When appliances fail, life comes to a halt in many modern-day households. Food can't be prepared or cooked, laundry can't be washed or dried, and leftovers spoil because they aren't refrigerated. Due to the complex nature of home appliances, repairing them yourself isn't a good idea. It takes a professional appliance repair technician to get the job done safely. And that's where Appliance Service Plus comes in - to give hardworking folks quick, effective appliance repair services at prices that won't break the bank.
Unlike other appliance repair companies in Los Banos, our customer's needs come first before everything. We strive to keep affordability and high-quality appliance repair at the forefront of our work. We stack that with factory-trained technicians and protective warranties to provide the very best appliance repair in town.
Appliance Service Plus has provided high-quality appliance repair in Los Banos for over 50 years. With such extensive experience, there are few appliance issues we haven't seen and fixed. From basic repairs to more complicated diagnostics, our team is here to give your appliance new life, so you can get back to living yours.
Attempting to fix an appliance on your own can be costly, time-consuming, and damaging. In the end, DIY fixes are often more expensive and less effective than working with a pro. Appliance Service Plus is here to help you save time, money, and stress that come with DIY solutions. Our customers choose us because they know we'll get the job done right the first time around. At the end of the day, we want to resolve your issue quickly and effectively, saving you time, hassle, and worry.
When you hire the Appliance Service Plus team, our technicians come prepared to diagnose and repair your appliance in a professional and timely manner. We're happy to answer questions about your problem and won't quit until the problem is fixed. Our appliance repair techs are constantly learning and refining their skills. That way, they can fix any appliance you need with confidence and quality. And when it comes to customer service, we're the best in town. You can always count on your technician arriving on time and ready to work.
If you have questions or need to make an appointment, a friendly, helpful voice will always be on the other end of the phone, waiting to assist.
When we say we put our customer's needs first, we mean it. That's why we offer a 30-day warranty on labor and a 90-day warranty on parts, giving our customers peace of mind with every appliance repair we complete.
Our Services
- Dishwasher Repair in Los Banos, CA
- Keep Dishes Fresh & Clean with Dishwasher Repair in Los Banos, CA
- Common Signs You Need Dishwasher Repair in Los Banos, CA
- Keep Food Cool and Crisp with Refrigerator Repair in Los Banos, CA
- Common Signs You Need Refrigerator Repair in Los Banos, CA
- Keep on Cooking with Stove Repair in Los Banos, CA
- Common Signs You Need Range or Stove Repair in Los Banos, CA
- Your Top Choice for Expert Appliance Repair in Los Banos, CA
Services Area
At Appliance Service Plus, we're passionate about providing personalized services and helpful advice with a friendly smile. We believe our commitment to quality distinguishes us from the crowd. When your appliances fail, we're here when you need us the most.
Whether you need washer repair, stove repair, or anything in between, our process is simple and streamlined:

Schedule your service call
We work with your busy schedule to get you the service you need.

Technician Diagnoses
Your factory-trained technician will travel to your location and diagnose your appliance problem.

Quote & Repair
We'll itemize the time and parts necessary to get your appliance back in action and get it repaired ASAP.
We support all major brands and appliances, handling extended service warranty agreements for Lowe's, Home Depot, and other major brands. When you contact us, we strive to provide an engaging, positive experience. It all begins with a friendly smile from our office staff and hard work from our licensed and insured technicians.
Here are just a few of the most common appliance problems we solve every day:
Keep Dishes Fresh & Clean with Dishwasher Repair in Los Banos, CA
If you've got a gray hair or two, you may remember when washing dishes by hand was the only option. It was a long, involved process that took lots of time. Today, most families use their dishwasher to do the cleaning for them. Dishwashers are a huge boon for working families and save us all time that we can dedicate to our loved ones. Despite improvements in technology, it's common for dishwashers to break down or fail without notice.
When your dishwasher is on the fritz, it becomes a huge inconvenience, causing you to carve out time to handwash and dry your family's dishes. Because of their finicky nature, there could be several reasons why your dishwasher isn't performing, from leaks to unusually long wash cycles.
Regardless of the problem you have, our dishwasher repair technicians will diagnose your issue quickly and give you a fair estimate on repairs. That way, you don't have to waste time handwashing dishes when you already have a lot on your plate.
With years of factory training on many mainstream brands, makes, and models, there's no dishwasher repair situation we can't handle.

