California Biographies

Source: History of Fresno County, California, with biographical sketches of 
the leading men and women of the county who have been identified with 
its growth and development from the early days to the present (1919)

History By Paul E. Vandor 
Illustrated, Complete In Two Volumes 
Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1919
 
Notes: Missing+page1185-1186

Transcribed by Peggy Hooper

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


FRENCH CAFE. � One of the noted poets has said that "civilized man 
cannot live without cooks." He can get along with about everything else left 
out, but cooks there must be, according to this writer. It is possible that with 
his experience, William Schurich, the present owner of the French Cafe, will 
agree. 

Mr. Schurich purchased the French Cafe from Joe Maracci, September 17, 
1918. It is without doubt the finest cafe in all Central California. It was fitted 
at a cost of $18,000 by Mr. Maracci, and is complete in all its details. The State 
Food Inspector said of it: "This restaurant keeps the best meats and has the 
cleanest and most systematic as well as sanitary appointments of any eating-place 
'that I have ever inspected." Everything is modern and up-to-date. The linen is 
immaculately white and beautifully laundered; electrical machinery washes the 
dishes; the coffee is of the best grades of Mocha and Java, served with prime, 
fresh cream. It has its own bakery where are made the bread, buns, cakes and 
pastry used in its service. It is provided with an ice-making and refrigerating 
plant where are kept the meats, vegetables, fruits, milk, cheese, fish and other 
articles of food. The dining-room is daily supplied with fresh flowers on the 
tables, and is further adorned by a flag nine by fifteen feet, and by a service 
flag with nineteen stars. The chef is a famous cook, and with the food so whole- 
somely prepared, its appointments so altogether superior, and with the personal 
and close attention of the proprietor himself, together with the loyalty and fidel- 
ity of some thirty employees, the French Cafe is one of the show-places of 
Fresno, and whether he is or not. Mr. Schurich certainly has reason to be proud 
of his success. 

Mr. Schurich was married to Miss Antoinette Van der Knaap, a native of 
Amsterdam, Holland, the marriage taking place in Fresno in 1916. They have 
one child, who is named for her mother, Antoinette. Mr. Schurich is a patriotic 
man and in every bond drive he not only purchased bonds for himself, but en- 
couraged his employees to do likewise, even advancing the means to carry the 
bonds for any who wanted him to do so.