Preservation Square and former St. Mark's Episcopal Church

The charming former church building sitting at the corner of Lane and Fourth Streets in Yreka is one of the most iconic buildings in town!  This wonderful landmark sits on the corner just across from the Siskiyou County Courthouse Square.  

            In July of 1876 the first Episcopal congregation met at the original courthouse to form and held the name as St. Paul’s Mission.  However, in less than a month the Church of St. Laurence was incorporated to serve the community.  Within same month (July) of 1876 the lot at the corner of Fourth and Lane was purchased for $200 for the purpose of building a church.  This lot was the former site of the old Metropolitan Hotel which is believed to have burned in the 1871 devastating fire that hit Yreka.  Within a couple of months the parishioners instituted a plan for the building and the original plans were suggested for a brick structure.  However it was in 1880 when the building we see today was built.  Reports from historical papers indicate that building began on the 15^th of May, 1880.  The first church services were held in the church on January 30, 1881.  The original price tag of the building and furnishings for the church was $3,100.  A marine architect constructed the church and the roof is supported by what looks like an upside down sailing ship hull under the outside roof line and shingles. The roof is made of 2 x 10 tongue and groove planks and is carried on seven arches to which equivalent rafters are fastened to form the peak.  The bracing of the rafters on the arches is much the same as that used when bracing the hull of an 1850 sailing ship.  The heavy work of the structure is bound together with wooden pegs. This building was definitely made to last, the exterior of the roof originally had a “striped” design (similar to what we see today) in the shingles and these original shingles served the church for 67 years and were made of sugar pine.  The first time the church building was “re-roofed” was in 1947.  The walls of the building are constructed of boards and batten, and the walls are also made of 2 by 10 tongue and groove pine.  In 1881 the windows were covered with fancy oiled paper, which was reported to have looked even “better” and more “ornamental” than stained glass. 

            In 1885 St. Laurence was renamed St. Mark’s and consecrated in June of that year.  The church was “out of debt” and paid for, and this was the cause for celebration and change.  The next year a new bell was hung at St. Mark’s and this original bell weighed 350 pounds.  Unfortunately in 1900 the bell at St. Mark’s fell and had to be replaced.  In 1915 St. Mark’s exchanged their bell for a heavier bell that hung at St. Barnabas in Dunsmuir.  This bell is still hanging in the bell tower today.

            On January 25, 1962 it was the annual church dinner and business meeting…but at 10:00 a.m. fire was discovered when smoke began billowing through the roof.  It had been zero and sub-zero weather and one of the oil stoves had been left burning on low to keep pipes from freezing.  Following this devastating fire the insurance company called the building a total loss.  In the end the parishioners decided they would salvage all they could and rebuild the church.  It was the interior that was the total loss and was replaced, but the exterior survived.  Today the interior is the replacement interior that was created, but the exterior is the same as it was in 1880.

            On August 20, 2010 it was with great sadness the congregation voted to close the long lived St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, a number of reasons were considered in this difficult decision including the economy, lack of interest, and an ageing population.  It was on January 1, 2011 that St. Mark’s Episcopal Church closed their doors and ended a legacy of service to Yreka.  But it wasn’t the end of life for this beautiful little building…

            In June of 2011 title of the property including the church building, the patio area, the brick block building in the back, and the former Victorian rectory that sits at the side was transferred to the Yreka (Historic) Preservation Corporation.  It is the goal of Yreka Preservation to utilize the buildings in positive ways for the community and preserve the building to the best of their ability.

            Today Preservation Square provides a venue for a wide variety of opportunities; the building has been used for weddings, social events, meetings, musical events, parties, lectures, films, etc.  The building is offered for rent to the community at low cost and the funds raised go toward maintaining the property.  The building is available to tour with prior arrangements with Yreka Preservation.

Copyright: Claudia East, 2008.

News from the Distant Past...

