The following description of Truckee venues was originally prepared in 2002 on our former TDHS "tripod" website, now long gone. This historical information is quite outdated and businesses have come and gone, some many times over. However, the "historical" content is still valid. If anyone would like to volunteer to UPDATE this information by address, we would be very grateful to have some help. We did have a high school student Lilly who kind enough to take an old 2003 Sierra Sun article written by Gordon Richards and update that venue list to what the stores were when she prepared it in 2021, comparing them with both 1898 and 2003. HCS 12/5/2023
Donner Pass Road
1. INTERMODEL PASSENGER DEPOT:
The original Truckee Hotel, also known as Moody's Truckee Hotel, was located on the south side of the railroad tracks opposite and slightly east of the present depot. During the 19th century, the hotel served as the primary passenger terminal.
The downtown depot is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in commemoration of the Transcontinental Railroad, which reached Truckee on April 3, 1868.
Presidents Grant, Hayes, T. Roosevelt, Garfield and General Sherman visited Truckee and were greeted by waiving, cheering crowds at this location.
When the hotel burned to the ground on April 26, 1900, work commenced on the present depot Sept. 3, 1900 and was completed later that year.
For ninety-five years, this building has served as the town's passenger railroad depot. It is on the list of California's Historical Landmarks.
The building's importance to the Town of Truckee is that of a focal point for the local railroad heritage and an important passenger resource for the town's past, present and future economic base.
The old two-story Southern Pacific Hotel stood to the east of the depot during the early part of this century until 1956 when it was moved to the site of the present downtown post office and burned to the ground in 1963.
2. THE LOADING DOCK - 10115 DONNER PASS ROAD
This structure was constructed in 1891 as a freight depot and is the oldest railroad structure still standing on the Plaza. It was retired from freight service in 1962 and remodeled to accommodate retail shops in the 1970s. Presently occupied by Jackass Ridge, Picture Station and Joanne’s Stained Glass, the building once served as a loading dock and freight station for the Southern Pacific Railroad and was later a warehouse for many years. It also once housed the Curran Ice Storage & Beverage business. The original building was half the size of the present structure. When visiting these shops, notice the hand-hewn beams in the left side of the building in contrast with the smoothed even beams on the newer right hand side of the building. This building contributes architecturally to the overall railroad feeling of the Plaza and is a symbol of the town’s historic importance.
3. DOWN BY THE RIVER - 10128 DONNER PASS ROAD
From 1890 to 1898, this was the location of the “First and Last Chance Saloon” operated by John Mazza. It was given that name because it was the last saloon at the west end of town, but the first saloon you came to if you were headed east.
Former tenants included “Cat’s Corner” and "Offshore Outlet”. This building was once Truckee's original telephone office. Constructed in 1907, the telephone operators and employees often lived in the apartments upstairs which were managed by Art Leitch & Charles Cazzalio. The buildings present owner, Hugh Knoff's sister, Georgia, once worked as an operator at the telephone office.
This brick building was erected to replace earlier wooden structures that burned in Truckee's frequent fires.
From 1890 to 1898, this was the location of the "Last Chance Saloon” operated by John Mazza.
Across the street stands the newer brick Pacific Telephone Co. switching center that won an award for architectural excellence (built in the 1970s).
4. TAHOE TRUCKEE T-SHIRTERY - 10126 Donner Pass Road
FRASER & FRASER - 10124 Donner Pass Road
In 1898, this was the site of John Moody's Feed and Livery stables and later the Old Bingham Corral. A new building was constructed by the Cazzalio brothers, which was called the O.K. Restaurant & Saloon and later became Charlie Siegel's butcher shop before it burned to the ground.
It remained an empty lot for many years and later became the site of the Donner Theater, built by Vern Shattuck, which served the town of Truckee but it too burned to the ground on December 24, 1960. At the time of the fire Jack Neugebauer owned the theater. There was an apartment above the theater where the owners lived. The Neugebauers were living in the apartment at the time. They escaped the flames but their two dogs were lost in the fire.
5. MOLLY'S CUPBOARD - 10122 Donner Pass Road
Molly's Cupboard, owned by Colleen and Larry Robertson, features fabulous and unique gifts from around the world.
The present building was extensively damaged by the propane explosion which destroyed the Masonic Building next door (to the east) on November 30, 1993. However, this structure is one of the older buildings on Commercial Row.
Originally built as a saloon around 1880, it has withstood many of Truckee's disastrous fires.
Prior tenants of this building included Roy Feather’s barbershop, the offices of the Truckee Sanitary District, and Jerry Zunino's shoe store. At one time, this was the location of the St. Louis Saloon operated by the Cazzalio brothers. One evening, a disgruntled customer fired a shotgun into the ceiling. The pattern of pellets is still visible in the ceiling near the entrance.
This was also the location of George Pace Sr.'s Alpine Saloon, which was sold to J.W. McDonald on Sept. 17, 1914 for $500 complete with furnishings, fixtures, liquors, cigars and tobacco. Everything went with the sale except the cash register.
At the time this building was constructed, there were as many as fifteen other saloons in town. Thus, this building's original use helped contribute to the image of Truckee as the regional center for working men's resorts.
6. THE PORTER-SIMON BUILDING - 10110 - 10120 Donner Pass Road
This is downtown Truckee's newest building, which replaced the three story brick Masonic Building, which was totally destroyed in a propane explosion on November 30, 1993 which killed a worker and seriously injured the owner of Josephine's Restaurant and his 4 - year old daughter. The explosion also destroyed Wong's Garden Chinese Restaurant, next door to Josephine's.
The Masonic building was constructed in 1909 and the lower spaces once housed Truckee's original movie theater The Paramount, Rossarini's Shoe Store, and The Sierra Sun newspaper and, at one time, Siegel and Owen's Tahoe Meat Market. The upper floors housed a dance hall and the Masonic lodge meeting room.
