Historical Note: This comes from Larry Peahl's 53 page compilation of the "Chronology of History of Taft" from 1863 until 2009:
January 7, 1937 -- City schools passed a $50,000 bond Election for a swimming pool 991 to 120.
March 14, 1937 -- Fits Christian Church (7th and North Street) is dedicated.
March 20, 1937 -- Taft Junior College sprinter, Henry Gonzales, ties National Junior College record in the 100 yard dash in 9.6 seconds.
April 2, 1937 -- High school awards contract for $113,144 to complete the north and South wings,
May 4, 1937 -- Harry Hopkins looses election for 10th congressional district to Alfred J. Elliott of Tulare County (55% to 45%).
May 7, 1938 -- City installs parking meters on a trial bases/ Removed a few weeks later,
May 10, 1937 -- First Methodist Church is dedicated at 7th and North Streets.
Historical Note: This comes from Larry Peahl's 53 page compilation of the "Chronology of History of Taft" from 1863 until 2009:
November 10, 1911 -- Bethany Church becomes the First Presbyterian Church.
November 11, 1911 -- Al Conard opens the C & C Theater at 500 Center Street.
November 16, 1911 -- City Trustees vote to proceed with the necessary steps to secure a separate school district.
November 20, 1911 -- Western Water Company begins water delivery to Taft.
December 17, 1911 -- First Presbyterian Church is organized.
December 21, 1911 -- City Trustees appoint a committee to work with the Western Water Company in regard to prepare the city of Taft for water and installing fireplugs.
December 23, 1911 -- Odd Fellows Lodge is organized.
September marks 10 years since the terror attacks in New York and Washington, D.C. The Midway Driller and others in GateHouse Media will combine to bring you news in print and online of the people affected by the attacks, live coverage of the anniversary and what’s next for America.
Historical Note: This comes from Larry Peahl's 53 page compilation of the "Chronology of History of Taft" from 1863 until October 2009:
January 2, 1930 -- Harry Hopkim is appointed to the California Highway Commission.
February 9, 1930 -- Wes Side Abatement District formed by action of the Board of Supervisors.
February 24, 1930 -- New Cottage Hospital is opened at southwest corner of 3rd and Warren streets by Mary Elliot.
March 22, 1930 -- Petroleum Club building (630 North Street) burn down. (Caretaker is burned to death in the fire. Land later sold to the Methodist Church. New Petroleum Club building was later constructed on Petroleum Club Road east of Taft.).
March 9, 1930 -- The Goodyear Blimp visits Taft.
June 7, 1930 -- Major flash flood causes estimated damage of $100,000 damage.
June 13, 1930 -- Herman Bris of the Los Angeles Athletic Club ties world record in shot put 52' 7 1/2" in Western States Relays held in Taft. (Bris later played Tarzan in the movies and changed his name to Bruce Bennett.)
July 1930 -- Plans are announced for the CCC camp at Mt. Pinos and the completion of the road to Apache Potreo from the West Side.
July 15,1930 -- Cornerstone for new Petroleum Club building (on Petroleum Club Road) is laid.
'Affordable' housing is not the answer to Taft's problems
Historical Note: This comes from Larry Peahl's 53 page compilation of the "Chronology of History of Taft" from 1863 until October 2009:
Sept. 22, 1960 -- Jo Binford opens Jo's Restaurant at 510 Kern Street.
Sept. 28, 1960 -- Shop Building at Lincoln School completed.
Sept. 30, 1960 -- Demolition of work begins on Burns Store at 330 Center Street for construction of new Croker Anglo Bank building.
Oct. 2, 1960 -- Taft Beautification Day is held. Store fronts on Center Street are all painted in one day.
Oct. 13 - 16, 1960 -- Oildorado celebrates Taft's 50th birthday and streets are painted gold.
Historical Note: This comes from Larry Peahl's 53 page compilation of the "Chronology of History of Taft" from 1863 until October 2009:
March 1, 1918 -- Plans for Red Cross building at 314 Center Street with estimated coast of $2,914.
March 3, 1818 -- Hippodrome Theater ($20,000) opens at 514 Center Street.
March 17, 1918 -- American Red Cross building is erected at 314 Center Street in one day at a cost of $3,000. Dedication held on April 16.
March 19, 1918 -- Sam Orloff Building at 5th and North Street begins construction.
April, 1918 -- Center Street, Main Street, Fourth and Sixth Streets are paved and gutters, curbs and sidewalks installed. Estimated cost $100.000.
April 5, 1918 -- Chicago Cubs baseball team defeats town team 9-0 in exhibition game played in Taft.
Historical Note:
This comes from Larry Peahl's 53 page compilation of the "Chronology of History of Taft" from 1863 until October 2009:
January 3, 1940 -- Belridge School District voted 157 to 2 to join TUHS District.
January 12, 1940 -- One block of East San Emidio St. and East Lucard St. are added.
January 29, 1940 -- State review panel turns down petition of Belridge to join TUHS.
April 20, 1940-- The Ford City Exchange Club is chartered. Lester E. Causey is first president.
May 3, 1940 -- The Fort is dedicated.
Historical Note:
This comes from Larry Peahl's 53 page compilation of the "Chronology of History of Taft" from 1863 until October 2009:
Nov. 7, 1926 -- St. Mary;s School and Convent dedicated at 5th and Woodrow.
Nov 12, 1926 -- Elks Club dedicate ne lodge
Dec. -- Taft Job's Daughters Bethel 38 begins
Dec. -- Big mouse invasion hits Taft area.
Historical Note: This comes from Larry Peahl's 53 page compilation of the "Chronology of History of Taft" from 1863 until October 2009:
March 22, 1944 -- Local 'Rec" at former North Street Kindergarten opened. (Carl Peahl band played.)
March 27, 1944 -- Shamrock and Hopkins buildings at 409 and 413 Center Street burn. $75,000 loss.
October 15, 1944 -- Jack Benny Show broadcast from Gardner Field.
