CONTENTS

The Return of Experience Exeter. 04

Exeter Chamber of Commerce. 06

Exeter’s Heritage is Community. 08

Why CACHE? For a new mission, a new brand. 12

Around Town. 14

Enjoy Nature. 18

Annual Events. 22

Mural Guide. 26

Shopping and Dining in Exeter. 30

Ribbon Cuttings | Ground Breaking. 32

Membership Roster. 34

Business Directory. 37

Explore Exeter | 2023

Exeter Chamber of Commerce

101 W Pine Street | Exeter, CA 93221

707.425.4625 | info@fairfieldsuisunchamber.com

559-592-2919 | chamber@exeterchamber.com

This is a Town Square Publications, formerly MetroMedia
(since 1997), publication created and produced for
the Exeter Chamber of Commerce.

Copyright © 2023 Town Square Publications

P.O. Box 280, Arlington Heights, IL 60006

(847) 427-4905 | tbusby@tspubsdigital.com

www.TownSquarePublications.com

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication. The Chamber and Town Square assume no responsibility for misinformation. Please contact the Chamber with any additions or corrections. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission of the Chamber and Town Square is prohibited.

Chairman, CEO and Publisher | Douglas K. Ray

President and Chief Operating Officer | Scott Stone

Vice President / Director | Scott Ray

Managing Director | David Small

Director of Production | Ryan Moore

Sales | Tammie Easson

Editor | Bob Oswald

Design Project Manager | Sandy King

Miss Exeter photos by Mark Hull

The Return of

Experience Exeter

It is time to celebrate because our once-dormant publication is finally making a comeback! After much anticipation, the 2023 Experience Exeter publication is here. We know that our community and visitors alike have been eagerly awaiting the return of Experience Exeter and we appreciate your patience and the collaboration of our community members. So, grab a cup of coffee, curl up on the couch and dive into Experience Exeter!

Exeter, California is a great place to call home for those who value community, culture and natural beauty.

We get to enjoy a peaceful lifestyle while still being close to major cities like Fresno and Visalia. Our residents love our small-town feel, where neighbors know each other and our vibrant community comes together often for a variety of annual events.

We are home to unique shops and restaurants that cater to different interests. There is something for everyone including a blossoming art scene.

Our town’s natural beauty means there are plenty of ways to enjoy being outdoors. There are numerous parks within the city as well as access to nearby hiking, lakes and of course Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

But we think the thing that makes Exeter really special is the sense of community the residents have. That feeling of being a part of something bigger than yourself and serving the community is the heart of Exeter. Working together, helping each other out, supporting local businesses and organizations not only feels good, but also helps our town thrive and accomplish amazing things!

And for many years, The Exeter Chamber of Commerce has been at the heart of it all.

Whether it is giving visitors information about our many murals or talking with a new business owner, The Exeter Chamber of Commerce serves the whole community.

And if you are an Exeter business or resident and not already part of our Chamber family, we invite you to call or stop by and let’s talk about how membership is an investment in our community and how we work for you.

Exeter’s Heritage is

Community

By Pamela O’Brien

Motorists passing through the San Joaquin Valley on their way to Sequoia National Park might not know there is a gem in the foothills of the Sierra Mountains just 28 miles west of the park’s entrance.

Taken root and grown robust like the tenacious, elegant, native Matilija Poppy is the quaint, 19th Century town of Exeter, founded in 1888. Like the robust, unwavering California flower, the indigenous people who came before the incorporation of the town, settlers, ranchers, farmers and visionaries were all of resolute stock with a sense of community values.

“Hometown boy,” Dwight Miller, is the new president of the rebranded and recently opened Center for Arts, Culture and History Exeter. The retired teacher and superintendent of two school districts emphasized that civic pride runs deep. In 1948, Miller’s father, a young optometrist, was drawn to establish his practice and raise his family in the small, foothill town with stunning views of the Sierras. Today as President of CACHE, Miller is encouraging travelers to stay a spell, enjoy a meal at one of the many eateries and gas-up the car.

