Until 1862, Visalia, like many other California towns, had adobe buildings. In that year, however, Linkthe greatest flood in the state’s history washed them away.
An account by Paschal Bequette, a Visalia resident of the time, details the melting of the adobe structures and the cascading effects this had on Visalia’s citizens. One stop on a walking tour fundraiser sponsored by The Literacy Center on September 23 will feature volunteers taking on the roles of Paschal and other Visalians affected by the destruction of the adobes. Other stops on the tour highlight similar dramatic events caused by the flood.
Sessions of the ‘Practically Preposterous’ Walking Tour will begin at 4 pm, 5 pm and 6 pm on September 23. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at The Literacy Center, 417 N. Locust Street, Visalia, CA. The deadline for ticket sales is September 16 and no tickets will be sold at the event. For further information, call The Literacy Center at 713-2745. Come take a walk and find out facts and fantasies about a major event in California history!
