Exeter History Tellers #7
Framing the Gateway – The Story Behind Exeter’s Iconic New Sign
By Dwight Miller
If you’ve traveled along East Pine and B Street recently, you may have noticed a striking addition to the corner: a weathered steel arch welcoming visitors to the heart of downtown Exeter. But what stories lie behind this grand gesture, beckoning travelers who turn west from Kaweah Avenue? Let us delve into a tale that intertwines community spirit, history, and pride, stretching back to the early 20th century.
The story begins with the Exeter Kiwanis Club, a cornerstone of community service since its founding in 1923. As the club approached its 100th anniversary in 2023, its leadership sought to commemorate the occasion with a meaningful project. The idea they resurrected, inspired by a vision first conceived in 2008, was to recreate a historic archway that had once graced Exeter’s south entrance.
In 2008, Chris Brewer, then the Head Curator of the Exeter Historical Museum, undertook extensive research on a welcome archway that stood from 1926 to 1931. He planned to locate it slightly east of the current arch. Brewer’s vision included attaching memorial plaques to the concrete and plaster structure, honoring Memorial Hospital of Exeter donors over six decades, and creating a memorial walkway along Pine Street. He hoped to have it built by 2014. However, funding eluded the project, and the idea was set aside—until the Kiwanis took up the mantle last year.
In 2001, the Mural Committee decided to commission a mural based on the original archway. It is located on the west side of the NSE Insurance building on Maple Street. Jeff Crozier was selected as the artist. The mural was completed and dedicated in 2002. The title, Passport to Paradise featured a color version of the 1926 archway. Crozier’s artwork immortalized the 1926 arch in vibrant hues, a testament to Exeter’s enduring charm.
Watt Clawson, the Publisher of the Exeter Sun, from 1915 to 1955, was always acting as Exeter’s biggest cheerleader for those forty years. Seeing other cities around the state who had erected signs shouting out a welcome as motorists entered their community: Sacramento, Fresno, Clovis and other cities boasted of their signs. He declared, “We should have one too! Who’s going to do it?”
Exeter’s claim as the “Gateway to the Sequoias” began as early as 1916. Amid a spirited rivalry with neighboring towns—Three Rivers, Fresno, Visalia, Tulare, and Porterville—Exeter positioned itself as the premier southern entry point to the majestic Sierra Nevada and Sequoia National Park.
The Visalia Times Delta had this on their front page from 1921 to 1927:
In December 1926, Exeter made its claim tangible with the construction of the original arch. Spearheaded by the Exeter American Legion Post #94 and designed by local farmer and architect Fred Hauenstein, the project was a labor of love. Clawson was ecstatic! Legionnaires donated their time and resources, stripping redwood bark from felled Sequoias in Cabin Cove to adorn the structure. The Decarteret Electrical Company contributed by installing a lighting system that illuminated the arch with pride.
Sadly, the arch was not well constructed since all the carpenters were amateurs with more spirit than skill. On December 17, 1931, almost exactly five years from its launch, S.D. Law, the Commander of the Legion Post appeared before the Exeter City Council requesting permission to remove the arch. He stated it was “in a weakened condition and is unsafe for motorists to drive under. The red footlights do not burn at all times and cause a hazard for auto accidents during the night hours.” In addition, the width of the foundation was a concern. The state highway regulations would take issue with the narrow width of the pillars.
The images of the original arch became icons of Exeter’s past, featured on special-edition envelopes and postcards that promoted the town as a gateway to the towering Sequoias. Today, the Kiwanis Club has revived that legacy with the new steel arch, ensuring that Exeter’s warm welcome will endure for generations.
I will present more on this fascinating history on Monday, February 18, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. upstairs at CACHE, located at 125 South B Street. Join us to explore the full story, and stay tuned for the Kiwanis Club’s dedication event this spring!
ExeterHistory #ExeterKiwanisClub #CommunitySpirit #HistoricArchway #GatewayToTheSequoias #DowntownExeter #LocalHistory #ExeterCalifornia #CommunityProject #ExeterHistoricalMuseum #SequoiaNationalPark #IconicSigns