Saroyan’s Centennial

“. . .The hot sun and the heavy rain, the new green of spring and the fire-golden of fall: the farmer’s weather of Fresno, in which I lived and became a part of the human race.”

From the preface to William Saroyan’s Pulitzer-Prize winning play, “The Time of Your Life”

This year marks the Centennial Anniversary of William Saroyan’s birth.  In tribute to his legacy, over 40 organizations in California have come together to present a year-long celebration of his extraordinary life achievements in literature.  Born in Fresno, this world-famous novelist, short-story writer, dramatist, and essayist drew on his experiences as an Armenian American growing up in the heart of California – always returning for inspiration to the streets, people and earth of his hometown to write his most memorable stories.

As part of this salute throughout the year, the Fresno Historical Society is presenting the exhibit “Saroyan’s Home – Saroyan’s Fresno,” at Fresno City Hall.  Through images and the author’s words, the four-case display gives visitors a glimpse into Saroyan’s hometown and reflects the boyhood memories that inspired his famous writings.  Also on display is the Oscar that Saroyan won for “The Human Comedy” along with Jimmy Cagney’s script he used on the film set of “The Time of Your Life.”  The exhibit may be viewed Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm on the first and second floors of Fresno City Hall.

“He early saw the possibilities of this region and settled down here to make it his home. He deserves the plaudits
of this people . . ."

Fresno Expositor editorial, 1897.