In the 19th century, this was the location of Sisson, Wallace & Co., general mercantile store that burned to the ground in 1898. Sisson, Wallace was a firm contracted by Charles Crocker to recruit laborers from China to build the railroad. It later became Truckee’s first mercantile store.
This new building was tastefully redesigned and constructed to resemble the old Masonic Lodge. Some of the original bricks from the old Masonic Lodge were used in the construction of the building and the brick arch on the second floor traces the outline of the original design. The present owners are Truckee attorneys Jim Porter and Jim Simon.
The lower level now houses Sweets Handmade Candies, the Truckee Shoe Company and St. Nick's Christmas Shoppe. Upstairs is the Dragonfly restaurant, which provides outdoor dining overlooking downtown Truckee.
7. THE SIERRA TAVERN - 10112, 10114, 10116 Donner Pass Road
The original Sierra Tavern was located on the west side of Spring Street at the present site of the Pacific Telephone building. When that building burned in 1927, the structure was built by Tim O'Hanrahan who also owned the original Sierra Tavern.
This was once the location of the law office of Truckee's famous citizen, C.F. McGlashan, who wrote the history of the Donner Party.
The bottom floor later housed the Bank of America, Loynd's Drug Store and was the hotel's lobby. In 1928, there was an Owl Drug Store and a cafe on the street level.
Many of the movie crews and actors used Truckee as a mountain location for films and stayed at the original and new Sierra Tavern. It is rumored that Jack London and actors Charles Chaplin and John Wayne and Baby face Nelson were once guests of the hotel.
La Galleria features gifts from around the world. It was once the bar and lobby for the hotel. The Village Shoppe features fashions and finishing touches. This was the location of Loynd's Drug Store. The White Buffalo sells authentic Native American art, jewelry and gifts. This was the once the site of Bank of America, managed by CB White.
In 1874 this was the location of Davis & Richmond Grocers who supplied the town with fresh vegetables, fruits and groceries.
8. TOURIST CLUB - 10110 Donner Pass Road
BUD'S SPORTING GOODS - 10108 Donner Pass Road
COFFEE AND - 10106 Donner Pass Road
These brick buildings have been on Commercial Row for over one hundred years.
The Tourist Club is a locals pub established by John Firpo and currently owned by Duncan Reed. It was once a post office and before that the location served as a saloon and restaurant.
Coffee And is a popular restaurant featuring hometown atmosphere and good service. It was once the Rufus Gregory Pool Hall. Before that it was August Sassarini's Grocery Store. Between 1885 and 1898 it was a dry goods and clothing store owned by W.M. Burckhalter who sold it to H.W. Wilmouth and F.M. Rutherford.
Bud's Sporting Goods is an old-fashioned soda fountain and sporting goods store owned by Bud Owens until his death. He operated the store for over 40 years. For many years it was owned by Don and Pat Callahan. Previously the location was an ice cream, candy and variety store owned by Joe and Hazel Lewis, which also served as the town's bus depot. Before that it was a saloon.
Above this building there used to be a second floor which was the office of the town's dentist, Dr. George Kelly. The entire upper floor was burned in one of Truckee's many fires. The lower portion of the building was saved.
9. THE TREEHOUSE - 10104 Donner Pass Road
R.W.R. ARCHITECTURE (upstairs)
This two-story building was constructed in 1913 following a fire, which destroyed the previous structure. Lindy Kramer owns The Treehouse.
The prior occupant was a restaurant and saloon called Coburn's Station. Prior to that it was Sarge Reynold's (Sarge's) Coffee Shop and bar. The bar was in the front and the coffee shop in the back. Before that, it was Tony Polyanich's Coffee Shop and Saloon. In the 1800's the location was a drug store, a post office, a dry goods store and offices.
Upstairs was once the office of Dr. J.H. Bernard who was Truckee's only Physician for many years. For many years Dr. Affeldt, a dentist, practiced in the upstairs office currently occupied by R.W.R. Architecture.
10. CABONA'S - 10100 Donner Pass Road
Founded in 1918, Cabona's is the oldest retail establishment on Commercial Row. Its founder, Dave Cabona, originally sold fishing tackle, appliances and general merchandise. It later evolved into the current clothing store and the building was remodeled in a Victorian style. There was an apartment upstairs where the Cabona family lived which today serves as an office. It is still owned and operated by members of the Cabona family.
The eastern part of the store was once the Goodfellow's Coffee Shop (the coffee cup is still imbedded in the sidewalk). It was owned by Joe Zorich and later sold to Reg Smart who changed its name to the Wagon Train, which is presently located east of this location. The western portion of the store was the original Dave Cabona's Fishing and tackle store ran by Slim Ellert. In the 1800s it was a cigar store and news depot run by George W. Harrison. Judge Smith had an office in the back.
The building still has up to three feet of soil between the upper and lower floors. This soil was incorporated into the plans of many buildings on Commercial Row during the last century so that if a fire struck any one building, the blaze would be smothered when the building collapsed.
A commemorative plaque is located in front of the building on which is engraved “The 601,” the name given to Truckee’s vigilance committee, established in 1871 in response to the crime and number of “undesirables” that plagued the young railroad town.
11. PIANETA - 10096 Donner Pass Road
THE WILD HAIR - (upstairs)
Pianeta is an fine Italian restaurant with a quaint atmosphere. During the 19th century this was the Exchange Saloon and later the Shamrock Saloon. In the early 1930s it was a restaurant owned by George Carter who as nicknamed “firecracker” because of his hot temper. He was known to throw plates at the hired help and even at his customers. It was also once the M & E Laundromat owned by Sarge Reynolds.
In 1976 the floor was dug out for expansion. Various artifacts were found, including a Chinese opium bottle, leading to speculation that the basement was once an opium den. The newly remodeled interior became a book and gift store called Extravagaria, owned by Jerry Alexander. In 1977 it became Ernie’s Bistro and later, The Left Bank before becoming Pianeta.
For many years the space now occupied was Truckee's post office. Before that it was the Shamrock Saloon. It was also once a Laundromat owned by Sarge Reynolds. During the 1800s, it was mostly occupied as a saloon with living quarters upstairs. The upstairs unit previously housed a law office and Donna's Stitchery.
