Friday night at the Mariposa County Fair Grounds, the Mariposa
County Chamber of Commerce presented their Business of the Year,
Businesswomen of the Year and Businessman of the Year. All three
awards were fully appropriate. Dave Lawson, a graduate of Mariposa
High, has become one of the foremost builders in Mariposa County.
Dave chose to stay in Mariposa, learn his craft and build a business
that both benefit his county, his employees, and most importantly,
his family. Any number of commercial projects bares the signature of
his craft. From the Mariposa Mining and Mineral Museum to a number
of lodging units in the county, his projects all service this
community. His residential projects are enjoyed by many families
through out the county. This was not an easy accomplishment for
Dave. He has struggled for many years to establish his company much
in the same tradition as a number of others in our county. It is
interesting that we have a community that has qualified and competent
builders serving the public with custom homes that we can all be
proud of. The value of housing in Mariposa County has taken a sharp
increase because of the quality of the projects that have occurred
because of Dave Lawson and others, proud of their products and
accomplishments. Dave represents the best of an industry that we can
all be proud of.
This is the second time that Miriam Costello has been accorded the
Businesswomen of the year honors. A long time merchant in Mariposa,
this lovely lady has become a fixture in downtown Mariposa. Her
series of shops, growing at each location, are among the key business
in Mariposa. Starting at Jail House Square (Bertken House-now a
residence) to her present location in the Schlageter Hotel, "Miriam's
Place" has grown both in selection and quality of the merchandise
offered. Her willingness to help other business to grow and improve
is legend. She recently turned her decorating business over to
Marsha McFarland who will continue this portion at the present
location
Miriam's love of Mariposa is well known by all the activities she
has involved herself in promoting business in downtown. Providing
and installing decorations for the various seasons and events have
perked up the downtown creating an invitation to visitors and
residents alike to stop and shop in Mariposa. She was a key member
of the "Mariposa is Always Open" campaign with many others during the
l996 and l997 shut downs of Yosemite National Park. Her efforts and
those of her business friends in downtown Mariposa contributed
greatly to the survival of Mariposa during this last summers closing
of Hwy 140 due to the Ferguson Rock Slide. Her recognition and the
love accorded to her by her community are well deserved.
Businessman of the year is Don Haag. Up until just a few weeks ago,
Don was the manager of the Mariposa County Chamber of Commerce
Visitor's Center. My working with Don was both a real pleasure as
well as a very educational contact. He has developed the Visitors
Center, trained its staff, and decorated the interior so well that
when he was not able to work, the whole center sped on, providing the
service the Don expected. We have been friends since his days as a
Purchasing Agent for the Park Service in Yosemite, he and Jan raising
their children here in Mariposa. Don's parents, as well as an aunt
and uncle lived here for many years. His love of Mariposa and
Yosemite is legendary. We wish only for his speedy recovery and
return to the Center as we all miss him very much.
All three of these honorees have been a positive influence on our
community. We are most fortunate for their choice of Mariposa as a
place to live and work.
To learn much more about Mariposa County along with
historical photos:
A signed copy of "Images of America" - Mariposa County,
By Leroy Radanovich can be purchased at his web site:
Radanovich Galleria & Books
This is a early day photo of the Mariposa Mine in
Mariposa County
that is mentioned in the article to
the left by Mr. Radanovich.
This photo and others can be purchased in various sizes.
All prints are archivally printed on fiber based paper, given a selenium wash which renders the photographs permanent with a
warm tone ready for framing
Radanovich Galleria & Books
Mariposa in 1920
This photo and others can be purchased in various sizes.
All prints are archivally printed on fiber based paper, given a selenium wash which renders the photographs permanent with a
warm tone ready for framing
Radanovich Galleria & Books
Mariposa County Courthouse written by Leroy Radanovich and
Scott Pinkerton is a book about the oldest courthouse in California that is still in use today.
The book is signed by Leroy Radanovich.
To purchase the book:
Radanovich Galleria & Books
Mariposa in 1860
This photo and others can be purchased in various sizes.
All prints are archivally printed on fiber based paper, given a selenium wash which renders the photographs permanent with a
warm tone ready for framing
Radanovich Galleria & Books