Maderans have always been open to economic innovation, no matter how risky. Gold, silver, and copper mining have lured fortune hunters to the hills and streams of Madera County. In the 1930s, it was black gold in the flat lands that got some folks excited. Two or three wells were drilled in the southern part of the county, but they all proved to be a waste of time and money, including the one shown here in 1938. (Madera Images; Bill Coate)
