Adventure 051, Site 139 – Jamestown Emporium

Capture California, the Game-2012

Adventure: 051, Site 139 – Jamestown Emporium

California Landmark: 431 (located within the historical district)

National Registry ID: 78000817

Team: Thing One, Thing Two

Date:  September 27, 2012

Location:

Latitude: 37° 57.165′ N

Longitude: 120° 25.4′ W

Address: 18184 Main Street, Jamestown CA

Description:

Date Built: 1897

Architect: C. H. Wilson

We did not find the marker for the Emporium. It may have been inside and we hit town a few minutes before sunset. But it was an impressive looking building and we are proud to have our picture and flag before the building. We were gratified to learn that it is on the national registry.



Inscription from HMDB:
C.H. Wilson, architect and builder of department store for J.W. Witney & Sons. Acquired by Moses Arendt within year. Mercantile and telephone exchange in early 1900’s. In 1928, sold to Jim Porter and Peter Barendregt. Jake Barendregt, Sr. operated a grocery store 1936-1967. Paul and Mallory Barendregt, Owners.



From NRHP:
Historically, the Emporium makes an important local contribution to the region's commercial patterns. The building served as a pioneer department store In Tuolumne County and was recognized as dealing in the finest clothing and furnishing goods in the county. J.W. Witney, its original owner, only occupied the building for six months. Moses Areant acquired and managed the business until 1928 when he sold it to Porter and Barendregt who continued the department store until 1969. In addition, between 1906 and 1923 the Emporium served as a telephone station for calls through the county.



References:

• National Registry of Historical Places-Documents and Photos
  
• Noehill
  
• Historical Marker Database (HMDB.org)
  
• Waymarking
  

Overall Landmark References:

• David Schmitt's California State Historical Landmark (Schmitt)
  
• Wikipedia: California's National Landmarks (WCNL)
  
• State of California's California Historical Landmarks (CHL)
  
• Wikipedia: California State Landmarks (WCSL)
  
• State of California Historical Resources (CHR)
  
• National Registry of Historical Places (NRHP)
  
• Noehill (NOE)
  
• Historical Marker Database (HMDB)
  
• WayMarking (WAY)