Common Signs You Need Dishwasher Repair in Los Banos, CA
Curious when you might need to call Appliance Service Plus to diagnose your dishwasher malfunction? Keep an eye out for the following signs:

Clean Dishes Are Cool to Touch After Removing: For dishes to be germ-free and clean, you need hot, soapy water for washing. The FDA recommends using water that is approximately 110 degrees Fahrenheit, which can be uncomfortable for handwashing but perfect for dishwashers. If you find that your dishes come out cold and clammy instead of hot and steamy, your dishwasher might need a new heating coil.

Dishwasher Isn't Draining Correctly: You'll know quickly if your dishwasher isn't draining properly because there will be a pool of water under your machine. If you're dealing with drainage problems, it could be due to a clogged drainage system or non-functioning pump.

Your Dishwasher is Leaking: This common problem can be caused by a damaged door gasket, loose valve, leaky dishwasher tub, or another issue. If you notice or hear signs of leaking, call our office ASAP.
Keep Food Cool and Crisp with Refrigerator Repair in Los Banos, CA
Your refrigerator is easily one of the most important appliances in your kitchen - not just for convenience but for food safety as well. Without it, our food would spoil, and we would have to spend much more money on groceries.
At Appliance Service Plus, we know how crucial it is to have a fully-functioning refrigerator for day-to-day life. When your fridge decides to quit working, you need a trustworthy appliance repair company in Los Banos for a quick fix. We know that a refrigerator or freezer breakdown is never convenient. For most families, it is the epitome of stress and hassle.
Fortunately, our team of expert fridge repair technicians is here to step in so you can get back to a normal life. Like all our appliance repair services, it's our goal to give you A++ service. We will offer you an honest, fair estimate on your dishwasher repair. Once we know the scope of repair work, your technician will get to work with laser focus, making for a quick yet effective fix.

Like dishwashers, refrigerator repairs are one of our most-requested repair services. If you're unsure if your refrigerator needs repairs, keep an eye out for these warning signs:
Common Signs You Need Refrigerator Repair in Los Banos, CA

Spoiled Food: The whole point of putting your food in the refrigerator is so it doesn't spoil. So, if you notice your food spoiling prematurely, it's a telltale sign you need appliance repair for your refrigerator. Due to the nature of these repairs, it's important to hire a licensed repair technician from Appliance Service Plus to repair the root cause of your problem.

Loud Humming and Vibrating Noises: Low-level vibrating and humming sounds are not uncommon for refrigerators. Despite popular belief, these noises are a normal part of its operation. However, these noises should not be very loud. If you hear unusually noisy knocking, vibrating, or humming, you could have a problem on your hands. Whether it's a faulty compressor or a blocked condenser fan, our team will diagnose the problem and get to work on a long-term fix.

Water on Floor Underneath Fridge: Finding a pool of water under your fridge is a big problem. Not just for the health of your appliance, but for water leaking into your home. Typically, leaks are caused by trapped condensation due to clogged hoses or pipes. You'll need an experienced refrigerator repair tech in Los Banos to clear blockages and ultimately solve your leaky fridge issue.
Keep on Cooking with Stove Repair in Los Banos, CA
Like your dishwasher and refrigerator, your stove and range are appliances you need to work, every day. From home-cooked meals on weeknights to large holiday feasts, family bonding time at the dinner table begins and ends with your stove. But just like with any home appliances, stoves aren't exempt from wear and tear. At some point, your stove will show signs of damage and will eventually break down. When ranges and stoves are out of order, it can create chaos in your household, making you resort to unhealthy takeout or fast food.
And while you might be tempted to try a DIY fix on your stove, these devices can be dangerous to fix without training. To make matters more difficult, doing the research and ordering the parts can be time-intensive. If you don't know the correct part or how to install it, you could end up with more damage than you expected. That's where our factory-trained stove repair technicians jump in to help.
If your gas or electric stove needs repairing, give us a call. Let us help you replace those oven coils, burners, and sensors, so you don't end up in the hospital. Before you know it, you'll have a normal, fully-functional kitchen back in place.

