Exactly one century ago, Iris Snoke sent a New Year’s message from Fresno to a friend, Clara Bernie, in South Bend, Indiana. In her note, written on a picture postcard of the San Joaquin River, Iris responded to a holiday greeting received from her friend and said, “Thank you for your card. It reached me in the land of sunshine and flowers with its message of hope and cheer…”
1911 Postcard by Edward H. Mitchell San Joaquin River from the Heights Near Fresno
Today, one hundred years later, we can go to the same spot and look out “from the Heights near Fresno” over the River and its landscape of inspiration. Though a myriad of threats have appeared on its horizon over the years, actions of landowners and concerned citizens like you have preserved the River as a vital part of our community.
It’s a matter of stewardship.
Thank you to our supporters that make it possible for us to continue our work to protect it, restore it, and create the San Joaquin River Parkway. Underlying these images of “yesterday and today” are decades of stories–those families that cared for and worked the land; near-miss development schemes; and an abundance of outdoor adventures.
San Joaquin River 100 years later from the Heights Near Fresno
We are fortunate to have the San Joaquin River and your help. Thank you for your support during 2010. It reached us “in the land of sunshine and flowers with its message of hope and cheer.”
Dave Koehler, Executive Director
