Morgan Hill in Santa Clara County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Site of Skeels Hotel
1925 – 1995
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 9, 2011
1. Site of Skeels Hotel Marker
The original building was altered in 1938 to accommodate the widening of Monterey Highway by 30 feet. From 1948 to 1992 the building was used for retail businesses on the ground floor and apartments on the second floor.
Among early visitors to the hotel were the Crown Prince and Princess of Sweden who visited on their way to the dedication of the Sveadal Summer Resort in Uvas Canyon and Clement C. Young, Governor of California, while on a campaign tour.
Cousins of the Skeels family, who are the only members still residing in the community, have may fond memories of visiting Harry, Cynthia and their pet parrot, “Polly”, at the restaurant and hotel.
The Morgan Hill Historical Society was instrumental in retaining the original flag pole which has been placed on the roof of the new building.
Erected by Morgan Hill Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1925.
Location. 37° 7.771′ N, 121° 39.17′ W. Marker is in Morgan Hill, California
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Votaw Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Veterans Memorial Square (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Granary (about 400 feet away); Our History (about 400 feet away); Murphy's Majestic Oak (about 700 feet away); Oak Trees of Morgan Hill (about 700 feet away); Waiting For The Train (about 700 feet away); Morgan Hill United Methodist Church (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Morgan Hill.
Regarding Site of Skeels Hotel. The Skeels Hotel was a decrepit residential hotel on Monterey Road in Downtown Morgan Hill. The initial concept was to retain the building and remodel it, but this proved to be too difficult and expensive. A new building was constructed which was made possible by the Morgan Hill Redevelopment Agency.
Also see . . . Morgan Hill Entertained Swedish Crown Prince and Princess in 1926. A Morgan Hill Times article by Martin Cheek, remembering the visit to Morgan Hill by the Swedish Crown Prince and Princess. (Submitted on August 20, 2011.)
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 9, 2011
2. Site of Skeels Hotel Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 2, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 15, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 778 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 15, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photo of the flagpole from the original building. • Historic photo of the original hotel building. • Can you help?
