Dos Palos Museum
photo by adam blauert
History in the valley
Although the Merced County Historical Society Museum displays history of the entire county in Merced’s old courthouse building, it is augmented by history museums in other communities throughout the county.
Each town has its own story to tell and Atwater, Dos Palos, Gustine, Livingston, and Los Banos all have organized museums to tell these stories.
Dos Palos’ Jail House Museum is located in the town’s old jail building at 2020 Almont Street. South of Highway 152, East of I-5, and west of Highway 99, Dos Palos is “off the beaten track” for most residents of Merced County.
Museum Interior - PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT
Founded in the 1890’s as a colony development named Colony Center, the name was officially changed to Dos Palos in 1906 – a place name that dates back to the first land grants issued in the area when California was still a part of Mexico.
Dos Palos built one of the first high schools in Merced County (1907) and incorporated in 1935.
Today it has a population of about 5,000 people.
Dos Palos’ museum is one of the newest in the county
Like other small museums, it offers unique artifacts and glimpses into history that you won’t see in larger museums that tend to generalize history into broad trends and focus on the best-known and most influential historical characters.
The museum has an especially interesting collection of photos Some of the most interesting images I saw during my recent visit include:
Basketball games inside the old gymnasium (no longer standing) at the original Dos Palos High School
Steamboats on the San Joaquin River in the early 1900’s
Downtown Dos Palos after the 1911 fire
Barrels of wine confiscated in a Prohibition-era raid being dumped into the Dos Palos sewer
Comparison shots of downtown Dos Palos before and after the installation of streetlights. Nighttime was dark in a small town without them!
Ice skating on a frozen canal in 1913
Veterans Memorial - PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT
Directions and cost
The museum is open from 9AM to 12 noon on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. To find the museum, exit south Highway 33 from Highway 152.
Follow 33 to Almond Avenue and turn left. Look for the old jail on the left after you pass California Street. For more information about the museum you can call (209) 392-3064.
Admission is free.
Dos Palos also has a veterans memorial located in front of Bernhard Marks Elementary School at 1717 Valeria Street.
© Copyright 2013 Adam Blauert
George J. Hatfield Recreation Area Merced County
photo by adam blauert
George J. Hatfield Recreation Area
This state park has a mile of river frontage and plenty of shade. It’s proximity to the road and the poor condition of some of its facilities make it less favorable than some of the other parks on the river, but it still provides many excellent fishing opportunities.
Near the park is a historic bridge over the Merced River. Built in 1910, it is now open only to pedestrians and bikers. It provides nice views of the river.
Hatfield - PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT
Location
4394 North Kelly Road, Hilmar, CA
Distance from Merced: 30 miles
Distance from Los Banos: 29 miles
Size: 46.5 acres
Facilities and activities
Flush restrooms
Drinking fountains
Campgrounds/group campgrounds with BBQ grills/fire rings
Picnic areas with tables, shelters, and BBQ grills
Group picnic areas
Swimming area
Dogs allowed? Yes
Horses allowed? No
Hunting allowed? No
Fishing or boating?
Fishing can be good at George J. Hatfield Recreation Area. Rainbow trout and bass can be caught in the spring; catfish and perch throughout the year.
No boating ramp is provided, but it is possible to swim in the river or to launch a float tube or hand-carried boat.
Website
Hatfield Recreation (click Here)
Nearby Parks
Undeveloped Great Valley Grasslands State Park has a six mile hiking trail.
Reservoirs, Fishing, and Boating within an Hour of Merced County Communities
PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT
Hub for boating, fishing, and water recreation
Encircled by the reservoirs of the Central Valley’s irrigation system, Merced County is a hub for boating, fishing, and water recreation. From the foothills of the Sierra Nevada on the eastern side of the county to the Diablo Range on the west side, there are eleven lakes within an hour’s drive of all communities in the county.
Few counties have so many highly-rated areas for boating and fishing.
