The first stop on the Practically Preposterous Walking Tour fundraiser sponsored by the Literacy Center on September 23 will feature the historic Visalians, Samuel and Charlotte Dineley. Married less than a year, the Dineley’s moved into their new home on the site of the Literacy Center and then survived the worst flood in California history.
This natural catastrophe resulted from heavy rainfall during December of 1861 and January 1862. An estimated 50 inches of rain fell during that period and put the state underwater from Sacramento to Los Angeles.
The tour, sponsored by The Literacy Center of the Tulare County Library, will start at the Center, and progress to five more locations mentioned in narratives of the time. Volunteers playing the roles of historical Visalians, including the Dineleys, will be at each stop to recount their experiences during the flood.
There will be three hour-long tours, at 4 pm, 5 pm and 6 pm. The event is a fundraiser for The Literacy Center and the $15 donation per person goes to provide books and supplies for the Read to Succeed literacy program. Deadline for ticket purchase is September 16; no tickets will be sold at the event. For more information, call 713-2745.
