Name of Plaque The Italian Store
Location of Plaque, Highway / Road No., City and County Main Street, Douglas Flat, Calaveras County
Explain the Design of the Plaque and Base Black granite plaque incorporated in stone fence.
Date of Dedication September 15, 2001
Name of Dedicating Humbug NGH B. J. Marsh, E Clampus Vitus – Matuca Chapter 1849
Exact Wording of Plaque
The Italian Store
BUILT IN 1861 BY ANTONIO AND CATERIA GAGLIARDO, SERVED AS A POST OFFICE AND
SOCIAL CENTER FOR THE COMMUNITY OF DOUGLAS FLAT. A HAND DUG WELL LOCATED NEXT TO
THE STORE SUPPLIED DOUGLAS FLAT WITH GOOD FRESH WATER AND REMAINS IN GOOD SHAPE
TODAY. JAMES MALESPINA PURCHASED THE STORE IN 1885, WHERE IT REMAINDED IN THE
FAMILY FOR SEVERAL YEARS. A WELLS FARGO OFFICE ALSO OCCUPIED THE BUILDING WITH A
SAFE AND ARMED GUARD TO PROTECT THE GOLD FROM TABLE MOUNTAIN AND ALONG COYOTE
CREEK. ALL FROM THE FABLED TERIARY CENTRAL HILL CHANNEL. THE MINES INCLUDED THE
OHIO, HITCHCOCK, SOUTHWESTERN, TEXAS AND THE LONE STAR. SOME OF THESE ARE
LOCATED DIRECTLY BEHIND THE STORE. THE GUARD STATIONED AT THE REAR OF THE
BUILDING AT ITS NOTABLE GUN PORT SHOULD ANYONE TRY TO BUST THE SAFE. HE ONLY HAD
TO POKE HIS SHOTGUN THROUGH THE PORT THAT WAS ALIGNED WITH THE SAFE AND PULL THE
TRIGGER.
DEDICATED BY MATUCA CHAPTER 1849 E CLAMPUS VITUS SEPTEMBER 15, 2001 -6006-
CREDO QUIA ABSURDUM