Ferndale in Humboldt County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

"Poppa Joe's"

Photographed by James King, February 8, 2014

1. "Poppa Joe's" Marker

Inscription. Erected in the early 1870s, this magnificent structure was a drug store. In 1877 it became known as the Alford Drug Store until 1886. In 1879, Wells Fargo and Co. established an express station in the Alford Drug Store and maintained it through 1884. From 1886 until 1897 it was the Ferndale Lodge #220 IOOF, Michel’s Drug Store and the Bonetti Jewelry Store.

It became a saloon in 1897 through 1919 when it changed to a billiard and pool parlor due to prohibition. In 1925 it became known as Becker’s Billiard Parlor until it was purchased by the present day owner in 2000. The name was changed to “Poppa Joe’s”, named after one of its founders, Joe Alexandre, a local dairyman.

“Poppa Joe’s” has, for over 100 years, been a place, and still is, where old time camaraderie still flourishes.

Erected 2010 by Grand Parlor, Native Sons of the Golden West. (Marker Number 2009-8.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Industry & Commerce • Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series

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list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1877.

Location. 40° 34.598′ N, 124° 15.834′ W. Marker is in Ferndale, California, in Humboldt County. It is at the intersection of Main Street (California Route 211) and Brown Street, on the right when traveling south on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 409 Main Street, Ferndale CA 95536, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s North Coast,

specifically on the Coast Ranges,

and in the Klamath Mountains.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast

and in the Pacific Northwest.

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 walking distance of this marker: Blackburn Law Office (within shouting distance of this marker); Ferndale Meat Market (within shouting distance of this marker); Our Centennial (within shouting distance of this marker);

"Poppa Joe's" image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James King, February 8, 2014

2. "Poppa Joe's"

The marker is visible just below the window on the right.

Ferndale Palace Saloon (within shouting distance of this marker); The Gazebo (within shouting distance of this marker); Mildred Radanovich (within shouting distance of this marker); Hotel Ivanhoe (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); A. Berding House (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ferndale.

Also see . . . National Register of Historic Places in Humboldt County. This building is part of NRHP #93001461, Ferndale Main Street Historic District. (Submitted on February 23, 2014, by James King of San Miguel, California.)

Credits. This page was last revised on January 8, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 23, 2014, by James King of San Miguel, California. This page has been viewed 986 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 23, 2014, by James King of San Miguel, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.