Cordelia in Solano County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Thompson's Corner Saloon - 1902

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, March 8, 2009

1. Thompson's Corner Saloon - 1902 Marker

Inscription. Henry "Old Man" Studer and his brother Jim, built this community gathering spot. Studer was the proprietor of the oldest bar in Solano County, which he relocated here. Dancing and entertainment were available upstairs and local lore is that a brothel was included in these offerings. On 11-20-26 the San Francisco Orchestra played for an all night dance. Charles Thompson owned the building sometime after 1940. It is the only commercial establishment still doing business in central Cordelia. This two story clapboard saloon is a landmark of its own on the Suisun Marsh. Anybody who is anybody in the Bay Area has been to Thompson's Corner, social center of Cordelia today.

Plaque dedicated September 13, 2008
By Sam Brannan Chapter #1004
E Clampus Vitus

Erected 2008 by Sam Brannan Chapter #1004 of E Clampus Vitus.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical date for this entry is September 13, 1943.

Location. 38° 12.663′ N, 122° 8.001′ W. Marker is in Cordelia, California, in Solano

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County. Marker is at the intersection of Cordelia Road and Ritchie Road, on the right when traveling west on Cordelia Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2147 Cordelia Road, Fairfield CA 94534, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Cordelia: A Thriving Town (here, next to this marker); Cordelia (here, next to this marker); Cordelia and the Fire (a few steps from this marker); Cordelia Begins (approx. ¼ mile away); Village of Cordelia Historic District (approx. ¼ mile away); Burial Site of Chief Solano (approx. 1.7 miles away); Rockville Station (approx. 2.4 miles away); Rockville Stone Chapel (approx. 2.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cordelia.

More about this marker. The marker is mounted on the wall of the building to the left of the entrance.

Also see . . . Traffic Ties Up Cordelia. The San Francisco Chronicle's article (1/8/2001) on Cordelia's traffic problems and Thompson's: "At historic Thompson's Corner Saloon, where bras and jockstraps hang from the ceiling with equal notoriety..." (Submitted on January 4, 2010.)

Additional commentary.
1. Thompson's Corner Saloon

Notice for 11/20/26 All-Night Dance At Studer's Hall image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, March 15, 2009

2. Notice for 11/20/26 All-Night Dance At Studer's Hall

Mounted on the wall behind the bar is a notice for the All-Night Dance ("Prize Waltz") at Studer's Hall, given by the Rivet Heaters of Mare Island (Mare Island in nearby Vallejo was home to the naval shipyards). Admission to the dance was $1.00 per couple, with "extra" ladies free.

Henry Studer was my maternal Grandfather. When my son and I last visited the saloon, the original cash register was being restored. My mother attended the old grammer school in Cordelia. It burned down just before our last visit. As recently as about 10 years ago, the name "Studer's Corners" could still be seen through the covering paint. As for the rumor of there being a sporting house on site, my mother never mentioned it, but I'd be surprised if she had. It wouldn't surprise me if there was one there. Grandpa enjoyed the ladies until the day he died.

— Submitted January 22, 2012, by Nevin Holmberg of Hovland, Minnesota.

2. Additional Information Regarding the Marker Dedication
Dale Welsh was the Noble Grand Humbug when this plaque was dedicated. Plaque wording by Loren A. Wilson.

— Submitted April 15, 2012, by Loren Wilson of Sebastopol, California.

Additional keywords. casino

Thompson's Corner Saloon image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, March 8, 2009

3. Thompson's Corner Saloon

The marker is visible mounted on the wall just to the left of the entrance. Also visible mounted on a rock (just in front of the SUV) is an additional Clamper historical marker, for Cordelia.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on January 4, 2010, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 5,228 times since then and 201 times this year. Last updated on January 6, 2010, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 4, 2010, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.