During a search of History of Tulare’s early African American I was directed to a home across from the Tulare Union High School. There one morning in November of 2003, I found Mr. Jerry Carolina sitting in front of his home enjoying his coffee. I ask if I could have a few minutes of his time explaining what I was hoping to accomplish in way of research. Mr. Carolina not only shared with me history as he recalled it that day he welcomed me back five other occasions assisting me with a history of the Fire Department, as well other major changes he had witnessed and come to know during the early 1970’s.
Mr. Carolina passed away in October 2004 at the age of Sixty-Four (64); he will be truly missed but never forgotten. During the many times he and I spoke about the city and his experiences while serving as the second African American with the Fire Department, although the times were rough for him, he chose to recall only the fond memories and the great friendships he struck up and maintained even years after his leaving the city employment. How much he was respected was obvious as many hundreds of well wishers came to the Tulare Ag-Center to pay their last respects.
The Project wish to remember the Man who stood so tall, and assisted our research so dearly we will always be grateful.
Michael L. Smith
Born August 29, 1941
Last Rites October 11, 2004
We shall aways know the man Claude Meitzenheimer
Born March 15, 1927 to the Union of Ernest & Hattie Meitzenheimer, Claude relocated to Tulare in 1935 with his family where he attended Lincoln, Wilson and Central grade School before completing Tulare Union High School. He served two years in the United States Army in WW II, upon retiring to Tulare and began his long journey in the city historical achieves.
His complete life history can be found in the May 26, 2005 addition of the Tulare Advance Register, he was laid to rest on March 1, 2005 at the age of 77. The project wishes to honor Mr. Meitzenheimer for his years of dedication and service to the city and the many young lives he has touched and saved.
Photo's Ron Holman Tulare Advance Register/Times Delta
Michael, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for
Your dedication to this project and your beautiful presentation. Jerry
Would tell me often how much he enjoyed talking to such a fine young
Man, and how much he enjoyed reflecting his life in Tulare.
My family and I wish to extend our heart felt thanks and gratitude for all your work
And your friendship to my husband in his last days. May God continue to
Bless you and your family always
Debbie Carolina
Born August 10. 1929 in Tulare, California Elizabeth (Betty) Pyle grew up in the City of Visalia where she and her family lived on the North Side of town. Recalled by some of her former classmates and friends, Betty was well known and a very quick learner while in school. She attended the only High School in the City (Now Redwood) the very school that once did not allow African Americans to attend. Graduating in 1947, She then attended the Visalia Junior College Now The (College of the Seqouias) Where she was later Inducted into the schools Hall of Fame.
Elizabeth Pyle-Simpson-Hansen was the frist African American Teacher in Tulare, Associate Professor at Fresno State, African American Fresno Unified School District we were very fortunate to have the opportunity of interviewing Professor Hansen on three occassion by phone about her early daysin Tulare, We will always value her input and words of wisdom.
She passed on June 1, 2008 in Fresno, California at the age of Seventy-Eight (78)
Antoinette Chatmon (100) Born May 30, 1906 Passed July 24, 2009
Mrs. Antoinette Chatmon the mother of Tulare African American Community for over Eighty-Eight years passed two months after her 100th birthday Born May 30, 1906 in Chicago, Illinois were she resided with her Step Father and Mother before relocating to Fresno, California and later in 1921 Tulare. She was one of the first African Americans to attend Tulare Public Grammar School, which later was replace by Tulare Union High School. Antoinette Chatmon longevity in Tulare Lincoln Tract Community was well documented in 1999 By the Tulare Advance Register and again in 2005 with and Article by the Advance Register reporter Anita Stackhouse-Hite, and finally she was honored May 30, 2009 as she celebrated her 100th birthday.
Beatrice McLin (92) Born August 25, 1917 Passed August 31, 2009
Born in Foster County, Texas Mrs. McLin relocated to Madera California before settling in Tulare with her Father Martin and Mother Willie Mae Goethe in 1928. A long time member of Brooks Chapel AME Church, Mrs. McLin was the proud mother of Leroy Patterson the first African American hired by the City of Tulare as a Fireman in 1968. The Goethe Family was recorded in the Edna Wade Project as pioneers of Tulare early development.