Running east to west across the county, the Merced River has many access points for fishing. Portions of the San Joaquin, Chowchilla, and Fresno Rivers also flow through the county. The Tuolumne and Stanislaus Rivers lie just outside the county’s borders. While a boat is necessary to access some of the best fishing areas, there are also many lesser-known locations to fish from the shore of a river or lake.
Hot months of summer
Most reservoirs and river access points offer camping, picnicking, swimming, and other recreational activities. Spring and fall usually have the most comfortable weather. Swimming, waterskiing, wakeboarding, and other kinds of water recreation are enjoyed during the hot months of summer.
For more information
Click on any of the reservoirs or river access points listed below for more details on that area. Links to websites maintained by each recreation area are provided for additional information, regulations, campground reservations, and contact information.
eastman lake PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT
Reservoirs:
San Luis Reservoir - O’Neill Forebay - Los Banos Creek Reservoir
Adam blauert
All kinds of boat and water recreation are allowed at these reservoirs except at Los Banos Creek Reservoir where a 5 mph speed limit keeps the lake calm for fishing. Please know and adhere to the speed limits posted at other lakes.
River Access in Merced County
The best river fishing in Merced County is along the Merced River. The river was named Rio de Nuestra Senora de Merced by a Spanish expedition in 1806. The current name and the name of the county were derived from this original name.
Running 112 miles from Merced Lake in the high country of Yosemite National Park, the river empties into the San Joaquin River at Hill’s Ferry in the northwestern corner of Merced County. From Merced Lake, the river cascades down Nevada and Vernal Falls, and then through the entire length of Yosemite Valley.
Controlling the snow melt
It is joined by smaller North and South Forks in the steep river canyon between Yosemite Valley and Lake McClure. The river is dammed by New Exchequer Dam at Lake McClure, McSwain Dam at Lake McSwain, a dam at Merced Falls, the Crocker-Huffman Dam between Merced Falls and Snelling, and several smaller dams.The river’s flow depends on the previous year’s snowfall.
Between Snelling and Hill’s Ferry the river is often slow and meandering, but it’s glassy surface can hide a strong current underneath. Exercise extreme caution if venturing into the river. In the upper regions Class IV and III rapids are common and the current can be overwhelming, even in the lower areas.
Safety First
Submerged hazards and deep holes in the channel of the river are not uncommon. Every year unprepared swimmers drown in the river.
don pedro lake
Overall recommendations for best fishing with a boat
O’Neill Forebay and Don Pedro Lake are usually the highest-rated and most consistent fisheries in the area.
Lake McClure, Lake McSwain and Modesto Reservoir also generally provide excellent fishing.
Eastman Lake and Hensley Lake can be good when their water levels are high.
Best boating and water recreation
lake mcclure
O’Neill Forebay
Don Pedro Lake
Lake McClure.
Best river fishing
Bagby Recreation Area at Lake McClure at the MID and PG&E Fishing Access
George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area.
Reservoirs Closest to home
Los Banos: San Luis State Recreation Area
Merced: Lake Yosemite
Other fishing and boating resources
Fishing and Boating Resources at http://www.takemefishing.org/
Department of Fish and Game Regulations: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/
Department of Boating and Waterways Regulations: http://www.dbw.ca.gov/
Reservations for State, Federal, and Army Corps of Engineers Campgrounds:http://www.reserveamerica.com
Don Pedro Lake - One of California's highest-rated fishing area & 5th largest artificial lake
PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT
Don Pedro Lake
The fifth-largest artificial lake in California, Don Pedro is one of California’s highest-rated fishing areas. This Tuolumne River reservoir is also a prime area for all types of boat-based recreation.
The spectacular 4th of July fireworks show draws huge crowds.
Don Pedro - PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT
Location: Bonds Flat Road, Highways 132 and 120
Distance from Merced: 35 miles
Distance from Los Banos: 71 miles
Operating authority: Modesto Irrigation District and Turlock Irrigation District
Surface area of lake: 13,000 acres
Facilities and activities:
Rentals: Boats and personal watercraft including houseboats
For more information
Website: http://donpedrolake.com/index.htm
Special Events
Annual 4th of July fireworks show.