“We are hoping to capture some of the millions of people who travel highway 65 through Exeter every year,” Miller said, adding that another 100,000 international visitors travel to nearby Tulare each February for the World Ag Expo.

What was once the Exeter Historic Museum has been reimagined thanks to the visionaries on the current board. Miller explained that rather than focusing on permanent exhibits and being artifact-heavy, CACHE focuses on the native stories and culture through rotating exhibits and art. By taking the road less traveled while in the central valley, and detouring through Exeter, visitors can experience some of its rich history and learn how the “iron horse” shaped the land into a place where, as legend has it, there were more millionaires per capita than anywhere in the United States at that time.

Legend? Marketing propaganda or not, in the late 19th century the area was known for its grain and rich grasslands making for prosperous ranchers. Miller said it was written, “Natural grasses to the east in the foothills grew up to a horse’s withers.”

Hard to fathom, but in 1888 the area wasn’t known for citrus groves, which are now prolific. It was thought to be too cold in the region for citrus to thrive. With the growing momentum of the Southern Pacific Railroad (SPR) all that would change, transforming not only the landscape, but lives.

In 1888, when Chinese laborers employed by the SPR were laying one mile of track a day, an agent would be sent ahead to convince large land-owners of the opportunity the railroad would foster. D. W. Parkhurst, an agent with Pacific Improvement company, the SPR’s real estate organization, seemed to be destined for an encounter with John Firebaugh.

Firebaugh, a shrewd landowner and wheat farmer, would eventually sell 240 acres of his one-square-mile plot, with the stipulation that a townsite be laid out and lots sold, with he and Parkhurst each receiving a fourth of the sales and SPR would receive one-half.

The railroad made it possible for shipping grain and livestock, along with produce to Midwest and East Coast consumers. But in the 1890s citrus was still solely thought of as a southern California crop. Home gardeners in the region had experimented with citrus trees, but large-scale groves never survived. Later, in the winter of 1895-96, land developer George T. Frost approached father and son, A.C. Merryman and R.C. Merryman, and other capitalists, about cultivating citrus groves on the Bonnie Brae ranch northeast of Exeter. This time the crop thrived and the citrus industry in the area was birthed.

Serendipitously, along with the citrus, Frost was encouraged to plant 70 acres of Emperor table grapes. The grapes took, and because they were sturdy, could be transported as far away as the East Coast.

“A big-time newspaper piece in 1892 boasted Exeter had two saloons, churches, and the best soil on the planet . . . all one had to do was put a seed in the soil and give it a drop of water and it would grow!”

“The rail company was even selling discounted one-way tickets to Exeter, to entice folks to move there,” Miller said.

A cascade of growth and prosperity quickly followed, including incorporation into a town in 1911, schools, a water tower, electricity, a fire department, a Carnegie- funded public library in 1916 and a climate of civic responsibility.

But long before new settlers came to the San Joaquin Valley, the entire valley floor was home to the Native American people known as the Yokuts Indian Nation, numbering 25,000. Yokuts simply translates to “People” or “Person.” There were nearly fifty independent, local sub-tribes with the largest Yokut concentration in eight villages located around Tulare Lake and the Kaweah River and its tributaries.

Evidence of the indigenous culture is etched on the pictographs throughout the area foothills. Unfortunately much of rock art depicting everyday life is on private land, unprotected and some has been vandalized. But one protected area in Rock Hill is a handful of boulder-strewn hillsides purchased by the National Archeological Conservancy. Also evident are “bedrock mortars” used for pounding acorns into flour.

In an age ripe with discussion of reparation, out of respect, Miller said before displaying any artifacts or designing exhibits the board will first engage in conversation with the tribal leaders.

“We are blessed with a strong civic responsibility. There is a long tradition of community leadership which continues today!” he said.

For more information on Exeter and CACHE visit: https://cach-exeter.org/

Around

Town

Exeter’s small town charm extends from our clean parks to our fully stocked antique shops. From tennis courts to tried and true cycling trails Exeter is a city for fantastic fun. Here’s a peek at what we offer all around town.

