12. Village Morgue Bar

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12. Village Morgue Bar, 45 Alaska Avenue

Situated at the waterfront adjacent to the city dock, this building’s foundation comes from a stamp mill in operation from 1900-1918. Ore-bearing rock was transported to the mill, crushed and the valuable minerals separated out. The mill’s concrete footing and supporting rebar can be seen during low tide alongside dock remains.

When the bottom fell out of the gold industry the mill became a morgue, overwintering the deceased until springtime when graves could be dug. In the 1920s it morphed into a well-known bar, replete with a band comprised of bass, piano and saxophone that played on Saturday nights. Locals would say, “Meet me at the Morgue!”

“The Morgue” did not move to the new town site after the earthquake.