Madera Heritage Quarterly Part –4- That was the case with most of the last survivors. They were liked and part of the pioneer community, and their inability to hold liquor was taken for granted as was their love for bright clothes. Dressed in white woman’s castoffs, the Indian “women displayed a wealth of color that rivals the nasturtium…gowns exceed the resources of the dye pots in the matter of red...Soloman in all his glory was not arrayed like any of these” One Indian woman who endeared herself to white people was TA-BU-CE, meaning “Grass Nut” or “Sweet Rots”, whose Americanized name was MAGGIE HOWARD. Although born a Piute, at Mono Lake, TABUCE spent much of her long life in Yosemite Valley accepting, and adapting to, white man’s ways. She worked in the Sentinel Hotel, and private homes, as a maid and housekeeper and became as adept at acquiring tips as any saucy Irish maid. In her maturity she reverted to ancestral ways, communicating this primitive life to visitors who thronged to the Indian Village to see her give demonstrations of basket weaving and acorn preparation. She picked up where MARIA LEBRADOR had left off in interpreting Indian life. She learned to handle a microphone, lecture with composure, answer questions with dignity and pose for pictures patiently, though reluctantly. When cameras clicked without her permission, she grew annoyed. Once she muttered, about an inconsiderate cameraman, “Him take picture, all same bear!” However, picture-taking permission was always forthcoming upon receipt of a tip! TABUCE was noted locally for her frugality. Her electricity bill never rose above the 35 cents minimum and she saved about $1800 from tips, basket and acorn bead sales. Her English was good, but speaking a rude, broken dialect to keep up an authentic atmosphere for tourists became almost habitual with her. In talking of bicycle riding, she said “No, No, me killum self on bicycle. “Her transportation was shank’s mare unless someone she knew gave her an automobile ride. She was superstitious. A reserved salamander reminded her of a day: “Long time ago way down by El Portal we go hunting for Indian wild grass. We see that on (salamander). He walk along very slow like him not go very far. He (Indian companion) say not kill that one. He bad one. But I not know that so I picked up a stick and killed him. Right away hoo-pa-oo-cha (rain) came. We get all wet!” She was afraid of evil witches and prayed to animal gods before eating, believing that food cold not hurt her after prayer. -CONTINUED-