Dogs are members of the family as well, so spending time in town might just give you the excuse to drop by the Exeter Bark Park. Visitors will find it on F Street, just south of Palm, behind the Exeter Chamber of Commerce.

With 11 parks throughout Exeter, families can visit any one of them to sit down for a picnic or just enjoy the view of the mountains. Your children will be delighted to climb on new playground equipment and join us for one of the many annual events that take place in our beautiful green, smoke-free parks.

If you’re visiting Exeter, be sure to check out the 9-hole executive golf course. Forgot your clubs? No problem. They have clubs available free of charge. Also say hello to the friendly staff and stick around for lunch. The golf course is easy to find, located at 510 W. Visalia Rd. (559) 592-4783

Shared by the public and the high school, visitors are welcome to come out and get some exercise while swinging the racquet. With eight courts to choose from, there is plenty of space and there are lights if you want to play in the evening. You will find them at Exeter Union High School, located on Kaweah Avenue.

Antiquing in Exeter is more than just a way to spend the day. With multiple stores located downtown, those who come to visit can experience Exeter’s history and even take a piece of it home. Check out the Chamber Directory for a list of members.

Riding through Exeter’s naturally luscious trails is a treat to all bicyclists. Going up and down Rocky Hill and making the turn to visit Yokohl Valley is one of the areas riders like most about what Exeter has to offer. Cyclists will also enjoy riding through town and exploring Exeter’s small town charm. Many riders take some time out of their ride to stop in and have a bite at any one of the many local eateries.

For the entire month of October, Exeter businesses, organizations, youth groups, families and individuals line the charming streets of Exeter with artistic, creative and lively scarecrows that are sure to delight locals and visitors alike. You can vote for your favorite scarecrow by scanning the QR Code.

Enjoy

Nature!

Exeter is the gateway to some of the finest attractions nature has to offer. If you’re touring the area, or headed for the mountains, Exeter is one of the best launching points you could ask for.

Kaweah Oaks, Dry Creek, Homer Ranch, and Blue Oak Ranch Preserves

Hike, run, birdwatch, check out the scenery, relax.

Connecting with nature has amazing effects on us. Studies show a walk in nature can offer not just physical benefits, but emotional ones as well, including reduced anxiety and depression.

Several of SRT’s preserves are free and open to the public at least some portion of the year. Most have trails for hiking and places to sit and observe nature. Visit our preserves on your own or with family, or schedule a field trip for your class, club, or troop.

Kaweah Oaks Preserve, ½ mile north of Hwy. 198 on Road 182 in Exeter is open every day of the year from 8 a.m. to sunset. There are four marked, clear trails to hike, plus a children’s trail in development and a planned fitness trail that will encompass mind, body and spirit. Dogs on leashes are welcome at KOP, so bring your furry friends to expand your emotional well-being. The site is also a great place to have a picnic or a more formal event, like a wedding. Permanent restroom on-site.

Dry Creek Preserve, 2 ½ miles east of Hwy. 216 on Dry Creek Road in Lemon Cover, is open every day from 8 a.m. to sunset during the months when fire is not a danger, usually from about Nov. 1 – June 1. The rest of the year, Dry Creek is open on weekends only. Hike or bring your dogs for a visit. SRT members may fish in the pond during events, and a disc golf course is coming in the future. Permanent restrooms on-site.

Homer Ranch, east of Dry Creek Preserve, is open on weekends during the non-fire danger months. The ranch offers beautiful spring views for hiking.

Blue Oak Ranch, northeast of Springville, is located near Scicon. The site is open only on special days, with plans in the works for the site to be open permanently. Trails are under construction, and catch-and-release fishing for members is also allowed on some open days. The Springville Archery Club has a set-up for practicing and often does demonstrations on open days. Stay tuned as we work to make Blue Oak a regular site for recreation for the east side of Tulare County.

Before you start your tour of the area, make sure to charge up at one of Exeter’s two charging stations. Exeter is host to two dual-post electric vehicle charging stations.

