10/31/2026
❤️ IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK…
Stories from the Historic 1887 Stricker Building
Episode 1: A Photograph, a Family, and a Piece of Red Bluff History
Sometimes the most wonderful things happen when you least expect them.
This morning, something happened at Bartels Red Bluff that truly touched my heart, and I just have to share it with all of you.
A lovely woman named Lori Hille came into our restaurant and shared a beautiful old family photograph with our waitress, Brooke.
The photograph shows Lori’s great-grandfather, James Shaw, and his wife, Ida.
But here’s where the story gets really interesting!
Lori told us that her great-grandfather James was the gentleman who painted the grocery sign on the outside of our historic building. She also shared that the Stricker family, whose bakery originally occupied this building, were cousins on another side of her family.
Can you imagine? All these years later, a descendant of someone who helped shape this building’s history walks through our doors carrying a photograph and a story that connects us to the past.
And then Lori said something that really touched me.
She thanked us for preserving her family’s history.
Lori, I want you to know that we are the ones who should be thanking YOU! ❤️
Thank you for taking the time to share something so personal and meaningful with us.
And Brooke, thank you for taking the time to listen. I love knowing that our employees are building these wonderful relationships with our customers and discovering the history of this special place.
For those who may not know, Bartels Red Bluff is located in the historic Stricker Building, which dates back to 1887.
When I walk through these doors, I often wonder about all the people who have walked through them before us. The families, the businesses, the friendships, the conversations, and the memories made within these walls.
And that brings me to something I’ve decided to start.
❤️ “IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK…”
A little series dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of our beautiful old building and the people whose lives have been connected to it.
And I need YOUR help!
Do you have old photographs of our building? Did your parents or grandparents shop here? Did someone in your family work here? Do you remember the businesses that occupied this space over the years?
Maybe you have a story that seems insignificant to you, but could be a missing piece of Red Bluff’s history.
PLEASE COME SHARE IT WITH US!
Stop in for a cup of coffee, bring your photographs, or simply sit down and tell us what you remember. You can also share your memories and pictures in the comments.
I’d love to hear every story.
Because I believe a community’s history doesn’t just live in books or museums. It lives in the memories of the people who call it home.
And if we don’t take the time to listen, those stories can disappear forever.
I feel incredibly fortunate to be a small part of this building’s long history, and I hope that together we can preserve its stories for the generations who come after us.
Thank you, Lori, for inspiring our very first story. ❤️
With love,
Victoria
Bartels Red Bluff
If These Walls Could Talk…
Preserving Red Bluff’s past, one story at a time.