Yreka, North Residential Area, circa 1899


At this writing the New Year, 2009, is imminent! Often at the end of a calendar year reflections and remembrances are made. This historical post will focus on random happenings that have made the news in our rich and varied past.

1862:

W.W. Coryell and Bailey have opened a butcher shop next door to the Yreka House. We wish them success. June 18, 1862.

Wells, Fargo, & Co. Express office will move to-day to the building adjoining the Franco-American on Miner St., opposite Fourth. The Post Office will be removed to the corner of Third and Miner. September 27, 1862.

1864:

At three o'clock yesterday the telegraph reported that it was snowing and blowing at Yreka. This may be considered the latest news by telegraph, as the wire was down between Jacksonville and Marysville, making the fourth break since Tuesday. May, 6, 1864.

1870:
Great preparations are being made for the fair next week. More horses are training for the races than ever! October 5, 1870.

1881:

Yreka. The stage from Oregon was robbed this morning at 2 o'clock about ten miles north of here. Only one robber was seen, who stopped the driver. No passengers were on board. He took nine mail sacks and the express box. The latter contained only a small amount, but the mail probably had considerable. The officers are in pursuit. September 2, 1881.

1883:

While Mrs. H. McKay, a school mistress, was on her way to school about eight miles from Yreka, Monday, she was fiercely attacked by an infuriated steer in an open field. Being of great courage and quick perception she saw that her only safety lay in promptly taking the bull by the horns, which she did, and succeeded in warding off his attack until help came. February 22, 1883.

1884:

Yreka. It has been raining all day, with snow from four to five feet deep on the high mountains. The Klamath river is up about five feet, with prospects of a great freshet, unless the weather turns cold. January 8, 1884.

Yreka, July 25th.~The slaughter house of the City Market was burned again about 12 o'clock last night for the fourth time in three years. It was the work of incendiaries. The citizens are much excited and fear another incendiary crusade like that of 1882. July 26, 1884.
1897:

Counterfeit five-dollar pieces are being circulated in Siskiyou county, two of which, at least, are reported to have come from Scott valley. A drummer brought one over from Etna last week. The piece is a little darker color than Uncle Sam's money, and is about the right weight. There is no mint brand, but otherwise it is a good imitation of "honest" money.
February 27, 1897.

1899:

Fred Meamber, the popular and handsome proprietor of the Yreka Bottling Works, left yesterday for a business trip along the railroad.

Chas. A. Henry of Henley, who was shot through the fleshy part of the arm last week, is recovering rapidly under the treatment of Dr. Poole.

The Yreka Social Club will give a dancing party next Friday night, January 20, at the Peters and DeWitt hall. This will be a private affair for the members only.

January 18, 1899.

Compiled by Claudia A. East

Yreka ~ a "birds eye view" Circa 1900

Yreka, California Post Card

In the early 1900's postcards were the fast and speedy way to send messages ~ a vintage version of emails with attached photos today! It was quite the rage and folks could "see" images from places far away they had never seen before, like the next county, or part of their own state and beyond.

In 1900 Yreka was described as a "typical mining town" and largely supported economically from the mining interests. In a news article focused on Yreka mining in 1895 from the Woodland Daily Democrat, it mentions a deposit of $10,000 just in one day from the mines in the area. By this time Yreka was connected with the outside world via the Yreka Railroad which met up with the California Pacific Railroad at Montague about 10 miles away. However, even with the railroad in place the "old fashioned" stage coach was still a major choice of travel, especially to outlying areas.

By 1900 Yreka was for most quite a "modern" city. The city water lines were in place, electricity was available, telephone lines were in place in the Courthouse and other areas in town, it was the County Seat so activity at many levels was notable. It was also the major business area for the county. In the photo above at the far left one can see the two story original public school for elementary students, in the center of the photo stands the newly improved County Courthouse with new wing additions from about 1898, along with many homes and business buildings as well as numerous roads leading to and within town. Not viewed in the image but just beyond the right margin the original County High School would have been standing proudly. (See earlier blog entry for image of High School)

A curious bit of information about Yreka happened every year around early spring. The Fire Department would wash down the main city business street, Miner Street, (getting rid of the mud and gunk ~ the streets were dirt) from the winter. Enterprising Yrekans would go down the hill a few blocks to Yreka Creek, where the slush was headed... and hunt for gold nuggets. The story goes that miners would drop small nuggets as they headed in and out of the numerous saloons along Miner Street...

