In 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt passed through Madera County on his way to visit Yosemite Park and meet with John Muir. Roosevelt is pictured here addressing a crowd at Bowen’s store in Raymond just before boarding a stage for Yosemite. On his return trip, Roosevelt thrilled a huge crowd at Berenda by speaking for more than an hour from the end of the train. The President expressed his admiration for the industrious nature of Madera County residents and was presented with a commemorative plaque made of Sugar Pine wood. (Madera Images-Bill Coate)
