Built in 1890 at a cost of $23,000, this three-story building was once the social center of a bustling mining town. The first floor was constructed of native granite. The cast iron front held 6 large windows and small colored glass panes. The upper stories were brick, and the roof was covered with sheet metal. Interior walls and ceilings were plastered, and elaborate molded pine trim was artificially grained to look like hardwood. Lighting was by oil lamps, one of which weighed 400 lbs.

The second floor housed union offices, a library, and a large hall with an 18ft. ceiling, wallpaper and a special maple “spring floor” for dancing. At the back was a stage. 500 folding chairs provided seating for concerts, operas and theatricals. The first floor was a recreation hall for miners, with billiards and card tables. On the third floor was a meeting room used by clubs and secret orders.

In the 1890s. buildings along Main Street included saloons, rooming houses and restaurants. Across the street from the Union Hall was the newspaper office, and in the gully below was Chinatown and the red light district.

STAY OFF AND AWAY

Walls are unstable

Marker is on Contract Mill Road.

Courtesy hmdb.org

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