Murphys in Calaveras County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

The Old Fisk Building

Photographed by Syd Whittle, July 5, 2010

1. The Old Fisk Building Marker

Inscription. One of the pioneer structures in Murphys, built after the great fire of 1859 by Freeman Dunbar and Company and called Union Saloon and Bowling Alley. It was operated in the 1870’s by W.C. Crispin, and in the 1880’s by Charles E. Fisk. Later it was a general store operated by Frank W. Fisk. In 1902 the Post Office was moved here with Frank Fisk as Postmaster until 1939. A drugstore was also a part of the building until circa 1955 operated by Tom Trueworthy. His wife Mary ran a small public library within the store. It was purchased by Jim Riggs in 1961 on a “Handshake” from Frank Fisk’s son Fred and operated by him as a tonsorial parlor until being recently turned into a silversmith and art gallery.

Erected 2001 by Grand Parlor – Native Sons of the Golden West, Clare D. McCullough, Grand President.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • 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 1859.

Location. 38° 8.258′ N, 120° 27.883′ W. Marker is in Murphys, California, in Calaveras County. It is on Main Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 431 Main Street, Murphys CA 95247, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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Regionally, this marker is in California’s Sierra Nevada.

It is also in the American Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Pacific Rim,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and 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: Murphys Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Sperry Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); Jones Apothecary – Cheap Cash Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Segale Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Peter L. Traver Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Thompson Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Maj. James D. Savage (within shouting distance of this marker); John Murphy (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Murphys.

Regarding The Old Fisk Building. A tonsorial parlor, as mentioned in marker text, is a barber shop.

The Old Fisk Building and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, July 5, 2010

2. The Old Fisk Building and Marker

Marker is mounted on the front of the building between the two entrance doors.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 9, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,072 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 9, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.