Yreka was strongly connected to San Francisco at this time, as it was the major stopping point between San Francisco and Portland via the inland route. Much of the "outside worldly goods, news, and information" came from San Francisco and merchants regularly traveled back and forth for the newest techological wonders, fashions, household items and the like. San Francisco based newspapers (as well as Oakland) often included articles on happenings in Yreka and about prominant people from the area. When Yreka suffered major damage in a fire of 1871, the people of San Francisco generously donated to the city to help businesses rebuild and recouperate. When San Francisco suffered the great 1906 earthquake, Yrekans returned the favor. It is a little known fact, that Yreka gave more money per capita than any other city in the country following the "Great Quake".

Copyright: Claudia A. East, 2008.

Pashburg's Store ~ Miner Street, Yreka

Gone but not forgotten...

Adjacent is a photo of the South side of Miner Street, Yreka circa 1918. The two story building on the far right edge of the image with the three windows on the second story is the former Pashburg Store. The building is long gone and likely forgotten or unknown by many as this building sat on a portion of what is now Fourth Street and Miner.

John Pashburg was a German immigrant who came to Yreka soon after gold was discovered. For many years John operated a tobacco shop on this site ~ the building was erected sometime between 1856 and 1862. It is reported in old news articles and historical journals that John Pashburg lost his inventory and his building during the great fire of 1871. It is not clear to this author if the building was completely rebuilt or rennovated after the fire. The earliest photos of this building that this author has found shows the building to be a single story, it is unkown exactly when the second story was added. Originally living quarters for his family were in the rear of the building. The store operated as a tobacco shop for many years but at some point expanded to groceries and miscellaneous items.

An article appears in an 1897 newspaper in Yreka that states "John Pashburg...has contracted for the construction of a second story on his building, to be of corrugated iron. It will be extended back 40 feet, with an entrance on Third street an elevator at Miner street entrance to lower story. The work will be commenced next Monday." The building was added on to several times on both the lower and upper levels. Eventually a small addition on the side (that jutted further into Fourth Street) that once served as the local stage office and at another time a saloon, was added and that portion appears to have been rented out to other proprietors. Even though the article appears in an 1897 newspaper, there are photos of the building from what is reported to be the 1901 snow storm and it appears to still be a single story. The documentation for the various changes appear to be elusive.


It is a curious set of events about this plot of land the building sat on. In 1862 the City of Yreka sued the original owner a J. B. Rosborough for the "recovery of about one half of the original Fourth Street, between Miner and Center Street" according to a excellent work produced by Robert Archie Noonan in 1976 titled Yreka's West Miner Street. The building and business was in the "middle of the street" until 1931 when the building was razed to widen Fourth Street.


For a few years the top portion of this building sat on Fourth Street ~ and it can be viewed in our Images of America book, Yreka on page 45. Looking at the building located at 311 Miner Street, today operating as the Edward Jones Investment Representative office, the business in the rear of the building (currently a interesting clock shop), one can view the old metal siding on the exterior of the building. It has been reported that this metal exterior once faced a portion of the Pashburg building.

John Pashburg worked and lived in Yreka from 1854 until his death in 1910. He is listed as one of the pioneer merchant's. Upon his death his son and son-in-law inherited his business. He had a total of nine children with six living to adulthood. His wife was Mary Louise Fiock, and they were married in 1867.

