U.S. Rabbit Experimental Station facts for kids
Quick facts for kids U.S. Rabbit Experimental Station |
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U.S. Rabbit Experimental Station plaque
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| Location | Fontana, California |
| Area | five-acre |
| Built | 1928 |
| Designated | June 9, 1982 |
| Reference no. | 950 |
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The U.S. Rabbit Experimental Station was a special place in Fontana, California. It was the first and only facility in the United States created just to study rabbits. From 1928 to 1965, scientists here learned how to breed and care for rabbits. This station became a California Historical Landmark (No. 950) on June 9, 1982. A special marker now stands at its original location in Fontana. The land for the station was given by A. B. Miller, who founded the city of Fontana. This five-acre property helped develop new ways to raise rabbits. In 1965, the City of Fontana bought the land and turned it into a center for senior citizens.
What Was the U.S. Rabbit Station?
The U.S. Rabbit Experimental Station was a unique research center. It focused entirely on rabbits. Scientists at the station worked to improve rabbit farming. They studied how to best feed rabbits and keep them healthy. They also researched how rabbits reproduce. This work helped farmers raise rabbits more successfully. The station was very important for rabbit breeding in the United States.
Who Was A.B. Miller?
Azariel Blanchard Miller (1878–1941) was the person who started the city of Fontana. In 1905, he came to the area with many horses and tools. He began to change 17,000 acres of land. This land was mostly sand and brush. Miller turned it into farms for citrus fruits, chickens, and other animals. He first called his ranch Rosena. Later, in 1913, the town was renamed Fontana. Miller's gift of land made the rabbit station possible.
The Historic Marker
A special marker tells the story of the U.S. Rabbit Experimental Station. You can find it at the Josephine Knoph Senior Citizen Center in Fontana. The address is 8384 Cypress Ave. The marker explains that the station was set up in March 1928. It was the only place in the U.S. dedicated to rabbit research. The marker also says that the station developed new techniques for rabbit care. It operated until 1965. Then, the City of Fontana bought the property. They turned it into a facility for senior citizens. The marker was put up in 1984. Many groups helped make this happen. These included the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Fontana Historical Society.
