This building in Truckee, California, was built by one if the town’s founders, George Schaffer.

According to the historic plaque out front:

“George Schaffer, 1828-1903

One of Truckee’s earliest settlers, Schaffer in 1868 built the first lumber mill in the town. He freighted the locomotive San Mateo to Truckee in a winter crossing of the Sierra prior to the laying of the Central Pacific tracks.

This building, “The Star Hotel” was built by Schaffer, probably for his family when mill operations were relocated up Martis Creek in 1871. The building was converted into a hotel and has remained in continuous operation to this day.

For 24 years, the Truckee basin supplied timber to railroads, miles and boom towns through Uncle George’s enterprises.”