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

Independent Order of Odd Fellows Hall

Photographed by Syd Whittle, July 5, 2010

1. Independent Order of Odd Fellows Hall Marker

Inscription. Built 1901, on land donated by Joseph Heinsdorff, Sr., for use by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The two-storied shiplap-sided structure was constructed with locally milled lumber, using large stones as foundation. In 1991, the stones were replaced with a concrete foundation. The Odd Fellows met in the upstairs room until 1972. The Lutheran Church of America then used the hall for a period of time. Around 1977, it was sold to Tom Karsh. In 1978, it was purchased by Historic Building Buffs with Thomas W. Scheller and Michael Skenfield as general partners. D.E.A. Bathroom Machineries now occupy the building, with Mr. Scheller as sole proprietor. As with many Gold Country buildings, this one is haunted. Legend has it a woman fell down the inside stairway, and that her spirit still lives within.

Erected 2008 by Native Sons and Native Daughters of the Golden West.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • 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 1901.

Location. 38° 8.268′ N, 120° 27.961′ W. Marker is in Murphys, California, in Calaveras County. It is on Main Street

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

east of Intersection of Murphys Grade and French Gulch Rds, on the right when traveling east. Marker is mounted on the front of the building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 495 Main Street, Murphys CA 95247, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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: E Clampus Vitus (within shouting distance of this marker); The Heinsdorff Bakery (within shouting distance of this marker); William Gordon Huff (within shouting distance of this marker); Maj. James D. Savage (within shouting distance of this marker); John Murphy (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named E Clampus Vitus (within shouting distance of this marker); Peter L. Traver Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Thompson Building (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Murphys.

Independent Order of Odd Fellows Hall and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, July 5, 2010

2. Independent Order of Odd Fellows Hall and Marker

Marker is located to the left of the entrance door.

Independent Order of Odd Fellows Hall image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, July 5, 2010

3. Independent Order of Odd Fellows Hall

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 10, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,113 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 10, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.