Name of Plaque Catheys Valley Schoolhouse
Location of Plaque, Highway / Road No., City and County 2820 Highway 140, Catheys Valley, Mariposa County
Explain the Design of the Plaque and Base Black granite plaque on base constructed with local rock.
Date of Dedication March 31, 2001
Name of Dedicating Humbug NGH B. J. Marsh, E Clampus Vitus – Matuca Chapter 1849
Exact Wording of Plaque
Catheys Valley Schoolhouse
IN 1879, ANDREW CATHEY DONATED LAND TO ESTABLISH AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. JAMES
CLIFT DIRECTED THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE ONE ROOM SCHOOLHOUSE LOCATED ABOUT ONE
MILE SOUTHWEST OF THE LOCATION, WHERE THE SCHOOLHOUSE NOW STANDS. OVER THE YEARS
THE SCHOOLHOUSE SERVED AS A CHURCH, COMMUNITY HALL FOR DANCES HARD TIME PARTIES
AND A MEETING PLACE FOR THE HOME GUARD DURING WW II (THE HOME GUARD WERE
AIRCRAFT SPOTTERS
STATIONED AT THE CHARLES GORDO RANCH WHERE THERE WAS A “TELEPHONE.” WITH THIS
INFORMATION IN ENEMY HANDS, IT PROBABLY DISCOURAGED ANY PLANS OF INVASION OF THE
UNITED
STATES.) LIGHTING FOR THE SCHOOLHOUSE WAS BY COAL LAMPS UNTIL 1947 WHEN
ELECTRICITY
FINALLY REACHED THE AREA.
DEDICATED BY MATUCA CHAPTER 1849 E CLAMPUS VITUS MARCH 31, 2001 -6006-
CREDO QUIA ABSURDUM