Oroville in Butte County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Gray Nurse Hardware

Photographed by James King, August 4, 2017

1. Gray Nurse Hardware Marker

Inscription. In 1888, James C. Gray purchased Brock and Tabor Hardware at 1950 Montgomery Street. That purchase included the lot you are standing on now. In 1898 Gray built a 50‘ by 100‘ building to house Ophir Hardware. The original building was a single story, made of brick manufactured at the Table Mountain clay quarry and had a covered porch. About 1912 Gray became the Studebaker and Fish Brothers wagon dealer. The Ophir Hardware building was modified to include a second floor to be used as a wagon assembly and showroom. An elevator was added at that time. It was the first in Butte County. In 1928 Harry C. Gray (grandson) sold his interest in the hardware business to Roy M. Nurse but Gray retained ownership of the building. The business was subsequently renamed Gray Nurse Hardware and remained empty from 1977 until it was purchased in 1996 by Sean and Lori Pierce and renovated into a community center that is used for social gatherings.

Erected 2016 by Native Sons of the Golden West & Native Daughters of the Golden West.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce •

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Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1898.

Location. 39° 30.783′ N, 121° 33.367′ W. Marker is in Oroville, California, in Butte County. It is at the intersection of Huntoon Street and Miner's Alley on Huntoon Street. Due to the risk of vandalism, the marker is displayed in the front window of the building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1359 Huntoon Street, Oroville CA 95965, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Sacramento Valley

and specifically in the Central Valley.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Gardella-Reece Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Butte County Court House at Oroville (within

Photographed by James King, August 4, 2017

2. Gray Nurse Hardware Marker

The marker is visible in the window of the entryway.

shouting distance of this marker); Liberty Pole (within shouting distance of this marker); Butte County Courthouse Bricks (within shouting distance of this marker); County Community Well (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Liberty Pole In The West (about 300 feet away); First Pharmacy (about 300 feet away); Edison Building (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oroville.

Gray Nurse Hardware Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James King, August 4, 2017

3. Gray Nurse Hardware Building

Credits. This page was last revised on July 3, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 30, 2021, by James King of San Miguel, California. This page has been viewed 1,404 times since then and 129 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 30, 2021, by James King of San Miguel, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.