02: Excavation on Land Sale Day, May 16, 1912

During Land Sale Day, May 16, 1912, Dr. Chandler and  the other financial backers of the new community of Chandler wanted potential investors to know  that a major new resort hotel would be be the heart and soul of the new Town of Chandler. To show progress to these investors, the Improvement Company hired the Los Angeles Company of Sears and Gailbreath to begin excavation for the foundation of the new hotel. In the picture to the left, mounds of dirt mark the future hotel's site, while potential investors look on as work continues.

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Description of Photo: Excavation work on the San Marcos began prior to land sale day on May 16, 1912.  The project was started to show potential land purchasers that the hotel would be a reality.  The Los Angeles firm Sears & Gilbraith was the contractor hired to excavate the site.  Not long after, Chandler hired C.B. Weaver, another prominent Los Angeles contractor, to construct the building.

Accession #: 86-16-21

Gift of: Wilfred Austin