Pacheco State Park
PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT
Mexican land grant
This park preserves part of a large Mexican land grant given to the Pacheco family in 1843. 28 miles of trails are available for hiking, biking, and equestrian use. Thousands of acres of gently rolling oak woodland produces spectacular wildflower displays in the spring. The ruins of the Pacheco Adobe and a well-preserved line shack from Henry Miller’s ranching operation stand near the picnic area.
Photo by akshay
Location
Accessed from Highway 152. Distance from Merced: 59 miles Distance from Los Banos: 23 miles Size: 6,890 acres
Facilities and Activities
Chemical/flush restrooms
An equestrian campground is available for special events; other campgrounds are available at the adjacent San Luis State Recreation Area
Picnic areas with tables
28 miles of hiking/biking/equestrian trails
Wildlife viewing
Wildflower viewing
Dogs Allowed? In picnic area, but not on trails
Horses Allowed? Yes
Hunting Allowed? No
Fishing or Boating? No
Website information
http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/560/files/PachecoSP_2011.pdf
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=560
See for a trail guide
http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/560/files/PachecoTrailMap2006small.pdf
Photo by akshay
Special Events
Ranger-led wildflower hikes in the spring. A kite flying day is also held annually.
Nearby Parks
Camping is available at the adjacent San Luis State Recreation Area
McConnell State Recreation Area
PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT
McConnell State Recreation Area
Like the other Merced River Parks, McConnell has a lot of shade. It’s also a bit more developed than Hatfield and further from the highway.
If I were to pick a Merced River park in the Valley to camp at, this would be it.
Location
8800 McConnell Road, Ballico, CA
Distance from Merced: 22 miles
Distance from Los Banos: 35 miles
Size: 74 acres
Facilities and activities
Flush restrooms
Drinking fountainsCampgrounds/group campground with BBQ grills/fire rings, hot showers
Picnic areas with tables and BBQ grills
Group picnic area
Swimming area
Dogs allowed? Yes
Horses allowed? No
Hunting allowed? No
Fishing or boating?
Fishing can be good at McConnell Recreation Area.
Rainbow trout and bass can be caught in the spring; catfish and perch throughout the year.
No boating ramp is provided, but it is possible to swim in the river or to launch a float tube or hand-carried boat.
Website: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=554
and http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/554/files/McConnellHatfield.pdf
Nearby parks
Undeveloped Great Valley Grasslands State Park has a six mile hiking trail.
"Only What you can Carry"
“Only What You Can Carry”
bring only what you can carry
The orders came down in 1942, striking fear into the hearts of Japanese-Americans of Merced County and Northern California. The children were unsure of their futures and their parents secreted the harsh realities from them. The families were told to abandon their homes and bring only what they could carry and report to the Merced Assembly Center at the County Fairgrounds.
By Executive Order 9066, signed on February 19, 1942, Japanese-Americans would be interned against their will. After suffering through the heat of the summer, the families were relocated to Amache, Colorado- some incarcerated for the duration of WWII.
concertration camp
History of Merced Assembly Center Commemorative Committee (MACCC)
In the spring of 2008, Congressman Dennis Cardoza, (D-18th District) requested the Livingston-Merced and Cortez chapters of the Japanese-American Citizens League (JACL) to work on a monument to commemorate the 4,669 Americans of Japanese ancestry detained at the Merced Assembly Center located in the Merced County fairgrounds. The Commemorative Committee and its Advisors with the support and help of many people have worked 2 years on making the Memorial a reality.