•  Pine Street - Between C and D street (On the South side of the Exeter Police Department)

•  Exeter City Hall - In the public parking lot on F Street

If you are looking for a guide to the Sequoia region, the Sequoia Tourism Council’s “The Sequoia Visitor” is the only guide you will need. This guide will help you find the right adventure for you and your family - whether it be hiking, fishing, visiting our giant sequoias or one of our gateway cities. Scan the QR code (right) to view the Sequoia Tourism Council website.

Annual

Events

For more information on Chamber and Member Events
visit ExeterChamber.com or our social media.

Each year the Exeter community nominates businesses, organizations, and individuals to be recognized as Exeter’s Finest. For contributions above and beyond the norm in promoting their business or organization, the community of Exeter, and the Exeter Chamber of Commerce. Including, but not limited to, improving the appearance of the community, civic and community involvement, voluntary work on behalf of community charitable events, outstanding service to the community over an extended period of time, and contributions above and beyond the line of duty.

Each year, the Exeter Chamber of Commerce honors Exeter’s Man and Woman of the Year, Heritage Award, Business of the Year, Organization of the Year, and Recycler of the Year at the Annual Business and Community Awards. Nominations open in January, dinner honoring the winners is held in the spring.

Fun and challenging race course that showcases and draws people from near and far to the Exeter foothills of the Sierra Nevadas. A newcomer or a seasoned veteran, you are sure to enjoy this race. Call (559) 592-9455 or visit rockyhilltriathlon.com for more information.

Exeter Woman’s Club presents a tour of elegant homes. Visit exeterwomansclub.com for more information.

By The Water Tower Antiques Annual Spring Sale is traditionally held the two weeks prior to Mother’s Day weekend. Call (559) 594-4060 for more information.

Hosted by the Exeter Lions Club the first Saturday in May. Visit exeterlions.org for more information, or find them on Instagram @ExeterLionsBrewfest

Exeter, A Festival of Arts presents a fundraiser dinner and auction for the murals of Exeter the first Sunday in May. Call (559) 592-2919 for more information.

A 24 hour fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. Traditionally held the third weekend in May at Dobson Field. Call (800) 227-2345 or visit relayforlife.org/exeterca for more information.

Our 10-acre organic blueberry farm and boutique event venue is located on the North banks of the Kaweah River just South of Woodlake, California. With over 15,000 square feet of green grass and a five-acre blueberry field there is space for everyone to relax and enjoy some time in the countryside. We grow five varieties of Southern Highbush blueberries using all organic soil nutrition from local suppliers. Harvest season begins in early May and runs through late June. Snowchasers and Venturas ripen first, followed shortly by Star and Suzy Blue. Our latest variety, San Joaquin, will come in mid-late May. Each berry has a slightly different flavor pallet, come find out which is your favorite!

More information on biglranch.com.

Friends of the Library - Exeter Book Sale at the Library, Memorial Day Weekend on Saturday. Call (559) 355-9652.

The Exeter Lions Club will host their Independence Day Celebration at the Exeter Veterans Memorial Building.

Miss Exeter Coronation; Pumpkin Carving Contest; Scarecrow Contest - through month of October, winners announced at November mixer; Family Fun Night; Fall Festival Mixer; Scarecrow 2.0 Race; Pancake Breakfast; Pizza Puzzles & Pints; Parade; Bratwurst Eating Contest; Car Show

Presented by the Exeter Woman’s Club, 201 N. Kaweah Ave. Third Friday and Saturday in October. Call (559) 909-4135 or www.exeterwomansclub.com

Features a fashion boutique and yarn shop as well as hand woven garments and household items for sale with raffles and weaving demonstrations. Event traditionally held on the fourth Saturday in October. Free admission and parking at the Exeter Memorial Building. Call (559) 561-4048 or visit hwotv.org.

Held the first Saturday in November at the Exeter Memorial Building. Call (559) 679-8463.

Fraternal Order of Eagles 3608 Chili Cook-Off held the third Saturday in November at 555 W. Visalia Rd., Exeter. Call (559) 592-1771 or visit foe.com.