Not sure if you need to call in the pros? Check regularly for these red flags.
Common Signs You Need Range or Stove Repair in Los Banos, CA

Stove Door Won't Close: It might seem minor on the surface, but when your stove door doesn't close, you can't cook your food. Chances are you need a licensed stove repair technician to refit or replace the hinges on the door, so you can keep churning out casseroles.Unusual Cooking Times

Unusual Cooking Times: Are your grandma's time-tested recipes coming out undercooked? Have you had to change cooking times because your stove is acting up? Unusual differences in cooking times are signs that your stove needs professional appliance repair.Electrical Problems

Electrical Problems: If you have an electric stove and notice that it cuts off during cooking or won't turn on at all, it's probably due for repair. Like gas, electrical problems are best remedied by professionals, like those you'll find at Appliance Service Plus.nine
Your Top Choice for Expert Appliance Repair in Los Banos, CA
Whatever appliance repair issue you're stressed over, there's no problem too big or small for our team to handle. At Appliance Service Plus, we offer a total package of quality service, fair prices, friendly customer service, and effective fixes. Unlike some appliance companies in Los Banos, our technicians are trained rigorously and undergo extensive background checks. We work with all major appliances and are capable of GE appliance repair, Maytag appliance repair, Frigidaire appliance repair, and more.
New and repeat customers choose Appliance Repair Plus because we offer:
- Over 50 Years of Combined Appliance Repair Experience
- Quick Service and Effective Results
- Warranties on Parts and Labor
- Friendly, Helpful Customer Service
- Licensed & Insured Work
- Vetted, Tested, Factory Trained Technicians
- Contact Us
- Mobile Service. We Come Right to Your Front Door!
Whether you need an emergency repair for your clothes washer or need routine maintenance for your dishwasher, we're here to exceed your expectations - no if's, and's, or but's.

