The original Palace Hotel: circa 1885
The Mendocino County Historical Society thought this would be a great time to share their small popup exhibit on the Palace Hotel in Ukiah that was on display for one night last July. If you were not able to make it to the popup, or want to see it again, the entire exhibit will be printed over the next few months.
The original Palace Hotel (photograph c. 1885) was located on the east side of State Street between Smith and Standley above what is now the Forest Club. Notice the I.O.O.F building to the right, which still exists. The Palace Hotel was erected in 1884 and burned in September 1889, ending the business on that site. Ironically, one of the Palace Hotel’s first advertisements read, “Largest Hotel in Mendocino County, A first-class fire proof brick building.” The balcony was a popular parade watching spot. The building was designed and built by Isaiah Betz and B. Fish. The building was owned by H.L. Gillespie and the business was first owned by by W.A. Hagans and W.M. Hagans. They sold to I.N. Stapp in March 1888.