Copyright: Claudia A. East, 2008

Charles Iunker Home 1861

Located at 322 West Center Street, Yreka, California, stands the brick Charles Iunker Home built in 1861. Charles Iunker was a German immigrant who was an early settler in Yreka, arriving in 1855. Mr. Iunker started a brewery on South Oregon Street and it was known as the Iunker Brewery or Pacific Brewery. He also was the owner of the Bella Union Saloon on Miner Street. The Iunker Brothers ~ Charles and Albert, also owned a successful hardware store on Miner Street. When the Oregon-California Railroad originally decided to bypass Yreka local prominent businessmen organized the Yreka Railroad Company to build a connecting line. Mr. Iunker was one of the large stockholders according to historical notes.

There is a early residence photograph of this home in one of the Siskiyou County Historical Society Publications, specifically the 2003 The Siskiyou Pioneer issue on a Photographic History of Siskiyou County. (This may still be available at the Siskiyou County Museum) It is noted in the publication that when the home was first built Mr. Iunker had gas lines and water on both the first and second story. In earlier days the home was surrounded by a white picket fence, had a yard and two trees in the front. There was a covered porch on the East side of the building. The two chimneys apparent in the photograph are original to the home.

Today this fine building no longer serves as a home but still serves the community as business offices. Center Street is located just South of Miner Street and just North of Court House Square. It has wonderful historic presence, but is often overlooked by tourists or local history buffs because it is not directly in the National Historic District and sits amongst other newer business buildings.

Copyright: Claudia A. East, 2008

Powers Building ~ Clarendon Hotel 1879 & 1882

Located on Miner Street in "Old Town" Yreka between Broadway and Third Streets, the building with the "pink" second story and the "green" ground floor was originally known as the W. W. Powers Building, and had three different business suites in a single story when it was built in 1879. In 1882 the second story was added with 22 rooms and it became the Powers Hotel. A few years later, in 1888, the business became known as the Clarendon Hotel and operated for more than 75 years under that name! In 1897 the building underwent extensive remodeling and was the first hotel in Yreka to be wired for electricity! It also had a very nice observation deck off of the second story which also served as a covered walkway for patrons and people walking along the boardwalk below. This deck was often favored during festivities and parades as it afforded a great view. In a description of the Clarendon Hotel in 1891 it was advertised that the rates for a room began at $1.25. According to historical information the Clarendon Bar was in a building adjacent to the Hotel. A fine image of this hotel as it was seen when relatively "new" can be found in the 1976 Siskiyou Pioneer, an annual publication of the Siskiyou County Historical Society. Reprints of this book may still be available at the Siskiyou County Museum located at 910 S. Main Street in Yreka, California.

The building is brick with a stucco finish as it appears today in the photo above. The basic structure of the building has not drastically changed, although the windows on the ground floor business suites have been modernized and enlarged considerably. The upstairs windows appear similar to early photos of the building with the curved archway at the top. The stucco exterior was likely added sometime after the turn of the century.

The street level has accommodated various businesses throughout the many years this building has stood. The current paint theme certainly brings notice to the building but is not a exterior color scheme that this writer believes would have been viewed after the turn of the century when the original brick was stuccoed. 

Copyright: Claudia East, 2008

Franco-American Hotel 1850's

The Franco-American Hotel is one of Yreka's major landmarks. It is located in the 300 block of Miner Street in the heart of the "old town" Yreka. For many years it was a major hotel that served many who traveled "well". Among notables who stayed here, President Hayes and his family lodged here in 1880. The original building is reported to have been a narrow two story brick home built sometime in the early 1850s. In 1855 a Frenchman, Leon Marniesse, purchased the house and it soon became the Franco-American Hotel. [The exterior photo above was taken during Yreka's 150th Celebration of the city's incorporation in 2007. ]

Over the years many changes and improvements were made to this property. A big change came in 1867 when Mr. Marniesse increased the frontage of the building and added a second story and balcony. Mr. Marniesse owned and operated the building until his death just a year later in 1868.

Mr. John B. Rohrer obtained the Hotel following Mr. Marniesse's death and operated the hotel with a first class restaurant for many years. During this time both North and Southbound stages stopped here on a regular basis. After the railroad came to the area in the late 1880s "hacks" (buggies for hire) carried guests and visitors from the train depot (either from Montague depot or Yreka depot) to the hotel.

