Structure fire burns “Harlem Club” in Quincy UPDATED
UPDATED 9 a.m.: Quincy Fire is reporting that no one lived at the Harlem Club, and it’s believed that a squatter started the fire when she attempted to use a barbecue that was located there. In all about 30 firefighters responded to the scene including those from Quincy, Meadow Valley, Greenhorn, Long Valley, Indian Valley and the Forest Service. Plumas District Hospital also responded.
Plumas County Sheriff’s Office has released a statement sharing that on Monday, June 26, at 2:46 a.m the Plumas County Sheriff’s dispatch center began receiving 911 calls reporting a structure fire in the 300 block of East Main Street in Quincy.
It was quickly learned the structure burning was commonly referred to as the “Harlem Club.”
Emergency personnel were immediately dispatched and responded. Upon arrival, deputies contacted a female occupant of the structure. Subsequent investigation revealed the fire is believed to have originated from a residential barbecue situated on the front porch of the structure, subsequently spreading rapidly throughout the entirety of the building.
No injuries were reported. PCSO would like to thank the Quincy Volunteer Fire Department and all other mutual aid agencies for their quick response, which likely prevented the spread of the fire to nearby structures and forestland.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
This is a very sad loss of what should have been deemed a historical building
Very sad indeed. A lot of wonderful memories shared by many in this place.
Right on sister
What was going on, flames had to be 90′ tall. Was the fire due to a bbq that was left burning from earlier in the evening or was she having a bbq at 2:30am?
Does it matter?
The history of African American and White laborers from the South coming to Quincy to work in the woods and sawmills is such a great story and one that doesn’t get told much these days. At one point in the 1940s, 40% of our town was Black. Here’s a great article about this recent history, illustrating why it’s hard to see another piece of our history erased through years of neglect and then a fire. https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/working-quincy-mill-african-american-lumber-mill-workers-northern-california-1926-1955/
What a wonderful article. Who knew that Quincy and Sloat were so far ahead of the times regarding integration. Thanks for sharing Marty!
Thank you for your comment, historical facts for sure….
So very sad. So many great memories there,…
Dancing, eating, marriages and events of all sorts….
and such an old building.
I will absolutely miss the Club. We lived down in the houses back in the late eighties and nineties. Such a historical place.
So sad to lose a big piece of history, my husband always talked about all the great people, entertainers, fun, dancing and great jazz music in the 30’s and 40’s.
What a great piece of history! So enjoyed reading this! God bless the American people of that day. All of us getting paid the same wages and respect regardless of our race. As it should be!
Thanks for this information!
My Godmom (Alberta Conston) and Goddad (Ben Conston) were owners of this landmark (The Harlem Clud). It was then sold to my Aunt Mattie who had it for years. I remember as a child walking, playing on the property and enjoying family. As I grew up I stated enjoying the insides of the club and what a wonderful memory. So may good times dancing, drinking yes a full bar, playing pool, eating and just family. This is a historical landmark and will always be in my heart.
Best jukebox in town, back in the day