From New York in 1900 to the present day in California; from cookhouse to firehouse this bell has been a part of Vallecito’s history.

In 1906, Beach Thompson needing water for his hydraulic mining, and investors in San Francisco needing electric power came together to form the Union Construction Co. and the Stanislaus Electric Power Co. to build the Stanislaus Powerhouse – known as Camp Nine.

In the early days, the cook used the bell to call the workers to their morning and evening meals.

In 1923, the bell was given to the town of Vallecito. It hung in a locust tree on Main Street for 52 years. It was used as a firebell and to ring in the new year which became a tradition and one which continues to this day. In 1981, fearing for the bell’s safety, it was rescued by Dan Cooper, Dan Malatesta and Jim Saunders. The Malatesta family donated the land for the Vallecito Volunteer Fire Department where the bell stands today.

Historical Note:

The small cottage to the left of this monument served as Vallecito’s Post Office from 1891 to 1921. Postmistress Hattie Brockway

Marker is on Main Street 0.3 miles south of California Highway 4, on the right when traveling south.

Courtesy hmdb.org

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