Downieville in Sierra County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Downieville Museum
Photographed by Syd Whittle, June 27, 2011
1. Downieville Museum Marker
This marker is mounted on the front wall of the building to the right of the entrance door.
Main Marker:
One of the first buildings in Downieville, built in 1852 this stone building was originally known as the Old Slate Store. The walls of this building are made entirely of flat rocks laid horizontally. It was first used as a Chinese store with gambling and opium in the back. It later became the J.M.B. Meroux Building. The rock construction allowed this building to survive a couple of fires that destroyed most of Downieville. The building was presented to the community of Downieville by members of the Meroux family in tribute to the memory of J.M.B. Meroux, with the Pioneers of Sierra County, the Native Daughters of the Golden West (Naomi Parlor 36) and Sons of the Golden West (Downieville Parlor 92) as trustees. It has been a museum since 1932 after restoration of the roof and wooden interior which had deteriorated with age. The nucleus of the museum is a collection of valuable relics gathered by former Sheriff George C. Bynon.
Secondary Marker:
J.M.B. Meroux
Dedicated to the memory of
The Pioneers
of Sierra County
by
Naomi Parlor No. 36, N.D.G.W.
and
Downieville Parlor No. 92, N.S.G.W.
July 3, 1932
Erected 2008
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus, and the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1865.
Location. 39° 33.631′ N, 120° 49.639′ W. Marker is in Downieville, California, in Sierra County. It is on Main Street east of Commercial Street (California Highway 49). Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 330 Main Street, Downieville CA 95936, 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, 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 Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Arrastra (here, next to this marker); Josefa Segovia (a few steps from this marker); Downieville (within shouting distance of this marker); Mackerman & Company Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Downieville Historic Riverfront District (within shouting distance of this marker); The Shooting of Thaddeus Purdy (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Charles Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); Craycroft Building (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Downieville.
Regarding Downieville Museum. The Downieville Walking Tour Brochure states:
"This was an early Chinese store and
Photographed by Syd Whittle, June 27, 2011
2. Downieville Museum Native Son & Native Daughter Dedication Plaque
This marker is mounted on the front wall to the left of the entrance door.
Photographed by Syd Whittle, June 27, 2011
3. Downieville Museum and Markers
Photographed by Syd Whittle, June 27, 2011
4. Scale From the 1850's
One of many displays at the museum.
Photographed by Syd Whittle, June 27, 2011
5. Flag Banner Originally Owned by the Downieville Chapter of the G.A.R.
Photographed by Syd Whittle, June 26, 2011
6. Downieville School
Model of the schoolhouse on display at the museum. This building is no longer standing.
Photographed by Syd Whittle, June 26, 2011
7. Downieville Model
Model of the town of Downieville on display at the museum.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 30, 2011, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,019 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 30, 2011, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on July 5, 2011, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
