Back in the 1940s and 1950s, the Dos Palos Y, located near Highway 152 outside of the city of Dos Palos, was a bustling community of homes, grocery stores, restaurants, and other businesses serving the farming industry.
The “hub” of area, which is still going strong, is the Dos Palos Y Auction Yard, still located on Highway 33 and is readily recognizable by the huge American flag flying at the entrance. The business was founded in 1950 by Tony J. Cozzi, and it is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.
Mr. Cozzi turned his passion for livestock marketing into the business that is still going strong today. Back then, he managed the family dairy and farming operation with his brothers. He also served as an auctioneer for a neighboring livestock operation.
It was in 1949 that Mr. Cozzi thought there needed to be another livestock market, so along with a partner, started construction and in 1950, opened for business.
His son, Joel E. Cozzi, has been part of the business all of his life and took over leadership when his father passed in 2003. He told The Express that the Y Auction Yard is based on the principal of honesty and family.
“We are honest,” Cozzi said after being asked about the company’s longevity. “We have built a reputation for honesty, integrity, and personal service.”
The “family” part comes from the fact that Cozzi’s son, Joel A. ‘Joey’ Cozzi, is also part of the business along with Joey’s sons.
“We are on our fourth generation of operating this business,” Joel E. remarked. “It’s ‘family’ working together and it’s as good as it gets, we get to work together.”
The Y Auction Yard holds cattle auctions on Mondays and Thursdays and has expanded to auctioning goats and sheep on the first and third Wednesday of each month.
“We also support as many local activities as we can,” he said.
Cozzi also noted that his father was instrumental in starting the Y Service Club in 1951, donating the land for the club’s headquarters located next door to the yard. The club is still quite active working to help local causes.
