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Overview

The Hahn Family managed the successful Commercial Hotel in Stockton, CA, during its first two decades--beginning in 1875--during which time it was expanded at least twice.

Building History

According to An History of San Joaquin County, California, German-born hotelier F.C. Hahn opened the Commercial Hotel in 08/1875, and he remained the proprietor until it was purchased by A.J. and Julia Hahn, the original owner's children, in 1882. The Hahn family moved to Stockton, CA, from Baltimore, MD. A.J. Hahn had worked as a clerk in the Commercial Hotel between 1875 and 1882. (See An Illustrated History of San Joaquin County, California, [Chicago: Lewis Publishing Company, 1890], p. 260.)

This hotel, also known as the McAlister Hotel, operated at this location on Main Street from at least 1891-on.

The Commercial Hotel operated at 425-435 Main Street near California Street, in Downtown Stockton, CA, c. 1909. A.A. Lynch was its proprietor in 1909. (See California Polk-Husted Directory Company's Stockton and Lodi City and San Joaquin County Directory, 1909-1910, p. 110.)

Building Notes

During the time of F.C. Hahn's management, the first floor of the Commercial Hotel had four storefronts at 273, 275, 277 and 279 Main Street. The entrance to the hotel stood in the center with stairs leading up to the lobby and guest rooms on the second and third floors. The Commercial Saloon operated at 275 while the hotel office operated in the 277 Main storefront.

Alteration

When first built in 1875, the Commercial Hotel had two stories, but another was added in 1878.

An Illustrated History of San Joaquin County noted that an addition was made in 1885: "It was a success almost from the start, and the patronage has increased to a wonderful extent. In 1885 the present owners made a large addition to the building, costing $15,000, and in September of the year, threw open ninety additional rooms, making in all 160." (See An Illustrated History of San Joaquin County, California, [Chicago: Lewis Publishing Company, 1890], p. 260.)

The Commercial Hotel was greatly enlarged after 1891, with a perpindicular wing being added facing North California Street.

A turret that graced the new corner of the hotel was removed during the twentieth century.

PCAD id: 20279