Harkey House Bed and Breakfast Inn Celebrates 30th Anniversary

by Carol Withington

The Harkey House Bed and Breakfast Inn is celebrating its 30^th Anniversary this month. This elegant 1874 Victorian Inn, built by the former Sutter County Sheriff, William P. Harkey, is located in a quiet historical Yuba City Neighborhood and offers three guest rooms and a cottage, all with private baths, wireless internet, flatscreen TV and some with fireplaces.

The home’s beautiful arrangement of flowers complements ornate crystal chandeliers, marble fireplaces and sunlit corners to compose a profoundly attractive and inviting dwelling. The bed and breakfast will charm newcomers with its historical architectural beauty and shade patio and courtyard.

Owners Bob and Lee Jones have completed many renovations over the years to enhance the comfort of their guests. Travelers have come from all over the world and are looking for something quieter, smaller as well as experience with history.

The focus is on the romantic couples, but also the bed and breakfast accommodates the business traveler. The cottage is pet friendly and with a private entrance, is very popular for honeymooners and extended-stay business guests. A full two-course breakfast is served in either the French country dining room by the fireplace or on the patio. It is located within walking distance to Downtown Yuba City to restaurants, antiquing and shops. There are special rates for military and seniors. Gift Certificates are available.

In May a celebration of the 30^th Anniversary is planned at the bed and breakfast collaborating with the Yuba-Sutter Chamber of Commerce. But this milestone is not the first for the historic residence.

On May 5, 1904, William and Clarinda Harkey celebrated a very special event –their 50^th Wedding Anniversary. Their C street home was open to all and according to newspaper accounts, the Harkey’s were “kept busy all the afternoon” as they received the congratulations of their large number of friends who called to pay their respects.

As a fitting conclusion to the day’s event, the Marysville Brass Band journeyed over to Yuba City and serenaded the bride and bridegroom of 50 years ago.

It is said the couple’s courtship had been a brief one for the 22-year-old William Pinckney Harkey and the former Clarinda E. Tennis. The eldest of nine children, Harkey decided to come to California in 1854. So with a light wagon, four mules and two horses, he began his journey by the overland route.

Harkey spent some time in St. Joseph, Missouri where he met his future bride. According to accounts, “the service of a clergyman was secured to cement the fortunes” of the two young people on May 4, 1854.

The couple continued their journey arriving in Marysville in July. For two years, Harkey was engaged in mule-skinning and freighting to the mines. He was so successful in this endeavor; he was able to pay off all his debts.

In 1856, Harkey began accumulating land. He purchased a farm near Marysville, a ranch in Yuba County, a section of land in Sutter County, and several other nearby tracts.

Perhaps the highlight of Harkey’s life occurred in 1873 when he was elected Sutter County Sheriff, a position he held for over 17 years. In 1874 he built a home on C Street in Yuba City for his family. Now the Harkey’s House Bed and Breakfast Inn, this residence continues to remain a lasting tribute to William and Clarinda Harkey, who celebrated that special day nearly 109 years ago.