The Exeter Chamber of Commerce invites you to join us downtown on Small Business Saturday in November to shop local and dine local. Stop by the Exeter Chamber of Commerce booth in Mixter park to pick up a Small Business Passport and shop at select locations to enter to win prizes. Music and fun for the whole family. Visit the Exeter Chamber website or social media for times and locations.

By The Water Tower Antiques Christmas Sale. Stop by and look at all the different Christmas trees!

Every Thursday in December leading up to Christmas, join us downtown from 5-9pm. Visitors are greeted by downtown shop owners offering holiday refreshments and special offers. Carolers will serenade you while you peruse unique boutiques where one of a kind gifts and treasures are sure to be found. Enjoy free horse drawn carriage rides, old fashioned fire truck rides, and a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Call (559) 592-2919 or visit exeterchamber.com for more information.

Hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Exeter, Spirit of the Holidays is a ticketed event that occurs every winter in Exeter. A ticket guarantees entry to try a variety of spirits, wines, and beer.

Exeter’s Christmas Parade, hosted by the City of Exeter, is traditionally held the first Friday in December in downtown Exeter. Call (559) 592-5262 or visit cityofexeter.com.

I have had a wonderful time serving as Miss Exeter for the 2022-2023 season. The Miss Exeter program has helped me be more involved in the community, get to hear community members stories, and learn more about all the clubs and events Exeter hosts. Some of my favorite events this year have been the Fall Festival, Christmas Nights in Exeter, The Special Olympics, and Princess Storytime at the Exeter Library.

The Fall Festival was an amazing start to the Miss Exeter Season as this was the night of coronation. All of the Court's training was going to be put to the test–our public speaking, walking in our heels, how to be a proper lady, and of course our best princess waves and smiles. A day filled with excitement, anticipation, and lots of fun.

The Christmas Nights in Exeter happened every Thursday for the entire month of December. My role as Miss Exeter consisted of helping people get on and off the antique fire truck. I loved talking with friends and neighbors while they waited in line and asking all the kids what they wanted for Christmas. Seeing their faces light up when they got their pictures taken with Santa and the joy that an old fire truck brought to both the kids and the adults was truly magical.

My favorite part about my whole Miss Exeter experience was the kids' reaction to meeting a “real princess.” At all my events I went to, I saw the joy a few dollar tree stickers brought and will never forget all of the silly pictures, and big hugs! These memories were the main event at the Special Olympics where runner up Nadia Mejia and I assisted with handing out medals and taking pictures with the contestants. As well as at the Princess Storytime at the Exeter Library where I would choose stories to read and help lead songs for local kids.

I am grateful for the opportunity to further develop my public speaking skills and to have made many friendships. I would like to thank the Miss Exeter advisors and the Chamber Gals for putting this program on. Not only do they invest their time into teaching us how to be proper ladies and influential women, but they invest their hearts and wisdom. I would also like to thank The Exeter Lions Club for their sponsorship and support throughout the season and their endless love and encouragement. I would also like to thank my court for their friendship and support, it has truly been an amazing experience and it was made complete with awesome friends by my side.

May God Bless,
Raelyn DeWitt

Shopping and

Shopping in our small town offers a cozy and friendly experience. The local stores offer unique and boutique items, from handmade gifts to locally sourced foods. There’s an abundance of stores where one can find vintage clothing, accessories, and home goods at reasonable prices. One can also find artisanal products like honey, oils, and soap. The town has a bookstore where one can browse for hours and bakeries that sell fresh bread, cakes, cookies, and pastries. Shopping in our small town is a delightful and personal experience.

Dining

in Exeter

Exeter, California offers a diverse culinary experience with unique cuisines from around the world. One can indulge in Mexican favorites, such as tacos and burritos, or enjoy savory French dishes, like Croque Monsieur and Quiche Lorraine. The welcoming atmosphere of our small town’s restaurants adds to the overall dining experience. For those who prefer Asian cuisine, the town offers delicious oriental food as well as Chinese and Thai dishes. Visitors can also enjoy American classics, including burgers and fries. Whatever your preference, there is something for everyone in Exeter’s vibrant food scene.