Mendocino Fourth of July Parade, 1884. (Kelley House Photographs)
The 1884 Fourth of July parade marching eastward down Mendocino’s Main Street, near the corner of Kasten Street. Identified in the parade are, right to left: Michael Byrnes (Parade Marshal), aides, band, GAR (Grand Army of the Republic) Post #58, and the IOOF (Independent Order of Odd Fellows). On occasions like this, the people of Mendocino hoisted enormous American flags up “Liberty Poles” made from tall tree trunks attached to buildings or planted in the ground.
The building on the far right is the Chung Kow Wash House, located on the northwest corner of Kasten and Main Streets. This building was demolished in 1906 and the Bank Building, current home of Out of This World, was built on the site in 1908.
To the left of the wash house, the two-story structure with a cupola on its roof is J. D. Murray’s Drug Store (demolished in 1935); next left is Eugene Brown’s store (today’s Circa); then the Everson Variety Store (Ledges Ocean Sports in 2025). The side of the next building declares “Cy’s” in very large letters and belongs to Cy Galbraith who built his saloon in 1877 on land he purchased from J. P. Lindley.
Celebrate the Fourth of July on the Kelley House lawn, one of the best parade viewing spots in town! Dance to the music of DJ Beetroots, play cornhole, and enjoy margaritas, wine, and beer from North Coast Brewing Company. Non-alcoholic options available, plus BBQ hot dogs and hamburgers from Gnar Bar. Free admission, but donations appreciated.