12. THE PASTIME CLUB - 10092 Donner Pass Road
MANSTYLE BARBERS - (UPSTAIRS) 10094 Donner Pass Road
The Pastime Club was established in 1890 and originally called "The Louver Bar." It was built and owned by Charles Crocker of "The Big Four" fame. Crocker sold it to a man named "Weed" (who later founded the town of Weed, Calif ) and in 1925 it was purchased by Dick Joseph who also owned the "Bucket of Blood" Saloon once located directly behind this building. During the 1960s, the Pastime Club was owned by the father of 49er quarterback, John Brodie.
During prohibition years, the Pastime Club along with the Capitol Saloon was the main bar in town. It once had iron doors in front and back which were locked whenever the "pro-hi's" were in town.
Manstyle Barber's, owned by John Curtis, is a popular traditional barbershop favored by locals. The first barber was Dick Joseph. The use of this building has not changed much since 1925.
13. TOURIST LIQUORS - 10090 Donner Pass Road
This traditional liquor store provides an excellent selection of fine wine.
Rebuilt in the 1890s following one of Truckee's many fires, this building was once the Gilt Edge Restaurant operated by Charlie Bender.
In the 1800s the location was S.B. Weller's furniture store that burned to the ground.
14. TRUCKEE VARIETY - 10088 Donner Pass Road
This building was previously the Truckee 5 & 10 Cent Store. Before that, a Rexall Drug Store and before that, J.F. Greeley & Co. Books and Mercantile Store and commonly called "The Post Office Building."
It was here that, in the 1930's, "Machine-Gun Kelly" got caught shop-lifting and was thrown into the town's jail by Deputy Constable Frank Titus but was freed on bail before anyone knew who he was.
One of the town's early doctors and his brother, the Curless brothers, operated a drug store at this location . Dr. William Curless would often receive patients here during the 1890s. The drug store remained for nearly forty years before being replaced by a saloon.
The Truckee Variety Store is a wonderful old-time variety store, which helps maintain the small town character of Truckee.
15. THE COOKING GALLERY - 10084 Donner Pass Road
The Cooking Gallery is a distinctive cookware store. It has been tastefully decorated blending the original brick walls with modern touches.
This was once the site of a variety store owned by the Richardson Brothers. It later became Rossarini's Clothing Store called "The White Front" in 1911. After that it was the Toggery, which moved to the Truckee Tiffany's location. It then became H.G. Loehr's & R.A.S.C.O. Hardware and then Robert's Hardware.
In the 1800s it was once a dry goods store and later an insurance office was added in the rear and the owners had begun to iron clad the building. Many buildings during the 1890s in Truckee were clad with iron panels and iron doors along the back (north) side as a deterrent to fire. The building has withstood the many fires on Commercial Row.
This location has continued to operate as a dry goods, hardware type of store for over ninety years.
16. SMART'S WAGON TRAIN - 10080 Donner Pass Road
Reg Smart purchased the Goodfellow's Grotto in 1947 which was then at the east end of the Cabona's building and changed the name to Smart's Wagon Train in 1957 before moving the business to its present location. The restaurant is currently owned and operated by his son, Brian Smart. This is a popular location among locals and tourists and features good home style cooking.
The location was previously The Stage Coach Cafe and before that, Brown's Cafe and before that it was the Truckee Cafe owned by Lawrence Owens. The location also once housed a barbershop in one corner.
In its one hundred years as a commercial building, it once served as a saloon and lunch counter.
17. THOMAS KINKAID - 10076 Donner Pass Road
Established in 1981, this store features original art and reproductions by renowned artist, Thomas Kinkaid.
The previously occupant was Truckee Tiffany’s and before that, The Toggery owned by Jim & Margaret Walker which moved from the Robert's location, this building was the location of numerous business establishments.
For many years it operated as a grocery store run by Anne and Bob Tonini. The 1885 Sanborn map shows that this was once the location of the town's mortuary, which may explain the ghosts!
18. THE CAPITOL BUILDING - 10072 Donner Pass Road
The Capitol is the oldest building on Commercial Row. It was built by William H. Hurd following the fire of 1868 and has been in continuous use since 1870.
Originally known as "Hurd's Saloon and Opera House," it was renamed “The Capitol" by Mr. Hurd in the 1900s. L.P. McKelvey who also built the Cal-Vada Casino in Stateline, Nevada later owned it.
This building has survived all of Truckee's major fires with minimal damage. The large upstairs hall with its raised stage, became the town's central meeting place and center for all the community's social events.
It was in this hall that, in 1872, Truckee's first District Court was held. It was also here that the infamous "601" and "Caucasian League" held their meetings. The upstairs hall hosted many popular entertainers of the times such as the Templeton Theatrical Group, The Georgia Minstrels, Piper's Opera House Troupe of Virginia City and even served as a roller-skating rink and a funeral parlor.
The bar, which was downstairs, was the scene of many gunfights, the most famous of which was the violent shootout in 1891 between two of Truckee's constables, Jacob Teeter and James Reed in which Teeter was killed.
In 1937 Humbert J. Ciardella and his wife, Julia, operated a bar and restaurant downstairs and offered various forms of gambling including "Truckee Rummy." During the Hobart Mills days, this was a popular hangout for loggers and wood choppers and railroad maintenance workers.
It was during this period that well known personalities such as H.G. Wells and John Steinbeck frequented the bar located in the space now occupied by The Pharmacy. Other customers at the Capitol Saloon while in Truckee, filming were John Wayne, Douglas Fairbanks, Buster Keaton, Norma Talmadge and Clark Gable.
Hacker Sculptures and Rossbach Glasforms, both presently occupy the upstairs hall featuring beautiful and creative art sculptures.
Considered by many to be a monument to the memory of Truckee's Founders,
The Capitol building seems to hold the aura of old Truckee with memories of more than 120 years.
