By JIM CUNNINGHAM
Special to the Times
Situated in the southern part of Merced County lies a small, but proud, city with a name that translates to two timbers or two sticks.
This quaint community is more than just a name on a map; its history has come from a large group of caring residents with a resilient spirit.
This story is about the very dedicated and caring members of the Dos Palos Historical Society and its longtime leader Geraldine Chambers. To appreciate what the historical society has accomplished since it was founded in 1979, It is important to know some of the history of Dos Palos.
‘Hidden Gem’
The origins of the area date back to the 1820s when explorer Gabriel Moraga first documented two large and dominant poplar trees on his way through the San Joaquin Valley. These trees became a landmark for future settlers. Today the town is often referred to as a “hidden gem” in the Central Valley.
The history of Dos Palos is preserved at the Dos Palos Jailhouse Museum, which is in the town’s original jail building.
In 1891, Bernhard Marks, teamed with cattle baron Henry Miller to begin the development of a small town. Marks got Miller to help with the development of nearby land into a growing settlement. They gave it the name “Dos Palos Colony.”
Marks convinced 40 pioneer families from Iowa and Nebraska to move to this new community. In 1892, unable to find the quantity and quality of water needed, many of the new settlers left while others stayed. Marks soon convinced Miller to establish another settlement about two miles away with better soil and water. This new town was called “Colony Center.”
In 1906 the original Dos Palos Colony was renamed South Dos Palos, and Colony Center was renamed Dos Palos. A post office was also established. In 1907, one of the first high schools was built in town, and in 1935 the town was officially incorporated. While the main city was successful as an agricultural center, South Dos Palos became a vital transportation depot. In the 1940s and 50s it became a hub for African-American farm workers that settled here to escape the Jim Crow south. South Dos Palos had many black owned businesses and services. Several of the original colony’s families still reside in the area. The area really grew agriculturally due to the San Joaquin and Kings River Canal Co., later known as CCID, constructing a canal system in the 1890s bringing essential irrigation to the westside of the San Joaquin Valley.
Today, as per the 2020 census, there are about 5,800 residents in Dos Palos. Also on Jan. 1, 2008, an area surrounding the city was transferred from Fresno County to Merced County.
Community pride
Dos Palos has become a vibrant area characterized by agricultural riches and a caring community that have pride in the little town.
The area has well maintained expansive fields of almost any crop you can think of.
If you are looking for outdoor sports and adventures you are in the right area — featuring the nearby San Luis Reservoir, San Luis Wildlife Refuge, Merced Refuge and lots of duck clubs. There are many opportunities for boating, fishing, hunting, hiking and many other outdoor things to get involved with.
The town of Dos Palos is home several city parks, privately owned shops and restaurants and a beautiful new Jerry O’Banion Library.
The history of the Dos Palos area is proudly maintained in the recently enlarged Dos Palos Jailhouse Museum. Many of the historical displays have been moved for the small and crowded Old Jailhouse Museum to an adjacent and much larger building called the museum extention. The one thing you will immediately notice is the caring and dedicated staff at the museum.
The Dos Palos Historical Society was formed to preserve the local history for the future generations. Inside the museum is a wide range of local artifacts, many old photographs (with some showing the old steamboats of the San Joaquin River, or the 1911 town fire), children’s old battery-free toys, and even an old Miller and Lux accounting desk.
At a recent opening of the new larger extention to the museum it was a surprise to see that the building is already full of displays. Guests were served home made cookies by two young ladies, Gianna and Cristina Merriman, dressed in vintage clothing.
If you have an interest in the local history, stop in for a visit and see the work that the caring members of the Historical Society have done to preserve the history of Dos Palos.
The Dos Palos Jailhouse Museum is open Wednesdays, 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is located in Dos Palos at 2020 Almond St. Call for more information at 209-392-3064.
Jim Cunningham is a retired local resident, community advocate, and Times contributor who enjoys history and photography.
An old Miller and Lux accounting desk.
