Mammoth Lakes in Mono County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Temple of Folly
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, October 24, 2011
1. Temple of Folly Marker
Inscription.
Temple of Folly. . During the heyday of Lake Mining District (1877-1881) there emerged one premiere drinking establishment – The Temple of Folly. It was the brainchild of Andrew J Murphy, who in October 1879 purchased the clothing store of Reinstien and Wolf, located on Main Street in the center of Mammoth City, transforming it into a first class saloon and resort. “Rock and rye” was its specialty drink, quoted to be a guaranteed remedy for all coughs and colds. Other noted amenities include a reading room and circulating library (stocked with books from Murphy’s private collection).
Unfortunately, within a few months, the local mines faltered and on November 14, 1880, a devastating fire destroyed half the town forcing Murphy to relocate to Bishop, where he opened a new Temple of Folly.
Although its existence was brief, Mammoth’s Temple of Folly typified the pioneer spirit of those first residents on the eastern Sierras and will forever be associated with the first days of Mammoth Lakes.
During the heyday of Lake Mining District (1877-1881) there emerged one premiere drinking establishment – The Temple of Folly. It was the brainchild of Andrew J Murphy, who in October 1879 purchased the clothing store of Reinstien & Wolf, located on Main Street in the center of Mammoth City, transforming it into a first class saloon and resort. “Rock & rye” was its specialty drink, quoted to be a guaranteed remedy for all coughs and colds. Other noted amenities include a reading room and circulating library (stocked with books from Murphy’s private collection).
Unfortunately, within a few months, the local mines faltered and on November 14, 1880, a devastating fire destroyed half the town forcing Murphy to relocate to Bishop, where he opened a new Temple of Folly.
Although its existence was brief, Mammoth’s Temple of Folly typified the pioneer spirit of those first residents on the eastern Sierras and will forever be associated with the first days of Mammoth Lakes.
Erected 2008 by E Clampus Vitus, Bodie Chapter No. 64.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1879.
Location. 37° 38.111′
Click or scan to see this page online
N, 118° 57.785′ W. Marker is in Mammoth Lakes, California, in Mono County. Marker can be reached from Sherwin Creek Road. The marker is near the Hayden Cabin, a short trail walk from the Sierra Meadows Ranch parking lot on Sherwin Creek Road. The nearest intersection is Old Mammoth Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Mammoth Lakes CA 93546, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, October 24, 2011
2. Temple of Folly Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 30, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,281 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on November 30, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
