The Armory was built from public funds in 1863 for $8,000. There are other dates noted in different places, but this building was built for UNION soldiers during the Civil War (1861 to 1865). The 3rd California Infantry, which is like our National Guard today, used it for enlistment and training. In 1868 the building was sold to the Copperopolis Armory Hall Association for $800 in gold and used for Congregational and Methodist church services, public meetings, dances (balls), rallies, and other public functions. The Copperopolis Community Center purchased the Armory in 1948.
The architecture is called simple Classical Revival and is a common building style in the Mother Lode area. The two iron entry doors are flanked by iron-shuttered windows and topped with relieving arches. The iron doors and shutters were used for fire protection and security for the arms and ammunition stored in the building. The foundation is made of rock, and the supports are made of brick. The floors are original except for some areas where the wood had deteriorated to a point of being unsafe. The entire floor was refinished in 2006 as a major preservation project.
The building is in its original condition with the exception of the kitchen area, which was added much later. Some of the brick, like the bricks from the church, were brought from Columbia. The different color brick is most noticeable on the north wall of the building.
Again, through the efforts of Mr. and Mrs. Stone, the building was placed on National Register of Historical Places and the California Register of Historical Resources on December 30, 1997. The plaque that commemorates this event is located on the front wall of the building.
Old Armory Sign
2011 Veteran Spaghetti feed.
Pictured Micki Phillips, first husband KIA 4-11-67 Vietnam, with Ric Ryan ('67 '68 USMC Vietnam).
Spring Fling dinner dance.
Pictured Norm Walton and daughter/event organizer Elysa Shulte.
Veteran Spaghetti feed.
Pictured Chris Maness (Sgt. USMC Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom) with wife Avonlea Maness. Jeep owned by Bill Skellenger (Korean War vet).
The women of Copperopolis made a beautiful American flag over 135 years ago, The Flag was presented to the Community Center in the late 1900's by Arthur Click of the San Joaquin Pioneer and Historical Society after being displayed in the Haggin Memorial Museum in Stockton for many years.
The women of Copperopolis made a beautiful American flag over 135 years ago, The Flag was presented to the Community Center in the late 1900's by Arthur Click of the San Joaquin Pioneer and Historical Society after being displayed in the Haggin Memorial Museum in Stockton for many years.
This excerpt from the History of Copperopolis courtesy of the “School Tour” notes by Linda Beck,with permission taken directly from "Tools Are On The Bar" by Charlie and Rhoda Stone
