The Center for Art, Culture, and History—Exeter (CACHE) will be hosting a new local history talk by CACHE’s board president, Dwight Miller, from their quarterly series CACHE Chats: Tales of Exeter and Beyond. Dwight’s discussion is scheduled for Monday, February 17th, at 5:30 p.m. in the upstairs conference room, and the topic is “Framing the Gateway: The Story Behind Exeter’s Iconic New Sign.”

Miller will discuss the context of the times that produced the first Exeter Gateway arch in 1926 and the people who made it happen. The original sign was the inspiration for the Kiwanis sign of 2024; both are striking examples of the community spirit that has been a hallmark of Exeter’s personality from its founding in the 1890s.

As early as 1908, local towns were clamoring to claim the title of the Gateway to the Sequoias. These included Tulare, Visalia, Exeter, Porterville, and Three Rivers. In 1926, American Legion members and WW1 vets decided, with encouragement from Watt Clawson of the Exeter Sun, to create a grand archway on the south end of town to welcome travelers coming north on the Lindsay-Exeter highway (as it was called at the time). The sign was officially dedicated during 1927 and remained standing until 1931.
  

Fast forward to 2023, when Exeter Kiwanis leadership trailblazes the re-creation of the Gateway Arch on East Pine Street to commemorate the 100th year of Kiwanis service in Exeter. The upcoming historic dedication is scheduled for Spring 2025.

This event is free to the public; $5 donations are encouraged. For more information, visit our website at www.cach-exeter.org/events.