Note: This article is one of a series celebrating Mariposa County Memories and was originally published during late Spring 2010

On a bright sunlit Saturday morning, June 5, 2010 history was made on Highway J132 from Coulterville, California to Highway 120 in Tuolumne County as the road was designated the 'Historic John Muir Route.' 

This was the culmination of several years worth of effort by now named  'Chief Evangelist' of the John Muir Highway, Ken Pulvino of Greeley Hill, California.

The designation of J132 from Coulterville to State Route 120 as the John Muir Highway is the inspiration of Ken Pulvino. Mr. Pulvino has been an active supporter of the highway designation to help the region with geo-tourism. The term refers to “best practices” tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place or the environment, or heritage and the well-being of its residents.

The Coulterville Park was filled with residents, curious tourists and many well wishers. The day began with a community breakfast that was sponsored by the Coulterville Community Club that featured more types of donuts than were dreamed possible along with fruits and drinks. The park had many vendors that had items ranging from candles to photographs to purchase.

At the Northern Mariposa County History Center Ken Pulvino and wife Terri donated $1,000 to be used in establishing a permanent John Muir collection in the museum. Representing the museum were Dale Silverman, Bob Higgs and John Shimer, who accepted the check from the Pulvino's.

At the Coulterville Park Jeffery Hentz, Executive Director of the Yosemite/Mariposa Tourism Bureau was the announcer of the all the upcoming events. At 11:00 A.M. Mr. Hentz introduced the VFW Color Guard and Sierra Burkart sang the Star Spangled Banner. After the Pledge of Allegiance, Mariposa County resident Lee Stetson was introduced and he performed as John Muir. Peter and Donna Thomas who walked the John Muir Route were introduced and talked about their journey a few years ago as they walked through the Central Valley up past Coulterville to Yosemite National Park. Scott Gediman, Yosemite National Park Public Affairs Officer talked about John Muir, Yosemite National Park and the Coulterville area. Doug Miller, representing Assemblyman Tom Berryhill’s office, talked about how important tourism is to the economy of the area. Jeffrey Hentz also presented a plaque to 'Chief Evangelist' for the John Muir Highway, Ken Pulvino and finally Bill Hanna whose great grandfather was John Muir, read passages from a book that John Muir wrote and he also reminisced about Muir with other tales to the attentive audience.

As the ceremony at the park came to a close everyone walked over near the intersection of Highway 49 and J132 (The Greeley Hill Road) as the ribbon cutting was getting ready to commence. Before the ribbon cutting Supervisor Lyle Turpin unveiled the first sign on J132 announcing the 'Historic John Muir Route' as he took the wrapping off of the sign.

After comments by Supervisor of  Mariposa County Lyle Turpin and Supervisor John Gray of Tuolumne County along with additional comments by Co-Chairs of the Historic John Muir Highway Committee, MaryAnn Huff and Ann Schafer, Bill Hanna enjoyed using the scissors to cut the ribbon that was stretched across the road on this historic occasion.

That was followed by a parade up the road that featured Bill Hanna, Lee Stetson (John Muir) and Dave and Dale Silverman being in the first auto to be on the newly designated route. The Don Pedro Rattlers 4-H, Tuolumne County - Country Mountain Riders Color Guard, Peter and Donna Thomas and many vintage autos followed behind the first car as it paraded it's way up the street.

At Whistling Billy, the train at the intersection of Highways 49 and J312, the Coulterville Claim Jumpers performed a  wild west shootout that had everyone, especially the tourists intrigued as the guns were fired and the 'Bad Guys' were shot.

At 2:00 P.M up at the Big Creek Meadow Ranch a ribbon cutting ceremony and sign unveiling were held as many of the same folks that were in Coulterville arrived at the ranch. Dave 'Stilts' who stands around thirteen feet tall led a parade down the road. The Tuolumne County - Country Mountain Riders Color Guard were on hand for the Pledge of Allegiance. Nanci Sikes, Executive Director of the Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau was the announcer of the events on the Highway 120 side of the route. Supervisors John Gray and Lyle Turpin also made comments on the cooperation on the two counties working together to get this designation for the road. Again additional comments by Co-Chairs of the Historic John Muir Highway Committee, MaryAnn Huff and Ann Schafer were well received by the audience. At the ribbon cutting, Ken Pulvino was handed the scissors to cut the ribbon on the Highway 120 side of the route. After the ribbon cutting Supervisor John Gray unveiled the final 'Historic John Muir Route' sign at the intersection of Highway 120 and J132. Wagon rides were available and vendors had items on display for purchase at the ranch.

Later during the evening hours "The Wild Adventures of John Muir" a musical play was held at the Big Creek Meadow Ranch along with a gourmet catered picnic while in Coulterville the Northern Mariposa County History Center hosted a Benefit Tri-Tip Dinner with VIP dinner guests Mark Twain and Bret Harte. They later performed a interpretive program featuring a "living history' portrayal of Samuel Clemons at the Odd Fellows Hall in Coulterville.

For more information on the John Muir Highway

Facebook: John Muir Highway

Northern Mariposa County History Center

Peter and Donna Thomas: A Trans-California Ramble

Sierra Nevada GeoTourism