Around the turn of the century, 1899-1900 the ownership was held by a Charles Bohnart and managed by Charles Herzog. Further improvements and building enlargements were made during this time. It is interesting to note that today, behind this vintage building, is an apartment complex. This apartment building was once a part of the Franco-American Hotel and a portion of it served as a new dining room and the upstairs with additional suites. It was moved north from the building to where it sits today.

During the 1940s the name was changed to Hotel Yreka and the facade was changed dramatically. The balcony was removed and the building had a more "modern" streamlined look to it. During the mid 1970s when Yreka received the designation of a National Historic District the building facade was restored to its 1880s appearance.

Today the building still serves businesses on the street level as it has for 150 years! The hotel is no longer in operation and has been partially rejuvenated.  The upstairs currently serves as a residence. For those of you that might have a copy of our book, Yreka, Images of America by Arcadia Publishing you can find other views and information on pages 4, 13, 45, and 52.

Copyright: Claudia East, 2008 ~ updated 2015

Louis Wetzel Home 1896

Locally this has been known as the "Honeymoon Cottage" according to a historical account published in Houses That Talk written by Fred J. Meamber and R. Bernice Soule Meamber in 1986. Originally built and known as the Louis J. Wetzel home for his June bride, Gertrude Nixon. Gertrude was the daughter of the local newspaper editor of the Yreka Journal, Mr. Robert Nixon. This home is located at 327 Third Street, Yreka, California in the heart of the National Historic District. Local folklore tells us that Robert Nixon was a direct ancestor of the former U. S. President, Richard Nixon, but to date no direct proof in scholarly form has been seen by this author.

Louis went into business and joined his father in his mercantile endeavors on Miner Street in downtown Yreka. The young couple had three children while they lived here. In 1910, however, the Wetzels sold the cottage to a family member and moved to Oakland, California where Mr. Wetzel went into the real estate business and did quite well. He lived in the new district of Oakland Hills.

Within a couple of years the home sold again to a Forest Supervisor, a Mr. William B. Rider. Following that transaction the home has sold several times throughout the years until the present.

Copyright: Claudia East, 2008

Guilbert & Siskiyou County Bank Building 1872 & 1899

Still sitting proudly on the Northeast corner of Miner and Third Streets is a victorian business building that has served the community of Yreka and the surrounding area for over 100 years. Prior to the great fire of 1871 another building sat on this spot and was owned by a Buenaventura Guilbert. The building hosted a variety of businesses including a billiard saloon, a boot store and coffee and lunch stand. The building was rebuilt following the fire and was back in operation by 1872. At this time Mr. Guilbert had a soda factory in the building, and auction sales were regularly held in the front portion of the structure. This building even served as one of the main exhibit halls during the local County Fair for a number of years. During this time it was a single story structure.

Between the years of 1878 and 1886 a variety of businesses occupied the premises. In July of 1886 the Siskiyou County Bank and the Wells, Fargo Express Company moved in to the building. At this time a vault was built expressly for the bank and Wells, Fargo. In 1899 the building was enlarged with a second story. Folks who may have travelled to Yreka at the turn of the century would still recognize this building today. A few changes have occurred over the years, but the basic structure has remained intact, the largest changes being the front door that originally was at the corner on Third Street rather than in the center location where it appears today. This building operated as a bank from 1886 until 1955.

Since 1955 there have been a wide variety of businesses that have occupied this building. It currently has a rather "fanciful" painted theme, however, for a vast majority of its years the building was a light plain color on the stucco exterior, and prior to being stuccoed and painted, it was simply brick.

Copyright: Claudia East, 2008

Maurice Renner Home 1900

The home pictured here was built in 1900 and is located at 500 Center Street in Yreka, California. The home was originally built by Maurice Renner who was born in Switzerland in 1839 and immigrated to the United States in 1863 according to the Great Register of Siskiyou County. Unverified history tells us that he came originally for the gold!

