Dauer, Phillip

Phillip Dauer was born near Volga, Russia, in 1873, where he grew up on a farm, completed a four-year carpentry apprenticeship, and trained as a painter before immigrating to the United States in 1902. After working as a farmer and meticulous mechanic in Minnesota, he relocated to Fresno in 1905, where he continued his carpentry trade and assisted in constructing local landmarks like the building at Zapp’s Park. In 1909, he permanently established himself in Barstow Colony by purchasing a twenty-five-acre property, which he initially dedicated to dairy farming and alfalfa cultivation.

As a versatile agriculturist, Dauer subsequently expanded his holdings by acquiring an additional twenty acres, which he successfully transformed into a thriving vineyard of Thompson’s seedless grapes. He directly supported the regional agricultural industry by becoming an active member of the California Associated Raisin Company. Furthermore, as a skilled builder and contractor, he filled a vital local need by constructing numerous new residences, significantly developing the early housing infrastructure and residential landscape of Barstow Colony.