Tuolumne County Historical Society

06/19/2026

We had a great turnout tonight at the last installation of our "Beyond Gold" series, closing it out with Sylvia Roberts talking about California's Black Gold Rush Pioneers. Did you make it? What did you think? Follow our page and www.tchistory.org for updates about future speakers and events!

06/18/2026

Who knew? Who else stopped? Great-great-grandfather Andrew Shine (black top hat, second from left) and great-grandfather Tony Capella (white shirt, leaning on car) stop for a break at the Confidence Inn circa 1930. I imagine the car needed a cool drink as much as the passengers after the long climb up the grade. The Capella family often spent their summertime time vacationing in Hulls Meadows, located 8.5 miles southeast of Long Barn. (Photo courtesy of Jill Wen).

06/17/2026

Who knew? Congratulations to Pat Perry on her recently announced retirement and for being honored as City of Sonora Historian Emerita. I first met Pat back in 2016 while she was doing research for an exhibit honoring local WWI veterans for the Tuolumne County Museum. Since then, her support, guidance, and genuine friendship have played a huge part in my development as a researcher. Her love of this community and its treasured history and heritage are unmatched. Wishing you the very best in the next chapter of your life!

06/14/2026

In honor of Flag Day 2026 . . . Who knew? On October 21, 1892, the local community gathered to raise Old Glory over the Groveland and Deer Flat School and the surrounding and majestic California foothills. (Photo courtesy of TCM TP759).

06/13/2026

Who knew? An enlarged early photo of Washington Street in Sonora, looking north from atop the City Hotel, circa 1870. At that time, The City Livery was owned and operated by Monahan and Whipple, as in my great-great-great grandfather Albert Augustus Whipple. Albert had arrived in Sonora from Providence, Rhode Island in 1850. (Enlarged photo courtesy of the Library of Congress; portrait photo courtesy of TCM P28306).

06/13/2026

Who knew? Pioneers of Tuolumne County. Thomas Wells’ 1891 composite photograph of official Pioneers of Tuolumne County includes my great-great-great grandfather Albert Augustus Whipple (no. 106). A successful local businessman, Albert had arrived in Sonora in 1850. He married Margaret Johnson in 1861, and they had four children, including my great-great grandmother Susan Whipple. (Pioneer photo courtesy of TCM TP 5097 and P36697).

06/12/2026

Who knew? Pictured in 1881, the Larose and Daveluy General Merchandise Store served the miners and loggers of Confidence, nearby Northrup, and the surrounding areas located along the Sonora/Mono Road corridor. Years later, during the logging boom, they decided to expand the building and business. The directive was clear – save the adjacent fruit trees, no questions asked. Note the wrap-around “the trees” covered porch in the expansion. (Photos courtesy of TCM no. TP493 and TP10098).

06/06/2026

Who knew? Imagine the possibilities. (Photo courtesy of TCM no. TP10892)

06/06/2026

Who knew? Before Amazon delivered . . . may I please purchase one of those?(Photos courtesy of the TCM no. P33899)

02/19/2026

Due to weather impacts, the Feb. 20 Paint a Piece of History class has been cancelled. We hope to have you join us next month on Friday, March 20.
Here's the link to the event series to see all dates: https://www.facebook.com/events/1926787318044995/1926787331378327/?active_tab=about

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