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.