Photograph as originally submitted to this page in the Historical Marker Database www.HMdb.org. Click on photo to resize in browser. Scroll down to see metadata.

Photographer: James King
Taken: March 10, 2013
Caption: Original Signage
Additional Description: According to the small tag at the bottom, this sign appeared on the building before the 1989 fire. It is currently displayed in the downstairs meeting room. The text reads:

Native Sons Of The Golden West Chispa Parlor
Original charter granted April 10th 1889 Dissolved April 25th 1896 Reorganized on March 14th 1905

Believed to be the oldest public frame building in Murphys, it was known to be in existence in the 1860s. The first recorded owner was the I.O.G.T. Independent Order of Good Templars, a temperance association against liquor & smoking. The hall was deeded to the Literary & Drama Association on May 7th 1884 and deeded to Chispa Parlor N.S.G.W. which has been reorganized in 1905.
There were 29 charter members, and the lodge was allowed to use the original number, #139.
The hall was repaired and enlarged about 1922.
The banquet room was remodeled about 1952.
Over the years this hall has been the site of many meetings, dances, card parties, little theatre productions and even political conventions, making it the center of community activity.
Submitted: March 11, 2013, by James King of San Miguel, California.
Database Locator Identification Number: p236105
File Size: 2.023 Megabytes

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