19. I.O.O.F. BUILDING - 10068 DONNER PASS ROAD
PONDEROSA DELI
Constructed in 1871, this is the second oldest building on Commercial Row and is one of the few buildings that withstood Truckee's many fires.
The Ponderosa Delicatessen offers a fine supply of groceries and meats, sandwiches, beer and wine.
The upstairs hall serves Donner Lodge No. 162, I.O.O.F., established in 1869 and Naomi Rebekah Lodge No. 2 established in 1870 which was the second lodge of its type for women in California. The hall presently serves as a meeting place both the Oddfellows and the Masonic Lodge.
The downstairs portion once housed Truckee's famous Marzen's Butcher Shop which supplied most of the town's fresh meat and poultry. At one time this space was W.J. Shinn's Drug Store. It later became the Red and White Grocery Store owned by Gene Barton. It was sold to Eldon Tonini in the early 1930s and called "Tonini's." When Eldon sold it after WW II it became the Ponderosa Grocery. Doyle McGwinn had a meat market in the back. It later become the Ponderosa Deli.
20. REX HOTEL BUILDING - 10064 Donner Pass Road
JOANN’S STAINED GLASS & GALLERY
This historic brick building was constructed over one hundred years ago and was converted into a hotel in 1913 to respond to the demands of the time for tourist accommodations. The earliest known occupant was a grocery store owned by J.N. Durney.
During prohibition years, the lower floor of the building was a speakeasy called the “Silver Mirror” which sold Truckee’s finest bootleg whiskey for a dollar a shot. Entrance to the Silver Mirror was gained only after passage through thick electric doors and examination through peepholes. The Silver Mirror featured blackjack, poker games and slot machines.
Dan Smith, the hotel owner, also ran a barbershop downstairs next to the hotel's lobby and rented “steam heated” rooms upstairs. Earlier, this location was known as the Kirk Inn, operated by Ben Kiernan.
Various occupants, including George Andrich's Restaurant, called "George's" were located in this building.
In 1948, Karl and Betty Kielhofer opened The Toggery, a men’s clothing store, downstairs. It was sold to Marge and Jim Walker who later moved the business to 10076 Donner Pass Road.
21. SQUEEZE INN - 10060 Donner pass Road
TRUCKEE REALTY - 19958 Donner Pass Road
This was the location of the town’s first bank, operated by Frank Burckhalter. In 1869 a daring bank robbery attempt was thwarted by the heroic action of bank employees and town citizens who resisted the robbers, resulting in their capture by officer James Robinson.
In 1874 C.W. Young Jewelry Store occupied Truckee Realty’s location. It later became the Gilt Edge Saloon, owned by Charlie Hope.
In 1895, there was a three-story building at this location containing a meeting lodge on the second floor. There was an indoor roller skating rink on the upper floor and a saloon at street level. In later years, the two upper floors became C. Marks Lodging House.
The present commercial building dates back to 1913, which was built by Dan & Tillie Smith following one of Truckee’s disastrous fires. When they died, Karl Kielhofer inherited the building. In the 1940s it housed Matthew’s Furniture. Judge Fosten Wilson had a State Farm Insurance office at this location. Then, Brown’s Coffee Shop and Duane’s Donut Shop occupied the lower floors until a gas explosion demolished the interior. Karl Kielhofer remodeled the inside after which it housed Donner Trail Real Estate on both the east and west sides. Later tenants included Tom’s Liquor Store, Dr. Marvin Swartz Optometry, a barber shop and Truckee River Book & Tea.
Established in the 1970s, The Squeeze Inn is a very popular breakfast and lunch restaurant in town, featuring 57 types of omelets. This was once the location of The Louvre Saloon, one of Truckee’s old time watering holes.
22. BOB ROBERT'S JEWELERS - 10056 Donner Pass Road
THE APPLE CRATE - 10054 Donner Pass Road
Bob Robert's Jewelers sells fine custom made jewelry inspired by the beauty and serenity of the High Sierras. At one time this was the location of the Eagle Saloon and the basement below, according to Mr. Roberts, may have been a Chinese opium den.
The present building was built following a fire in 1913 and is identical in construction to the building to the West. During the 1970s the Sierra Sun/Bonanza occupied both sections.
During the 1930s and 1940s, the Robert's location was George's Cafe and then Ernie and Mary Delisle's "M & E Club."
23. THE TRUCKEE RIVER LLAMA RANCH - 10052 Donner Pass Road
The Truckee River Llama Ranch features fine men and women's clothing.
The previous occupant of this location was Truckee Mercantile, affectionately known to locals as "The Truckee Merc”, owned and operated by Tony and Jeanne Pace and later Dennis Burrows and finally by Bill and Diana Stephens before it closed in 1984.
Before the present structure was constructed in the 1890s, the Sherritt House Hotel sat on this location. Following the 1891 fire, which destroyed the hotel, this building was reconstructed with rock and brick and became a grocery store and saloon. The saloon was located in the basement & was owned by Lyon and Goodwin and called "Benny's Gray Mule." At least one man was killed in this saloon during a gunfight. The store then became Truckee Mercantile, owned by W.F. Wilkie, which also housed a theater featuring silent films. Wilkie sold the store to Pace in 1943 and in 1969 Pace sold the business to Dennis Burrows who also purchased the building from Jim Sherritt.
24. O B'S BOARD - 10048-10050 Donner Pass Road
Established in 1969, O B's features excellent dining in a pleasing atmosphere providing a good food and service.
From 1907 the business at 10050 was the site of the Tahoe Bakery. The 10048 location was part of once part of Truckee Mercantile when, in 1943, Tony Pace cut an opening between 10050 and 10052 to establish a hardware store. Here he sold large appliances and hardware. Subsequently, the location was sold to Dennis Burrows who sold it to O B's.
At one time the Sherritt House Hotel occupied this location. The Sherritt House burned on December 23, 1891.
During the 1930's the location was a restaurant known as the Roma Club which was a speakeasy during prohibition years. In the 1940s it was, again, a bakery. The large iron oven doors can still be seen in the rear dining room at the east end of the restaurant.
