Downtown Riverside in Riverside County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

M. H. Simons Undertaking Chapel

1925

— Cultural Heritage Board Landmark —

M. H. Simons Undertaking Chapel Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Volt Craft, June 26, 2026

1. M. H. Simons Undertaking Chapel Marker

Inscription. Melvin H. Simons moved his mortuary business into this new building specifically designed to meet every need of his profession. The mortuary's design represents some of Riverside architect G. Stanley Wilson's finest work. Mr. Wilson was a leader in the civic effort of the 1920's to create a Mission Revival and Spanish Colonial image for the downtown.

Erected by Cultural Heritage Board, City of Riverside. (Marker Number 80.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Riverside Cultural Heritage Board Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1925.

Location. 33° 58.704′ N, 117° 22.528′ W. Marker is in Riverside, California, in Riverside County. It is in Downtown Riverside. It is at the intersection of Orange Street and 11th Street, on the right when traveling south on Orange Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4102 Orange Street, Riverside CA 92501, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles,

in the Inland Empire,

and in the Peninsular Ranges.

It is also in the American Southwest.

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: Riverside County Courthouse (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Riverside County Courthouse (about 300 feet away); Lerner Building

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(about 500 feet away); Riverside History Walk (about 500 feet away); Robert M. Howie (about 600 feet away); Staff Sergeant Ysmael R. Villegas (about 600 feet away); Riverside Military Wall of Honor (about 700 feet away); Riverside City Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Riverside.

Also see . . . Landmarks of the City of Riverside (#80).

In 1925, Melvin H. Simons moved his mortuary business into this Mission Revival style building designed by G. Stanley Wilson. The family operated its undertaking parlor here until 1966.

(Submitted on June 26, 2026, by Volt Craft of Riverside, California.)

Photographed by Volt Craft, June 26, 2026

2. M. H. Simons Undertaking Chapel Marker

Chapel and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Volt Craft, June 26, 2026

3. Chapel and Marker

M.H. Simons Undertaking Chapel image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Volt Craft, June 26, 2026

4. M.H. Simons Undertaking Chapel

Credits. This page was last revised on July 2, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 26, 2026, by Volt Craft of Riverside, California. This page has been viewed 12 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 26, 2026, by Volt Craft of Riverside, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.