Contact Us
Latest News in Los Banos, CA
Bay Area to Los Banos? Many taking on longer commute for cheaper housing
Dale Yuronghttps://abc7news.com/bay-area-housing-market-los-banos-affordable-homes-silicon-valley-california-exodus-myth/11640323/
LOS BANOS, Calif. -- Commuters seeking cheaper housing have long been drawn to Los Banos because of its direct access to Highway 152."It was an hour and 15 minutes to an hour and a half from here to Sunnyvale," says Larry Vieyra.Vieyra moved here five years ago. He wanted a nice home with room to relax - away from the pricey Bay Area."You couldn't touch a home like this for no less than $2 million," he said.VIDEO: ...
LOS BANOS, Calif. -- Commuters seeking cheaper housing have long been drawn to Los Banos because of its direct access to Highway 152.
"It was an hour and 15 minutes to an hour and a half from here to Sunnyvale," says Larry Vieyra.
Vieyra moved here five years ago. He wanted a nice home with room to relax - away from the pricey Bay Area.
"You couldn't touch a home like this for no less than $2 million," he said.
VIDEO: Bay Area's great migration is creating a 'Megaregion' as residents move out, not away
Another new neighborhood was going up across the street. Over 400 permits were approved last year to try to keep pace with the city's explosive growth.
Aerial views show not only new construction but additional space where more homes can be built in the future.
Los Banos Mayor Tom Faria says the median sales price of a home is up to $425,000 -- too high for many who grew up here but a deal for people moving in from out of town.
"San Jose, Santa Clara, the entire Silicon Valley, so it's 85-90 miles," he said.
Faria says over 60% of the Los Banos workforce commutes to Fresno and Stanislaus counties but even more to the Bay Area.
RELATED: Bay Area leads nation in commuters traveling at least 3 hours every day, study says
"People can't afford a house there, so they move here and then of course, that puts pressure on this housing market," he said. "But these wages won't support those prices and then these people are forced to move."
Residents priced out of the market have been moving to cities like Chowchilla.
"You really need a two-income family to be able to survive," says Senior Planner Stacy Souza Elms.
Elms says the city's rapid growth won't end anytime soon.
"In the next decade, we'll probably have about 75,000 in population," she said.
VIDEO: Experts explain what's behind California's historic drop in population
Soaring home prices have the city looking to build more affordable, multi-family complexes so more locals won't have to move.
It is a delicate balance.
"We want to keep this identity," Faria said. "This identity of it's a small town."
Faria adds Los Banos used to have a sign that said, "Where East comes West to stay."
Now, it appears West is coming East to stay.
If you're on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live
Electricity provider offering ‘greener’ energy to Los Banos customers
Sandra Benettihttps://www.mercedsunstar.com/latest-news/article258946388.html
The following was submitted to the Enterprise by Peninsula Clean EnergyStarting in April, all electricity customers in the city of Los Banos have the choice to receive cleaner power at lower rates without having to sign up or install solar panels on their roofs.Peninsula Clean Energy will be delivering greener electricity to Los Banos at a 5% savings compared to the electricity mix provided by PG&E.Peninsula Clean Energy is a joint powers authority comprised of the City of Los Banos and all 20 cities within Sa...
The following was submitted to the Enterprise by Peninsula Clean Energy
Starting in April, all electricity customers in the city of Los Banos have the choice to receive cleaner power at lower rates without having to sign up or install solar panels on their roofs.
Peninsula Clean Energy will be delivering greener electricity to Los Banos at a 5% savings compared to the electricity mix provided by PG&E.
Peninsula Clean Energy is a joint powers authority comprised of the City of Los Banos and all 20 cities within San Mateo County. The governing boards representing these jurisdictions all took action to join Peninsula Clean Energy.
Peninsula Clean Energy, which has been the official electricity provider for San Mateo County since 2016, has already saved its San Mateo County customers approximately $90 million since 2016. At a time when PG&E is raising its electricity rates across the state, the discount that customers will receive from the power generated by Peninsula Clean Energy could not come at a better time.
In October 2020, the Los Banos City Council voted to join Peninsula Clean Energy to not just bring cleaner and less expensive electricity but also allow Los Banos residents and businesses to enjoy a wide range of rebates, incentives, and other programs to help customers save even more on electric appliances, electric vehicles and emergency backup power.
Here’s how it will work:
Peninsula Clean Energy is a Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) public agency. As a CCA, Peninsula Clean Energy provides electricity generation, which is the source of your power.
PG&E will continue to own and operate existing wires, poles and other infrastructure to deliver the power generated by Peninsula Clean Energy to participating homes and businesses. PG&E also still owns and reads electric meters and provides the same maintenance and other repair services they always have. And customers will continue to receive their bills from PG&E and pay them in the same ways as before.
