Tulare County Biographies

CHARLES D. LAVIN

Transcribed by Kathy Sedler

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm

 
        Charles D. Lavin, dealer in wall paper and paints on East Tulare street, 
Tulare, California, also an expert painter and interior decorator, was born in 
the town of Bothwell, Province of Ontario, Canada, August 17, 1869. While still 
in his teens he was apprenticed to a house painter in Chatham, Ontario. When he 
had learned his trade he went to Portland, Oregon, in 1884, and worked there 
until January, 1886. He then came to Tulare and since that time has worked in 
various cities in California. From 1894 to 1907 he was a resident of 
Bakersfield. From there he went to Oakland, where he lived until 1919. While in 
Oakland he was one of the organizers of the painters' union, which numbered 
about eight hundred members, and was always active in its councils.            
        In 1919 Mr. Lavin came back to Tulare and established his present 
business. During his years of experience as a painter and decorator, he had 
ample opportunity to study the various tastes in colors and designs. This 
experience enabled him to stock his store with wall paper patterns, paints and 
enamels likely to prove popular with the people of Tulare. Five years in actual 
business have shown that he was not mistaken in his judgment. In that time he 
has done most of the interior decorating and much of the exterior painting in 
the city. He has the only exclusive store of the kind in the city and carries 
the largest stock of paints and wall papers in the valley. With his goods of 
high quality, expert workmen and friendly suggestions to customers, he is 
building up a large and lucrative business.
        Mr. Lavin has been twice married. The children of his first marriage 
were : Ralph, now a druggist in Taft, California; Walter; and Charles, who died 
at the age of eighteen years. Mr. Lavin's second wife was before her marriage 
Miss Bertha Easton. While in Bakersfield Mr. Lavin was made a Master Mason and 
still holds his membership in that lodge. He is also a member of the Tulare 
Board of Trade.
 
Source:  History of Tulare County and Kings County, California � Kathleen 
Edwards Small & J. Larry Smith, Vol. II, Chicago, The S. J. Clarke Publishing 
Company, 1926., p. 199