The Victorian Inn
The Victorian Inn was built in 1890 with completion in 1891, and known as the Russ Building.
The structure was originally built to house the Ferndale Bank with the Ferndale Enterprise Newspaper
following. There were 33 rooms on the second floor, single rooms and suites. The amenities of the
era included bathrooms, water closets and fireplaces. There were many stores including the Humbolt
County Bank, the Ferndale Bank, and later the Russ-Williams Bank which became a part of Bank of
America in 1935. This building is a Stick Style Eastlake Victorian. The windows and bracketing are
Italianate in style. The foundation is a solid brick, two feet at the bottom and ane foot at the top. l is
still in place today. The master carpenter and architect of the building was T.J. Frost. He also did the
Masonic Temple and the Gazebo in town to mention a few, There were mumerous wrought iron hitching
posts with horse heads along Francis Street and Ocean Avense, soma of which are evident today. The
structure survived 3 large earthquakes in 1992 and is a testament to its darable, steadfast endurance
On February 13, 1891, the Ferndale Enterprise stated most eloquently that the Victorian Inn (Russ
Building) "... it is one of the handsomest buildings, both outside and in, tha stands in the State to-day."
Dedicated February 9, 2013
By the Native Sons of the Golden West
Allan M. Baird, Grand President
And
Ferndale Parlor No, 93 NSGW