On the Map: Tulare

February 14, 2013 Updated Feb 14, 2013 at 5:25 PM PDT

Diane Friend: "More cows than people in this county and Tulare is the epicenter of the dairy industry."

In fact, Tulare is the epicenter of the biggest dairy industry in the country.

Bob Long: "As early as 1889 they built a big cheese plant here, the first business of its kind in the Tule River country."

That was Bob Long, back in the day. He took his "On the Map" series to every little town and village in the county.

This time, we're concentrating on the city of Tulare itself.

Archie Battles: "Nicest little town in California."

With the nicest little water tower in the valley. A big glass of milk with a big straw sticking out of it. "That's correct, and we're very proud that all of that milk comes from about a 30 mile radius of this city."

But, it's not all dairy.

Dina Maciel: "My husband and I have spent 41 years in the photography business, people of Tulare are great. "

And tough, and resilient.

Bill Ingram: "Because of the 1933 Long Beach earthquake, which devastated 230 schools around California, this was one of the 230 totally destroyed."

So they rebuilt Tulare Union High School back in 1935, and it's still used every day.

The people of Tulare are what make this wonderful confluence of sunshine, and soil, and water and climate a special place to live and work and produce things the whole world needs. That's why they have that little Ag show east of town every year.

Leona Phillips: "And they give fantastic massages."
"Is that right? Now how much does that cost you?"
"Different prices, anywhere from 8 to 18, depends on how many minutes you want."
"Leona, I'll give you one for five."
"You'll give me one for five? He's cute"

Bob Long: "With Earl Bradley behind the camera, I'm Bob Long."

Bob found a special place on the map years ago, and we just found it again. In Tulare, with Frank Romero behind the camera, I'm Bud Elliott.