History of Fontana

The earliest recorded landowner in the Fontana area was Don Antonio Maria Lugo, who received a land grant in 1813. A second grant secured the land known as Rancho de San Bernardino for his sons. The Lugo sons sold a portion of their land, which included part of what is now Fontana, to a group of Mormon settlers in 1851. The Mormon settlers eventually returned to Salt Lake City, and the Semi Tropical Land & Water Company gained control of the Rancho. Active development of the area, however, did not begin until the early 1900's when the Fontana Development Company acquired the acreage and began a community called Rosena a name that was changed to Fontana in 1913.

A. B. Miller founded the town-site of Fontana in 1913 and built it into a diversified agricultural area with citrus, grain, grapes, poultry, and swine being the leading commodities. Mr. Miller played a foremost part in the development of agriculture in Southern California.

The community faced a transition in 1942 when Fontana was selected as the site for a steel mill. The City was incorporated June 25, 1952 with a population of 13,695 and became Southern California's leading producer of steel and related products. The steel industry dominated the City's economy since the mill was built. However, in the late 1970's, Kaiser Steel began to cut down on production and manpower and the steel mill closed in 1984. The plate steel and rolling mill plant was acquired by California Steel Company, which continues to produce steel products. In addition, railroad and trucking operations, a number of medium to heavy industrial facilities, and several warehousing/distribution centers are located in Fontana because of its convenient geographical location and excellent transportation network. The City hosted a community-wide 50th Anniversary celebration on June 22, 2002.

The City's incorporated area is 36 square miles, with a sphere of influence of 56 square miles. The present population is estimated at 151,965 (Source: Claritas, Inc. 2005), with approximately 75,000 people living in North Fontana, many in master planned communities such as Village of Heritage and Hunter's Ridge.

In the Inland Empire area there are many fine colleges and universities. Local communities (Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead, & Mt. Baldy) offer some of the finest skiing resorts in Southern California and are easily accessible within one hour.

One of the first items of business for the newly formed City Council in 1952 was to adopt Resolution Number 3 declaring that the seal of the City of Fontana, shown in the upper left corner of this page, was to be the official seal of the City.

The design of the seal was created by A. W. S. Austin, an accountant, who resided at 121 West Arrow Route, Fontana. Stockwell and Binney Company in San Bernardino prepared a 2" desk model seal from Mr. Austin's drawings for $55.77, the cost of which was absorbed by Kaiser Steel, Inc.

The design of the seal depicts the history of the Fontana community. Shown in the center is Kaiser Steel, which located in our area in 1952; it is surrounded by mountains illustrating that Fontana is in a valley.

The grapes on the right of the seal are a tribute to the fact that Fontana had one of the largest vineyards in the world, however, it has now been replaced by housing, commercial, and industrial development.

Also illustrated on the City seal are chicken ranches and citrus groves, which were the main source of income for Fontana residents in the early 1900's. The lovely fragrance of the blossoms on the citrus trees filled the air. The packing house (now housing the Fontana Unified School District Transportation Department) located on Mango Avenue, was alive with activity of workers busily packing the luscious citrus fruit which was available to the residents for about 50 cents to $1 a crate.

On June 17, 1981, the City Council adopted Ordinance Number 693, upon the suggestion of the City Clerk to protect the use of the City seal, requiring that anyone wishing to display or use the symbol must first obtain official permission from the City Council.

Portions of Fontana's Foothill Boulevard remain as a legacy in providing this city with a firm link to the westerly migration of segments of the American population that sought relief from the Midwest dust bowl during the great depression. Locations such as the Wigwam Motel and Bono's Deli on Foothill Boulevard provide nostalgic reminders of an era still treasured by many visitors to Fontana and some of its 'old time' residents.

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Fontana Days is an annual community celebration hosted by the Exchange Club. Its traditions date back to 1913 with the founding of the community. The philosophy behind the festivities is to build community spirit by giving residents a reason to get together. The four day event consists of a parade, car show, Hen Derby, carnival with rides/games, and a wide variety of food and merchandise booths featured by local merchants and service clubs.

The highlight of Fontana Days is the parade which attracts many participants from Southern California, as well as local school bands, drill teams, tall flags, and many other categories. This event involves the entire community, and all are welcome to participate.

Prior to the parade, the Community Services Division of the City of Fontana sponsors a Half Marathon and 5K Run/Race Walk which is touted as being the world's fastest half marathon course in the world.