He married Amelia Vetterlein in Yreka in November of 1867. He had four known children born of this union, Josephine, Louis, Charles, and Amelia. According to the 1880 census information Maurice and his family were living on Center Street and his wife, Amelia had cancer at the time. Also according to census records both in 1870 and 1880 Mr. Renner is listed as a saloon keeper. The Siskiyou Historical Society has a publication (Siskiyou Pioneer, 1981) that lists Mr. Renner as the Proprietor of the Eagle Saloon, which once stood on Miner Street. He also served as a Notary Public for Siskiyou County.

Whether Mr. Renner built this home in the same (or near same) location as his previous home is not currently known, but he lived on Center Street from at least 1870 until his death in 1908. This home may have been built for his second marriage, which occurred in December of 1900 to a Christina Iffland. In 1910 Mrs. Renner (Christina) is listed in the city directory.

Today the home has been lovingly restored and sits as a fine example of a turn of the century home. Center Street is one of the older residential areas in Yreka being located only a block or so from Courthouse Square and within a couple of blocks of Miner Street where the main business section has been since the 1850's.
Copyright: Claudia East, 2008.

Chamberlain-Stimmel Building Circa 1855

Located on the corner of West Miner and North Oregon Street in Yreka is this wonderful old brick building. On the side is a historical plaque that provides some information about the building's past. This is one of the few buildings in Yreka that escaped the terrible fire of 1871 that burned something like 13 blocks of town! In old photos of Miner Street dated from the Modoc War period this building can be seen.

It is unknown when the first brick was laid, but in 1856, just five years after the discovery of gold in Yreka this building was purchased by a H. E. Stimmel, a immigrant from Germany, and he bought the building from a Mr. William Chamberlain. Mr. Stimmel opened a stove shop, selling parlor and cooking stoves; he later broadened his stock to include more general hardware. In many old photos along the top edge of the building in letters large enough to be read clearly from a distance one could see the words, stove, hardware, etc. For many years a wooden awning covered the walkways completely on both street sides.

Around 1900 Mr. Stimmel went to his grave and the building was sold. It was later remodeled a bit with larger glass windows. At this writing an exact date is unknown, but likely by 1910 (or earlier) the downstairs of this building served the city of Yreka as the U. S. Post Office. The postal service was here until the Warrens Building (previously located on Miner and Broadway) was built in 1931. Mr. Warrens specifically designed a portion of that building for the Post Office. In addition to being home to the Post Office, this building has seen many businesses come and go including such things as a grocery, fruit store, mortuary, clothing store, art gallery and others. One of the unique features of the building is the tin ceiling in the main downstairs area. It has been elaborately painted and is worth the walk downtown just to take a look!

Currently the downstairs portion of this building is home to the Daily Grind, a coffee and sandwich shop. It is the only coffee shop in Yreka at this writing that has free Wi-Fi so out of town visitors often stop here to squeeze in a few minutes online while they enjoy their favorite coffee or tea.

Copyright: Claudia East, 2008.

Yreka Rail Station 1888 & 1910

The railroads of the late 1800's and early 1900's were exciting in so many ways! It suddenly provided transportation at wonderful new speeds ~ and a new way to expand one's business and pleasure. Yreka was thrilled when the first news (around 1873) of a California & Oregon Railroad was coming our way! Unfortunately by 1886 Yreka was given the gloomy news that the railroad would be bypassing the city and finding a less expensive route. In 1888 the Yreka Railroad began construction to lay a track to the small town of Montague about 7 1/2 miles away to meet up with the California & Oregon Railroad. The city fathers knew without rail service Yreka would be in financial trouble. Within one year the new Yreka Railroad was open for business!

