Historical Resources: Detective's All-Access Toolkit

A short walk away, the California Hotel offered a Spanish Colonial Revival sanctuary to the stars that shone at the Fox. Its luxurious accommodations were a home away from home for celebrities such as Clark Gable, Babe Ruth,  and its ballrooms hosted Fullerton’s elite. It provided a discreet, opulent backdrop to the drama and jubilation of the movie industry.---

The California Hotel, an emblem of enduring hospitality, has been a favored choice for residents seeking both short and long-term stays. Housing 22 distinct apartments, this historic establishment offered rentals from $40 to $50 per month, catering to a range of preferences with both furnished and unfurnished options. The rental package included the convenience of a maid service. Each living space was thoughtfully designed with a living area, bathroom, dressing room, and a kitchen that featured a quaint breakfast nook, elegant dresser, and a Murphy bed, reflecting the hotel's commitment to providing the comforts of home without the attendant responsibilities.

Every apartment came with the luxury of a private telephone, and in the advent of television, the hotel cultivated a sense of community with a common television in the spacious lobby. Since 1922, the hotel has offered a shuttle service from the train station and later expanded its services to include an airport coach to Los Angeles Airport, all for an economical $3.25.

The California Hotel Café, which was later rebranded as the California Cafeteria, stood out as the most popular amenity within the hotel. Overseen by the renowned Chef Henry F. Strombeck, this dining facility became synonymous with high-class cuisine set against a backdrop of elegance and sophistication. The café provided daily culinary delights from breakfast through dinner and was an ideal venue for private parties and banquets, solidifying its place in Fullerton's rich tapestry of history..   

On the Hidden past of The California Hotel in Fullerton, Californian, appears to have had a colorful past, marked by notable incidents involving illegal activities and celebrities. One of the most bizarre stories associated with the hotel is that of the chloroform burglars. In late June and early July 1927, Hollywood director Ralph Ince, known for his role in "Little Caesar," was staying at the hotel. During this period, he was directing and starring in a film called "Shanghai," with his crew being filmed at nearby locations. On June 30, 1927, after returning to the hotel, an odd smell of chloroform was noticed coming from his room. It was discovered that he had been knocked out by chloroform sprayed into his room, which also resulted in scratches on the door.

In addition to this criminal activity, the hotel also saw its share of illegal alcohol transactions during the Prohibition era. Despite Fullerton being a "dry" town, hotel guests were able to obtain liquor. Hotel clerk Arthur Hayes was arrested in November 1924 for selling whiskey, and speakeasies were conveniently located nearby. The California Hotel has left an indelible mark on Fullerton’s history, remembered for its elegance and as a cornerstone of the community’s social life. (Fullerton Heritage, Deborah Richey, February, 2023) and courtesy of Orange  County Historic Society 

In stark contrast to the opulent establishments of the era, the multifaceted Williams Building, under the ownership of the Odd Fellows in the 1920s, held a secret double life. By day, it bustled as the town's postal hub, a thriving center of community life. The Odd Fellows operated the downstairs as a post office until the Great Depression, while the third floor was leased to a variety of social clubs, including the Moose, Elk, Veterans of the Foreign War, Women of the Moose, and even the enigmatic Ancient Egyptian Order of the Sciots.

Throughout the years, performers such as Tommy Alsuff,  Chubby Checker,  Buddy Holiday and the Crickets played at this vibrant place for private parties hosted at this illustrious location.

But by night, the Williams Building underwent a remarkable transformation into a Prohibition-era speakeasy. It throbbed with illicit revelry and echoed with the rhythmic beats of the Charleston dance. Upstairs on the third floor, a concealed attic played a pivotal role in the clandestine operation. A secret door connected the attic to the bar below, where liquor was surreptitiously stored to avoid detection. The attic boasted hatches leading to the roof and a discreet ladder connecting it to the ground floor—a covert escape route in case of a police raid.

Today, this historic space houses the Charleston Event Center, Bowery Pizza, and Bourbon Street Restaurant, seamlessly blending the intrigue of the past with contemporary vibrancy.

Yet, the Williams Building is not only known for its colorful history; it has gained a reputation for being haunted. Visitors have reported unexplained phenomena, including lights flickering on and off, doors opening and closing by themselves, sudden drops in temperature that send chills down one's spine, mysterious leaks in the rooms, and a feeling of being trapped with no escape. Some have even claimed that coins materialize out of thin air, inexplicably dropping from the ceiling. To further verify a Medium came in at night and confirmed spiritual presence. She confirmed that the spirits are there for the parties and fun. They refuse to leave . The building's enigmatic past continues to cast its spectral shadow on the present.

The reporter from  Mystery Marvel's Night of Mystery, Dinchel, is a nod to Hugh Edgar Johnson (1868-1935) A colorful character in a colorful period of journalism, Hugh Edgar Johnson was the personification of an early American country newspaper editor and proprietor. In the early days of the newspaper, Johnson was the Tribune – gathering, writing, editing, and placing the news in various positions in the pages of the newspaper, and writing all the editorial opinions. In an era known for fiery journalism, his hard-hitting reporting, vitriolic editorials, and caustic wit were legendary throughout Southern California.

 Leo Fender: Leo Fender, the legendary guitar maker and founder of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation, lived and worked in Fullerton. He went to Orangethorpe Elementary.  His innovations in electric guitar design revolutionized the music industry.  

Walter Johnson:Walter Johnson, one of baseball's legendary pitchers, had a strong connection to Fullerton, California, where he settled and became a prominent community figure. His presence in Fullerton contributed significantly to the local baseball culture, embodied by Amerige Field, named after one of the city's founders. This field stands as a testament to the era of baseball giants like Johnson. Highlighting this rich baseball heritage, a memorable event took place near Fullerton in Brea: the celebrated Halloween baseball game in 1924, featuring Johnson and Babe Ruth. This game, a charity event, showcased a legendary duel between pitcher Johnson and hitter Ruth, epitomizing the pinnacle of early American baseball and reinforcing the significance of Fullerton and its neighboring areas in baseball history.