Mokelumne Hill

I.O.O.F. Hall

The I.O.O.F. Hall is one of the oldest three-story buildings in California. The Mokelumne Hill Canal and Mining Company sold the lot to Adams Express Company for $1,950 on September 8 of 1854, shortly after the fire which wiped out most of the town, including the Canal company building. The express company built a two-story stone building on the lot from which they operated the express office. Wade Hanson & Co. occupied the building in 1855, using it for a merchandise store. By 1858, Dr. Louis Soher owned the building. Soher sold the property to the Mokelumne Hill Odd Fellow Lodge No. 44 for $4,500 on April 13 of 1860. The Odd Fellows had organized on September 20 of 1855, and up to this time had been renting hall space from the Masons. After purchasing the building, they started construction of a third floor which was finished in 1861. In April of that year, they dedicated the new three-story building with a grand ball. Tickets were priced at $6, with supper being $1.50 a plate, and most of the town turned out for the event. Over the years, the building has been used by the Wells Fargo & Co., the Masons, Good Templars, and the Freemen.