Fresno Flats – Oakhurst – Hiking California

Every day, when Mel and I return from hiking in the south-west part of Yosemite National Park, to our staging point in Oakhurst, California, we pass a small, brown, roadside sign near our motel which points left and says ‘Historical Site’.  This will need to be investigated.  Following a long day of hiking, I walk solo to a nearby park but the historical site is not here.  With a bit of help from local citizens, and one more crucial sign, I eventually arrive at the Fresno Flats Historical Park about 1.6 miles (2 KM) later.

Fresno Flats Historical Village and Park - Oakhurst, California, USA

In the small parking area near the entrance, an audio-equipped kiosk shows the layout of of the Fresno Flats Historical Village and Park.  This heritage park is a relocation and reconstruction of pioneer dwellings which preserve the history and development of Fresno Flats.  From Fresno Flats, in the latter half of the 1800′s, the current city of Oakhurst was born around the intersection of Hwy 41 and 49 in the Sierra Nevada foothills and mountains of Central California.

I will tour the small heritage park, in a counterclockwise direction, from the Library Research Center (Miami Lodge Cabin).

Library Research Center - (Miami Lodge Cabin)

The next two, larger buildings are restored, one-room schoolhouses.  The Cunningham school was built at Nipinnawasee, about 12 miles (19.2 KM) north on Hwy 49, in 1913.  The school survived the tragic Harlow Fire in 1962 (1961?) because 50 years of children running around the playground created a barren fire break.  The buildings are still routinely used for community events.  I am here late in the day so all the historic buildings are closed.

Cunningham School from Nipinnawasee, California - Constructed in 1913

Past the Cunningham Schoolhouse and next to the Taylor Log House is the old jail which once served Fresno Flats.  The massive door shut in drunken prisoners and lawbreakers.

The old Fresno Flats jail

The Taylor Log House built in 1869

The 1869 Taylor Log House is built in the ‘two pen dogtrot’ style, an Ozark design common in William Taylor’s home state of Kentucky.  I think of my son.  The Taylors were farmers who raised cattle, hogs and hay.  Margaret Taylor (nee Newton) was the sister of Mary Laramore who lived in Laramore House, arguably the most prominent dwelling at Fresno Flats Historical Park.

One of the pens beside the Taylor Log House - Picnic area behind

Several buildings relocated to the Fresno Flats Historical Park include the 1914 Dupzyk family homestead located higher in the mountains, the 1890 Raymond Jail, a recreated blacksmith shop, a print shop and a tack room.

Fresno Flats Printery

The Blacksmith Shop

The sturdy Raymond Jail built in 1890 using 1 x 6 timbers laid flat to form a nearly impenetrable wall.

The 1914 Dupzyk log barn

The traditional outhouse of the era

The opening to the outhouse is blocked by chicken wire so it is important to understand that racing in there may cause you to strain yourself. ;-)  At the front and center of the Fresno Flats Historical Park is a gazebo with all the requirements for a fine picnic and barbeque.

The two-story, yellow Laramore-Lyman House was built in the 1870′s by pioneer merchant Robert Laramore.  The house was occupied from 1878 to 1975 and hosts a rich history.  The house was constructed without studs, common at the time.  Robert was killed in a runaway buggy accident.  Electricity came to Oakhurst and this historic home in 1942.

My tour ends where it began at the Cedarbrook Lodge log cabin in the orange glow of the setting sun.  It has been an interesting and informative tour on a beautiful, late afternoon in Oakhurst, California.  There is not another soul in sight.  The entire park has been mine to enjoy alone.

Fresno Flats Historical Park provides evidence of the prolonged hard work and dedication of many generations of Oakhurst citizens.  It is a testament to the fascinating past development of the region.  It has taken a lot of time, investment and devoted energy to constuct this historical village and park.  If you happen to visit, please donate a little to help them in their effort.  You can learn more about this impressive museum at Fresno Flats Museum.  It is an impressive collection of local artifacts and historical bond.  I have always believed our future has potential for greater success if we take the time to learn and preserve our past.

I hike back to the Oakhurst Motel at high speed to meet Mel.  I have used far more time than planned and we have discovered THE place to eat in Oakhurst.  I’m starving.