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Wagon Train: Selma Published 04/10/06 00:00:00 Students from Indianola School in Selma will be passengers aboard the sesquicentennial wagon train. The wagon train, led by teacher Bill Coate, is helping count down toFresno County's 150th birthday celebration, to be held April 19 in Fresno. Today's town Selma's incorporation: 1893 Population: 21,176 in 2003 (U.S. Census Bureau estimate) Background: This Central Pacific Railroad stop, established in 1872, took awhile to name. Among the early entries submitted to town leaders — many the names of some of the town's leaders — were Whitson, Erwin, Crocker, Dalton, Weymouth and Sandwich. But it was a railroad official suggesting his wife's name who is credited with naming Selma. The booming town at one time boasted a flour mill erected in 1877; a three-story hotel built in 1887 at a cost of $50,000; and the well-known Unger Opera House. It is now known as the "Raisin Capital of the World." Wagon train's departure: 9 a.m. Tuesday from Indianola School, 11524 E. Dinuba, Selma. Next stop: 3 p.m. Tuesday at Lincoln Elementary School, 374 E. North Ave., Reedley. On the Web: Go to www.fresnobee.com/special/150/ for more information. Sesquicentennial event details: Fresno Historical Society, (559) 441-0862. |
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