The teeming life of the oil fields, the forward thrust of civilization into the sun-baked hills so recently in their pristine state meant the early development of nearby towns where adequate living facilities could be provided to care for the fast growing population.

Milham City was projected by a group of Kings county citizens who owned lands on the slope of the hills east of the oil field. It scarcely had emerged from the dream stage when the Standard Oil Company announced in 1929, that a townsite had been set aside on the northwestern slope of the hills and that it would be called Avenal.

Thus the present thriving, interesting and rich town of Avenal came into being as the "oil capital" of the great field. Roads and streets were surveyed and laid out, water mains were laid, the town was launched on its purposeful career almost twinkling of an eye.

An emergency hospital was built. Small and large homes were purposefully constructed to enjoy a fuller life in the erstwhile barren plains and trees were planted to provide much needed shade.

On December 5, 1929, the first mail arrived at the new Avenal postoffice located at Moore's Soda Fountain.

Among the first business establishments at Avenal were Koepp's Welding Works, The Republic Supply Company, Mac's Coffee Shop, Moore's Soda Fountain and the Cross Lumber Company. Presently, the town included 26 oil field supply houses, 12 oil field service company branches, 9 grocery stores, 9 service stations, 8 restaurants, 5 welding establishments, 4 builders' supply houses and numerous other enterprises.

While the oil fields and their urban center are populated with industrious, lay-abiding people the problem of keeping the peace and maintaining the dignity of the law exists there just as it does in all other communities where there is life, action and big payrolls. To meet this commonplace problem a township was established and on April 1, 1937, E.W. Oliver was appointed as justice of the peace and William "Bill" Brendal was named constable. Aiding and cooperating with them in the enforcement of the law is Deputy Sherrif Richard "Dick" Doty, who was appointed by Sheriff L.P. Loftis in 1935.

Tow other county offices maintain deputies at Avenal for service 8in the oil fields. They are Orville Robbins, deputy county assessor; and R. W. Zivnuska, deputy county treasurer.

By election in February, 1934, the Avenal Township formed a fire district, which since has served efficiently both in the town and country districts. The three fire district commissioners originally elected, Ray Mohler, Floyd Rice and Jess Hamilton, are still in office.

The Avenal district owns one well equipped White fire truck and a half interest with the West Side Fire Protection District, of a 2-ton Reo fire truck. Two full-time drivers regularly are employed and 20 firemen work on call. The firehouse provides living quarters for the employees. Fire chief L. H. Dell is assisted by M. L. Sperling.

Since April, 1930, Dr. S. V. Dragoo lhas been at the head of the Emergency hospital. Dr. Dragoo is assisted by one office worker and two nurses, having two special nurses on call. Between five and six hundred calls per month with about thirty accident cases are handled by this organization, not to mention the ambulance service extended.

Appointed postmistress in November, 1931, Mrs. Marie Eads served in that office until July 1933, when she resigned and Charles E. Day was appointed. The postoffice now occupies a two-story building leased by the Standard Oil Company in 1935. Since the postal receipts last quarter of 1939 were $6,303.72, movement is now underway to enlarge the postoffice building. Four clerks are employed by the postoffice and more than 800 boxes are in use.

Comprising the civic, fraternal and social life in this community the following organizations with their respective leaders are noted:

THE AMERICAN LEGION, founded March 18, 1936, presently commandeered by J. W. Walker. This organization now meets in its new Veterans Memorial Hall.

THE AMERICAN LEGION AUXILARY was formed May 19, 1937. Clarice McMillon serves as President.

THE A. A. U. W. organized this Coalinga-Avenal branch on May 26, 1938. Mrs. Clarence Van Dyke is the 1940 president.

THE AMARANTH LODGE, organized May 20, 1939, constituted March 11, 1940, held public installation ceremonies April 25, 2940. Royal Matron Mabel McNeil and Royal Patron Cyril Scott officiate.

THE NATIVE DAUGHTERS OF THE GOLDEN WEST were instituted April 17, 1937. Mrs. Lura Grindle is president.

The P. T. A., founded April 1931, now includes 237 members, all active in a community service and child welfare program. The club sponsors a vacation reading group and co-sponsors the Avenal Baby Clinic. Mrs. J. Mitchell presides.

The POCAHONTAS LODGE, organized in 1932, has chosen Mollie Rice as its Pocahontas.

The AVENAL WOMEN'S CLUB, organized in 1932, a member of the Federated Women's Club, owns its own building on Fresno Street. This group, with its 92 members, sponsors the annual community flower show and two girl scout troops. Its first president was Mrs. J. W. Farner and the current president is Mrs. Adaliza Winfield.

The ROTARY CLUB, headed by William Kimes, meets weekly following a community service program.

The RIFLE CLUB, under the leadership of L.N. Blackwood, comprises a part of the Coalinga-Kettleman rifle team.

The LIONS CLUB, was founded November 17, 1939, and has a membership of 21, all cooperating in community service work. H. Walker SanderCederlof is president.

The REDMEN LODGE was instituted in 1931 and has at present approximately 150 members who have been successful in attaining their own building, Redmen Hall. Robert Outzen is Sachem.

JOB'S DAUGHTERS, organized in 1939 in November, was presented with a charter April 22, 1940. Constance Cheney is the honored Queen.

The AVENAL COMMUNITY BAND was started in April of 1936 and its 27 members are directed by Ted Rohe.

The BOY SCOUTS, having one troop of 53 members, is sponsered by the P.T.A. Mr. W. B. McQuown is scoutmaster.

The GIRL SCOUTS are divided into three troops. One troop taking the younger group up to the seventh grade, the next troop consisting of girls in seventh and eighth grades, and the third troop including all the high school girls interested in scouting.

The POLVADERO COUNTRY CLUB, which has a clubhouse and golf course, is located between Avenal and Coalinga.

Many labor organizations such as the Oil Workers' Union, Rig Builders' Union, Construction Employees, also play a prominent part in the community activities.

Population figures for the cities and towns of Kings County for the year 1940 by federal census (incomplete at this writing) follow:

Hanford. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,268

Lemoore. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,707

Corcoran . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,093