The original station was located near what is now South Main and Broadway, where the roads merge, at the "Y". It served Yreka there until about 1910. The station was rebuilt to the East of Yreka Creek where it remains today. The move was prompted by several very bad floods of Yreka Creek and damage interrupted the rail traffic. 1901 saw one of the worst floods and there are numerous vintage photos of this event in local history books largely courtesy of the Siskiyou County Museum.

The current station is larger than the original, but has the same appearance as the original depot. This railroad route has been through many changes over the years and currently operates the "Blue Goose Train" ~ an excursion for locals, tourists, and railroad fans! They have a nice website you may wish to visit: Yreka Western If you visit Yreka in the summertime, this is a great activity!

The Yreka Railroad has had a rich yet sometimes fretful history, it has been a very important part of the city of Yreka and has influenced her history beyond measure.

Copyright: Claudia East

Parr-Steele House 1900

It was 1900 and a traveling dentist, Dr. William Parr decided to stay in Yreka and build a home for his family. History tells us that he designed this home himself and had it built by a local contractor/builder, Mr. O. A. Bennett. [Interestingly enough, Mr. Bennett won the contract for adding the North and South Wings onto the original Siskiyou County Courthouse and was a notable figure in town.] It is reported that the original cost of this home for Dr. Parr was $2,500. Dr. Parr lived in the home only a short two years and then sold the property. It changed hands again in 1905 and Mr. O. G. Steele purchased the home. Mr. Steele lived in the home until his death in 1976.

The home stands today at 415 Third Street in Yreka, California. A major portion of Third Street has been honored with the distinction of being a National Historic District. At the Yreka Chamber of Commerce visitors can pick up a brochure that includes a walking tour of the Historic District and this home is one of the ones listed on the tour. It is a delightful walk from the "old downtown" Historic District.

The interior of the home has retained the vast majority of its original character, with a very unusual spiral staircase that encompases the entire "tower section" of the building. The home has a lovely entrance with the impressive staircase at the right and large pocket doors that lead into the interior of the home. Today the home boasts a total of 3,437 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. There is a formal study, formal dining room, and "parlor" in addition to a lovely sun porch.

Copyright: Claudia East

Siskiyou County Courthouse 1857

Pictured is the original Siskiyou County Courthouse situated in the center of Courthouse Square, this photo is from the 1880's. It is the two-story brick building located within the white picket fence. The brick Catholic church can be seen at the center of the photo. The smaller brick building to the right of the church with the brick fence, was the jail.

Gold was discovered in the immediate area of Yreka in 1851, and within one year the California legislature created Siskiyou County. Yreka was named as the county seat. For the first few years the county offices and courtroom were in rented buildings and places within the town. Typical of many gold rush towns, Yreka's courtroom was located at a local saloon and place of lodging. It served as a courtroom and offices during the day, and saloon and lodging at night.

By 1856 the county had put money aside for the courthouse to be built. Building commenced and in 1857 a new brick two story courthouse was located in the middle of Yreka's only public square.

In 1871 woman's sufferage came to Yreka! Susan B. Anthony addressed a large audience right from the courthouse steps and gave a passionate speech on behalf of her beliefs. One of the local papers, The Yreka Journal provided an interesting editorial article on this particular event.

This two story courthouse served Yreka from 1857 to 1896 when North and South wings were added to the existing structure along with a cupola. During the same time cornices over the doors and windows were added along with porticos and a new roof. The original courthouse still remains within the walls today, although barely visible.

In 1910 the county added a new and expanded Hall of Records just south and adjacent to the courthouse. This updated courthouse and lovely Hall of Records was a strong source of civic pride for many years. Many of the historic photographs of the courthouse show a lovely scene of the main building, the Hall of Records and a nicely groomed courthouse square with walkways, trees, and decorative landscaping.

During 1953-54 a new major building project was undertaken for courthouse improvements. A much larger, newer, "more moderne" building was built ~ right in the exact front of the old original courthouse! The orginial buildings are still there hidden from view from the larger more international style building. If one walks around the backside of what little remains of courthouse square the original 1896 structure can be seen, and with a little imagination even the original 1851 portion of the building. Today many folks lament about this large edifice right in front of our once lovely and gracious courthouse and wonder "what were they thinking"? Had they only built it on an adjacent empty lot...

