AWTHS Designated Historic Site Formerly Hotel

Thanks to Keith Furlong and Fred Troutwine, on the Historic Sites Committee with the Arcanum Wayne Trail Historical Society, we have been able to highlight another designated historic building which is the California House Hotel. The committee members began marking these sites with plaques several years ago. Dave Flora has also helped with the installation.

According to the Arcanum Business book written by Anita Short, the lot was acquired by George Faulkner in 1851. The land was acquired at the marriage of George Faulkner to Dicey Gunder, oldest daughter of William Gunder, the town’s founder. The lot sat at the Northeast corner of Main and George Streets and was identified as “1 East George Street”. The place was purchased by many owners and became known as the California House Hotel in 1868 with George Delevan, Proprietor and William Tice through 1874. It is also listed on the 1875 Atlas Map as the California House Hotel. In 1891 there was a name change to the International Hotel and in 1895 as the City Hotel. The hotel would have stood where Troutwine Auto Sales new truck lot is at present and next to Curt, Curl, and Tan-It-Here.

According to the Greenville Journal, 3/30/1899, “The old City Hotel building, now owned by the IOOF is to be sold next Saturday (Apr. 1). Ad. Robbins paid $55.00 for the building and it was to be moved off the lot in 30 days. The City Hotel building went up the street to 207 North Main Street which is the present home of Wallace Alderman. If you go by the private residence you will see the marker on the street side of the house. It is listed as “California House Hotel 1868”.

In May of 1899, per the Greenville Journal paper, the excavation started. By December 28, 1899 the IOOF building was dedicated and sat at the site of the moved City Hotel.

In 1975-1976 the IOOF was razed and Troutwine’s dealership truck lot was established which is at the present location today.

Old Photos of the City Hotel and IOOF are collections of the AWTHS and be viewed through our research library as well as digital files. The reference research library and AWTHS house are open First Saturday of the Month and also by appointment. More info can be obtained through our website at www.arcanumhistoricalsociety.org. The Arcanum Business book may also be purchased at the house or website. Stop by and pick up a map of the Walking Tour of Arcanum to view these designated historic markers and places of interest. Another fine example of historic preservation of a historic building with a place in history in the heart of Arcanum.