Is it really just an empty lot? This is what some might say about the site of The Exchange Hotel. Yet, this seemingly unremarkable spot holds a significant place in San Diego’s history.
Welcome to the site of The Exchange Hotel. It stood here at 2729 San Diego Avenue. Although no building exists today, we’ll explore its vibrant past.
Picture San Diego in 1851. George P. Tebbetts and Philip Hooff built The Exchange Hotel. The San Diego Herald mentioned it on May 29, 1851. It was advertised as the “Exchange Hotel and Billiard Saloon.” They boasted the choicest wines, liquors, and cigars.
But The Exchange Hotel was more than just a place for refreshment. On June 29, 1851, Freemasons gathered here. They commemorated John the Baptist, their patron saint. This meeting led to the formation of Freemasons San Diego Lodge No. 35, F. & A.M. It is the oldest lodge in Southern California.
Lewis Franklin, cousin of Selim Franklin, bought the hotel on July 19, 1855. In November, it was renamed Franklin House. The building had a distinctive look. The ground floor was brick. A verandah rose the full three stories.
By 1858, Joseph Reiner took over. He improved the hotel with new bedding and furniture. Freemasons continued meeting here. Joseph Mannasse, an early mason, later owned Franklin House.
Sadly, Franklin House was destroyed in an April 1872 fire. The site remained vacant for years. Despite its absence, the memory of The Exchange Hotel lived on.
The Exchange Hotel site became a California Historical Landmark No. 491. It was listed on October 10, 1951. Though no physical structure remains, the plaque marks a spot of great importance.
There’s a mysterious aspect to The Exchange Hotel. No drawings or photographs of it exist. But George Parrish Tebbetts’ story is fascinating. He struck it rich during the Gold Rush with a Chinese boy. Tebbetts later became the third mayor of San Diego.
So, while it may appear to be just an empty lot, remember the history beneath your feet. The Exchange Hotel was a gathering place. It was a starting point for a lasting organization. It’s a reminder of San Diego’s early days. The Exchange Hotel’s legacy continues to shape San Diego’s identity.