One of the most famous restaurants in Redding history was that of Doc Clearie’s Hilltop Skyroom but have you even heard how Doc’s was started?
Nestled atop Sulfur Creek Hill along Highway 99, long before Hilltop Drive was even conceived, a piece of land changed hands. It was April 5th, 1938, when J.F., Violet F., Donald, and Goldie McReynolds decided to part ways with a portion of their land at Township 32N, Range 5W, Section 25. They deeded it to Richard Schneidereit and Ella J. Finney.
Just over a month later, on May 26th, 1938, Ella J. Finney took full ownership of a .6-acre parcel from their joint purchase, marking the beginning of a culinary legacy in Redding.
Unbeknownst to Miss Finney on July 23rd, 1938, she unveiled what in time would become one of Redding’s most popular restaurants, The Hill Top Club. Perched on Sulfur Creek hill with breath taking views, one mile north of Redding, this establishment was a steak house, lounge and served as a venue for memorable events.
For nine years, Ella J. Finney owned the club but leased out the overseeing of operations of the Hill Top Club, until March of 1947. It was then that the torch was passed to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Schwartz, proprietors of the Wagon Wheel Tavern in Oroville.
It was at the end of March 1953 when the Hilltop Club was taken to a whole new level. Joseph Schwartz and his wife bid farewell to the club and handed over the reins to Harry "Doc" and Ann Clearie, proprietors of the Rex Club in Burney, which they sold that December. Doc Clearie embarked on a journey of renovation and expansion, renaming the Hill Top Club, Doc's Hilltop Skyroom and Doc Clearie's Hilltop Skyroom, becoming one of Redding’s finest restaurants.
Even wonder where the name Doc came from? Before Harry “Doc” Clearie’s club ownerships he had practiced dentistry, earning him the affectionate name "Doc."
On April 13th, 1972, an irresistible offer came knocking at Doc Clearie's door from the International Investment and Development Company of Newport Beach, California. It was an offer he couldn't refuse. As part of the sell, ownership of the name and retaining of the employees reverted to the International Investment and Development Company, marking the end of mom and pop and local ownership for the Hilltop Club.
#californiaunearthed#shastacounty#ShastaCountyHistory#reddingca#reddinghistory#HilltopClub#docsskyroom Sources in caption
All information came from the Record Searchlieght 1938-1972
California Unearthed
One of the most famous restaurants in Redding history was that of Doc Clearie’s Hilltop Skyroom but have you even heard how Doc’s was started?
Nestled atop Sulfur Creek Hill along Highway 99, long before Hilltop Drive was even conceived, a piece of land changed hands. It was April 5th, 1938, when J.F., Violet F., Donald, and Goldie McReynolds decided to part ways with a portion of their land at Township 32N, Range 5W, Section 25. They deeded it to Richard Schneidereit and Ella J. Finney.
Just over a month later, on May 26th, 1938, Ella J. Finney took full ownership of a .6-acre parcel from their joint purchase, marking the beginning of a culinary legacy in Redding.
Unbeknownst to Miss Finney on July 23rd, 1938, she unveiled what in time would become one of Redding’s most popular restaurants, The Hill Top Club. Perched on Sulfur Creek hill with breath taking views, one mile north of Redding, this establishment was a steak house, lounge and served as a venue for memorable events.
For nine years, Ella J. Finney owned the club but leased out the overseeing of operations of the Hill Top Club, until March of 1947. It was then that the torch was passed to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Schwartz, proprietors of the Wagon Wheel Tavern in Oroville.
It was at the end of March 1953 when the Hilltop Club was taken to a whole new level. Joseph Schwartz and his wife bid farewell to the club and handed over the reins to Harry "Doc" and Ann Clearie, proprietors of the Rex Club in Burney, which they sold that December. Doc Clearie embarked on a journey of renovation and expansion, renaming the Hill Top Club, Doc's Hilltop Skyroom and Doc Clearie's Hilltop Skyroom, becoming one of Redding’s finest restaurants.
Even wonder where the name Doc came from? Before Harry “Doc” Clearie’s club ownerships he had practiced dentistry, earning him the affectionate name "Doc."
On April 13th, 1972, an irresistible offer came knocking at Doc Clearie's door from the International Investment and Development Company of Newport Beach, California. It was an offer he couldn't refuse. As part of the sell, ownership of the name and retaining of the employees reverted to the International Investment and Development Company, marking the end of mom and pop and local ownership for the Hilltop Club.
#californiaunearthed #shastacounty #ShastaCountyHistory #reddingca #reddinghistory #HilltopClub #docsskyroom
Sources in caption
All information came from the Record Searchlieght 1938-1972
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