Waterford (Images of America)

By: Jeff Benziger

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Synopsis: Nestled where the San Joaquin Valley begins rolling into the Sierra Nevada foothills, Waterford is steeped in a rich history. From its scenic Tuolumne River corridor, early gold seekers and travelers in untamed central California forded the summer stream here or crossed swollen winter flows by ferry. Waterford was originally named Bakersville for founder William W. Baker, who arrived by covered wagon in the 1850s. The fertile soil provided good farming and prosperity for disillusioned gold seekers. When an ingenious gravity irrigation system was introduced in the 1890s, farms thrived, drawing families, businesses, and churches. Rowdy saloons briefly flourished before stalwart citizens drove them out. Waterford's brave first settlers, farmers, and businessmen made their marks here, and included such visionaries as the Rudi brothers, longtime meat purveyors whose Waterford offspring included Oakland A's baseball legend Joe Rudi.