It is interesting to note that the once stately Hall of Records was physically built into this new structure, photos from the construction shows the walls going up around the existing Hall.

The Siskiyou County Courthouse is one of the oldest in the state and has existed without any fire damage from the beginning to today. These wonderful buildings are a strong link to our past and should continue to be revered for the activities and history which they have been priviledged to "see".

Copyright: Claudia East, 2008

Siskiyou County High School, Yreka 1894

The first (and then) only high school in Siskiyou County was built in Yreka in 1894. Students came from throughout the county to attend high school here. The school was located on the corner of North Oregon and Knapp Streets. The first graduating class was in 1896, with eight students listed on the roster. It is interesting to note that for many years the school physically stood just outside the official city limits to the North of town. The city limit was right at the south edge of the school property.

This fine building was one of major civic pride. The high school was usually mentioned when promoting the city of Yreka or the County of Siskiyou. The County prepared a special booklet for the 1915 Panama Exposition in San Francisco and among the entries was acclaim for the excellence of the school.

On October 3, 1916 fire broke out late at night and the entire building was consumed. The only thing that remained in the morning was the first two floors outer brick walls. It was a total loss to the community. The Siskiyou News ran an article about the fire on October 5, 1916. The building was insured, however, and plans were quickly made to rebuild a newer, more modern building.

Where this fine building once stood, the City and County rebuilt a new school ~ which is also gone today. Currently the same spot is occupied by a small sports park and all vestiges of this once proud building are gone except for a plaque at the park entrance.

Copyright: Claudia East

F. S. Ackerman House 1879 (rebuilt 1899)

Located at the northernmost corner of the "official" Historic District on the National Register, this house still stands.

The building has had essentially two "lives". It was originally erected in 1879 in a different location, about 2 blocks south where the Fry House built in 1899 is located. (Currently the Fry House is the locally famous James Place Antiques) When Charles Fry decided to build he needed to tear down this 1879 home. Mr. Frank Ackerman, a local pharmacist, was happy to help!

Mr. Ackerman purchased the lumber, windows, and other parts of the house and had it rebuilt on his lot at the corner of Third and Lennox Streets. He did add to the house and with his wife's wishes as history is reported, that it was her desire for a curved porch. The main portion of the house was rebuilt in a design similar to the original.

Mr. Ackerman served as the pharmacist and manager of the Churchill Drug Store for over 30 years. In 1918 he along with his son purchased the Drug Store and operated it as the Ackerman Drug Store for another 10 years.

This house is located at 419 Third Street and is listed on the historic walking tour of Yreka pamphlet available at the Chamber of Commerce.

Copyright: Claudia East

The John E. Pashburg Home 1900

The John E. Pashburg home was built in 1900 on North Oregon Street in Yreka. At the time it was built the home was on the edge of town. Across the street and about 1/3 of a block north stood the Siskiyou County High School a wonderful victorian building erected in 1894.

John E. Pashburg was the son of one of Yreka's founding fathers, a merchant who arrived in Yreka about 1854 just 3 years from the first discovery of gold here. John E. Pashburg built this home for his then soon-to-be bride, Mable Rogene DeWitt. The home was completed just prior to their wedding in October of 1900. The Pashburg's lived in this home and raised their family here and then sold the home in 1928. John E. Pashburg served as the County Treasurer/Tax Collector for many years as well as eventually inheriting a portion of his father's merchandise business and operating it along with his brother-in-law.

The home as pictured has been remodeled both inside and out the first occurring around 1916. The upstairs was originally only one large bedroom and bath according to historical information. The upstairs suffered a major fire in 1934 and was rebuilt that same year to accommodate the entire size of the downstairs floor plan.

Each and every home in Yreka has their own unique story to tell ~ the historic homes are especially interesting.

Copyright: Claudia East