The City of Fontana brightens the cultural future of the Inland Empire with its spectacular Civic Auditorium, a city owned and operated 1,000 seat auditorium and arts center. The arts play an important role in the development of a well rounded community, and we are committed to facilitating them by contributing to the cultural environment. The purpose is to provide cultural activity in the area of music, film, dance, and theater by presenting special events, series, and educational outreach programs which generate and encourage creativity.

The Civic Auditorium is the ideal venue for produced entertainment, community activities, corporate presentations and all media designed functions throughout the region. It is an exciting resource for the City of Fontana and surrounding communities. It represents an important symbol of civic pride within the city and has become the dynamic focal point of creative activities for all the citizens of Fontana and the Inland Empire.

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The Center offers an opportunity for a wide range of environmental education activities, which include a reptile viewing area, displays, diorama, and hands on programs. There is a one acre pond, three miles of self guided hiking trails, and the ninth most significant petroglyph site in the state. Hawks, rabbits, deer, rattlesnakes, foxes, and bobcats thrive in this protected habitat. After school science adventures club and summer science adventures day camp are also available along with a Junior Ranger Program, Eagle Scout Program, Nature Discovery Walk & Native American Indian Presentation.

A search for Fontana’s roots invariably leads to an old farmhouse located on Pepper Avenue. The home was once part of Camp 1, a settlement that developer and farmer A. B. Miller started in the early 1900's to establish his Fontana Farms operation. Workers who lived in the camp with their families planted vineyards and orange groves for Miller, who founded Fontana in 1903.

People can get a peek at Fontana's early farm life by visiting the house. The home, built before 1909, was remodeled in the early 1980's and turned into the Fontana Historical Museum. The five rooms contain decor dating back to the late 1800's and early 1900's, including a piano that belonged to Miller's mother.

The Fontana Historical Society operates the museum and makes the most of the donations it receives. The most popular exhibit with school children is out back in the bunkhouse. Several pieces of wine making equipment such as a wine press are stored in another building. Blacksmith tools such as horseshoes, anvils, vises, and nails are stored in a third building. The museum's collection seems endless, and some pieces have seen better days.

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Josephine Knopf, known as the "Queen of the Senior Citizens", dedicated her life to helping the senior citizens of Fontana and has left behind a legacy full of accomplishments to the community.

Josephine and Walter Knopf came to California from Kentucky in 1949. She began working with the churches in the Fontana area and became choir director. Josephine also worked with the underprivileged. One of her more lighthearted moments was when she started the “Sunny Hour Swingers Comedy Band”, consisting of seniors ages 55 through 85. They entertained throughout California at nursing homes, rest homes, fairs, and club groups.

Anne Dunihue, Hughie Moore, and Josephine were instrumental in initiating the first Home Delivered Meals Program in this area. The program was started with a grant from the Planned Action for Seniors Board, of which Josephine was a member.

Josephine started working at the Senior Center in June, 1969. The City received the Center through a donation from the Federal Government and a small grant. Walter Knopf and other seniors spent many years cleaning the Center in preparation of its opening. Josephine was appointed Chair of the Board of Directors for the Center. Jokingly, Josephine claimed her appointment was because she had the biggest mouth and could be heard above the rest. After many months of hard work, the Center opened on October 25, 1969. Josephine, Walter and other volunteers obtained donations of furniture, appliances and fixtures. They worked 12-15 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The Center provides a warm and friendly atmosphere in which to develop new interests and friendships. It also offers many activities, classes, and meetings. Referrals for assistance with medical services, legal advice, taxes, and many other needs are available.

Josephine devoted her life to senior citizens, and in October, 1979, the Center was dedicated and named "Josephine Knopf Senior Center". She was on the County Action Board for 15 years as well as on the Board at Chaffey College for seniors. She was responsible for arranging transportation for the seniors of Fontana to go to the doctor, hospital, shopping, banking, legal appointments, and just getting out of the house. Josephine's dream for many years was to acquire a van with a wheelchair lift. By March, 1990, with the purchase of a new 13-passenger para transit van with a wheelchair lift, this became a reality.

Josephine was also instrumental in starting the "Food Commodities Program" in Fontana. In addition, she helped organize the "Oldtimers Foundation" and began its home delivery program.

In 1988 and 1989, she was honored by the California State Assembly, through Jerry Eaves, for outstanding service to senior citizens. The Business Professionals Women’s Group nominated Josephine “Woman of the Year”.