Two shops are located on the ground level of the historic bakery and restaurant building in this Gold Rush town of Amador County. Meyer's Antiques and Heather in the Hills take one back to two different periods of time: the era of gold discovery and mining in California, and the ancient times of the Scottish people.

The History of the Building The 1897 Amador Record reports: "Since 1845, he (H.J. Koehler) has kneaded dough and shortened pie crust and at this stage of life is willing to enter the lists against any baker in the county as to the relative merits of homemade bread..." The focal point of the bakery/dining room was the baking oven. With a population in the thousands during the height of the Gold Rush, this was a hub of activity! The original brick hearth and pull down steel door is still intact.

The aroma of fresh bread and pastries were alluring. The small door opening onto the narrow alley might have been called "The Cookie Window", as local children who professed good behavior got a free cookie as they passed. When bread was taken to the two saloons upstairs, the delivery folks often didn't return right away. Staying for a libation or two, their return was shaky. Now, the origins of the terrific aroma that announces "Fresh Bread is ready" comes from the ovens is just a few doors to the south at Andrae's Bakery and Cheese shop! (http://www.sierranevadageotourism.org/content_detail.php?uid=sie9A3388058BBFEF521)

The entry point for the building is off Pig Turd Alley. A referendum in the recent past, affirmed the citizenry's desire to keep the historic name unchanged.

Meyer's Antiques When Bud Meyer bought the building, he filled it with artifacts from the rough and tumble Gold Rush. Soon, Jack Hamilton added his fine Scottish and antique inventories.

The saloons were filled with many ways to part miners from their gold. Liquor, gambling, and ladies of the night were often the only 'recreation' available. Miners were hungry for a good time. Bud has a fantastic assemblage of libation advertising, authentic whiskey bottles, gambling artifacts, saloon hardware, and other antiques. They open a window on the past.

Heather in the Hills Jack Hamilton's Scottish made neck ties, fine scarves, and heraldic mugs take one further back to the ancient days of Scotland. To be sure, the Hamilton Clan and Tartans are well represented!

Finely restored scales, gum ball machines and other mechanical devices wonderfully displayed. Many of the mechanical items have been restored to museum quality. There is constant influx of items coming into the store. Treasures for the beginning collector, as well as for the highly sophisticated aficionado.

Come on in! The aroma of baking pies no longer comes from the Koehler ovens; it comes from Buffalo Chips, just across the ally. But the camaraderie never ends!

Don't know what in the heck that strange object from the saloon days was for? Bring it on by. We'll make the discovery together!

Seasons Open: Throughout the year. Thursday through Sunday, 11 - 5.

Definitely friendly for family pets on leashes.