French Gulch in Shasta County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
E. Franck & Co.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, October 25, 2013
1. E. Franck & Co. Marker
Established 1854 by brothers Fredrick Anton and Ignatz Franck offering mining supplies and general merchandise. Built in 1867, this native stone and mortar building, replaced the original wooden structure consumed by fire in 1856.Erected 1993 by E Clampus Vitus, Trinitarianus Chapter 62.
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 year for this entry is 1854.
Location. 40° 41.975′ N, 122° 38.322′ W. Marker is in French Gulch, California, in Shasta County. Marker is on Main Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 14141 Main Street, French Gulch CA 96033, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. French Gulch (a few steps from this marker); French Gulch Hotel (a few steps from this marker); French Gulch Lodge (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); I.O.O.F. Lodge #75 (approx. ¼ mile away); Camden House
this page online
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, October 25, 2013
2. E. Franck & Co. Marker and Building
Photographed By Lester J Letson, September 27, 2015
3. Back entrance to the E Franck building
This is an active bar, in business continuously since the 1850's but from the front, the historical old fire doors remain closed. To enter you have to go to the back door on the left in this picture.
Photographed By Lester J Letson, September 27, 2015
4. Above the bar
The inside holds more memorabilia than some small museums. Some of the items on the shelves date from the 1800's, There are very old bottles, old signs, guns, horns and pictures relating to mining, logging and the history of Shasta County.
Photographed By Lester J Letson, September 27, 2015
5. More stuff behind the bar
Antique silver plated cash register sits at the end of the bar. Lots more memorabilia sits above the bar.
Photographed By Lester J Letson, September 27, 2015
6. Across from bar
Some violins, tea cups and some historic pictures, including a shot of the dirt road in front of E Franck and Company from the 1880's showing the French Gulch Hotel.
Photographed By Lester J Letson, September 27, 2015
7. E. Franck & Co. Commercial Award
A plaque on the wall inside the building presented 20 years after the outside plaque was dedicated.
Photographed By Lester J Letson, September 27, 2015
8. Stamp Mill behind the building
Power & Mining Machinery Co. Milwaukee Wis Stamp Mill that sits out behind the E Franck building. The stamp mill was used to crush quartz ore, turning it to powder and extracting the gold trapped inside. Three Historians taking their own pictures of the stamp mill.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 20, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 599 times since then and 98 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 20, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on October 2, 2015, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