The restaurant was remodeled with old barn boards by Al O’Brien an Zena Krakowsky in 1968 that lends an "old time" atmosphere to the interior.
25. EARTHSONGS - 10044 Donner Pass Road
Earthsongs sells unique gifts, tapestries and art.
In the early part of this century, this was a saloon owned and operated by Frank Zunino. Before that, the saloon was Johnny Fay's "Fireproof Saloon" which was known for selling "Woodpecker Cigars" and "Enterprise Beer." Before that, it was William McDougald's "Fountain Saloon."
Prior to that, the location was part of the Sherritt House Hotel and the bottom floor was used as a grocery and stationary store.
26. PACIFIC CREST BISTRO - 10042 Donner Pass Road
The restaurant location was previously called Theresa’s Restaurant and before that, Grey's Toll Station. Earlier, it was the Reception Bar & Café, which included a barbershop. The ornate carved back bar is very old and representative of those which existed in many downtown saloons. The Bistro is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and provides good food in an old-time Truckee atmosphere. At one time there was an ice cream and candy store owned by Maggie Ashton and ran by Frank and Isabel Carson. Later, it was Tony’s Cocktail Lounge, ran by Tony Polyanich; later owned by the Bretthauers, who also ran a restaurant next door.
Back in the 1800s, the location was a saloon that comprised a part of the expanded Sherritt House. Prior to that it was the location of Frank Ashton’s Saloon, which had a rooming house upstairs.
27. BAR OF AMERICA - 10040 Donner Pass Road
As the name implies, this building was previously the Bank of America building until 1968.
Prior to that, the location was Essie Polyanch's Restaurant and before that, California Restaurant later owned by the Bretthauers. Before that it was the California Restaurant owned by Joseph Filipic and Antone Mahne. It also once served at a furniture store and bus depot.
Following the fire of 1891, the Sherritt Brothers built a four-story Victorian hotel on this site, which lasted until December 18, 1913 when it too burned to the ground. For many years, the hotel tower was a Truckee landmark.
Bar of America is a very popular sports bar and grille which holds the aura and a throwback to Truckee’s wild-west saloons. It is popular among locals and tourists. Prior to 1891 early photos show a stove and tin-ware shop at this location.
SPRING STREET
The Richardson Brother's Office:
This building was originally constructed in 1894 as a lumber office following a rectangular plan with a single medium gable roof and may have also served as a residence for George Richardson. In the 1920s, after the collapse of the local lumber industry, the building was converted to a residence. The Richardson Brother's sign is still visible on the western facade. The building has been in the process of being remodeled for many years.
JIBBOOM STREET
Jibboom Street is the most historic street in Truckee. Even more so than Commercial row because it was once part of the Dutch Flat-Donner Lake Wagon Road and it was the street on which Gray's Cabin, the town's first building, was located. Originally it was the only road through the Truckee Basin.
Truckee used to be a wide-open town in the spring, summer and fall but was isolated during the winter. The only way in and out was by train. Survival meant that people had to make their own rules. Their isolation fostered a very deep sense of community and individualism, which many believe, still exists today.
Due to the large number of loggers and railroad men who worked so hard during the day looked for excitement at night, most of the buildings on Front Street (Commercial Row) became saloons, providing recreation at night.
Jibboom Street, originally called Main Street, boasted the largest red light district of any small town in the west. It became the place where most of the fistfights, knife fights and gunfights occurred. In short, it was one rooten-tooten, anything goes, kind of place and its reputation became widely known. It attracted gamblers, pimps and ruffians of all types but also a rugged breed of lawmen, such as Jake Teeter and James Reed, and a citizen militia, known as the "601."
10142 JIBBOOM STREET - THE OLD TRUCKEE JAIL:
The structure was built in 1875 out of native stone. Brick was added about the turn of the century. This is one of the west's oldest jails, in use until May 1964. During the early decades of the twentieth century, the jail held its most notable offenders. Ma Spinelli, the first woman in California to die in the gas chamber, and Baby Face Nelson, both spent a night or two in Truckee's Jail. For many years, the jail was tended by Truckee's famous Constable, Jacob Teeter, against vigilante groups, such as the "601" which sought to remove prisoners and take the law into their own hands.
The building is one of the oldest jails in California, and one of the few remaining original buildings in Truckee. Being built of stone on the first floor and brick on the second, it was able to withstand the many fires that swept the town in its early days.
The building currently houses the Truckee-Donner Historical Society’s Old Truckee Jail Museum.
10134 JIBBOOM STREET:
This rectangular wood framed metal covered warehouse was built between 1907 and 1933 By Dick Joseph. During these twenty-six years, numerous such buildings were erected in this area behind Commercial Row. At one time this section of town was part of a flamboyant "red light" district and these metal warehouses were built at a time when these lascivious activities were coming to a close. At one time the buildings were used for storing illegal slot machines and may have been used to hide bootleg whiskey whenever the "pro-hi's" came to town.
10144 JIBBOOM STREET:
This series of collapsing utilitarian structures are centrally located on the alley behind Commercial Row. The building fronting on Jibboom Street was an old time saloon with dwelling units behind. They are survivors of the red light era and witness to the illicit activities of this infamous avenue in its heyday.
10116 JIBBOOM STREET: THE TIN CAN
This two-story wood-frame residential building was once called a "blind pig" (a bootlegger place) commonly known as the " Tin Can." A man named Richardson who lived in Hobart Mills and operated by Cecil Celburn built it. At the time it was covered with sheet metal before being purchased by Judge Fosten Wilson who put siding on it. During the 1940s it served as a brothel.
10102 JIBBOOM STREET: DOT'S PLACE
This building was once known as "Dot's Place," and was the last working brothel on Jibboom Street. Nobody knows Dot's last name. Judge Fosten Wilson says she died in Nevada City during the 1930s of cirrhosis of the liver. However, the house continued to operate as a house of ill repute into the 1950s.
