Name of Plaque: Camp Nine Bell
Location of Plaque, Highway / Road No., City and County: 3434 Main Street, Vallecito (Calaveras County), CA
Explain the Design of the Plaque and Base Bell above black granite plaque mounted on base of local rock
Date of Dedication September 10, 2005
Name of Dedicating Humbug NGH Kevin Sousa, ECV Matuca Chapter 1849
Exact Wording of Plaque
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. with the purpose 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 fire bell and to ring in the New Year – a tradition that
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.
Dedicated by Matuca Chapter E Clampus Vitus Sept, 10, 2005 (6010) Credo Quia
Absurdum