Men standing in front of Tempe House Liquor store

Datec 1904

MediumPaper

Dimensions5 1/8 x 7 1/8 in. (13 x 18.1 cm)

ClassificationsDocumentary Artifact

Catalog number1999.28.34

DescriptionThis is a black and white photograph of five (5) men standing in front of the Tempe House Liquor Co., Inc. The men are (from the left): Henry Sandoz, Chris Oviedo, unknown, unknown, and Chris Sigala, constable.

Address: 406 Mill Avenue

Tempe House was a saloon that catered especially to the cattle industry - including buyers/sellers, ranchers and cowboys. It was located on the west side of Mill Avenue just a few doors south of 4th Street. Well-established by the late 1890s, the saloon advertised itself as the “Traveling Men’s and Stockman’s stopping place.” The Tempe House also offered lodging for those travelers and businessmen, as well as the “Best Meals in Town” at the adjacent Tempe Restaurant, run by proprietor Wong Yoke.

Tempe House survived the start of municipal prohibition in Tempe, which began in 1911. Like many other local saloons, Tempe House became a billiard parlor. A major fire destroyed the building in February 1916. The building was rebuilt, and Tempe House reopened and survived into the early 1920s. It is not known when Tempe House finally closed its doors.

Caption from the Tempe 150th Anniversary exhibit:
The aproned proprietor of the Tempe House – possibly owner Phil Fogal – stands with Constable Chris Sigala (at right) and other local men in front of his saloon around 1904. Not just a bar, the Tempe House offered lodging and billed itself the “Traveling Men’s and Stockmen’s stopping place.” The saloon served as a hub for buying and selling cattle for many years.

Status

Not on view