|
Cariboo Map Clinton Hotel Pollards Cornish Ranch and Roadhouse |
In the spring of 1861 George and Robert Watson began to build a new log structure which became the famous Clinton Hotel.
In 1863 the Watsons placed an ad in the Victoria Colonist stating that they had, "...built a new building which had a large bar-room, a private sitting room and free beds to people that brought their own blankets." They supposedly leased this new hotel to Billy McKinnon. This lease ended in 1867 and the land was sold to Joe Smith, Mary Smith and Tom Marshall.
Some sources state that, in 1863, the Smiths and Marshall moved to Clinton and bought the hotel from the Watson brothers. After they bought this land they built a wing onto the roadhouse. In this wing that was built onto the hotel was a billiard room and lady's parlor. Joe Smith held the first annual Clinton Ball in the hotel's billiard room in 1868. The ball was created to take away the winter blues. It was a 4 hour sleigh ride from 70 Mile House to Clinton, Later when Smith died Marshall married his widow, Mary. When Marshall died he left the roadhouse and its land for Joseph Smith Jr. and Mary.
Across the road from the Clinton Hotel there was a toll booth which was built in 1863 and used until 1868. This toll booth was created to pay Gustavus Wright, the road builder, for his work. The white toll gate that had belonged to the toll booth can be seen in old photos of the hotel.
The land changed hands in 1912 when Smith Jr sold it to the Wardell family.
Memories of a modern day prospector, Tom Belanger speaking of the Clinton Hotel in 1956 and 1957 include, For nearly 100 years the Clinton Hotel was the landmark on the Cariboo Wagon Road (now Hwy. 97). The Clinton Hotel burned down at approximately 3:45 a.m. on May 15, 1958.
|
