Title
Receive a presentation from the Southern Monterey County Rural Coalition (SMCRC) on the Dutton Hotel Ruins.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Parks Commission receive a presentation on the Dutton Hotel Ruins.
SUMMARY:
During public comment at the February 1, 2018 Parks Commission meeting, Ms. Winters requested the Commission to schedule a presentation by Ms. Winters regarding the Dutton Hotel on behalf of the Southern Monterey County Rural Coalition. The Commission requested staff to add this as an item on the March agenda. A copy of the presentation is attached for your information.
The SMCRC would like to initiate a discussion with stakeholders for the purpose of making the Dutton Hotel Ruins into a relevant monument to the history of the San Antonio Valley. A list of stakeholders includes but is not limited to:
• Monterey County
• U.S. Government/Fort Hunter Liggett
• Mission San Antonio
• MCARLM (Monterey County Agricultural & Rural Life Museum)
• SMCRC (Southern Monterey County Rural Coalition)
• SAVHA (San Antonio Valley Historical Association)
• SAVBA (San Antonio Valley Betterment Association)
This item is limited to receiving a presentation. If the Commissions wishes to pursue anything further, such as participation in a program/project, a separate report will be required that includes analysis of available resources (staffing, funding).
DISCUSSION:
The Dutton Hotel is located along Jolon Road between King City and Jolon. In 1849 Antonio Ramirez built a small adobe home along El Camino Real between Mission San Antonio de Padua and Mission Nuestra Sonora de la Soledad which was later remodeled into an Inn. In 1878, after changing owners several times, Lieutenant George Dutton purchased the Inn outright and further remodeled the building by adding a second story and wood frame structures at either end of the building which became known as the Dutton Hotel. This newly renovated Hotel became home to Jolon’s first post office and Dutton also added a store and saloon. The Hotel served as a stage coach stop along the El Camino and provided a respite for travelers to the Los Borros Mining District, being the last place for a meal and a hot bath.
In 1886, the railroad came to King City, replacing the stage coach, and Jolon went into decline.
In 1929, the town of Jolon burned to the ground but the Dutton Hotel still stood. William Randolph Hearst purchased the property and removed several outbuildings and other structures.
In 1940, the U.S. Army acquired the property and used the adobe for temporary encampment areas. Vandalism and exposure destroyed the building, leaving it in ruins.
The Dutton Hotel was registered under California State Parks Office of Historic Preservation and placed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 14, 1971.
On September 23, 1976 Dutton Hotel was granted to Monterey County for Public Parks, Recreation and Historic Monument purposes by the U.S. Army.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None.
FINANCING:
There is no financial impact to receiving this presentation.
Prepared by: Shawne Ellerbee, RMA Deputy Director of Administrative Services
Approved by: Carl P. Holm, AICP, RMA Director
Attachments: The Dutton Hotel Ruins.ppt