The Lockeford Emporium

Locke’s Meat Market was built circa 1883 and was significant to the area and town for its influence on both the town’s original settlement and people, but also for its architectural influence to the area. Likely the design of famous architect Charles Beasley, it is an excellent example of its type, with similar buildings of the period located across the state.

Luther Locke, the son of Lockeford’s founder Dean Jewett Locke, held his business here; “Locke’s Meat Market”. His mother Delia (Hammond) Locke was the matriarch of the family. Born in 1832, she married Dr. Dean Jewett Locke and moved to California in 1855. That same year Delia began keeping a daily journal. Her journals from 1855 to 1918 have been digitized and are available for review online here (click on link below):

Delia's Diary

Her journals provide a remarkable documentation of life in rural northern California in the 19th century. The daily happenings of Delia's life and the Lockeford community are recorded, including the activities of church and temperance organizations as well as the Mokelumne River Ladies' Sewing Circle. Nearly every entry begins with temperature recordings taken at sunrise (written as "T.S.R"), 2 PM, and Sunset (written as "S.S."). She talks at length about this building as well, so take a look for what it was like to be here, and step back into time next time you arrive to visit The Lockeford Emporium.

Now as we enter a new day and dawn, “The Lockeford Emporium” attempts to bring the history of yesterday into a meld with modern times. Here you will find art, history, treats, and assortments of odds and ends. We are the bazaar and the boutique, the event center for your next party, rehearsal dinner, music event, akin to what once was back in the times of Twain and Muir.

So come in for a visit, a cup of tea, a game of chess, to find that odd and remarkable experience, the likes of which you have never before know.