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About this Book
The first Fresno Fair opened
in 1883 with five days of horse racing, a live stock exhibit, and a few
small produce stalls. Modest as it was, it was a huge success; only five
years later, a grandstand was added to the fairgrounds. Agriculture,
industrial, and commerce exhibit halls followed in the early 1900s. A
wooden race track was built in 1920.
Claude C. "Pop" Laval's camera lens missed little of the excitement of
the early fairs. Many of his magnificent photographs are available in
print for the first time in this book. Each is literally a snapshot in
time, revealing the historical richness of our Valley's great community
event.
Proceeds from the sale of
each book benefit the restoration project of the Claude C. "Pop" Laval
Photographic Collection. Your purchase of a piece of "Pop's" treasure
will help ensure that future generations can enjoy seeing the Valley as
"Pop" saw it, through the "Windows on the Past."
Message from
Elizabeth M. Laval
Throughout the decades, the legacy of Claude C. “Pop”
Laval has evolved into legend as the true value of his many photographic
contributions becomes more widely recognized. An authentic pioneer in
the field of commercial photography, “Pop” visually memorialized the
history of his beloved San Joaquin Valley in an unparalleled and unique
style. And now, nearly a century after “Pop” captured the first of over
100,000 remarkable images, the weight of ensuring that the precious gift
he left us be properly preserved and restored is always overwhelming and
often daunting. Our efforts to rescue and utilize the Claude C. “Pop”
Laval Photographic Collection in a manner that would please my
great-grandfather has taken on even greater immediacy as we see the
daily damage time is inflicting on this irreplaceable treasure trove of
still, movie and aerial footage. Perhaps most difficult of all is the
realization that I am attempting to follow a path so brilliantly laid
out by my father, Jerome Laval, Sr., while believing each day that he
should be working beside me to fulfill his lifelong dream of showcasing
the work of his esteemed grandfather. Angels all, those who have come
before continue to offer whispered guidance at the moments their
assistance is most needed.
In October of 2003, Stacy Rianda, Deputy Director II of the Big Fresno
Fair asked the Laval Family Trust to feature the collection for the
first time in more than twenty-five years. Public response and support
for the display was tremendous. Therefore, it is only fitting that the
first published volume of “Pop’s” work since the mid-eighties highlight
the event that was such a large part of his autumns for more than 50
years. Many of the images in this book have not been seen since the year
in which they were taken. Stacy, we are ever-grateful.
Special thanks to Stephen L. Brown, our technical wizard, who promised
my dad he would ensure that the “next generation” cherish the Collection
as he did. Cheers, Steve, I know Jerry has his glass raised to you! To
Joe Conway, for teaching my father how the other half lived and laughed
and who has given the Restoration project the wings it so desperately
needed.
To my family, Bob, Alex and Daniele, who endured the late nights yet
always understood the work that had to be done. And to Maria, who always
says “No problem” even when it is.
The research for this book would not have been completed without the
knowledgeable and willing assistance of Ray Silvia, Bill Secrest and the
unequaled resources of the Fresno County Library’s California History
and Genealogy Room. “Pop” would be thrilled to know someone else has
taken the time to care. Our appreciation also extends to the wonderful
staff of the Fresno Bee’s extensive library—we will be seeing you again
very soon. Enormous thanks to Steve Mettee, our patient publisher, Susan
Klassen, our designer extraordinaire, and the entire staff of Quill
Driver Books/Word Dancer Press. Your belief in the worthiness of this
undertaking will allow the children of the Valley the opportunity to
visit a heritage they would otherwise never know.
Proceeds from the sale of this book benefit the restoration project of
the Claude C. “Pop” Laval Photographic Collection which includes more
than 50,000 glass and cellulose negatives, hundreds of rolls of film,
reels of aerial footage and a wonderful selection of original
photographic equipment.
On behalf of the Laval Family Trust, my brother, Jerome Laval, Jr., and
my sister, Jennifer Laval-Sommerfeld, I thank you for purchasing a piece
of “Pop’s” treasure. We truly hope you enjoy seeing the Fresno Fair as
“Pop” saw it, through the “Windows on the Past.”
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