Customers with a special bill discount such as CARE, FERA, or Medical Baseline, don’t need to worry - it will remain in place. These customers will also enjoy additional savings tied to Peninsula Clean Energy’s discounted generation rates, which will show up as a separate line item on the PG&E bill.
Note that PG&E recently increased its rates for electricity delivery service, which all customers pay whether they belong to a CCA or not. The good news is that Peninsula Clean Energy customers’ electricity generation rates will be 5% less than if they purchased it from PG&E.
Energy customers won’t need to do anything to become a Peninsula Clean Energy customer because enrollment is automatic. Starting in April, Los Banos customers will be enrolled in Peninsula Clean Energy’s default service plan, ECOplus. The average household will enjoy a few dollars of savings on their monthly energy bill compared to what they would otherwise pay, while receiving cleaner power.
Customers also have the choice to opt out of Peninsula Clean Energy services and continue purchasing their electricity generation through PG&E. Keep an eye out for enrollment notices that have been mailed starting in February to all City of Los Banos customers explaining these new energy choices.
Peninsula Clean Energy launched in San Mateo County with a vision to build a sustainable world with clean energy for everyone. Peninsula Clean Energy purchases energy generated from clean sources like Wright Solar, a large solar farm on Billy Wright Road just outside of Los Banos. This local solar farm generates clean solar energy exclusively for Peninsula Clean Energy customers.
Learn more about Peninsula Clean Energy’s services, upcoming workshops, and frequently asked questions at PenCleanEnergy.com/los-banos, Or call them at 1-866-966-0110.
Sandra Benetti is associate manager of community relations for Peninsula Clean Energy
Finally, progress on vital Sites Reservoir project
Dan Waltershttps://calmatters.org/commentary/2022/03/finally-progress-on-vital-sites-reservoir-project/
Simple logic tells us that as climate change alters precipitation patterns, California must expand its capacity to capture and store water.Even if the overall amount of precipitation remains unchanged, we will receive more of it in the form of rain and less as snow, which means the natural reservoir of the Sierra snow pack will decline as a water source.We can prepare for that decline by creating more storage, either in new reservoirs or by replenishing underground aquifers. However, despite the urgency of the situation —...
Simple logic tells us that as climate change alters precipitation patterns, California must expand its capacity to capture and store water.
Even if the overall amount of precipitation remains unchanged, we will receive more of it in the form of rain and less as snow, which means the natural reservoir of the Sierra snow pack will decline as a water source.
We can prepare for that decline by creating more storage, either in new reservoirs or by replenishing underground aquifers. However, despite the urgency of the situation — one underscored by the current drought — California politicians have been lackadaisical about doing what needs to be done.
Local and regional water authorities have been more diligent. Southern California’s recent construction of more storage capacity is one reason it is less affected by the current drought than Northern California.
Belatedly, increasing storage is moving upward on the political agenda. Last week, the federal Environmental Protection Agency invited sponsors of the Sites Reservoir project, which has been on the back burner for decades, to apply for a $2.2 billion loan that would cover roughly 40% of the project’s estimated cost.
Along with some state water bond money and commitments from prospective users of the project — Southern California water agencies, mostly — Sites is now in position to put together a financing package to make it a reality.
“We’ve definitely turned the corner and we have a nice tailwind at our back,” said Jerry Brown, executive director of the Sites Project Authority. Brown is not related to former Gov. Jerry Brown, whose Colusa County retirement home, incidentally, is not far from Sites.
It’s not going to happen immediately, despite the urgency of the situation. Just assembling the loan package and getting approval could take several years and there are other hurdles to clear. Nevertheless, the strong possibility of a federal loan is a huge step forward.
If it becomes reality, the reservoir would be constructed on the west side of the Sacramento Valley, west of Maxwell. It would have a capacity of up to 1.8 million acre-feet of water, about half the size of the state’s Lake Oroville, but unlike Oroville, would not dam a major river.
Sites would be an off-stream reservoir, similar to — and slightly smaller than — the San Luis Reservoir in the Pacheco Pass west of Los Banos. During periods of high precipitation and runoff, Sacramento River water would be pumped into Sites, then released back into the river as needed for agriculture, residential use or to maintain flows for fish.
