Bear Valley in Mariposa County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Gertrude School

Photographed by Grub-Gulch Chapter 41-49

1. Gertrude School Marker

Inscription.
Built originally in 1878 by John Haley, named after his wife, Gertrude. It was situated at the base of Potters Ridge across the Fresno River in Fresno County. In 1893 the school was relocated to the Crooks Ranch. In 1913 a new school was built at this site where it stands today. It was remodeled in 1937. Carol Pritchard was the last eighth-grade student to graduate in June of 1962. Jenny Nichols was the first teacher. Robin Harris, the principal, and Leonard Brown were the last teachers when the school closed in November of 1964.

Erected 1989 by Grub Gulch Chapter 41-49 E Clampus Vitus.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1878.

Location. 37° 33.925′ N, 120° 7.004′ W. Marker is in Bear Valley, California, in Mariposa County. It is on Golden Chain Highway (State Highway 49) south of Utah Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 7261 Golden Chain Highway, Mariposa CA 95338, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s Gold Country

and in the Sierra Nevada.

It is also in the American Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Pacific Rim,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Bear Valley (approx. ¼ mile away); a different marker also named Bear Valley (approx. ¼ mile away); Mrs. E. Trabucco Store

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(approx. 0.3 miles away); Fremont’s Fort (approx. 1.6 miles away); May Rock (approx. 1.8 miles away); Bagby (approx. 3.2 miles away); Mount Ophir Mine (approx. 4½ miles away); La Mineta 1850 - Princeton 1854 - Mount Bullion 1862 (approx. 5.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bear Valley.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Mount Ophir Mines (was approx. 4½ miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

More about this marker. This marker has been relocated from its original location in front of Gertrude School in Ahwahnee and is now located in front of residences off of State Highway 49 in Bear Valley.

Photographed by Grub-Gulch Chapter 41-49

2. Gertrude School Marker

Gertrude School Marker in its new location (2026) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Liam Williams, April 25, 2026

3. Gertrude School Marker in its new location (2026)

Marker has been moved to some residences a few miles north of its original location

Credits. This page was last revised on May 2, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 19, 2020, by Frank Gunshow Sanchez of Hollister, California. This page has been viewed 589 times since then and 95 times this year. Last updated on April 26, 2026, by Liam Williams of Irvine, California. Photos: 1. submitted on April 19, 2020. 2. submitted on April 19, 2020, by Frank Gunshow Sanchez of Hollister, California. 3. submitted on April 26, 2026, by Liam Williams of Irvine, California. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.