Riggins’ Early Hotels - Idaho Historical Markers on Waymarking.com

This history sign, about early hotels in Riggins, is one of a series on the Salmon River Heritage Walking Tour in Riggins, Idaho.

Marker Name: Riggins’ Early Hotels Marker Type: City Marker Text: Hotel Riggins and the Monte Carlo Riggins’ first hotel, Hotel Riggins, built in 1894 by pioneering businessman Dick Riggins, was located in the center of town across from Berger Street. The hotel also served as the post office and in 1901, Dick Riggins was appointed as the first postmaster. Riggins later built a livery barn and blacksmith shop on adjacent property. The Road to Hi-Wa-Inn In 1902, Dick Riggins sold the hotel and post office to Dick and Leona Irwin. In 1910, the Irwins sold the hotel to Helen Toney and moved the post office to a store across the street. In 1912, Mrs Toney remodeled the hotel and renamed it the Hi-Wa-Inn. The inviting Hi-Wa-Inn, surrounded by shade trees and cool lawn, was a welcome site to weary travelers for many years. The ringing of the big iron triangle was a unique part of Riggins early life as it announced the meals, served promptly at seven, noon, and six at night. The Monte Carlo Riggins second hotel was built in 1925. This elegant, two-story white structure was the work of Roy Gardon. Built at the corner of Berger Street, it sported a pool hall, card room and a saloon. An outside staircase led to rooms for rent on the upper floor. The Monte Carlo was located across from Helen Toney’s Hi-Wa-Inn. Some of the locals jokingly suggested that Roy call his hotel the “Lo-Wa-Out.” After fire destroyed this hotel about 1934, Beth Gordon built several rental cabins which are still in use today. County: Idaho City: Riggins Group Responsible for Placement: City of Riggins Marker Number: None Date Dedicated: Not listed Web link(s) for additional information: Not listed

Visit Instructions:
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Date Logged Log User Rating   10/10/2010 Volcanoguy visited it