The town of McCoy came to be established in the 1890's when Charles McCoy relocated his roadhouse there (it was originally located along the stage road mentioned in last weeks post). His roadhouse expanded to a 15 room hotel, with a dining room that became known for its delicious food made by his wife Rebecca. People would travel from all around just to eat Mrs. McCoy's acclaimed meals. A post office was built, named after McCoy, which served the town population of 75.
One of the more important roles the hotel played was serving as a place for social gatherings. Their all night dances would bring people from miles around. Having no valet service back then, guests would arrive by horse or wagon and even bobsleds in the winter.
Mr. McCoy was known for his hospitality and was fondly referred to as "daddy" or "old mac". A black bear cub was chained in the front yard of the hotel and quickly become its trademark. A large log barn was built across from the hotel to service the stage coaches and horses. It is one of the only structures remaining today. In 1934, a rock and frame church was built and still continues to serve as a church today.
The coming of the railroad made for busy and prosperous years. Many sawmills started up in the forested area along with a flourishing mining and cattle business. Tragically in 1958 a fire destroyed the historical McCoy Hotel that served as a home, social center, restaurant, and landmark. Due to fire, flood, and time, little evidence of the town's heritage exists today.
