Butte
County
Biographies
H. H. WALKER
H.
H. Walker, proprietor of Hotel Park of Chico, has always engaged in this line
of business, which he has mastered in principle and detail, achieving the
success which follows a life of industry and rightly directed endeavor. He was born in California, November 18, 1867,
a son of Samuel L. and Josephine (Gubtil) Walker,
both of whom are natives of Maine. In
1850 the father journeyed to California via the Isthmus of Panama and two years
later returned to the east but after his marriage brought his bride to this
state, by the same route. By trade a
wheelwright, he made yokes for oxen in the early days and engaged in that line
of work in Chico from 1878 until his death.
The
educational advantages enjoyed by H. H. Walker were those afforded by the
common schools of Butte County and when his test-books were laid aside he
entered upon his business career as a waiter in a hotel, where he gained his
initial training in his chosen field of activity. Energetic and dependable, he soon qualified
for a position of larger responsibility and eventually became chief steward in
the Merchant Marine, a connection that he maintained for fifteen years. He worked on many large vessels acquiring
much valuable experience, which he has used to good advantage in the conduct of
his business in Chico. Since 1924 he has
been the owner of Hotel Park, which was erected in 1888 at the corner of Main
and Fourth Streets. Its seventy-one
guest rooms are light, well furnished and inviting and the rates are
reasonable, ranging from one dollar per day upward. Mr. Walker has leased the cafeteria, which is
operated by a capable woman, who serves food of the highest quality and who has
made this the most popular eating place in the town. Closely supervising every phase of his
business, Mr. Walker leaves nothing undone that will add to the comfort and
wellbeing of his guests and conducts a first class hostelry which reflects his
progressive methods and is a credit to Chico.
In
1903, Mr. Walker was united in marriage to Miss Wilhelmina Wetzel, in whom he
has found a true helpmate, ever ready to encourage and assist him in his
work. In politics he is a strong
Republican but has never sought office as a reward for party fealty. His favorite sports are hunting and fishing
but he has few opportunities to indulge in them, as his time is fully occupied
in managing his hotel, which is widely patronized by commercial travelers owing
to its efficient service and homelike atmosphere. Genial, sincere and
kind-hearted, Mr. Walker has a large circle of loyal friends and fills an
important place in the life of his community.
Transcribed by
Gerald Iaquinta.
Source:
Wooldridge, J.W.Major History of Sacramento Valley
California, Vol. 2 Pages 409-410. Pioneer Historical
Publishing Co. Chicago 1931.
© 2010
Gerald Iaquinta.
Golden Nugget Library's Butte County Biographies