The Richardson Brother's Office:
This building was originally constructed in 1894 as a lumber office following a rectangular plan with a single medium gable roof and may have also served as a residence for George Richardson. In the 1920s, after the collapse of the local lumber industry, the building was converted to a residence. The Richardson Brother's sign is still visible on the western facade. The building has been in the process of being remodeled for many years.
JIBBOOM STREET
Jibboom Street is the most historic street in Truckee. Even more so than Commercial row because it was once part of the Dutch Flat-Donner Lake Wagon Road and it was the street on which Gray's Cabin, the town's first building, was located. Originally it was the only road through the Truckee Basin.
Truckee used to be a wide-open town in the spring, summer and fall but was isolated during the winter. The only way in and out was by train. Survival meant that people had to make their own rules. Their isolation fostered a very deep sense of community and individualism, which many believe, still exists today.
Due to the large number of loggers and railroad men who worked so hard during the day looked for excitement at night, most of the buildings on Front Street (Commercial Row) became saloons, providing recreation at night.
Jibboom Street, originally called Main Street, boasted the largest red light district of any small town in the west. It became the place where most of the fistfights, knife fights and gunfights occurred. In short, it was one rooten-tooten, anything goes, kind of place and its reputation became widely known. It attracted gamblers, pimps and ruffians of all types but also a rugged breed of lawmen, such as Jake Teeter and James Reed, and a citizen militia, known as the "601."
10142 JIBBOOM STREET - THE OLD TRUCKEE JAIL:
The structure was built in 1875 out of native stone. Brick was added about the turn of the century. This is one of the west's oldest jails, in use until May 1964. During the early decades of the twentieth century, the jail held its most notable offenders. Ma Spinelli, the first woman in California to die in the gas chamber, and Baby Face Nelson, both spent a night or two in Truckee's Jail. For many years, the jail was tended by Truckee's famous Constable, Jacob Teeter, against vigilante groups, such as the "601" which sought to remove prisoners and take the law into their own hands.
The building is one of the oldest jails in California, and one of the few remaining original buildings in Truckee. Being built of stone on the first floor and brick on the second, it was able to withstand the many fires that swept the town in its early days.
The building currently houses the Truckee-Donner Historical Society’s Old Truckee Jail Museum.
10134 JIBBOOM STREET:
This rectangular wood framed metal covered warehouse was built between 1907 and 1933 By Dick Joseph. During these twenty-six years, numerous such buildings were erected in this area behind Commercial Row. At one time this section of town was part of a flamboyant "red light" district and these metal warehouses were built at a time when these lascivious activities were coming to a close. At one time the buildings were used for storing illegal slot machines and may have been used to hide bootleg whiskey whenever the "pro-hi's" came to town.
10144 JIBBOOM STREET:
This series of collapsing utilitarian structures are centrally located on the alley behind Commercial Row. The building fronting on Jibboom Street was an old time saloon with dwelling units behind. They are survivors of the red light era and witness to the illicit activities of this infamous avenue in its heyday.
10116 JIBBOOM STREET: THE TIN CAN
This two-story wood-frame residential building was once called a "blind pig" (a bootlegger place) commonly known as the " Tin Can." A man named Richardson who lived in Hobart Mills and operated by Cecil Celburn built it. At the time it was covered with sheet metal before being purchased by Judge Fosten Wilson who put siding on it. During the 1940s it served as a brothel.
10102 JIBBOOM STREET: DOT'S PLACE
This building was once known as "Dot's Place," and was the last working brothel on Jibboom Street. Nobody knows Dot's last name. Judge Fosten Wilson says she died in Nevada City during the 1930s of cirrhosis of the liver. However, the house continued to operate as a house of ill repute into the 1950s.
HIGH STREET
The Richardson House Bed and Breakfast: 10154 High Street
The Richardson House was constructed in 1887. This large vernacular Victorian residence was built from native lumber by Warren Richardson and served as home for his family. George and Warren Richardson owned and operated one of Truckee's largest lumber mills located in the east part of Martis Valley. They also owned a box factory in Truckee and were active in the ice industry.
10132 High Street:
This unusual off-set home was built in the 1880s by C.E. Smith, who was Truckee's Justice of the Peace at the time. It was originally a one-story structure but was later raised to include an additional 1/2 story. The home projects to the south, causing the otherwise straight High Street to jog around it. Its unusual roofline and simple utilitarian style contributes to the historic character of the neighborhood.
10032 High Street:
This two-story residence rests on a raised foundation and has undergone numerous changes since it was built in the 1870s. It was once the home of Truckee's prominent undertaker, Charles Ocker and also served as a funeral home. Jewel Dumas who remembers that when she moved in much of the town’s early mortician’s equipment was still in the basement and she extensively remodeled the house. It is one of the most distinctive homes on High Street.
OTHER HISTORICAL SITES
1. MOUNTAIN VIEW CEMETERY:
On the north side of town, driving on East Jibboom Street, you will come to the top of a hill which ends at the town's cemetery. Here you will see many old tombstones made of wood, granite and marble. Mr. C.F. McGlashan is buried immediately on the left-hand side as you enter the gates. Many other former residents and prominent families are also laid to rest here.
2. ALDER CREEK SITE:
Drive north on Route 89 for 2.9 miles. Here one can learn the saga of the Donner families' winter plight, as well as take a short nature walk.
3. DONNER MEMORIAL STATE PARK:
The story of the Donner Party may be learned here as well as additional facts about local history.
4. McGLASHAN POINT:
After leaving the state park, continue on old Highway 40 along Donner Lake and ascend to the observation point which allows a beautiful view of Donner Lake and the surrounding mountains. Here you can walk over the glaciated rock and see the snow sheds covering the track of the railroad.
5. SKI MUSEUM:
West of Truckee at Boreal Ridge Ski Area is located the Western America Skisports Museum and a memorial to Snowshoe Thompson, a local hero.