Unveiling and Dedication of the Merced Assembly Center Memorial
japanese wall
The Memorial was unveiled and dedicated on February 20th, 2010. The event was a huge success thanks to the support of many individuals, the Merced County Fair Board, Merced Country Supervisors, Civic Groups, and the Community. Around 1,500 people attended the Dedication and 875 people attended the Dinner.The Committee continues seeking grants and donations to help finance this $300,000 project. Future endeavors will involve educating the public about the significance of this incarceration in America’s history.
Come visit the Merced Assembly Center Memorial
Merced County Fairgrounds, 900 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Merced, CA 95341.
assembly center
For more information about the Memorial or information on guided classroom or group field trips
Merced Assembly Center is on facebook (click here)
please contact: Bob Taniguchi (209) 631-5645 Taniguchi.r@mccd.edu
or Patti Kishi (209) 769-7543 pkishi@vtlnet.com
The Merced County Library
library
Merced County Library
Amy Taylor, County Librarian
2100 O Street Merced
For more information call:(209) 385-7478
See our website at: - - - -www.mercedcountylibrary.org
The Merced County Public Library, rural and small, seeks to be an integral part of its community by providing all residents with a balanced range of resources and activities, meeting educational, cultural, and recreational needs.
The Library serves as the center for lifetime learning and enjoyment.
A knowledgeable Library staff provides high-quality reader's guidance and research and assistance using local resources and interlibrary materials and services.
The friendly environment of the facility promotes maximum resource utilization.
Serving you with over three million...Books, DVDs, audio books, downloadable books, music CDs, software and video games available!
Three million items
Valley Cat is the online catalog used by all the libraries which are members of the San Joaquin Valley Library System.
Valley Libraries
These libraries include Merced County Library, Fresno County Library, Coalinga Huron Library District, Kings County Library, Kern County Library, Madera County Library, Mariposa County Library, Porterville Public Library and Tulare County Library.
When you have a library card at one the San Joaquin Valley libraries, you are entitled to borrow materials from any of the libraries in the San Joaquin Valley Library System, or SJVLS. Merced County Library card holders may check out up to 25 items on their cards and request up to 30 items from the libraries in the SJVLS.
This means access to over 3 million total items.
valley cat front page
The Valley Cat online catalog
Borrowers may access their library card accounts from Valley Cat and see the titles and number of items checked out, view the status of their requests, see if they owe any fines and renew their items, using their library card numbers, which are found on the front of their cards.
Each borrower also has a four digit personal identification number, or PIN which is needed to access an account. Borrowers are encouraged to select a PIN that is easy to remember.
The same PIN may be used by all members of a household if desired. The PIN is chosen by the borrower at the time of creating the account. PINS may not be changed online.
Order from your home...online
The Valley Cat online catalog can be accessed from your own computer by going to http://www.mercedcountylibrary.org and then scrolling down and clicking on Online Catalog.
You may search Valley Cat without logging into your account, but if you log in, you are ready to automatically request items and create a list of titles for future reference, sort of like a wish list.
Books, DVDs, audio books, downloadable books, music CDs, playaways, software and video games are available through Valley Cat.
Seven databases
There are seven databases available for use as well as a newspaper index through Valley Cat. The databases are: Ancestry, Chilton’s, Infotrac, Learning Express, Newsbank and Reference USA. If you are accessing these databases from home, you will be asked to log in with your library card and PIN number.
library-spot
Sometimes a borrower searches Valley Cat from home and finds what seems to be the perfect item needed for his or her project, sees that it is checked in, writes down the title, call number or letters and rushes to the library to pick it up, only to discover that it does not belong to a Merced County library, but perhaps to a library in Fresno County.
There is a way to isolate your search so that you only find items in Valley Cat that belong to a certain library. Once you are on Valley Cat’s site, click on Search, then Keywords with Limits.
Enter your search term, then select your choice of location in the box below.
More questions? Please contact the library at 209-385-7643. We are here to help!
Adam Blauert, a high school teacher and avid outdoors enthusiast, has dedicated the majority of his life to Merced County. His passions include fishing, backpacking, delving into local history, and exploring the wonders of the western states.