First Annual ALMOND FESTIVAL- September 4th 1915- Esparto (Yolo County) California!
110 Years ago- Esparto (Yolo County) set the dat for the first ALLMOND FESTIVAL- today we celebrate the FESTIVAL in February- long after the Harvest- because it became to much to host visitors during Harvest time!
Moving to February— when the magnificence of the Almond Blooms are spectaclular!!!!
Sacramento Union, Number 44, October 14, 1915
ESPARTO WANTS STATE ALMOND DAY
Boosters Set Apart Permanent Date for Annual Festival
COMMITTEE TO BE NAMED
Governor Johnson Will BE Asked to Give Official Sanction
(Special to the Union)
ESPARTO (Yolo County), October 13.—— Esparto Almond Boosters at the first meeting of the Chamber of Commerce called to order by William Chaney, president, decided to set apart September 30 of each year as the day for holding the Esparto Almond Festival.
There was a good attendance. The members discussed activities for the coming Winter for the promotion of Esparto (Yolo County) and the surrounding west-country.
C. F. George, cashier of the Esparto Bank, an energetic booster, said “as Esparto had given the first Almond Festival ever held in the world.”
Being in the “heart of a District,” that will ship over 700 tons of almonds next year, C.F. George felt that Esparto Chamber of Commerce, should take the lead in movement for a California State Almond Day.
Following a discussion to which all favored the proposition, it was decided to name a committee to wait upon Governor Johnson, “asking his official sanction to the movement for a state Almond Day.”
If he will do so, a Campaign of Publicity, urging the use of almonds will be started and especially to use the almonds on the State Day.
The almond acreage in this section will be increased by planting of thousands of trees during the coming season.
Almonds have been thoroughly tested in the Esparto District and their culture has been proven a Commercial Success.
1919- OIL LEASES & Chamber of Commerce
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE- Serving Esparto & the Capay Valley
Sacramento Union, Number 54, October 24, 1919
OIL MEN ASK CHAMBER’S AID
Esparto Boosters Requested to Assist in Getting Leases of 14,000 Acres.
(Special to the Union)
ESPARTO, Yolo County., October 23.——— At the annual meeting of the Esparto Chamber of Commerce, the following officers were elected for the ensuing year: John F. Krenkel, President; John E. Winter, Fred Wyatt and E. V. Bolton, vice-President: Ed F. Smyth, Secretary and W. F. Vierra, Treasurer.
A representative of a “Syndicate of Oil Operators,” appeared before the Esparto Chamber to ask, “its co-operation and aid in the obtaining of Leases on Oil Land for about 14,000 acres for prospecting purposes in the Capay Valley.”
The indications- for oil are good and prospecting alone— will bring considerable for this Section.
The officers of the Chamber of Commerce will make investigations and report at the next meeting.
The meeting of the Esparto Chamber of Commerce, followed a “moving picture show,” given as a Benefit for the Grammar School playground, for which over $100 was raised.
The new president, John F. Krenkel is a “large owner and an extensive grower” of both rice and tobacco, and under his leadership an extensive program of promotion is being mapped out.
1900-Yolo County- Esparto, California
1900- Yolo County- Esparto Land-for Sale- farms ranging in size- 10-40 Acres-
San Francisco Call, Volume 87, Number 165, May 4, 1900
REAL ESTATE—— COUNTRY——For Sale
The “Esparto Colony farms,” in the Capay Valley country should be looked after at once, as this is the time of year to arrange for tree and vine planting; (farms range in size from 10 to 40 acres.)
Now, “sold to induce immediate action” at low prices and easy terms!
Home -seekers will never regret securing one of these homes; no malaria, no frosts; products earliest to market; good society; good schools (including High School!); macadamized roads; 2 Railroad trains daily from San Francisco.
Water for irrigation when desired; superior to Southern California for raising all kinds of citrus fruit, recently so pronounced by leading Southern California experts.
These lands with the “superior soils.”
All other advantages named, will be “sold at prices” far below those asked in localities, hitherto considered unapproachable in excellence.
There is no more independent life than “small diversified farmer’s.”
