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         The first hotel erected was known as the Clarence Hotel. It was built by Messrs. Bray & Baker in 1859. The only other buildings erected on the town site, previous to this, were the warehouses along the railroad track and the Friend & Culbertson storehouse. A man named Reed, of Louden, was the contractor and builder. For several years, it was the only hotel in the village, and passed through many changes of management before it was abandoned as a hotel and made to give way before more extensive hotel structures. During its management by J. Hart, in 1863, the first child born in the village put in an appearance within its walls. The boy was named Clarence, after the village of his birth.

         The next hotel was the Pacific House, which was first called the American. The first part of it was erected by A. Bloomburg, in 1864-5. Mr. Bloomburg made a contract with J. Wear to build an addition to the part already erected, so as to increase its accommodations. When the addition was completed, Mr. Wear took possession and opened it as the American House, in the latter part of 1865. About 1869 or 1870, Mr. Wear sold out to C. M. Gilbert, and Henry Houghton became the manager. Houghton was succeeded by Alfred Day, a good hoteler. After that, there were two or three changes before the present proprietor, Capt. Lyon, assumed its management.

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         The Post House was first commenced by Mr. S. S. Crocker for a family residence, in 1860. In 1861, Mr. Crocker sold the house and grounds to James Huff, who made a two-story addition and used it as a dwelling. In 1868, Huff sold out to E. E. Post, who immediately built a two-story addition and opened it as the Post House. In 1870, he made another addition of three stories, which afforded ample room and accommodations for hotel purposes. Mr. Post still continues as “mine host.”