As an off-stream reservoir, Sites escapes at least some of the traditional opposition to big water projects from environmental groups, but there is some criticism that it could be used to divert water during low precipitation periods.
“It’s just a, kind of, different way of thinking about it,” project boss Brown told the Associated Press. “There’s a lot of fear and distrust and we have to operate in a way that we, you know, secure trust and address the fears.”
The good news about Sites should be kept in perspective. It’s just one of many steps that California must take to protect its vital water supply from the potential ravages of climate change.
It’s entirely possible that climate change will not only change the mix of precipitation — more rain and less snow — but reduce the overall volume of water that falls on California, thus making more storage even more crucial while forcing us to rethink the entire pattern of water use.
Nothing is more critical to California’s future.
Fish Advisory for Los Banos Reservoir Offers Safe Eating Advice for Four Fish Species
OEHHAhttps://oehha.ca.gov/fish/press-release/press-release-fish/fish-advisory-los-banos-reservoir-offers-safe-eating-advice
For Immediate Release: Julian Leichty (279) 895-5930Julian.Leichty@oehha.ca.govSACRAMENTO – A state fish advisory issued today for Los Banos Reservoir in Merced County provides safe eating advice for black bass species, Common Carp, sunfish species and Threadfin Shad.Los Banos Reservoir is located approximately 33 miles southwest of Merced. The C...
For Immediate Release: Julian Leichty (279) 895-5930Julian.Leichty@oehha.ca.gov
SACRAMENTO – A state fish advisory issued today for Los Banos Reservoir in Merced County provides safe eating advice for black bass species, Common Carp, sunfish species and Threadfin Shad.
Los Banos Reservoir is located approximately 33 miles southwest of Merced. The California Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) developed the recommendations based on the levels of mercury found in fish caught from the reservoir.
“Many fish have nutrients that may reduce the risk of heart disease and are excellent sources of protein,” said Dr. Lauren Zeise, director of OEHHA. “By following our guidelines for fish caught in Los Banos Reservoir, people can safely eat fish low in chemical contaminants and enjoy the well-known health benefits of fish consumption.”
When consuming fish from Los Banos Reservoir, the following advice is issued:
OEHHA’s fish advisory recommendations are based on the levels of contaminants, such as mercury, that persist in the environment and accumulate in fish. They are independent of any advisories to limit fish intake due to freshwater or estuarine harmful algal blooms (HABs). Before fishing, check the California HABs Portal to see if there are recommended HAB advisories and always practice healthy water habits.
One serving is an eight-ounce fish fillet, measured prior to cooking, which is roughly the size and thickness of your hand. Children should eat smaller servings. For small fish species, several individual fish may make up a single serving.
A poster with the safe eating advice for Los Banos Reservoir is available on OEHHA’s website in both English and Spanish. For fish species found in Los Banos Reservoir that are not included in this advisory, OEHHA recommends following the statewide advisory for eating fish from California lakes and reservoirs without site-specific advice.
Mercury is released into the environment from mining and burning coal. It accumulates in fish in the form of methylmercury, which can damage the brain and nervous system, especially in developing children and fetuses. Because of this, OEHHA provides a separate set of recommendations specifically for children up to age 17 and women of childbearing age (18 – 49 years).
Eating fish in amounts slightly greater than the advisory’s recommendations is not likely to cause health problems if it is done only occasionally, such as eating fish caught during an annual vacation.
The Los Banos Reservoir advisory joins more than 100 other OEHHA advisories that provide site-specific, health-based fish consumption advice for many of the places where people catch and eat fish in California, including lakes, rivers, bays, reservoirs, and the California coast. Advisories are available on OEHHA’s Fish Advisories web page.
OEHHA’s mission is to protect and enhance the health of Californians and our state’s environment through scientific evaluations that inform, support, and guide regulatory and other actions.
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Ingram-Thurston: New building in the works for Los Banos’ Milliken Museum
Diana Ingram-Thurstonhttps://www.mercedsunstar.com/news/local/article258663603.html
Our history helps to make us what we are today, just as our genetics help to make us the unique person we are.To help understand our complex selves better, it helps to learn about our family’s heritage. Here in Los Banos many families have fascinating stories to tell.I have recently joined Ancestry.com as a tool to help me dig for the hidden treasure that may be in my own roots.Fortunately for Los Banos, we have a treasure chest at our disposal...
Our history helps to make us what we are today, just as our genetics help to make us the unique person we are.
To help understand our complex selves better, it helps to learn about our family’s heritage. Here in Los Banos many families have fascinating stories to tell.
I have recently joined Ancestry.com as a tool to help me dig for the hidden treasure that may be in my own roots.
