Ahwahnee in Madera County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Shay's Blacksmith Shop & Canary Cottage
Photographed by Grub-Gulch Chapter 41-49
1. Shay's Blacksmith Shop & Canary Cottage Marker
John C Shay settled in Grub Gulch at the turn of the 20th century to mine gold. When his mining efforts failed he homesteaded the land, built this shop and started blacksmithing. He serviced the numerous wagons, stages and horse travelers that passed through on their way to Yosemite. Shay built his home known as Canary Cottage named for the golden finches that flay through the area. In 1903 President Theodore Roosevelt traveled through Grub Gulch on his way to Yosemite and Shay saluted him with volleys of rifle fire from the front porch. Shay returned to San Francisco in the 1920s and the property was bought by the Evert Hinshaw Company that provided gasoline, oil, home cooked meals, pies, room rentals, and operated "Standard High Sierra Saddle Tours." In 1928 the property was purchased by the Elam family whose descendants still occupy the house and are ranching to this day.
Erected 2013 by Grub Gulch Chapter 41-49 E Clampus Vitus.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus, and the Former U.S. Presidents: #26 Theodore Roosevelt series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1903.
Location. 37° 20.761′ N, 119°
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Joaquin Valley, specifically in the Central Valley, and in the Sierra Nevada. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Grub Gulch (approx. 1.6 miles away); Yosemite Stage Route (approx. 2 miles away); The Black Kid (approx. 2.4 miles away); Wassama Roundhouse (approx. 2.6 miles away); Ahwahnee Tavern (approx. 2.9 miles away); Wassama Village (approx. 3 miles away); Highway 49 - The Golden Chain (approx. 5.9 miles away); Bissett Station (approx. 6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ahwahnee.
Also see . . . Clampers Dedicate Another Piece Of History. A 2013 "Sierra News" article regarding the plaque dedication. (Submitted on April 11, 2020, by Frank Gunshow Sanchez of Hollister, California.)
Photographed by Grub-Gulch Chapter 41-49
2. Shay's Blacksmith Shop & Canary Cottage Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on May 30, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 11, 2020, by Frank Gunshow Sanchez of Hollister, California. This page has been viewed 551 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 11, 2020, by Frank Gunshow Sanchez of Hollister, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photos of any existing buildings. • Can you help?