The “farm sold before the Panic,” have developed and are paying annually as much as $100 per acre.
One can leave San Francisco on 8a.m. train, have 3 or 4 hours at Esparto, and back to San Francisco early the same evening.
One will find an agent at Hotel Barnes, Esparto, to show you the lands. “Communicate by Letter” with GEORGE D. FISKE, Woodland, California.
Esparto Library (Yolo County)
BOOK RETURN- Esparto Branch Library- 17605 Yolo Ave, Esparto, California 95627
Friends of the Esparto Regional Library History
The Friends of the Esparto Regional Library, (a 7 member 501 (C)3 organization,) formed in 1996 to raise funds for the Esparto Regional Library Capital Campaign.
The Esparto Library Branch was built in 1999 for $1.2 million after ten years of fundraising by Community Volunteers, and generous contributions from individuals and Governmental agencies.
Most of the financing to build the Branch Library came from private and public donations, including those from Dixie Keisler ($117,503), the Yocha Dehe Winter Nation ($328,066)), a Friends of Library Capital Campaign ($325,000), Development Impact Fees ($200,000), Library Funds ($119,030).
The Esparto School District provided the site on which the 5,590-square-foot, single story structure was built.
Once the ESparto Branch Library construction was completed in 1999, the Friends of the Esparto Regional Library, an all-volunteer Board of Directors, became the primary organization to support the enrichment programs and services offered at the library.
The Esparto Branch Library offers a welcoming space for people of all ages to read, learn, access free Internet,
Each month, a special program happens at the library to entertain and educate.
FERL is also responsible for the the management of the FERL Endowment. FERL increase library patronage by sponsoring programs on the Arts and Sciences.
Esparto-“Farmers Line”- Pacific Telephone Company -1920
Sacramento Union, Number 6, November 6, 1920
ESPARTO Welding Shop and Machine Works- lists the phone number.
(Special to the Union)
Establish Telephone Exchange at Esparto
ESPARTO, Yolo County., November 5.———Due to rapid progress in its little business world, the Pacific Telephone Company has established a “private exchange” in Esparto, beginning today, according to D. C. Cady, local agent of the Pacific Telephone Company.
Esparto has had a “farmer line” heretofore, but increased demands for service made it necessary to establish “an exchange.”
Just as soon as the “materials and phones” are available the present list of subscribers will be doubled, according to Mr. Cady.
Esparto has bids out also for three new “farmer lines.” It is believed that activity in “oil in this District” is responsible for the large increase in business.
Esparto-OAKDALE RANCH- Yolo County
STEPHENS- Historic OAKDALE RANCH-County Road 86A- Esparto, (YOLO COUNTY)
1852-OAKDALE RANCH- Esparto (Yolo County) California
Located South of Cache Creek, the Stephens Brothers (John D. Stephens and George D. Stephens) built in 1852 an “Adobe Grainery,” which later was converted into a “Homestead”- living quarters for the two Stephens Brothers and their families.
The July 1, 2025 Esparto “Fireworks Explosion”- occurred across the diretly aacross the road-in Esparto (YOLO County).
Thus, the resulting Fire was named the OAKDALE FIRE- Esparto (Yolo County) California.
Resulting from the fire- “spot fires” caused much damage to the OAKDALE RANCH owned orchards and fields. No reported damage to the original “Adobe Homestead.”
Esparto- RED CROSS organized- 1917
MAP OF ESPARTO (Yolo County)- RED CROSS organized ESPARTO branch- 1917
Sacramento Union, Number 37, August 6, 1917
Esparto Organizes Red Cross Branch
(Special to the Union)
ESPARTO (Yolo County)., August 5.—— A preliminary meeting, called at the instance of Mrs. George Abbay, was held Sunday evening, in the Esparto Baptist Church with a view of organizing a “Branch of the Red Cross,” to co-operate with the Woodland unit.
The Red Cross Branch organization will be completed at a subsequent Meeting to be held soon.
Esparto- FIRE DEPARTMENT Bell
OLD HIGH SCHOOL BELL- once used by the FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Sacramento Union, Number 25797, November 4, 1921
FIRE DEPARTMENT IS FORMED AT ESPARTO
Special to the Union.
