Southern Hotel
The Southern Hotel is the oldest preserved commercial building in Perris. Built by Swiss immigrants Bernardo and Marcellina Bernasconi in 1886, it was the first hotel in the region serving travelers and miners. In 1901, in order to be closer to schools for her six children, Marcellina converted the hotel into her private residence. Their eldest daughter, Matilda, remained in the house until her death in 1982. After falling into disrepair, arson fires nearly destroyed the building. In 1990, brothers Leon and John Motte purchased the building and restored it to new condition. The hotel is designated a California landmark by the Jurapa Chapter of the Native Daughters and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Perris, Riverside County
Images by Al Russell