STCHS Takes Possession of Wells Fargo Building
by Marc Fossum
At the 11 th hour on the 59 th minute of December 31, 2007 the ownership of the "Gamble Block," known locally as the Wells Fargo Building, in Big Oak Flat, CA was duly transferred to the Southern Tuolumne County Historical Society (STCHS). A 1902 Queen Ann Victorian home is also included with the property. The property was gifted to STCHS by the sons of the flamboyant Harry Cobden, John and Richard Cobden.
The gifting of the property to the local historical society had been attempted numerous times over the past three decades but finally came to fruition last month. Included in the transaction was a cash donation to be used towards security and insurance needs. The Cobdens also placed a sum of money in a trust account to match donated money that STCHS is able to raise. The preservation, renovation and future viable uses of the buildings will be the most significant undertaking by STCHS since it erected the Yosemite Gateway Museum and Library.
A recently formed committee has already met to begin planning the future of the buildings. The immediate short-term goals are to clean up the exterior grounds of the buildings and erect security fencing. Motion detectors have already been installed to help deter vandalism. After fencing is installed, the interior of the building will need to be emptied of the years of refuse dumped in them. Following that job will be remediation of lead-based paint, molds and minimal asbestos cleanup.
Long-term goals may include a master plan for a "Heritage Park" encompassing the numerous historically significant buildings and sites in the immediate vicinity. Restoration of the buildings will require significant grants to fund the work. We are extremely fortunate that volunteers from our local community, as well as throughout the state, have come forward to offer their expertise and assistance in this venture.
By early spring we expect to have the property cleaned up to a degree where it is aesthetically attractive and will self promote its future development.
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