The Charismatic Characters of Columbia
Photos and Story by Greg KristapovichSince the town was established in 1850, Columbia has, no doubt, had many interesting characters roaming their Main Street. Recently, this reporter decided to mosey down the street and get to know some of the charismatic characters of Columbia!
Blacksmith and goldpanner, Mike Maciejewski was born in San Diego, CA, but has lived here in the Mother Lode, 24 years. “I like working with people, and my work is extremely fulfilling and satisfying!” Mike said while recalling an encounter he had with one visitor. “Two Hells Angels complained about their “lucky horseshoe” – after six years! “One of (the bikers) said the horseshoe turned out not to be lucky, so he wanted his money back! He didn’t return the horseshoe, but he wanted his money back! I couldn’t give him his money back, but I did make him another horseshoe that I promised would be a lucky one!” This happened three years ago, and I hope he’s happy with the new one.”
“I think it’s fun to perform in the streets of Columbia! It’s a way to show your talent and get money! It works!” explains Caitlyn Ball, 14, of Sonora. “I think I would like to play at Carnegie Hall someday! That’d be really cool!” Caitlyn exclaimed.
“Say ‘horseflies!!’” the stagecoach driver instructed the children as their parents aimed their cameras and took pictures. Tom Frasier (holding the reins) along with his fiancée, Margie, operate the Quartz Mountain Stage Lines. “I like workin’ with horses – and the people are interesting! You meet a lot of different people; a lot of nice people!” explains the life-long resident of Sonora. Tom’s been driving stagecoaches since his teens!
Richard “Tater” Learned loves to play his guitar and sing on Main Street – and has for about eleven years! Born in Prescott, AZ, he’s actually lived in the Mother Lode since 1976. “This is the way I make a livin’,” Tater said. “But I don’t just play in the streets. I do gigs. But in the streets, there’s a lot of freedom!” Tater has a special memory. “One day I was out here playing a very famous Mexican song, ‘Bolver, Bolver’. After I’d finished singing it, this big Mexican guy comes up to me and he’s got tears running down his face! And he said, ‘That was my mother’s favorite song and she died a year ago, today.’ I didn’t start crying, but I came pretty close.”
