The Olde Ramona Hotel Gallery

                                      845 Main Street

                                      Ramona, California 92065

                                     

The Olde Ramona Hotel at 845 Main Street, Ramona, California has undergone several metamorphisms since Captain Francis Green, a 73- year old Civil War Veteran, began its Single handed construction in 1911. It is reported that Captain Green reinforced the solid Concrete walls with drive shafts, car bumpers, wagon wheels or any scrap of metal he could find. According to some local writings, the hotel was open in 1913, with the first alterations and additions completed in 1914. At that time, the hotel featured a railed balcony and porch area where guests could observe the action on Main Street. Hotel Ramona became the “in spot” for Civil War Veterans to congregate, rehash their battle experiences, and complain about the changing times. In 1925, after three days of “not feeling well,” the elderly entrepreneur passed away while asleep. Captain Green’s hotel would remain, however, and undergo more rebirths. Business changed from overnight lodging to rentals by the eek, month, and in several instances, many years. The scenery on Main Street changed from cowboys and buggies to pickup trucks. In 1942, a western front was dded covering the porch and balcony.

 

The Olde Hotel has housed travelers, boarders, a T-shirt business, and a book store, and a variety of offices. The basic sixteen rooms remain, and, according to present owners, Silvio and Loretta Alfonsi, they are much the same as when the hotel was built. Since 1984, the first floor is home to The Olde Ramona Hotel Gallery, while up the original narrow staircase, we find Loretta’ s studio to the left and art classrooms to the right.