| California (Calaveras County), Murphys — Albert A. Michelson — Dec. 19, 1852 – May 9, 1931 |
| | First American scientist awarded the Nobel Peace Prize (Physics – 1907); Dean of American Optics; Measured velocity of light, ether drift, standard meter, steller diameters. Lived here during childhood. — Map (db m32818) HM |
| California (Calaveras County), Murphys — 272 — Douglas Flat |
| | Douglas Flat was a roaring mining camp of the early 1850s. In 1857 the Harper and Lone Star Claims produced $130,000 worth of gold. The so-called Central Hill Channel, an ancient river deposit from which vast quantities of gold have been taken, is located here. — Map (db m2563) HM |
| California (Calaveras County), Murphys — Dunbar House |
| | Built by Willis Dunbar for his bride. He was superintendant of the Union Water Company. On the original property were the lumber office and sheds of the Dunbar Lumber Company, built on the site of A. Sleeper & Co.’s lumberyard which Dunbar purchased in the 1860’s. House is a lovely example of the Italianate building style, which were many times rectangular. To the rear of the house there is a gable ended kitchen extension. The siding is shiplap and the property is surrounded by a picket fence. — Map (db m16097) HM |
| California (Calaveras County), Murphys — E Clampus Vitus — ECV Wall of Comparative Ovations |
| | During the Gold Rush Days of California the organization known as E Clampus Vitas flourished throughout the gold diggings. It was sort of a parody of the solemn and mysterious fraternal orders then so popular in the states. Every member held an office of equal indignity. It was said that E Clampus Vitus existed for the purpose of promoting the welfare of widows and orphans, especially the widows. Early newspaper articles prove their deeds actually did aid needy families. Primarily, however, it . . . — Map (db m31275) HM |
| California (Calaveras County), Murphys — Independent Order of Odd Fellows Hall |
| | Built 1901, on land donated by Joseph Heinsdorff, Sr., for use by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The two-storied shiplap-sided structure was constructed with locally milled lumber, using large stones as foundation. In 1991, the stones were replaced with a concrete foundation. The Odd Fellows met in the upstairs room until 1972. The Lutheran Church of America then used the hall for a period of time. Around 1977, it was sold to Tom Karsh. In 1978, it was purchased by Historic Building . . . — Map (db m32860) HM |
| California (Calaveras County), Murphys — John Murphy — 1824 – 1892 |
| | Founder of Murphys, 1848.
John and brother Daniel set up trading post; hired Miwok Indians to mine gravel – paid them in merchandise
Murphys was first known as Murphys Diggings; then Murphys Camp – later Murphys
John Murphy left camp in Dec. 1849 with $1,500,000 in gold. Returned to San Jose. Married Virginia Reed of Donner Party.
Served as Mayor of San Jose and Sheriff of Santa Clara — Map (db m34335) HM |
| California (Calaveras County), Murphys — Jones Apothecary – Cheap Cash Store |
| | After a fire in 1859, pioneer Doctor Jones rebuilt this structure to withstand future disasters. It served as his office, and is constructed of limestone, brick, 30 inch windowless walls and iron shuttered doors. In 1867, it was sold to John Hauselt and used as an Oddfellows hall. In 1886, it was rented to brothers Ben and James Stephens, general mercantilers, who opened a cheap cash store. The old painted sign can still be still be seen on the west side of the building. Presently owned by Amy . . . — Map (db m16049) HM |
| California (Calaveras County), Murphys — Joseph Schachten |
| | A long line skinner, gave dignity to the job. He gave love to his noble animals and they gave to him their best.
In 1889 he delivered the first load of logs to the mines in Angels Camp, the last in 1910.
Men like this built the West — Map (db m33973) HM |
| California (Calaveras County), Murphys — Maj. James D. Savage |
| | Member of Fremont’s Battalion during Mexican War. Established Indian trading posts throughout Central San Joaquin Valley. Leader of the first expedition of the Mariposa Battalion into Yosemite Valley, 1851
Dr. Lewis Leach described Savage as man of great intelligence ••• magnetic temperament — Map (db m34057) HM |
| California (Calaveras County), Murphys — Masonic Hall |
| | Under dispensation Ophir Lodge No. 33 Free and Accepted Masons was permitted to meet at “early candle light” in private homes within a radius of five miles. The Lodge was instituted in January and chartered May 6th 1853. Original, one-storied building erected early in 1862. Present hall built in 1902. The is one of the oldest lodges in California. It has had but four treasurers in its first 99 years of existence. B.B. Wilkins 2 years, A.H. Putney 5 years, Riley Senter 42 years, and M.H. Manuel 50 years. — Map (db m16055) HM |
| California (Calaveras County), Murphys — Mercer Caverns |
| | Discovered September 1, 1885, by Walter J. Mercer. Resting at this site and noticing movement of grass near a small hole. Enlarging the opening, he ascended into extensive caverns containing varieties of fantastic crystalline formations. The public tours began September 12, 1885.
