Fairfield 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 Fairfield, California, in Solano

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County. It 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.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Francisco Bay Area,

in 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 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); The Dunker House (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); 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). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fairfield.

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

Also see . . . Thompson’s Corner Saloon, Fairfield, CA. Dives of Our Lives website entry (Submitted on December 21, 2025, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

Additional commentary.
1. Thompson's Corner Saloon
Henry Studer was my maternal Grandfather. When my son and I last visited the saloon, the original

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.

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.

Photographed by Nick Sosa

4. Thompson's Corner Saloon - 1902 Marker

In Recognition of Sam Brennan 1004 for their years of stewardship to Solano County. Re-dedicated on this day, January 17th, 2026 by E Clampus Vitus. Chief Solano Outpost of YB1 - Yerba Buena #1 Capitulus Redivivus. We got it now boys

Credits. This page was last revised on January 21, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 4, 2010, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 7,058 times since then and 139 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. 4. submitted on January 18, 2026, by Frank Gunshow Sanchez of Hollister, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.