Fortunately for Los Banos, we have a treasure chest at our disposal, a place where we can go at our leisure to learn about our city’s history.
Our Milliken Museum is located at the far corner opposite the library at Pacecho Park, and it is a blessing to our residents, and especially our new residents.
A true lover of history, we are blessed that Ralph Leroy Milliken started this Museum in 1954 with documents, artifacts and oral histories.
Gathered in the museum are photos of the damage to Los Banos caused by the 1906 earthquake, artifacts from the Native Americans who first settled in our valley, and unique pieces of history — from beautiful old jewelry to the rugged tools that once helped people live.
This museum, our museum, is a passage back into history.
I had a chance to speak with Dan Nelson, active with the museum board for many years, when I visited it recently with friends.
Carolyn Vierra had arranged for a special tour. It is a rare opportunity to step back into the time of horse pulled carriages, Indian reservations, cow trails, long bustle dresses, and other artifacts of another time.
The people who developed the Central Valley were enormously strong and determined, weathering a challenging climate and deprived of most basic needs. It is due to the perseverance of our forebears that we have the canals, water irrigation, farms, roads, first schools and the potential and prosperity that we enjoy.
And here is some exciting news: Dan Nelson said that finally, after more than seven years of discussion and planning, a new museum building will be constructed to be able to show many things that have been stored due to lack of space and also to display things to a better advantage.
The new museum is being built on the Rail Trail next to Henry Miller Plaza and the Community Center.
This will do much to enrich the social center and heart of our community. The project is now in the final stages of signing an architect to design a 10,000 square foot, two story building.
The top floor will be shared by our water agencies. The descendants of Henry Miller have long been involved in the planning and funding.
This new structure will help to make our rare museum expand and become a real calling card for visitors and residents alike.
The museum has been kept going, thanks to the generosity of donations and the dedicated and hardworking members of the museum board and society.
It was two of the museum’s greatest workers, Charles Sawyer and June Erreca, who helped me fall in love with our community’s history.
Most readers are probably aware of our founder and benefactor, Henry Miller (Heinrich Alfred Kreiser by birth), born in Germany.
Henry’s father was a butcher, and so he learned the art of raising, slaughtering and marketing livestock. Henry decided at 17 to head for greener pastures in America. It took him two years in England and Holland before he made it to New York.
Henry was like many immigrants, bringing their hopes and dreams to America. Though many settled later in the Central Valley, few were as successful.
When Henry Miller arrived in San Francisco he only had $6 to his name. He still found his way to the San Joaquin Valley where he purchased 8,835 acres and 7500 head of cattle.
Charles Lux became his partner in business for many years. Miller acquired land on both sides of the San Joaquin River, a distance of 120 miles.
One of his quotes was, ”Land in California is cheap now, it will be valuable. Wise men buy land, fools sell, I will keep it!”
Miller was one of the first to introduce cotton, rice and alfalfa to our state. It was through Miller’s efforts that the railroad was extended through the westside, eventually determining the site of Los Banos.
An annual custom each year for the Miller & Lux employees was a large picnic. Our May Day Fair, coming up in just a few months, is also a part of Miller’s legacy.
It may be hard for some residents to envision the Los Banos of old but believe it or not, our May Day parade was once the second largest in the state , topped only by the Pasadena Rose Bowl.
Sometimes we may feel that just one person can only have just so much influence, but imagine what this young immigrant did, especially coming from such humble beginnings.
I hope you will come visit the Milliken Museum and stroll amongst the pictures and relics of bygone days. Walking around the museum, the old carriage, saddles, furniture, hats and school desks are a potpourri of past lives.
I have always felt a shift under my feet. I wonder what items may be in a museum of the future, items that are commonplace today? I have always loved antiques, and have my fair share.
I love touching them and wondering about their earlier life. The table my computer now sits on is from 1880. It must seem out of place here. I admit it is a bit wobbly, but with its intricate inlay and carved legs, to me it is a thing of beauty.
Perhaps the best balance we can have in life is to have one hand reaching back into the past, to gather knowledge and awareness of the gifts we’ve been given over time, and have one hand carefully held out to the future, remembering that all our actions have repercussions. Let’s be good stewards of the world we will later hand over.
The museum is open 1-4 p.m. every day but Monday.
This story was originally published February 25, 2022 1:26 PM.
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