

J.G. Smale, Madera County’s vagabond schoolteacher
For The Madera Tribune Teacher J.G. Smale is seen here standing beside his students in front of Berenda School. There might be a few...
Bill Coate
Jun 25, 2025


Fires gave downtown Madera a new look
For The Madera Tribune The Cottage Saloon, the Madera Restaurant, and the Bank Saloon shown here were destroyed by fire in 1918. Madera...
Bill Coate
Jun 21, 2025


Thomas Desmond gored to death
For The Madera Tribune Dr. Dow Ransom, shown here, was unable to save Thomas Desmond. What’s in a name? Just ask the students at Jack G....
Bill Coate
Jun 18, 2025


Sheriff Lewis took charge
For The Madera Tribune The Fountain Saloon. By 1915, Madera had divided itself into two camps. A minority led by the saloon owners wanted...
Bill Coate
Jun 14, 2025


Oh for a good, old-fashioned snow storm
For The Madera Tribune Madera’s 1962 snowstorm. Now, I am not trying to pick a quarrel with the Almighty, but I am remembering a time...
Bill Coate
Jun 10, 2025


Madera embraced Farnesi family
For The Madera Tribune Alfredo and Caterina Farnesi. The woman left her little Italian village in the province of Lucca and walked along...
Bill Coate
Jun 7, 2025


‘City of Madera’ survived but ‘City of Tulare’ went down
For The Madera Tribune “The City of Madera.” Hugh Magee was a Navy pilot who flew A4C Skyhawks in combat over North Vietnam. Magee was...
Bill Coate
Jun 4, 2025


The widow — Andrea Quintero, part 3
For The Madera Tribune Ralphie and Andrea Quintero enjoy a night out. Rafael went by Ralphie his whole life, a nickname that matched his...
For The Madera Tribune
May 31, 2025



