BIG TREES GROVE HOTEL MODELS

Abandoned Big Trees Grove resort hotel buildings - Author's Personal Collection

The original hotel building at Big Trees Grove was constructed by the first resort manager John Hooper in 1876. Additional hotel structures, including the dining porch were added starting in 1885 by later manager Joseph Ball. 

The long abandoned Big Trees Grove resort hotels were dismantled in 1958 by the California State Parks after they were damaged by several downed bay trees.  

These models of the long gone Big Trees Grove resort hotels were designed and produced by local historian Ross Eric Gibson. 

 

The displays consists of the buildings, dance floor and Arcade (gazebo) which made up the hotel at the Welch family's Big Trees Grove. Note the fence which separated Big Trees Grove resort from their neighbor and competing resort, Cowell's Big Trees.

The models include the Club House and Souvenir Shop at Cowell's Big Trees which was operated by Milo Hopkins starting in 1902. The display also includes Big Tree Station and its tiny ticket booth which was located directly behind the Club House. 

Hopkin's resort was abandoned during World War II but it is unknown when the buildings were removed, but evidence exists that they were still standing as late as 1959.