Where Were You, January 17, 1994? Museum to Give Virtual History Session
On January 17, 1994, at 4:31am, the Northridge Earthquake struck with a magnitude of 6.7. Fillmore residents woke up to damages to about 100 single-family homes and about 25 businesses, many on Central Avenue. Above is the Masonic Building on Main and Sespe Avenue, a landmark lost in the quake. Inset, a photo of the gas line break that took place two days after, where the Star Free Press reported 103 mobile homes in El Dorado experienced serve damage. Photo credit Fillmore Historical Museum.
On January 17, 1994, at 4:31am, the Northridge Earthquake struck with a magnitude of 6.7. Fillmore residents woke up to damages to about 100 single-family homes and about 25 businesses, many on Central Avenue. Above is the Masonic Building on Main and Sespe Avenue, a landmark lost in the quake. Inset, a photo of the gas line break that took place two days after, where the Star Free Press reported 103 mobile homes in El Dorado experienced serve damage. Photo credit Fillmore Historical Museum.
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, January 12th, 2024
Above is a photo of the temporary business tents that were set up in the park where Fillmore City Hall stands today. Photo credit Fillmore Historical Museum.
Above is a photo of the temporary business tents that were set up in the park where Fillmore City Hall stands today. Photo credit Fillmore Historical Museum.

Courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum

Do you remember where you were on January 17, 1994 at 4:31 AM? If you do, it probably means you were living in Southern California. If you were living in Fillmore at the time, you might soon discover that your home and business had been badly damaged, if not destroyed by the Northridge Earthquake, a 6.7 “blind thrust” earthquake on a previously unknown fault approximately 8 miles below Northridge.

Two days after the quake, the Star Free Press reported that 103 mobile homes in El Dorado suffered serious damage with one having burned to the ground due to a gas fire. About 100 single family homes had been damaged and about 25 business – many on Central Avenue – suffered major damage. These numbers grew as the damage was assessed.

The town lost some landmarks such as the Masonic Building on Main and Sespe and the Fillmore Club at 343 Central.
The quake brought out the best in people. Strangers would bring hot food to the first responders. Others would stop and help remove furnishings from damaged buildings. There was almost no looting.
The City brought in large tents that were set up in the park where the City Hall now stands. These housed businesses while their buildings were being repaired or replaced.

On January 18, 2024, the Museum’s virtual “history lesson” at 7:00p.m. will be a look back at the 1994 earthquake. About a week after the quake occurred, Huell Howser visited Fillmore with his camera man, Luis. The almost 30 minute video will be shown. Afterwards, we will have a panel of people who were involved in the first response and reconstruction. There will be a Q & A period. We expect that this presentation will be longer that the usual 1 hour. There is no charge by you do have register to receive the link. You can register at, https://www.fillmorehistorical museum.org/event-details/shaken-rattled-and-recovered-fillmore-and-the-1994-earthquake.

On January 20th, 2024, there will be a special display in the Depot which will again include the Huell Howser “Visiting” episode and a video which looks back at 1994 and includes recent interviews. The video was compiled by Mudturtle Productions. The Depot will be open from 2p.m. to 4:30p.m. Again, there is no charge.
Do you have a story about the 1994 earthquake? If you do please share it with us.