Hugh M. Mooney Statue DVD

Special Limited Editions...and MORE!

The Hugh M. Mooney Statue Project Documentary (2006) tells the story of an historic act of benevolence and the people who desired to honor it. In 1909 when the Valley Oak trees of Tulare County, California were being eliminated at an alarming rate, Hugh Michael Mooney acted to preserve his own beautiful 100-acre grove for the benefit of future generations. Over time, Mooney Grove Park has served as the time-honored Mecca for those seeking shade, solace and fun. Ninety-five years later, the Tulare County Historical Society initiated the formidable task of honoring this man and his contribution to the community. Beginning with Mooney Family history and ending with the dedication and unveiling of the Hugh M. Mooney Statue in Mooney Grove Park on June 3, 2006, this documentary covers the many aspects of this momentous project.

Topics addressed in this documentary include: History of Mooney Family, "The Pioneer" and "End of the Trail" statues, the Tulare County Historical Society, Hugh M. Mooney statue committee, casting process of the statue, Mooney Grove Park, Tulare County Museum, Mooney Family descendents, sculptor of the Hugh M. Mooney statue, statue site construction and the dedication and unveiling of the statue.

First published in 1976. A limited 4th printing (2002) is now available, which celebrates our 2002 Sesquicentennial with a Special 150th Anniversary Edition cover. Hardbound with 165 pages of text and illustrations, this book eloquently depicts the colorful history of Tulare County.

First printed in 1963. This 2nd printing (2002) is a limited Sesquicentennial Edition and displays the 150th Visalia and Tulare County Anniversary Celebration logo on its soft cover. With 55 pages of text and illustrations, this book offers a wonderful history of Visalia's early years.

Popular Los Tulares contributor and well-known author, Lee provides an in-depth biographical account of Chris Evans, California's premier outlaw who led a valley-wide crime spree with partner John Sontag. Evans and Sontag were suspected of committing several train robberies in Tulare County and were pursued by lawmen, posses and man-hunters. The two hid for months until they were finally ambushed by lawmen at "Stone Corral." Well researched and profusely illustrated, Lee has detailed a most accurate account of this outlaw's life in this 2003 publication.

This is Bill's 2nd volume, the story of Michael Mooney's Oak Grove in Tulare County, California. You'll certainly appreciate this publication to complete your set. The book has 268 pages of great text and photographs and is a complete history of Mooney Grove Park. Published 2003 by Bear State Books (Exeter, California).

Published by Tulare County Historical Society in 1995, this 27-page booklet is an entertaining account from mountain man Ben Harris. It gives the reader tall tales of the Sierra as told by Ben Harris 1850-1933 and collected by Joseph E. Doctor. Ben boasted he was "the biggest liar in the Sierra," meaning he was the best teller of tall tales.

Published by Tulare County Historical Society in 1956, this is a real contribution to our history. Griggs came to Tulare County in 1876 as a boy of nine. When he wasn't herding hogs beneath the Valley Oak trees on the family's first ranch, Griggs was helping his father as a swamper, hauling shakes, posts and lumber out of the mountains. At an early age, he acquired his own team and wagon and went into business for himself. 

Annie R. Mitchell - Historian, Author, Educator (1997): In this video biography researched by Terry Ommen and produced by Jim Treganza, Miss Mitchell reflects upon her historical literary achievements and her early days as an educator. Alan George coordinated the project for the Society. The theme song, "Back Porch Swing," is by Lorie Line with her Pop Chamber Orchestra.

Joe Doctor - Country Journalist (1997): In the late summer of 1993, the wit and wisdom of 82-year-old journalist Joe Doctor was preserved for posterity by KVPT Public Broadcasting near Tulare County's renowned Charter Oak Tree. Tragically, the man and the tree were lost in 1995, when the oak fell to the ground on July 12 and Joe passed away on August 24. Both were in good health at the time of the interview, however, and Joe narrated history in rare form as he sat in the shade of the ancient valley oak, with the wind and the noisy woodpeckers competing with his voice for attention. Annie Mitchell, another Tulare County icon of history, also comments on the life of Joe Doctor throughout the presentation.

Legacy in the Land: Captures the lives of Ken and Clara Wilcox Rutherford. The video covers a great deal of early Tulare County history and the strong involvement the Rutherford and Wilcox families played in Tulare County's development. Included are Ken's and Clara's dedication to agriculture and the cattle industry.