Tuolumne County Historical Society

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Tuolumne County Historical Society Our Mission shall be to discover, collect, preserve, and disseminate knowledge about the history of Tuolumne County and the State of California.

The Tuolumne County History Collection is a large volume of historical information consisting of the memories and images of Tuolumne Gold Rush through modern times. Tuolumne County's historical resources are highlighted in this site to encourage you to visit our facilities and to participate in and enjoy our rich history. NOTE: Hours of operation are dependent on volunteer availability.

Who knew? In 1943, Tuttletown Grammar School did its part in support of the war effort. These children collected scrap m...
09/27/2026

Who knew? In 1943, Tuttletown Grammar School did its part in support of the war effort. These children collected scrap metal (steel, iron, copper and aluminum) to be recycled in support of the military industries. Across the country, these scrap drives boost patriotism, helping unite support on the home front and for the troops abroad. FRONT ROW (L-R): Sandra Wiatt, Bertie Lindsay, John Lilly, Ben Lindsay, Aloha Shell, Betty Shell, Larry Fraguero, Tim Brune, George McLean. SECOND ROW (L-R): first boy unknown, Richard Plants, Ted Brune, Leland Lentz. BACK ROW: (Partially hidden) Jim Fraguero. (Photo courtesy of TCM TP16695).

Who knew? The view looking south down S. Washington St from just beyond the intersection with Theall St. The original Ci...
09/25/2026

Who knew? The view looking south down S. Washington St from just beyond the intersection with Theall St. The original City Hotel (far left) and the Central Motors Garage and Independent Hose Co. No. 2 firehouse (arched opening, far right) frame the expanding vista south towards the original Sonora Plaza location in the far distance. (Photo courtesy of TCM SPV10102).

Who knew? Ever wonder why S. Washington St. got wider as it moved south from Theall St., past the Sonora Inn to its int...
09/25/2026

Who knew? Ever wonder why S. Washington St. got wider as it moved south from Theall St., past the Sonora Inn to its intersection with Church St? In 1850, the pioneers of Sonora located a large town plaza at the then south end of the city as a hub for all civic activities (including lively town meetings and squatters). But following a devastating fire that consumed most of Sonora in 1854, local officials widened the primary streets and introduced several cross streets as a means of helping contain the spread of future fires. Over time, the area between Jackson St. and Yaney St. developed as the new hub of civic activity for the city. As for the original plaza, the extra space in the middle of Washington St. became parking for downtown visitors (i.e. the 1940 aerial photo), before giving way to additional traffic lanes at the city’s busiest intersection. (Photo courtesy of TCM P33199).

Who knew? (Circa 1948) As a young six-year-old, my father Froane spent his Saturday afternoons in the summer in the comp...
09/24/2026

Who knew? (Circa 1948) As a young six-year-old, my father Froane spent his Saturday afternoons in the summer in the company of the much older Mrs. Daisy Mae Shell. My father and the petite Daisy Mae (66), a neighbor and childhood friend of his grandmother Edna, would stroll up Washington St. from their Shepherd St. neighborhood below the Sonora Dome. They would walk to the Uptown Theatre and watch the Saturday afternoon matinee. Afterwards, the two would ALWAYS return home via a stop at Brandi’s Ice Cream Shop (located in the distance just above the parked cars in the center of S. Washington St.). (Photo taken looking north from the intersection of Church St. and S. Washington St, and courtesy of TCM 14922).

Who knew? In the summer of 1873, the accomplished Sonora Foundry, located in north Sonora, cast a bell for use by the fo...
09/19/2026

Who knew? In the summer of 1873, the accomplished Sonora Foundry, located in north Sonora, cast a bell for use by the foundry to announce its daily schedule. The Tuolumne Independent described its tones as “sonorous”. How fitting. The bell remained in use until 1907 when the foundry closed. (Photo courtesy of TCM 2026.16.15 and the Tuolumne Independent, June 7, 1873).

Who knew? Scott’s Bazaar on the southeast corner of Jackson St. and N. Washington St., where “the plain price ticket on ...
09/16/2026

Who knew? Scott’s Bazaar on the southeast corner of Jackson St. and N. Washington St., where “the plain price ticket on each and every article tells its own story”. (Photo courtesy of TCM 2026.13.13, and the Union Democrat, Nov 3, 1923, and Dec 13, 1924).

Who knew? For the first time in a very long time, the Sonora Dome can be fully seen in all its grandeur. The recent remo...
09/14/2026

Who knew? For the first time in a very long time, the Sonora Dome can be fully seen in all its grandeur. The recent removal of the large pine trees along its frontage on Barretta St. has restored its visual prominence from throughout the city of Sonora. And the lone remaining palm tree? In March of 1912, the palm (with an official metal plaque) was dedicated by the Sonora Progressional Association to Miss Maggie Fahey, perhaps the most influential teacher and administrator to ever grace the halls of Sonora Grammar School. Hired in 1872 as a teacher, appointed principal in 1888, she served until 1921. Her discipline, commitment, and leadership elevated both the education and personal growth of multiple generations of local children. (Source: A History of Sonora Elementary School 1855-1974. Photos courtesy of and TCM P26565 (circa 1930), TO4265 (plaque), and TP20036B (Miss Fahey).

Who knew? A Study in Faces . . . simply a beautiful photo. Names / date unknown. (Photo courtesy of TCM TP6393).
09/13/2026

Who knew? A Study in Faces . . . simply a beautiful photo. Names / date unknown. (Photo courtesy of TCM TP6393).

Who knew? Ever wondered about two of the tall Cypress trees that flank the entry to St. Anne’s Church in Columbia? They ...
09/13/2026

Who knew? Ever wondered about two of the tall Cypress trees that flank the entry to St. Anne’s Church in Columbia? They were planted by Rose Lagomarsino Solari in loving memory of her late husband Pietro (Peter) Solari whose gravesite is nearby. Pietro (51), a native of Genoa (Genova), Italy, died in 1888, leaving his young wife and three children. His headstone reads:

A precious one from us is gone,
A voice we loved is stilled,
A place is vacant in our home,
Which never can be filled.

(Photo courtesy of TCM P38907 and TP9339)

Who knew? Originally known as Poverty Hill, Stent was home to some of the most productive quartz mines in all of Tuolumn...
09/06/2026

Who knew? Originally known as Poverty Hill, Stent was home to some of the most productive quartz mines in all of Tuolumne County. On Labor Day of 1903, crowds gathered to celebrate this heritage. In addition to a Miners Parade, spectators cheered on gentlemen competing against one another. The Shoveling Contest and the ever-perilous Double-Jack Drilling contest were just two of the featured events. (Photo courtesy of TCM TP9838, TP9835, TP9841).

Address

158 Bradford Street
Sonora, CA
95370

Opening Hours

Tuesday 11am - 4pm
Wednesday 1pm - 4pm
Thursday 11am - 4pm
Friday 11am - 4pm
Saturday 11am - 3pm

Telephone

+12095321317

Website

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