1. MOUNTAIN VIEW CEMETERY:
On the north side of town, driving on East Jibboom Street, you will come to the top of a hill which ends at the town's cemetery. Here you will see many old tombstones made of wood, granite and marble. Mr. C.F. McGlashan is buried immediately on the left-hand side as you enter the gates. Many other former residents and prominent families are also laid to rest here.
2. ALDER CREEK SITE:
Drive north on Route 89 for 2.9 miles. Here one can learn the saga of the Donner families' winter plight, as well as take a short nature walk.
3. DONNER MEMORIAL STATE PARK:
The story of the Donner Party may be learned here as well as additional facts about local history.
4. McGLASHAN POINT:
After leaving the state park, continue on old Highway 40 along Donner Lake and ascend to the observation point which allows a beautiful view of Donner Lake and the surrounding mountains. Here you can walk over the glaciated rock and see the snow sheds covering the track of the railroad.
5. SKI MUSEUM:
West of Truckee at Boreal Ridge Ski Area is located the Western America Skisports Museum and a memorial to Snowshoe Thompson, a local hero.
EAST RIVER STREET
THE SWEEDISH HOUSE BED & BREAKFAST: - 10009 E. RIVER STREET
Formerly La Vielle Maison, and the Stone Cold Inn, this building was constructed in two stages. In 1885 the front portion was begun by constable Jacob Teeter who lived in the home until he was shot by James Reed in 1891. The building was later acquired by a Mr. Finnegan who made some improvements and leased the building for $5.00 per month. In 1907 the building was purchased by the Besio Family who operated the building as a boarding house for railroad and lumber workers in the summer months and for ice cutters in the winter months. The ice cutters lived in rooms with no heat and paid a dollar a week for their lodging, including board. The building was used to house actors and crew members during the filming of Charlie Chaplin's "Gold Rush" in the early 1920s. During the prohibition years, it was a speakeasy and was also known for its lady residents. The stone part of the building was the original and the shingled part was added later in 1910. The tower was added in the 1970s.
THE SWEEDISH HOUSE BED & BREAKFAST: - 10009 E. RIVER STREET
Formerly La Vielle Maison, and the Stone Cold Inn, this building was constructed in two stages. In 1885 the front portion was begun by constable Jacob Teeter who lived in the home until he was shot by James Reed in 1891. The building was later acquired by a Mr. Finnegan who made some improvements and leased the building for $5.00 per month. In 1907 the building was purchased by the Besio Family who operated the building as a boarding house for railroad and lumber workers in the summer months and for ice cutters in the winter months. The ice cutters lived in rooms with no heat and paid a dollar a week for their lodging, including board. The building was used to house actors and crew members during the filming of Charlie Chaplin's "Gold Rush" in the early 1920s. During the prohibition years, it was a speakeasy and was also known for its lady residents. The stone part of the building was the original and the shingled part was added later in 1910. The tower was added in the 1970s.
WEST RIVER STREET
THE STAR HOTEL: - 10015 WEST RIVER STREET
There is still debate in town as to whether George Schaffer built the Star Hotel for his large family's residence or for workers in his mill. Schaffer was partners with Joseph Gray in the first lumber mill on the Truckee River in 1867. The partnership was dissolved in 1871 when Schaffer moved his mill site out towards Martis Valley. By this time, Schaffer had made Truckee his home and had built at least three buildings that can still be found in town. The house located directly west is believed to have been Schaffer's private residence.
THE ALTA HOTEL: - 10014 WEST RIVER STREET
The Alta Hotel is one of the three oldest hotels in Truckee. It was originally built as a hotel and a saloon during a period of recreational excitement in town. Truckee, during the 1920s, was an important west coast focus for a budding film industry. Similarly, Truckee's winter months were alive with winter carnival activities when the Alta was first built. It was originally known as the Tahoe Saloon. Before the Alta Hotel was constructed, another hotel called the Flor D'Italia, owned and operated by the Sassarini family, existed on this site, but burned in a fire in October 1921.
SOUTH-EAST RIVER STREET
Chinese Herb Shop:
Presently occupied by McCarthy Sign Company, this building is built of brick with double iron doors on the side and rear. From the 1890s to the 1960s, this building served as a bottling works operated by the Englehart family who supplied soft drinks, such as Coca Cola, to the area. The building was constructed in 1878 by Chinese residents and it is the last remaining building in what was once Chinatown.
Chinese Herb Shop:
Presently occupied by McCarthy Sign Company, this building is built of brick with double iron doors on the side and rear. From the 1890s to the 1960s, this building served as a bottling works operated by the Englehart family who supplied soft drinks, such as Coca Cola, to the area. The building was constructed in 1878 by Chinese residents and it is the last remaining building in what was once Chinatown.
KEISER AVE.
The Richardson House Bed and Breakfast:
Warren Richardson, one of the principals in the Richardson Brother's Lumber Company, built this beautiful Victorian Residence across the street from their company's office before the turn of the century. The home retains much of its original integrity and decorative woodwork in the eaves and on the porch.
Rocking Stone Tower:
Legend tells us that this rock was used by Native Americans who inhabited this area to keep their fish and dried meat safe from animals and birds. The slightest vibrations of the smaller stone served to frighten the birds away and the height of the larger stone was too high for animals to climb. Although the stone no longer rocks, having been cemented in place, the 17-ton stone is one of 25 known rocking stones in the world.
Charles F. McGlashan, a prominent Truckee citizen from 1872 to 1931 and the man who interviewed the survivors of the Donner Party and wrote The History of the Donner Party, built an enclosed, high-arched windowed tower over this rock in 1893. Inside the tower he kept many of the Donner Party relics and memorabilia, which are now on display at the Donner Memorial State Park Museum. Here he also kept his exquisite collection of butterflies and moths, which can also be viewed at the Donner Museum.
Next to the rock, is the arched Veterans Memorial Building where McGlashan's two-story residence once stood. Constructed in 1903, the residence was similar in design to the tower and when lit up at night, it was given the name, "McGlashan's Crystal Palace.”
