| In
1920, the people of Ferndale and of the surrounding valley
faced a condition of inadequate hospital facilities and an
arduous journey to Eureka for access to more modern and available
medical attention. They decided to raise money through the
selling of stock for a newer hospital. When $18,000 worth
of stock had been sold, a meeting of the stockholders was
called and after adopting an article of incorporation, they
elected a board of directors. These directors were empowered
to secure a location and erect a structure suitable for such
a hospital as was needed. The home of Dr. Ring, together with
adjoining lots, was secured and the work of enlarging and
altering the property was pushed as rapidly as possible.
The
cost of materials had risen greatly in the previous years,
and the full cost of buying the property, renovation, and
equipment approximated $40,000. Thus, after 3 years of service,
the hospital still struggled under $3500 of debt. On July
7, 1924 the board of directors sent a letter of appeal to
the stockholders. Portions of this letter follow:
...The
Ferndale General Hospital is a necessity. Ferndale and the
territory adjoining cannot do without it...(but) your hospital
needs your help. Your board of directors are making this
direct appeal to you stockholders. The accounts against
this hospital are all just claims for which each of us are
responsible...the creditors are entitled to their money
now after waiting patiently for three years. These claims
amount to $5.00 for each share of stock issued...it entails
no great amount of sacrifice and will do much good.
History
does not record the specific response to this letter, only
that the hospital was closed shortly thereafter.
In
the 1950's, it was changed to an apartment building. By
the 1960's it was abandoned and dilapidated when purchased
by two individuals who restored the building and converted
the front (the original home) to their residence and the
back to improved apartments. As landscape designers, these
owners created the existing formal English garden, which
contains interesting topiaries, 2-story high camellia "bushes",
and fuchsia in abundance. In 1981, Ken Torbert purchased
it and opened The Gingerbread Mansion Inn during March 1983
as a bed and breakfast.
Architecture
The Gingerbread Mansion Inn is a unique combination of Queen
Anne and Eastlake styles and is elaborately trimmed with
ornate gingerbread, making it very architecturally interesting
and photogenic. Painted in eye-catching yellow and peach
tones, and surrounded by its colorful English garden, the
Gingerbread Mansion Inn is widely considered to be one of
Northern California's most photographed homes. Many published
references to its striking stature have appeared throughout
its history.references to its striking stature have appeared
throughout its history.
History
of Ferndale - click
here.
|
