In 1855, after three attempts at tent buildings to house his restaurant on Main Street in San Andreas, California, business, Joseph Zwinge, grandfather of Sheriff Joe Zwinge, replaced the burned out tent structures with stone and rock. Zwinge took in partners; brother Wm. Zwinge and Antone Schachten. On December 29, 1858 the trio sold the building to John Huberty who operated a restaurant-hotel. John was the grandfather of attorney Joseph H. Huberty and great-grandfather of Judge Joseph S. Huberty, deceased husband of Shirley Huberty, Treasurer of CCFOTL.

The building formerly called “American Hotel” was purchased in 1936 by Désiré Fricot. He renovated the building and stipulated that the Chamber of Commerce, Historical Museum and Library could occupy its space. He donated the building to the county in 1937.

Roxie Hall, our first Librarian was appointed by the Board of Supervisors in 1939 and held this position until her sudden death on April 14, 1964.

Sheep Ranch was the first place to put another Library under the direction of Roxie Hall. Roxie drove into the small town of Sheep Ranch with a car full of books and approached Antionette Guidici about opening up her home that had previously been a boarding house where she fed the miners. All mines had closed in 1939 and miners left town. She accepted the offer and held that position for 40 years; closing upon her death at the age of 102. Her compensation was $35 a month. This spunky little woman was just four feet tall and 80 lbs.

​