Merced – The Sharmers

The Sharmer Children in Planada

Home movies of Joe with the three children, Joe, Jay and Laurel, in Planada in the 1940s and early 1950s.

The Little Granddaughter

Married in Kingman in 1938; a first child lost, and a father’s grief.

“We Treat, No Tricks!”

Halloween in Planada: costumed children, boxes of fruit, and a getaway Studebaker.

A Friend Whose Memory Will Always Dwell with Us

We of this community have lost a friend whose memory will always dwell with us.

The Court Adjourns in His Memory

The Court, on its own motion and in open Court this day, orders that when Court adjourns this date, it do so as a token of respect.

Services Held for Joseph Sharmer

From the Santa Cruz Sentinel: Private services for Joseph Sharmer, who suffered a fatal heart attack while he was driving in downtown Santa Cruz Friday, will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday.

You Put Up a Good Fight

You put up a good fight; you worked hard, and you kept it clean.

Madam ½ and Madam Whole

I woke up early this am & sure miss my sweethearts for breakfast — Madam ½ & Madam whole with sugar on it.

Joe’s Papers, 1942–1952: War Bonds, a Hospital and Two Campaigns

What: Ten papers and a photograph from Joe Sharmer’s files, 1942–1952: a wartime ration certificate, his war-bond appointment and citation, a 1943 pay statement, the hospital committee letter, the Planada Dehydrater Co. accounts, his campaign…

Figs — Food for Fighting Men, 1942

Joe in Shell Progress magazine, October 1942: “‘Joe’ Sharmer, fig expert and orchard Superintendent.”