In 1935 when the landmark was under the care of a caretaker, the mansion burned to the ground. For many years, the land stood vacant until, in 1939, members of the Truckee American Legion Post 439, under the auspices of James McIver Jr., constructed the present building which became a meeting place for most of the town's community activities, including important town meetings, dances, parties, etc.
During World War lI civil defense meetings were held in the hall. The nearby Rocking Stone Tower served as an aircraft observation post, as there was fear of an enemy attack on the railroad over the summit.
The building is presently owned by the Truckee-Donner Recreation and Park District and serves as a community center, as well as a meeting place for veterans and other community needs.
SWEENY BLOCK
10156-10158 DONNER PASS ROAD - TRUCKEE TRAIN & TOY:
This two-story brick building is one of the oldest on the Sweeny Block of Commercial Row. It was built by Jack Wohlert in the 1920s after a fire destroyed the Donner Garage. It was once a post office and later, Tahoe National Bank. It was later purchased by Grace Robertson who converted its use into retail shops. The upstairs portion has been remodeled into a family residence for the present owner.
10178 DONNER PASS ROAD - COTTAGE HOTEL:
This hotel was built in the 1920s as a boarding house and has served the downtown area as a hotel for many years.
10188 DONNER PASS ROAD - EL TORO BRAVO RESTAURANT:
This was once a private home belonging to Edith Fay and before that it was the home of Dr. Joseph Bernard, the town's physician, who frequently delivered babies in one of the present dining rooms. It dates back to the 1890s when it was built as a home for the Rossarini family.
10156-10158 DONNER PASS ROAD - TRUCKEE TRAIN & TOY:
This two-story brick building is one of the oldest on the Sweeny Block of Commercial Row. It was built by Jack Wohlert in the 1920s after a fire destroyed the Donner Garage. It was once a post office and later, Tahoe National Bank. It was later purchased by Grace Robertson who converted its use into retail shops. The upstairs portion has been remodeled into a family residence for the present owner.
10178 DONNER PASS ROAD - COTTAGE HOTEL:
This hotel was built in the 1920s as a boarding house and has served the downtown area as a hotel for many years.
10188 DONNER PASS ROAD - EL TORO BRAVO RESTAURANT:
This was once a private home belonging to Edith Fay and before that it was the home of Dr. Joseph Bernard, the town's physician, who frequently delivered babies in one of the present dining rooms. It dates back to the 1890s when it was built as a home for the Rossarini family.
BRICKELLTOWN
Brickelltown is one of the most historic neighborhoods in Truckee and named after lumberman E.J. Brickell. Much of Coburn's Station, before it burned in 1868, occupied the present Brickelltown site. The neighborhood is located west of the downtown commercial block at the base of a steep hill which, in the early years, was dotted with many fresh-water springs. Opposite the hill, the railroad tracks run the length of the neighborhood, and even today trains pass not more than 150 feet in front of it.
The west end of the neighborhood begins at the site of the old dairy which was first run by James McIver, Sr. Proceeding east on Donner Pass Road, one finds numerous historic residences, many of which were built by Brickell and Kruger as company housing for their employees.
10291 DONNER PASS ROAD - THE C.B. WHITE HOUSE:
Perhaps the most notable of these buildings is the former home of W.H. Kruger and family. This Queen Anne Eastlake Victorian was constructed in 1874 during the town's "boomtown" years when Kruger and E.J. Brickell were partners in the Truckee Lumber Company, which was located opposite the residence, south of the railroad tracks.
Even after the lumber company ceased operating, the neighborhood retained much of its civic prominence when C.B. White purchased the Kruger residence. White was influential in the establishment of the Truckee Bank of America and was the SPRR ticket agent.
10280 DONNER PASS ROAD - FIRST REALTY:
This home dates back to the 1870s and was the home of the Sassarini family. It later served as the town's hospital. During the 1920s it suffered a major fire but was rebuilt by Dick Joseph and served as a residence for his family for many years.
10202 DONNER PASS ROAD - DAVE'S SKI SHOP:
This is an early Brickelltown residential structure which dates back to before 1885. It is representative of the town's working class beginnings as a regional center for lumber and ice industries. During the 1930s this structure served as a national forest "ranger's station."
Brickelltown is one of the most historic neighborhoods in Truckee and named after lumberman E.J. Brickell. Much of Coburn's Station, before it burned in 1868, occupied the present Brickelltown site. The neighborhood is located west of the downtown commercial block at the base of a steep hill which, in the early years, was dotted with many fresh-water springs. Opposite the hill, the railroad tracks run the length of the neighborhood, and even today trains pass not more than 150 feet in front of it.
The west end of the neighborhood begins at the site of the old dairy which was first run by James McIver, Sr. Proceeding east on Donner Pass Road, one finds numerous historic residences, many of which were built by Brickell and Kruger as company housing for their employees.
10291 DONNER PASS ROAD - THE C.B. WHITE HOUSE:
Perhaps the most notable of these buildings is the former home of W.H. Kruger and family. This Queen Anne Eastlake Victorian was constructed in 1874 during the town's "boomtown" years when Kruger and E.J. Brickell were partners in the Truckee Lumber Company, which was located opposite the residence, south of the railroad tracks.
Even after the lumber company ceased operating, the neighborhood retained much of its civic prominence when C.B. White purchased the Kruger residence. White was influential in the establishment of the Truckee Bank of America and was the SPRR ticket agent.
10280 DONNER PASS ROAD - FIRST REALTY:
This home dates back to the 1870s and was the home of the Sassarini family. It later served as the town's hospital. During the 1920s it suffered a major fire but was rebuilt by Dick Joseph and served as a residence for his family for many years.
10202 DONNER PASS ROAD - DAVE'S SKI SHOP:
This is an early Brickelltown residential structure which dates back to before 1885. It is representative of the town's working class beginnings as a regional center for lumber and ice industries. During the 1930s this structure served as a national forest "ranger's station."
HCS uploaded 12/4/2023 - after discovering this section was never moved to this "new" website.
