Chew Kee Store

Built by the Chinese in Fiddletown in mid-1850s for herbal doctor Yee Fan-Chung, the Chew Kee Store was constructed using the traditional Chinese rammed earth technique (one of the few surviving in Gold Rush Country). The store later came under the ownership of merchant-gambler Chew Kee and wife, Sigh Choy, and their adopted son "Jimmy" Chow (Fong Chow Yow). Dr. Yee returned to China in 1900.

Chinese Gambling Hall

Built in the hillside across the street from Chew Kee Store, the Chinese Gambling Hall was likely constructed in the 1850s to 1860s. The rear wall is basically the steep hillside that the building abuts and was owned for many years by Yee Fung. In 1884, the gambling hall took the name "Fortune Peaceful Gambling House" (Fook Tai Chong).

Chinese General Store

Build in the mid-1850s or early 1860s, the Chinese General Store (also known as the Foo Kee Store) was constructed of bricks and among the first permanent structures in Fiddletown.

Mining Water Ditch

The water ditch probably channeled water from sluices somewhere up the hill. It also seems to separate the Chinese portion of Fiddletown from the rest of the settlement.

Forge

Built during the 1850s as a blacksmith shop. Until the later addition of a picture window, the building had two entrances of the same size.

Possible Merchant Store

This building is not listed on the town tour map put out by the Fiddletown Preservation Society, but it has the look of some sort of store.

Barn

The building, which looks like a former barn of undetermined age, is not listed on the town tour map. No details about it.

Former Saloon

This building is clearly an old saloon (as the etching on one of the windows attest), but was also not listed on the town tour map.

Fiddletown Firehouse

Sorry, no information as to when the firehouse was built or ceased operations

Fiddletown Community Center

World's largest fiddle

General Store

Built in the early 1850s (one source claims 1855), the general store is said to be in continuous use since then. It was not opened when we visited.

Schallhorns Wagon Works

Built in 1870, Schallhorns Wagon Works is the largest building in town. In its day, Schallhorns served as a wagon shop, blacksmith, overland mail, telegraph office, and coach stop.

Unknown Building

This building looks like it should have some historical purpose, but was also not listed on the town tour map.

Cooper House

No information when this house was built

Fiddletown Schoolhouse

Built in 1862 to replace the first one built in the mid-1850s, this one-room schoolhouse is constructed as wood-framed with clapboard siding, porch, and a belfry on top. It remained opened until 1955 when area schools were consolidated and moved to nearby Plymouth.

Deer in Fiddletown

The one thing about the old mining towns in the Sierra foothills is that things are so quiet and peaceful wild animals such as this mule deer appear during daylight hours crossing the main street through town.

Fiddletown Cemeteries

There are three cemeteries in Fiddletown. The Masonic Cemetery is adjacent to the Pioneer Cemetery with an entrance on American Flat Road just across from the old Schoolhouse. The Oddfellow Cemetery is found at the east end of the town limits on the northside of Fiddletown Road.