In 1900, a display of the rare Aragonite Flos Ferri was awarded the Grand Prize at the Paris World's Fair.
Recognized by the State of California as a Point of Historical Interest on August 2, 1985. — Map (db m16017) HM |
| California (Calaveras County), Murphys — Murphy Brothers |
| | The brothers John Murphy (1824-1892) and Daniel Murphy (1826-1882) reportedly pitched their trading tent near this site late in 1848. — Map (db m51558) HM |
| California (Calaveras County), Murphys — 275 — Murphys |
| | One of the principal mining communities in Calaveras County, named for the discoverer of gold on the flat in 1849. The objective of many immigrants coming over the Sierras by Ebbetts Pass, Murphys Flat and surrounding mines produced 20,000,000 dollars in gold. Early regulations restricted claims to 8 ft. square. Suspension flume conveying water across Murphys Creek and drainage race draining the flat, were two outstanding accomplishments of early day miners. Business portion of town destroyed . . . — Map (db m3887) HM |
| California (Calaveras County), Murphys — 267 — Murphys Hotel |
| | James L. Sperry and John Perry opened the Sperry and Perry Hotel August 20, 1856. In 1881 Henry Atwood and then Harvey Blood owned it. In 1882, the Mitchler family renamed it the Mitchler Hotel. In 1945, the McKimins’ changed its name to Murphys Hotel. In 1963, a College of the Pacific group purchased it. One of the oldest operating hotels in California. — Map (db m2612) HM |
| California (Calaveras County), Murphys — Native Sons of the Golden West |
| | Chispa Parlor No. 139 was chartered April 10, 1889, dissolved April 25, 1896, and reorganized March 14, 1905.
This site was first occupied circa 1860 by the Independent Order of Good Templars, a group dedicated to the prohibition of liquor and tobacco. The original hall was deeded to the Literary and Dramatic Association in 1894 and to Chrispa Parlor in 1905. That structure was destroyed by fire on March 11, 1989 and rebuilt and completed December 1991. — Map (db m33008) HM |
| California (Calaveras County), Murphys — Old Segale Building |
| | Rebuilt in 1859 as a stone, fire-proof, grocery and provisions store by Vassallo & Co. In 1861 was the homestead of J.C. Green & Wife. By 1863 owned & operated as a bakery by B.M. Orengo & Ruiseco. It is said that the baker Ruiseco was shot to death by a gun he had rigged in his cash drawer, while getting change for a little girl's 5 dollar gold piece early one morning. Purchased in 1871 by Paul Segale & David Baratini. Paul & Rosa Segale raised 8 children here. Second youngest, Annie, owned it . . . — Map (db m51568) HM |
| California (Calaveras County), Murphys — Old Sperry Hotel |
| | This hostelry originally built in 1855 by J. L. Sperry of Sperry Flour fame and his partner John Perry. Among early guests whose names appear on old register are Mark Twain, Horatio Alger, Thomas H. Lipton, Henry Ward Beecher, the Rothchilds General U.S. Grant, and C. E. Bolton (Black Bart). The quaint old hotel, according to tradition, is one referred to in Bret Harte’s “A Night in Wingdam”. Murphy’s Camp founded in early ’49 by John and Daniel Murphy, brothers. Millions of gold taken from Camp and vicinity. — Map (db m32742) HM |
| California (Calaveras County), Murphys — 466 — Peter L. Traver Building |
| | Constructed by Peter L. Traver in 1856, this is the oldest stone building in Murphys. Its iron shutters and sand on the roof protected it from the fires of 1859, 1874, and 1893. It served as a general store, a Wells Fargo office, and later a garage. — Map (db m2611) HM |
| California (Calaveras County), Murphys — 465 — Site of Brownsville |
| | A thriving mining camp on rich Pennsylvania Gulch in the 1850’s and 1860’s. Named for Alfred Brown, former owner of Table Mountain Ranch. Laws of Brownsville Mining District provided that each miner could own one wet and one dry claim, not to exceed 150 square feet. — Map (db m11501) HM |
| California (Calaveras County), Murphys — Site of E.C.V. Saloon |
| | Near this spot the “E.C.V. Saloon” stood in 1853. Believed to be the only E. Clampus Vitus (miners’ fun fraternal order) saloon officially recorded. — Map (db m32875) HM |
