The north side of this historic Kling Building remained George Kling's saloon after it was rebuilt in January, 1878. At various times this building was connected with the one to the north through a huge archway opening. Then at various times after this, it housed the justice of the peace (a local judge) a cobbler's shop, an assay office and later it was a automobile repair shop. The south part of the building was Hewitt and Hammack's dry goods store.

What a perfect location for Sally Knudson's fantastic collection of authentic Victorian era fabrics, clothes and personal adornments. The wonderful vignettes throughout the store certainly gesture back in time to the stores in Amador City, filled with "dry goods." In business in this historic Gold Rush town of Amador County since 1972, Sally holds the notable record for having the longest continually operating business in town.

Her store is filled with such finery that one is immediately transported back to the time of the fancy people of the Gold Rush era. Yes, there may have been a few occasions for the common miner to dress up, but, generally that was not the norm. The finer things shown in Victorian Closet were once only affordable to mine managers and store owners.

Literally, everything that a fine woman might need is in this store! Picture yourself going shopping in the 1880s. You might want a fine quilt for a guest room, a wedding dress for your daughter getting ready to marry a wealthy businessman in Sacramento or San Francisco. Your son needs new shoes and you want your husband to look presentable at the next party. Everything you wanted right here! When you realize that you can select a garment from the distant past, the experience is more exciting.

How did the styles look? Were the clothes comfortable? How long did it take to get dressed? How would fine garments be washed? What would a husband and wife look like on the way to dinner at a fellow mine or successful mercantile owner's home? What style of travel trunks were used? Sally has the answers to these questions and more.

Knowledgeable in fabrics and clothes of this era, she has a notable eye for finding the highest quality available. Buying from England and France as well from U.S. sources, the items that you see in the Victorian Closet show the very best of the best, the intimately personal side of history.

Come in and see the look of Amador City's finest folks from the past.

Seasons Open: Open throughout the year, daily 10 to 5.