The Missing Amedee Bar Saga

Hotel Amedee, after 1922–Courtesy of Modoc County Museum

Law enforcement officials from time to time come across some interesting episodes that challenge the mind. One such occurrence was in June 1931 when the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office received a call that the bar from the old Amedee Hotel had been stolen. The hotel it should be noted had been abandoned for some time. Of course, law enforcement officials were intrigued with this development, it being prohibition. Who would want a bar? After all local bootleg joints could get by with a cheap pine table.

A month later, the bar was reported to be in Chester, Plumas County at the residence of O.D. Irwin. It was his contention to use the wood from the bar to make furniture. Irwin was charged with a misdemeanor, paid a $50 fine and was ordered to return the bar to Jim Humphrey, who the Amedee Hotel. When the story made news, Marion Larrea who at the time was operating a pool hall in Susanville, contacted Humphrey, purchased the bar and put in his establishment on South Weatherlow Street, where it remained for many years. It should be noted, that after prohibition, Irwin operated a bar known as the Red Feather Inn in Chester.

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