| California (Calaveras County), Murphys — St. Patrick's Catholic Church |
| | Originally located near Dr. Jones apothecary and destroyed by fire, during which chalice and other sacred appurtenances were carried to safety by “Auntie” Moran in her voluminous apron. Present edifice financed by gold dust collected by the miners and begun in 1858 by the pastor, Rev. Father J. Motter, “The Church Builder of Calaveras County,” and dedicated Sunday, November 3, 1861, by the Most Reverend Joseph Adoc Alemany, Archbishop of San Francisco. — Map (db m16042) HM |
| California (Calaveras County), Murphys — Stangetti – Solari – Cademartori Store |
| | The stone portion built circa 1879 by Bernardo Bisso, called Stangetti, who ran a store until its sale to Sebastian Solari , circa 1881-83, who added the wooden portion and also operated a store. The stone section has walls more than 20 inches thick and 6 inches of clay between the ceiling and roof to protect the building from fire. In 1907 it was sold to the late John Cademartori, who ran the store until 1947, at which time his son Andrew succeeded him until its closure in 1966. At age 91, . . . — Map (db m16189) HM |
| California (Calaveras County), Murphys — The Compere Store |
| | Built in 1858 by Pierre Bonet with fire proof steel shutters and stone walls. Owned and operated by Victorene Compere to provision the miners. Restored and preserved as a private residence in 1939.
Historic American Building Survey No. 1108
1977 ECV — Map (db m32872) HM |
| California (Calaveras County), Murphys — The Heinsdorff Bakery |
| | In 1862, tinsmith Louis Robinson constructed this brick and stone building to replace his original frame store which was destroyed in the fire of August 20, 1859. In 1869 it became a bakery and store, a use it was to have over the next 40 years. The first baker was Adam Magers, who operated it until his death in 1874. Shortly thereafter John Heinsdorff took over its operation, and then John L. March from 1883 to 1888. The property was then purchased by Horace Edson Thorpe; after his death in . . . — Map (db m16016) HM |
| California (Calaveras County), Murphys — The Old Fisk Building |
| | One of the pioneer structures in Murphys, built after the great fire of 1859 by Freeman Dunbar and Company and called Union Saloon and Bowling Alley. It was operated in the 1870’s by W.C. Crispin, and in the 1880’s by Charles E. Fisk. Later it was a general store operated by Frank W. Fisk. In 1902 the Post Office was moved here with Frank Fisk as Postmaster until 1939. A drugstore was also a part of the building until circa 1955 operated by Tom Trueworthy. His wife Mary ran a small public . . . — Map (db m32814) HM |
| California (Calaveras County), Murphys — Thompson Building |
| | Built soon after 1856 by John Thompson operator of Lime Kiln on Posky Hill and stone mason, who built adjoining Traver Building, and many other stone buildings.
Occupied, circa 58, by Meyer & Friedlander, General Merchandise. Later Fred Sackett ran a saloon here. Bill Herbert earnestly tried his best to shoot Sackett here in a gambling — Map (db m13027) HM |
| California (Calaveras County), Murphys — Valente Building |
| | Built about 1891 of local lava rock by James Valente, custom bootmaker & dealer in hats. His boots brought the then high cost of $10.00 & wore well for years. After his demise, his widow Kate, continued sales with aid of their son, Leo, who repaired boots. 3 sons and a daughter survived them. The family home, once next door, was one of the oldest houses in town. — Map (db m16101) HM |
| California (Calaveras County), Murphys — William Gordon Huff — E Clampus Vitus Wall of Comparative Ovations |
| | William Gordon Huff
1903 ~ 1993
Sublime Nobel Grand Patriarch
Grand Clamp Artist
Visionary • Artist • Sculpture
Bill conceived, named, and created
E Clampus Vitus Wall of Comparative Ovations
as a memorial to portray early legends of the Grand Council and to recognize its early leaders. All plaques (memorial portraits and inscriptions) were handcrafted in ceramic and were affixed to the wall by Clampartist Huff. Many of his earliest non-Clamper commissions (from Maine . . . — Map (db m31195) HM |
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