ESPARTO, Yolo Co., November 3—— Esparto is the first of the “unincorporated country centers” in this section of the Capay Valley to organize a full fledged Fire Department with the chemical truck, extinguishers, hydrant system, hose and everything that goes to make up adequate protection of country and Farm Property.
James O’Neil is the first Fire Chief. He is assisted by D. D. Russell, E. V. Bolton, W. G. Duncan and Victor Viera.
Truck drivers have been designated as Jack Arnold, William Neitz, Fred Wyatt and D. D. Russell. “Chemical Engine men” are R. S. Burke, Vic Vierra, Claude Nissen and Russ Jose.
“The Bell formerly used in assembling the High School” has been installed over a garage, where the equipment will be kept, in charge is “a man constantly on duty.”
Esparto claims the Best country Fire Department in the State of California
July 18, 1918- New Water Well for Esparto (Yolo County)
Well Tower- Esparto (Yolo County)- water system Completed 1918.
Sacramento Union, Number 28, July 28, 1918
Well for Esparto District Completed
Supervisor Stitt Believes Water System Will Be Finished November 15.
(Special to Union)
ESPARTO (Yolo County), July 27.—— For the present work has ceased on the Esparto water works plant, waiting for constriction material.
The “boring of the well is finished,” the tools removed and the casing installed.
Shortly, after passing through top soil clay was encountered until a depth of 86 feet was attained, when six feet of gravel sand sad was struck.
F. M. Strickland, the well borer, says “this is the finest water prospect he has run across in all this section.”
He has bored hundreds of them, and predicts a never failing water supply.
After going through the gravel formation the casing was implanted two feet further down in the clay, making the Well proper 92 feet deep.
Orders have been given for all necessary material. The motor and pump are expected within ten days, the Tower and tank in thirty days, and the pipe in sixty days.
Contractor Hinkle will have the pit and foundation ready when the various parts arrive.
If the parts are delivered according to schedule, Supervisor Stitt thinks that by November 15 Esparto’s will be “takin’ their without oil.”
July 15, 1899-Esparto (Yolo County)
ESPARTO- (Yolo County) rebuilt in 1899- the original Town Layout bought from the Railroad.
San Francisco Call, Volume 86, Number 45, July 15, 1899
COLONIZATION SCHEME TO REBUILD ESPARTO
George D. Fiske, a Member of the Syndicate, Interviewing Eastern Capitalists
Woodland, July 14.— Esparto, in the western part of Yolo, first came into existence when the Vaca Valley Railroad was extended from Winters to Rumsey.
It was expected that it would develop into the most important town in Western Yolo.
A syndicate of “Woodland Capitalists”- constructed a fine Hotel and several pretentious Store Buildings, all of brick.
The soil is fertile, the location desirable, and the buildings are all a substantial character: nevertheless “the town has not prospered, and for some time many of the buildings have been unoccupied.”
These conditions are said, “to be due to conflicting interest that all efforts so far have failed to harmonize.”
A few days ago George D. Fiske, a member of the Syndicate, left Boston. It was announce, “that the trip was undertaken purely for rest and recreation.”
It is now currently rumored— that before Mr. Fiske left— He induced the Bank, Hotel and Railroad companies “to fix a price for their property.”
Mr. Fiske’s real purpose in going to Boston—- was to induce some Capitalists (with whom he is personally acquainted,) to interest themselves in the property.
Rumor also, has it that if his Mission is successful ,his further plans contemplate, “the colonization of Esparto and a part of the surrounding country with Eastern people.”
If these rumors are true, “the people of Yolo County” are much interested in the success of Mr. Fiske’s mission with the Syndicate.
Esparto (Yolo County) Community Park
Esparto Community Park- 17001 Yolo Ave, Esparto (Yolo County) California.
Sacramento Union, Number 29, March 29, 1914
ESPARTO PARK IS DEDICATED
Large Number Take Part in Tree planting and Basket Picnic
(Special to the Union)
ESPARTO (Yolo County), March 28.—— With a merry crowd walking the streets of the prosperous little city and old-fashion countryside spirit everywhere prevalent, the brand new Esparto Park was formally dedicated and cast into the sea of “public improvements” today.
