Pendleton in Umatilla County, Oregon — The American West (Northwest)
State Saloon
By Barry Swackhamer, June 30, 2017
1. State Saloon Marker
State Saloon. This building was constructed for Thomas Milarkey, early Pendleton entrepreneur. Milarkey was one of the first Catholics to settle in Pendleton. Mass was often held in his home by visiting priests. He was instrumental in helping establish a Catholic Church in Pendleton by 1884. This is reportedly the first brick building constructed in downtown Pendleton. It has strong Italianate Commercial features on the second floor façade. This 25' by 100' building under went major restoration in 2006 to bring it back to the original façade from the 1880's when it was known as the State Saloon. Notice the transom windows on the 1st floor behind the awning reconstructed to match the original. Many layers of paint were carefully removed to expose the original brick. The State Saloon was a popular "watering hole" for many a cowboy and ranch-hand over the years. Later, it became the "Rainbow Café." The original neon sign of the Rainbow was restored. The second floor once held a gambling hall and was a winter residence for early miners and sheepherders.
This building was constructed for Thomas Milarkey, early Pendleton entrepreneur. Milarkey was one of the first Catholics to settle in Pendleton. Mass was often held in his home by visiting priests. He was instrumental in helping establish a Catholic Church in Pendleton by 1884. This is reportedly the first brick building constructed in downtown Pendleton. It has strong Italianate Commercial features on the second floor façade. This 25' by 100' building under went major restoration in 2006 to bring it back to the original façade from the 1880's when it was known as the State Saloon. Notice the transom windows on the 1st floor behind the awning reconstructed to match the original. Many layers of paint were carefully removed to expose the original brick. The State Saloon was a popular "watering hole" for many a cowboy and ranch-hand over the years. Later, it became the "Rainbow Café." The original neon sign of the Rainbow was restored. The second floor once held a gambling hall and was a winter residence for early miners and sheepherders.
Erected by City of Pendleton.
Location. 45° 40.348′ N, 118° 47.25′ W. Marker is in Pendleton, Oregon, in Umatilla County. Marker is on South Main Street near Southeast Court Avenue
By Barry Swackhamer, June 30, 2017
2. State Saloon and Marker
The marker is at the right corner.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Milarkey Building (a few steps from this marker); The Peoples Warehouse (a few steps from this marker); Kathleen McClintock 1907-1998 (within shouting distance of this marker); Judd Block (within shouting distance of this marker); George Fletcher (within shouting distance of this marker); DeSpain Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Milarkey-Murphy Bldg (within shouting distance of this marker); R.F. Renn Building (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pendleton.
Categories. • Entertainment • Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings •
By Barry Swackhamer, June 30, 2017
3. State Saloon (Rainbow Cafe)
Credits. This page was last revised on December 21, 2017. This page originally submitted on December 21, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of San Jose, California. This page has been viewed 75 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 21, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of San Jose, California.
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