Explore the OG must-visits in the City of Gold

Oroville old and new

If you haven’t visited Oroville lately, you need to. The downtown area in particular, bordered by Feather River Boulevard, Montgomery Street, Oliver Street, and High Street, has undergone a tremendous change in the past few years. Buildings and businesses have been renovated, refurbished, and remodeled. Strictly speaking, some of these changes have been ongoing, and some of the additions have been around for longer than just a few years. We are going to take a look at seven “new” and seven “old” projects. Yes, there are many more projects of change in the “City of Gold,” but those are the topic of another article. This piece will feature the “old” sites of Oroville, and the “new” sites will be in the September issue.

For years, Oroville has endured the sometimes harsh condemnation and often subtle snobbery of other cities in Butte County. But the times, they are indeed a’changing, and you need to see the results for yourself. While we focus upon the obvious, one stroll, car ride, or bicycle circuit of the downtown area will reveal it’s as beautiful and vibrant as any city in Butte County. what you want in the downtown area, from antiques, to restaurants, to gift shops, clothing stores, music, tattoo, barber shops, jewelry stores, banks, and a beautiful library. But the royalty of Downtown Oroville has been here for decades, and each is a shining example of what can be done with teamwork, group motivation, civic pride, and the generous donations of the public.

The Old

The Oroville Inn was dedicated on June 1, 1930. It was instantly one of the most sought after entertainment and social centers of the Sacramento Valley. Its sheer size and dimensions set it apart from any hotels in the area. The beautiful Spanish Colonial Revival Style stands in all its glory today. The interior is still undergoing renovation, but just step inside the lobby to see how magnificent it was in its heyday.

The State Theater, built in 1928 by renowned architect Timothy Pflueger, has been completely refurbished and held a Fourth of July concert this summer. Its nickname is “The Miracle on Myers Street,” and the staff of all-volunteer workers and supporters have transformed the theater into its grandeur and glory.

Stop by at night when the marquee is lit up; it is a grand sight to behold.

The Lott House was built in 1856 by “Judge” Lott, a gold rush pioneer who started the first Citrus Exchange in California. It sits in beautiful Sank Park and has many of the original furnishings. You can tour the house from Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm.

The Chinese Temple has served as a place of worship since 1863. It served over 10,000 Chinese residents, with furnishing and funds provided by the Emperor and Empress of China. Labor was provided by Chinese workers.

The Jewish Cemetery hosted its first burial in 1859. It is located at 1874 Feather River Boulevard and sits on 2.6 acres with only one acre hosting gravesites. The cemetery is designated as a historical cemetery and has many Chicoans buried there as well. It is an unexpected step into the past.

Tong Fong Low is located at 2051 Robinson Street. It is a family-owned and operated Chinese restaurant and has been serving food since 1912. It is considered by many to have the best Chinese food in Oroville and customers visit frequently from surrounding areas.

No doubt some attractions have been left out, but take some time and head over to Oroville. You never know what you might discover in The City of Gold.