T. C. WHITE.
The “Raisina” vineyard was the first thoroughly conducted raisin vineyard in Fresno. It was planted by T. C. White in 1876, ’77 and ’78, and from that time gradually extended until it contained one hundred and twenty acres, of which sixty-five acres are in Muscatel grapes of the variety known as Gordo Blanco, brought there from the Blowers vineyard at Woodland. The vineyard also contains some Seedless Sultanas and White Corinths. The soil of the vineyard is white ash, the location two miles south of Fresno, in the old Central California Colony. The soil is now partly subirrigated. T. C. White has done a great deal to develop and perfect the packing and curing of raisins, and he has also given much time and study to the other branches of the industry, such as growing, pruning and cultivation. Through the study of the imported Spanish raisins, as well as of those produced by R. B. Blowers, Mr. White succeeded in packing a very superior brand, which has never been surpassed in this State. The brands packed at the Raisina vineyard were as follows: Dehesa Clusters, London Layers, California Layers, Loose Muscatels, and cartoons of two and one-half pounds. The largest pack at one time was thirteen thousand boxes of twenty pounds each. In order to “face” the boxes accurately and rapidly, T. C. White invented the facing-plate elsewhere described in this book. Experiencing considerable difficulty in properly facing his Dehesas, it occurred to him that a block or plate might be made with cavities in which the raisins could be placed quickly and without danger of being disturbed. His idea was entirely original, and the facing device as made by him is a perfect machine which has not been improved upon. This device is now covered by patents.
In packing T. C. White employed the Blowers’ method, or the “face-down” method, which he so improved upon that it has not since been excelled. Many of the fine points in raisin curing and packing were perfected by him, and the raisin industry will always be benefited by the work he has done. Below I give a list of the premiums taken by T. C. White’s raisins at various fairs: 1885, silver medal and special first premium for best raisins at the Mechanics’ Fair in San Francisco; 1886, first premium and gold medal at the Mechanics’ Fair in San Francisco; 1888, first premium and one hundred dollars for best raisins at the State Fair. Same year they received first premium and gold medal at the Fresno District Fair; 1889, first premium at the Fresno District Fair.