Grass Valley in Nevada County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Williams Stationery Store
Photographed By Syd Whittle, October 9, 2011
1. Williams Stationery Store Marker
This building is known as “The Brick Store of Silvester and Salaman”, it was built in 1854 and completed it 1855 by Henry Silvester and Abraham Salaman. It is both the first and oldest original brick (and stone) building in Grass Valley and the second oldest brick building in Nevada County. There have only been three owners of this building, Henry Sylvester, Paul Wesley Michell, and Elton and Helen Williams. Only five businesses have occupied the store in 145 years. H. Silvester Grocery, H. J. Fuchs Grocery, C. W. Jenkin Variety Store, Tresize Brothers Stationery Store, Williams Brothers, later changed to Williams Stationery Store.
[Editors Note: The two different spellings of “Sylvester” are in the marker text]
Erected 2000 by Grand Parlor - Native Sons of the Golden West.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1854.
Location. 39° 13.15′ N, 121° 3.75′ W. Marker is in Grass Valley, California, in Nevada County. Marker is on West Main Street west of North Auburn Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Loutzenheiser Pharmacy Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Three Stamp Mill from the Red Ledge Mine (within shouting distance of this marker); The Alpha Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Grass Valley Hardware (within shouting distance of this marker); Washington Brewery (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Holbrooke Hotel (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named The Holbrooke Hotel (about 300 feet away); The Old Post Office (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grass Valley.
Regarding Williams Stationery Store. From the Walking Tour of Historic Grass Valley brochure:
This building was erected in 1854-55 as a mercantile and grocery business. It was known as Jenkins Variety Store for 47 years until 1949 when Floyd and Elton Williams purchased the business. Elton and Helen Williams bought the building and business in 1971.
Also see . . . Walking Tour of Historic Grass Valley. Published by the Grass Valley Chamber of Commerce, this brochure highlights many of the historical sites and buildings in Grass Valley.
Photographed By Syd Whittle, October 9, 2011
2. Williams Stationery Store Marker
Photographed By Syd Whittle, October 9, 2011
3. Williams Stationery Store
Marker is seen mounted on the front between the two buildings. The Williams Stationery Store building is the one on the right.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 28, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 15, 2011, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 656 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 16, 2011, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
