When Jim and Sharon purchased the Log Cabin, they planned to change the operation dramatically. With the building being nearly 70 years old, they feared changing the name would not be a popular decision with some people. Although “Jimmie’s Roadhouse 70” has become a popular place for families to gather, we have not forgotten the legacy of the old Log Cabin.

 In the process of trying to preserve the history of the Log Cabin, Jimmie quickly found that many people had many different recollections of this great Inn, Restaurant, Bar Tavern, and now Roadhouse! Most agreed that the building was constructed in September 1940 and opened for business in December of the same year.

 The first owners who purchased the lots and designed the building were Mr. & Mrs. Camilla “Charlie” Dameri of Victor, Idaho. They served meals on tables covered with red-checkered tablecloths. They served wine with every meal and they made their own Ravioli! The original building design had a fireplace on the east wall and the entrance was on the west side.

 The ornate wood burl design of the bar and bareback was installed in February 1941. The wood is “Tamarack” from the Grand Tetons in Wyoming and was transported by a railroad flat car. A crew of cabinetmakers the Dameri’s brought with them from Idaho performed the fabrication at the Portola Lumber Company. Leonard Ross said a Mr. Brown did the wood burning and carving.

 The Dameri’s left the Portola area in 1945 and sold the “Log Cabin Inn” to Charles and Madeline Presley of Chester, Ca. The Presley’s operated the business until March 1947 and sold the building and business to Felix and Geraldine LaSarte. The LaSarte's had restaurant experience in the area having had businesses in nearby Blairsden and Sloat. They had a very successful business in post-war Portola. serving Italian food at the Log Cabin for seven years.

 In 1954, Jess Andrade bought the business and continued to run the successful dinner house for eight years. Portola businessman, Ray Ross and his wife Clara bought the thriving business in 1962. The business continued to be a popular spot through the Ross’ seven years. In 1969, they sold the Log Cabin to a partnership comprised of Jim Willams, David Ross (Ray’s brother), Doug Stanfill and Dick Lambert. Jim Williams operated the business and was successful in extending the great service it was known for. He also built the stairs up to the second floor that were on the front, west side of the building.

 In 1977, Wolfgang Heuser and Peter Schmid purchased the Log Cabin, offering mainly German cuisine. Wolfgang and Alexa enjoyed the longest tenure in Log Cabin history. A.G. Phillips and Hugh McNeilly purchased the business in 2005. Hugh operated the Log Cabin Tavern as a fine dining establishment offering wines from all over the world, with an emphasis on California wines. A.G. removed the stairs that used to go up to the second floor on the front, west side of the building for safety reasons. They also made some major upgrades and improvements to the kitchen.

 Jim and Sharon would like to extend their hospitality and plan to continue in the spirit of the historic Log Cabin, newly renovated as Jimmie’s Roadhouse 70. We would like to dedicate our business to the residents of Portola, Eastern Plumas County and to all the tourists who visit our beautiful area. Thank you for sharing time out of your busy schedules with all of us here at the Roadhouse! Come back often and enjoy “good food, good fun and good people”!