View of the remnants of the Mendocino Lumber Company’s inclined tramway that ascends the bluff from Big River. On the right is the elevated bridge that brought non-vehicular travelers from the Big River Flat, up through a 50-foot gap between two houses, and onto Main Street just west of Evergreen Avenue. It was once a short county road, but in this photo it appears on the right side as a footpath winding its way through grasses.
In the center of the image, at the top of the Incline, are lumber company structures, including the power house and its nearby water tower that supplied the water for the steam boilers that powered the incline’s hoist engine. Cables run by the engine pulled rail cars loaded with lumber from the mill on Big River up to the top of the bluff where they were then moved out to the shipping point. The water tower in the background belonged to the Lansing House on Main Street.
The Presbyterian Church steeple and its associated Manse or Rectory (built in 1908) are visible in the background, center. The unpainted house to the right of the manse was the G. Canning Smith-Doyle House, later demolished to make way for Preston Hall. Right of that is the building known as the Cavanagh House, and next to that is the Len Barnard House, both still standing on the south side of Main Street. Between them and farther away on the north side of Main Street, the mansard-style roof of the McCornack House (most recently Didgeridoo Inn) can be seen.
Other buildings on Main Street identified in this photograph include the Norton residence to the left of the church (demolished in 1935) and the Sears House (later Sweetwater Inn and Spa), to the right of the McCornack House.
This image was most likely taken after 1929, based on the presence of an enclosed porch on the dwelling to the right of the water tower; it is shown as an unenclosed space on the 1929 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map, so it was likely enclosed sometime after that.
The upper 1933 date relates to the chimney (built in 1879) that is attached to the hoist engine building. In 1933, the 25-foot high brick structure was removed by Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) workers and the bricks used in the construction of their camp near Russian Gulch. In this image, the chimney can still be seen between the engine power house and the legs of the water tower’s support structure.
MENDOCINO WATER TOWERS TOTE BAG – Fifteen of Mendocino’s iconic water towers are showcased on this unique tote bag, which makes a great gift, souvenir, or must-have on your next shopping spree. The original design is by local artist Michelle Noe. Enjoy identifying each tower (all are still standing) and get ready to receive compliments from those behind you in the grocery store line. The bag is 15” x 15” x 7” and is made of sturdy canvas, perfect for carrying groceries or books. It is natural color with 23” long black handles. $20.