American House Hotel in Happy Camp

American House Hotel in Happy Camp, not open to the public~

Martin Cuddihy came to Happy Camp in 1860 and bought a saloon and a hotel, which was to become well known for quality lodging as the American House Hotel. He did business partner with other pioneers like Henry Wood.

Herman Reinhart wrote about his stay at the American House Hotel and the quality of hospitality that the hotel was known for. It was during his stay there that he heard about the Rogue River Wars that had begun, and wondered about the safety of his brother who he had left in Oregon before coming to check out gold prospecting possibilities on the Klamath River.

According to Vera Toleman, Cuddihy owned other pieces of property in town and had interests in several mining operations. His interests were varied and he took an active part in community affairs. After Cuddihy's death, Jeremiah Lane bought it and then Mr. & Mrs. Charles Blockwell and then Nathan Evans" That was when Nathan Evans started a general merchandise business that has continued to the present time as Evans Mercantile.

The Baker family had moved into town from Indian Creek and 1926 bought the building. It was difficult to send their daughters Ruth and Genevieve to school. Nelson packed for the Forest Service and loved horses, teaching young people to ride.Dora Baker, daughter of Jeremiah Lane.  Dora was clerk for the Elementary School board and also served as the librarian as Happy Camp Branch of the Siskiyou County Library with the help of Ruth.. The Happy Camp Library was kept at the hotel for patrons to pick up books any hour of the day or night for twenty years before the '64 flood which damaged the home destroyed the yard. Dora had been active in the Happy Camp Grange for about 35 years.

Nelson B Baker and his wife, Dora who was very active serving the community.

Ruth took over the library later and was always happy to have readers stop by for books. Ruth remained the sole occupant of the hotel in her later years until she was moved to Beverly Manor, a nursing home in Yreka California. At one time, she started out in her wheel chair to return to Happy Camp from the Nursing Home,,but was apprehended by the time she reached Highway 96.