Knights of Pythias Building

1305 Main Street

‘Castle’ Stands as a Testament to Newman’s Past

The era of wooden sidewalks, horse-drawn carriages, and high-button shoes has long since passed, but a striking symbol of those bygone days remains in Newman. Rising above the corner of Main and Tulare Streets stands the Knights of Pythias Castle Hall — a building designed to resemble a medieval castle, quietly watching over the town as it has for more than a century.

Constructed between 1910 and 1911, the Castle Hall was among the first wave of permanent brick buildings erected in this small farming community along the railroad line. That same year also saw the construction of the Bank of Newman, the Odd Fellows building, and the First National Bank. Wooden sidewalks were replaced with concrete, marking a shift toward modernization in the growing town.

A Castle for $17,742

In May 1910, bids were opened for the construction of the new Pythian building. Although the initial budget did not anticipate such a significant expense, the contract was awarded in June to the lowest bidder, Hoyt Brothers of Santa Rosa, for $17,742 — a considerable sum at the time.

By July 1910, when air conditioning and electric refrigerators were still far-off dreams and homes were cooled by hand-cranked fans or blocks of ice delivered by the ice man, the cornerstone of the Pythian Castle was formally laid.

The building features two main stories, though the design includes an expansive upper floor — the height of two typical floors — giving it the outward appearance of a three-story structure.

A local newspaper described it this way:

“It is really a three-story building, although most of the space above the ground floor is devoted to the main lodge room which, of course, has a very high ceiling, occupying the space ordinarily devoted to two stories.

In connection with this is an elegant banquet room for use by the lodges occupying the hall, complete with a modern kitchen and every convenience for meal service. The upper floor also includes a suite of rooms suitable for a social club.”

A Grand Dedication

The Pythian Castle was officially dedicated on April 1, 1911, with Grand Lodge officers in attendance for the occasion. The first major event held in the newly completed hall was a banquet that welcomed more than 200 guests — a grand affair for the small town.

Time Marches On

Over the years, much has changed. Where horses and buggies once clip-clopped by, now cars speed past and pigeons nest in the building’s upper cornices,

Today, the upstairs lodge rooms have been converted to apartments but the ground floor is occupied by "Mechanic's Bank - Newman Branch", and "Castaneda Gallery Jewelry & Perfumes Inc.". The red-brick and plaster building still stands proudly on its corner, a relic of a quieter time.

The era of lemonade and shaded porches has given way to computers and smart phones. Yet through it all, the Pythian Castle remains — a silent witness to Newman’s journey through time.

Former Notable Commercial Tenants:

• C. H. Kirby Pioneer Harness Shop (1910 - 1916)

• "Budge" Joseph Norge Home Appliances (1937 - 1941)

• D & E Electric & Appliance Company (1945 - 1976)

• The Doubletree Store (1976 - 1992)

• Rainbow Sales (1992 - 1995)

• Wood 'N' Goose (2000 - 2005)

• County Bank (2007 - 2009)

• Rabobank (2009 - 2015) 

• J's Styles & More (2006 - 2023)

Article Credit:  Originally researched and written by NHS member Donna Crow in 1969 (website version refresh 2025).

 Below you will find a collection of images from the Museum's archives - Click on the thumbnail pictures to enlarge to full size

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