The Winner of the Half Moon Bay History Quiz is …

The Half Moon Bay History Association (HMBHA) submitted this historic photo and asked Half Moon Bay Patch readers a couple of weeks ago to identify the building in the picture.

The Half Moon Bay History Association judges all answers and all correct answers are put into a random drawing. The winner of the drawing receives a prize: a copy of “Treasures of Half Moon Bay” walking guide to historic locations in town (usually sells for a $10 donation to the HMBHA).

Out of five guesses, all were right so those names — Tony Moorhouse, Silvio Modena, Randy Randleman, Brad Higgins and Randy Weber — were put into a random drawing.

Whose name was picked? Congratulations to Randy Weber!

Weber wrote-in about the photo: "… First the Dawson Hotel circa 1860s then Schuyler in 1870s to Occidental in 1890s located on southeast corner of Kelly Ave. and Purissima St. Became U.S. Army barracks in World War II.”

Great job Randy!

Thank you to everyone who offered an answer, including those who offered answers on Half Moon Bay Patch’s Facebook page.

Here’s what Dave Cresson of the Half Moon Bay History Association has to say about the photo:

“This remarkable old building stood on the Coastside during the years of golden dreams — when we thought that our community would have a hint of the glorious style that was emerging in nearby San Francisco and the Peninsula. It was best known as the Occidental Hotel. It had several names and several owners. It grew and fell back in stages, including bankruptcy and failure. It started in 1867, and grew slowly into the three-floor version. It burned down, was rebuilt, served as barracks for the troops who guarded the Coastside during WWII. Then it was torn down.”

Randy, please e-mail Christa Bigue at christa.bigue@patch.com with your address so the folks at the Half Moon Bay History Association can mail you your prize!

Stay tuned next month for the next Half Moon Bay History Quiz courtesy of the Half Moon Bay History Association.

For more information about the Half Moon Bay History Association, located at 326 Main Street, Half Moon Bay, visit www.HalfMoonBayHistory.orghttp://www.HalfMoonBayHistory.org or call (650) 726-4468. The HMBHA is always looking for new members and volunteers. Annual dues are $25. Tell the stories, keep the records and be a part of how our Coastside came to become itself. Call or e-mail Info@HalfMoonBayHistory.org for a 2013 membership.

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