The Yosemite Gateway Association of Realtors has announced that the Coarsegold Historical Society will be the recipients of the funds raised by the Sept. 22-23 Monster Rummage Sale put on annually by the association.

This year will be the 11th monster sale and according to John Bortz, president of the association, nearly $110,000 has been raised to date for Mountain Area non-profit organizations.

The historical society was selected as this year's beneficiary of the sale from eight applications that were sent to the Realtors association.

Over the years the community has looked forward to what has become a giant yard sale with a large selection of items at very reasonable prices. This years items will include men, women and children's clothing, kitchen appliances, cookware, tools, collectibles, toys, books, furniture, sporting goods and garden items.

"The Monster Rummage Sale gives the community an opportunity to purchase great merchandise at great prices while supporting the Coarsegold Historical Society," said event chairperson Laurie Humphries. "The area's Realtors feel giving back to the community is important and this sale is a great way to do it

Those interested in donating items for the sale can drop them off at the association's office at 40298 Junction Drive (behind Sears) or call (559) 683-2650 to arrange for pick-up of large items.

This two-day event will be held 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 22 and Sept. 23 in front of the association's office.

Funds will restore historical way-station

The historical society will use the funds from the Monster Sale to complete the restoration of the adobe way-station building at the museum, 31899 Highway 41, just south of Lucky Lane.

"For more than 25 years, the historical society has been an all volunteer organization gathering, researching, cataloging and displaying historical items going back to the late 1800s," said Karen Morris, society president. "Thanks to the Monster Rummage Sale we will have the funds to complete the restoration of the adobe way-station. We need to get rid of the lead paint, and shore up the foundation to keep the walls from sinking. This is the only historical building like it in the San Joaquin Valley. We can't lose it."

According to Morris, the way-station was used for the horse and mule-drawn freight wagons that needed blacksmith work, or to trade horses for the grueling ride into the mountains. It was also a home for some of the colorful characters that lived the rugged life of yesteryear. It is furnished with historical items, including memorabilia from a pack trip by then governor President Ronald Reagan, who also used to hunt in the area.

The museum is located at 31899 Highway 41, just south of Lucky Lane in Coarsegold. Knowledgeable docents are at the museum Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. and Sunday noon - 4 p.m. to answer questions and tell stories from the past. Admission is free.

Starting in 2001, recipients of the Monster Sale proceeds have been the Oakhurst Volunteer Fire Department, Hinds Hospice, Eastern Madera County SPCA, Boys & Girls Club of Oakhurst, sheriff's department Operation Lost & Found and Citizens on Patrol, The Learning Center, Mountain Hope Association, Helping Hands Pregnancy & Parenting Center, Manna House, The Wednesday Night Community Meal program at New Community United Methodist Church and the EMC SPCA Building Fund.

Details: Yosemite Gateway Association of Realtors, (559) 683-2650, monsterrummagesale.com, Coarsegold Historic Museum, (559) 642-4448.