Hanford's Civic Auditorium

At the time the structure was proposed, some felt that it was too large, too elaborate and too costly for the small town of 7,000 persons. Following the May 29, 1923 resolution by the Hanford Board of Trustees, much discussion took place prior to the June 19th election. Once the potential of such an undertaking was realized, the bonds for $190,000 for the project passed five to one!

The block occupied by the Central Grammar School was purchased for $75,000. A one hundred twenty-five foot strip from the west side of the block was sold to Kings County for the erection of a veterans’ building. Architects Coates and Traver were hired to draw up the plans and bids were accepted for the work. Contracts were let on August 27, 1924 and ground was broken on October 6th of that year. The combined costs of the grounds, buildings and furnishings came to $217,948.91, which was the exact amount received for this purpose.

The Masonic Lodge presided over the impressive ceremony for the laying of the cornerstone on January 30, 1925. Dedication of the new auditorium took place on May 22, 1925 with entertainment provided by the Hanford Boys Band, the Fresno College Male Glee Club and quartet and a piano recital by Daniel Popovich. Less than eight months later the John Philip Sousa band appeared on the stage for the third of its four performances in Hanford.

The building, with its eight ionic columns and stepped parapet with a large clock, presented an impressive appearance. The clock came from the previous occupant of the grounds, the Central Grammar School. The large stage, hardwood floor and sloped-floor balcony have seen 100 years of use. Hanford can still be proud of this beautiful building!

From the collection of Martha Bentley

First Published in the Kings County Historical Review, The Hanford Carnegie Museum, Spring 2001.

Sources: The Hanford Journal May 16th and 30th, June 6th, 12th, 14th, 16th, 21st, 24th , 30th  and July 24th 1923, April 15th and August 28th 1924 and January 30th and May 22nd 1925.