Clayton in Contra Costa County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The Growler Saloon – Goethals Building
Two Historic Clayton Buildings
January 13, 2022
1. The Growler Saloon – Goethals Building Marker
Two historic Clayton buildings were combined to create this restaurant. A bicentennial project.
One was an 1870’s home that Jack Duncan rebuilt circa 1908. It became a store, post office (1926 – 1937), barber shop, and the Growler Saloon. Adjacent (east) was Justice of the Peace Gus L. Goethals’ Insurance and Real Estate office built it 1898. Patrons “banked” in his large safe.
The saloon was moved north of its original site by Joe Pastor and Ed Minadeo, to open the Growler Restaurant in 1973. Josef and Marie Salas bought the property and moved Goethals’ building along side the Growlers, restoring both to establish La Cocotte Restaurant in 1975.
Ingrid and Rudi Hempell bought La Cocotte in 1976. Ingrid won city recognition for 25 years of improving and operating La Cocotte. In 2002 she sold the business to John and Sharon Johnston, who renamed the restaurant “The Fox and the Fiddle.”
Erected 2003 by Clayton Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1908.
Location. 37° 56.482′ N, 121° 56.076′ W. Marker is in Clayton, California, in Contra Costa County. Marker is on Main Street west of
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Eucalyptus Grove (a few steps from this marker); The Joel Clayton House (a few steps from this marker); Joaquin Murrieta (within shouting distance of this marker); Farming & Ranching in Clayton (within shouting distance of this marker); Clayton Museum Educational Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); The Clayton Club (within shouting distance of this marker); Nan Joy & Lawrence “Joe” Wallace Fountain (within shouting distance of this marker); Black Diamond Way (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Clayton.
Photographed By Syd Whittle, September 30, 2012
2. The Growler Saloon – Goethals Building and Marker
The marker is visible at the far left corner of the building.
Photographed By Syd Whittle, September 30, 2012
3. The Growler Saloon – Goethals Building
Credits. This page was last revised on February 15, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 1, 2012, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 675 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on January 13, 2022. 2, 3. submitted on October 1, 2012, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
