A fascinating daybook belonging to Joseph Meyer, who ran a seemingly short-lived hotel in Pleasant Valley, El Dorado County, CA.

There are about 200 pages of entries, covering the years 1871-1875, as well as a handful of entries for 1877 and 1878. It is packed with hundreds of entries for suppers, dinners, breakfasts, beds, hay for horses, sundries, games of euchre, games of solo (a form of whist), games of dice, bottles of wine, bottles of whiskey, plugs of tobacco, and other needs of the weary miner or traveler. There are numerous, somewhat enigmatic entries for “treats.”

On the inside first page of the book there is a charming hand-drawn map showing the hotel’s location in Pleasant Valley, on the border of nearby Newtown. There are also records of Meyer’s own expenses, and other notations.

The book mentions some notable El Dorado Co. residents including Jeremiah Wentz and others are mentioned with familiar names such as “Uncle Billy” or “Mike the Sheep Herder.”

There is little available information about Meyer’s Hotel. There was a Meyer’s Hotel in nearby Shingle Springs, which was operated by one Franz Meyer (no relation) but that is most likely a different establishment. Though the two towns are close by, the manuscript map in the front is fairly specific as to the location. In the 1870 census, Joseph Meyer lists his occupation as “hotel keeper” but in the 1880 census he is listed as “farmer.”

Some loss to binding, otherwise good condition.

From the estate of Ron Lerch.