The Coarsegold Historic Museum is owned and operated by the CG Historical Society and is located at 31899 Hwy 41 in Coarsegold (559-642-4448) (Mailing address: PO Box 117, Coarsegold, CA 93614). It is located three miles south of Coarsegold and just south of the entrance to the Chukchansi Casino on the east side of Hwy 41.

Three historic buildings on the property relate to the Chukchansi, Mono and Miwok Indian history in this area and the arrival of those searching for gold, followed by those settling on 160 acre homesteads. This area is the southern end of the Gold Chain and boasted many producing mines in the 1850s thru the early 1900s.

The Coarsegold Historical Society has produced two hardbound history books about eastern Madera County. AS WE WERE TOLD, Vol. I is a compilation of the histories of 102 pioneer individuals and families who came to this area. ($45) AS WE WERE TOLD, Vol. II uses color pictures and continues with individual stories, plus a mini book written by a man who lived along the stage route traveled by Teddy Roosevelt in 1903 on his way to Yosemite; a section on the Coarsegold Rodeo showing the program covers over the years; and a section on "Shootings, Robberies, Lynchings and Incidents from the 1850s on." ($35)

The Society has also produced a 55 card deck of standard playing cards with all different pictures relating to the history of eastern Madera County, CA. ($10)

The "packed adobe" building was a way-station for the mule-and horse-drawn freight wagons that traveled from the San Joaquin Valley to Fresno Flats (now Oakhurst) and on to Yosemite National Park. Visit the adobe and see one of the freight wagons that were used. The adobe is original to this property.

The Picayune School was in use for the local Indian children from 1913 to 1956. The building has been restored and is now used as a meeting room, but still has the old desks from school days. The school originally had a kitchen and the old refrigerator, stove and sink/sideboard are on display.

The barn has been restored and houses the historical society office plus a room dedicated to Indian artifacts. The docents will tell stories about the items and pictures on display. A 1905 doctor's buggy, coins from 1852, 100 year old ice skates, an early wind-ring telephone and a 1915 Maytag washing machine plus hundreds of other interesting items from many, many years past will either reacquaint visitors with history or open eyes to what has gone before.

To view a virtual tour of the museum, go to www.coarsegoldhistoricmuseum.org

2010 Coarsegold Historical Society Events:
April 17 (rain-Apr. 24): Walking tour of old Fresno Flats. Meet at Oakhurst Community Cntr on 425B at 10 a.m. Free; donations appreciated.

May 1: "Stage Route & More" bus tour of Coarsegold, Knowles (granite quarry and Hills Pride Inn--2nd oldest bar in CA), Raymond Museum, Road 600 stage route and Grub Gulch, Ahwahnee Park, Indian Round House. Includes lunch at the park and dessert upon return to museum. $35; reservations required. 9 a.m. departure from Coarsegold Historic Museum, 31899 Hwy 41. Return between 2 -3 p.m. Information: Call Kay, 559-642-4242.

June 5: "Art, Dinner and Music in the Meadow" at Coarsegold Historic Museum (address above), 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. $15 presale, $20 at gate. Tours, craft booths, full dinner, snack shack, raffles, music by the "String Bandits." Bring your own comfy chair. Info: Call Kay, 559-642-4242.

September 18: Walking tour of historic Coarsegold. Meet at Historic Village, Hwy 41 & Rd 415 at 10 a.m. Free; donations appreciated. Info: Kay at 559-642-4242.

October 23: Walking tour of Raymond. Meet at Raymond Museum (look for the caboose on Rd 600) at 10 a.m. Free; donations appreciated.

Seasons Open: May thru September, Thursdays thru Mondays; October thru April, Sundays and Mondays

Hours Open: 10 to 2 Thursdays thru Saturdays; Sundays 12 to 4; Mondays 9 to 11:30

Fees: Free; Donations appreciated