The crowd gathered early. Lunch baskets were everywhere in evidence as the families drove in from their homes in the verdant hills and the pretty vales that line Capay valley.
Following out the announced program for the day, “tree-planting was the order” during the morning and early afternoon.
The new Esparto Park was further beautified by the planting of an abundance of new trees of every arboreal family.
After the “tree-planting” there was a baseball game between the Esparto and Winters teams.
The informal Program of speech making included Supervisor M. H. Stitt, G. H. Hecke, H. S. Maddox, Dr. M. O. Wyatt, President of the Bank of Esparto, and other boosters.
A dance tonight in the new Community Hall concluded the day’s festivities.
1922 -Capay Valley Railroad
Southern Pacific Railroad Depot- Esparto (Yolo County) California.
Sacramento Union, Number 25943, March 27, 1922
New Railroad For Capay Valley to Be Subject at Esparto
ESPARTO- Yolo County., March 26— (Special)——
A mass meeting at Esparto (Yolo County) has been arranged for next Tuesday to consider- “plans of the P. G. & E. for an electric line up the Capay Valley.”
The meeting has been arranged by C. E. Wyatt, manager of the Winters Branch of the Company, and will be attended by Division Manager Florence.
Should sufficient encouragement be giving by the ranchers of the Capay Valley, it is not unlikely that an “electric freight and passenger line” will be constructed.
1890-LEVY & SCHWAB- Esparto (Yolo County)
Corner of YOLO AVE & WOODLAND Ave.- orginally constructed by Wolf Levy and Sam Schwab- 1890.
Sacramento Union, Number 1, November 1, 1911
MERCANTILE COMPANY FORMED
(Special to the Union)
ESPARTO (Yolo County) October 31—— The Esparto Mercantile Company has filed Articles of Incorporation in the office of the County Clerk.
The principle place of business is Esparto, and the Capital Stock is $50,000 of which A. H. Fredson has subscribed $5000, Rush Jose $500, and J. E. Martin $500.
The purposes of the company are to transact “a general merchandise and real estate business.”
Esparto “Scout Cabin”
SCOUT CABIN or Community Hall- Esparto (Yolo County)
Sacramento Union, Number 49, October 19, 1919
Esparto Women Are Planning Clubhouse
(Special to the Union)
ESPARTO, (Yolo County)., October 18.—— The Esparto Home Improvement Club is laying plans for building a Clubhouse which promises to be one of the most up-to-date in Yolo county.
The aid of the County Supervisors is solicited, so that many women may have the privilege of building their Clubhouse in the Town Park on Main street, Esparto in Yolo County
A banquet will be given by the Club on October 31, and the aid of the men will be asked.
After dinner speeches will be given by the different county officials and officers of the Improvement Club.
Mrs. Amos Roth of Capay is President of the Improvement Club, and these “plans have been formed under her guidance.”
Bank of Esparto
BANK OF ESPARTO- opened April 26, 1913
Sacramento Union, Number 49, April 19, 1913
TO OPEN ESPARTO BANK
(Special to Union)
ESPARTO (Yolo County), April 18——— The Bank of Esparto, which has just been organized, will be opened April 26, the officials of the new institution planning to hold Open House on that date.
The Winters Concert Band will furnish music and dinner will be served.
The officers and directors of the bank are: M. O. Wyatt, president; J. L. Stephens, vice-president; C. F. George, cashier, A. E. Neilson, secretary, and E.J. F. Mast, A. H. Fredson, John E. Winter and C. R. Nissen.
Esparto (Yolo County)
Map of Esparto (Yolo County) California
Esparto (Yolo County) California
Celebrating the rich heritage of Esparto, Yolo County, a community steeped in California History.
Established in the late 19th century, Esparto played a pivotal role in the local agriculture landscape, known for its vibrant production of Almonds, which influenced both the Farming and Commerce of the entire Capay Valley.
The “exceptional quality” of fruits and nuts grown in Esparto and the Capay Valley is the “spirit of innovation” and resilience that defines Esparto’s and Yolo County Legacy.