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. 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:

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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′ N, 118° 57.785′ W. Marker is in Mammoth Lakes, California, in Mono County. It 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.

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 Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Margaret & Emmett Hayden Cabin (a few steps from this marker); Old French Trail (approx. 0.2 miles away); Historic Knight Wheel

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, October 24, 2011

2. Temple of Folly Marker

(approx. 0.7 miles away); The Tavern (approx. 0.8 miles away); Old Mammoth Saloon (approx. 0.8 miles away); The White Fence at Old Mammoth (approx. 1.9 miles away); Mammoth City (approx. 2.3 miles away); Casa Diablo (approx. 2.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mammoth Lakes.

Additional keywords. saloon

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 2,773 times since then and 41 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.