Pictured c. 1910, Charles F. Preciado’s sundry store was located on the northeast corner of Yosemite Avenue and D Streets. Since he had abundant help from his sisters in running the establishment, Preciado found time to run for Madera County Tax Collector. In what can only be described as a personal tragedy, Charles was charged with embezzling county funds and was forced to stand trial three times. He was never convicted due to hung juries in each of his trials. Preciado suffered from epilepsy and was given to long periods of amnesia.
