| The Julian Hotel, the oldest
continuously operating hotel in Southern California, is not
only a living monument to the glory of the long ago mining
boom, it is also the dream come true of a former slave,
Albert Robinson, and his wife, Margaret. From separate
directions, Albert and Margaret came to San Diego not long
after gold was discovered near Coleman Creek in 1869.
Albert, a freed Missouri slave, worked on a local ranch as
cook. During this time Albert met Margaret Tull, daughter of
Susan Tull who was the wife of the "first colored man ever
summoned as juror in San Diego County." Albert and Margaret
married in Julian in the early 1880's. Not long after their
marriage, the Robinson's started a restaurant and bakery on
the present site of the Hotel. As the Robinson's reputation
grew, they began construction on the hotel in 1897. In
charge of the building were two prominent citizens of the
Julian community, C.R. Wellington and F.L. Blanc. During
construction Albert planted the cedar and locust trees which
encircle the Hotel today. Albert and Margaret became famous
for their hospitality as well as for their cooking. Mr.
Ritchie, a resident born in Julian, exemplifies their
hospitality by recalling his youth and the times his family
would have supper at the Hotel after coming to town for
supplies. Upon arrival, Albert Robinson would greet them
warmly and pick up little Keith. Placing Keith on his
shoulders, Albert would carry him inside. "I felt ten feet
tall," remembers Mr. Ritchie. |
