The Moore’s Old Pine Inn – One of Piute County’s best-kept secrets
Marysvale started as a mining town
Marysvale started its existence as a mining town when two prospectors found gold in Bullion Canyon in 1869. In addition to being a gold rush town, Marysvale was a railroad town, serving as the last stop on the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad. Even when the gold rush petered out, the city of Marysville found ways to attract outside investment, keeping some residents in the area. Visitors found their needs met, and the city was able to remain stable, avoiding the fate of becoming a mining ghost town.
The Pines Hotel helped establish the town
The Pines Hotel was built in 1882. It is the oldest continuously operating hotel in Utah. It was a practical structure that catered to the needs of both temporary guests and regular customers. It also had a lovely traditional look, reminding people of the civilization of regular town life many had left behind from their home base. The Pines provided a haven for railroad staff, businesspeople, and individuals in transition, who sought to establish permanent residences there.
Butch Cassidy stayed here
For almost 102 years, the Pines Hotel served the community of Marysville. Two famous people are associated with the hotel, one of whom was Butch Cassidy. A sister of Cassidy had a best friend who operated the hotel’s telephone switchboard. She knew him well and claimed that she saw him in the dining room of the hotel after he was supposed to have died in Bolivia.
Zane Grey wrote during his stay
The other famous person, Zane Grey, wrote “Riders of the Purple Sage” while staying at the Pines. It could have been that the accommodations were nicer in Marysvale, but another possibility is also a reason. Marysvale was a mining town with about 30 percent of the population belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The percentage in Circleville was approximately 95%. His dislike for members of this church showed in his writings.
The Moore’s purchased and renovated the Inn
In 1994, Randy and Katie Moore purchased the hotel and embarked on a two-year project to restore and renovate the inn, meticulously preserving its rich past. The inn features original furniture and antiques from the late 1800s, and transoms above the doors are still in place.
They changed the name to Moore’s Old Pine Inn Bed and Breakfast. Each room in the Inn has its own theme and name. Pictures of all the rooms offered are available on the Moore’s Old Pine Inn website https://mooresoldpineinn.com. You can book ahead and choose one of these rooms based on your mood –
Hitchin’ Post Suite
A large three-room suite with a gas fireplace, western decor, a bedroom with a queen-sized bed, a sitting room with a couch (pull-out into a queen bed), a large bathroom with a 90-gallon jetted Jacuzzi tub and shower.
Indian Suite
A beautifully decorated suite with tools, weapons, paintings, and photographs. The room features a queen-size bed, a cozy fireplace, and a large jetted tub/shower.
Miner’s Suite
This three-room suite has a mining theme with memorabilia from local lumber mills. There is a queen-size bed that looks like you are in a mine shaft, complete with ore car, tracks, and lanterns.
Betsy Ross Room
This room is dedicated to the designer of our American flag! The old flags, framed Constitution, and books about Betsy Ross create a patriotic history.
Fishin’ Hole Room
Decorated with antique cane fishing poles, creels, plugs, and lures, this room is sure to bring out your fondest memories of fishin’. You will dream about fishing while sleeping under a giant fish hanging on the wall above the bed.
Hunter’s Lodge
This mountain man’s room is decorated with log walls, beaver skin, antique binoculars, and a black powder rifle. You will dream of bagging a trophy buck, as a beautiful one is mounted over your head.
Zane Grey Room
This is the room that was occupied by the western author, Zane Grey, while he wrote his famous book, “Riders of the Purple Sage.” A selection of his books is available for you to enjoy during your stay.
The Old West Town Cabins
In the spring of 2003, eight cabins were added to meet the increasing demand for rooms at the Old Pine Inn. They were built to resemble an old Western town, fitting the western flair of the Inn. The cabins feature a boardwalk, and in keeping with the theme of the Inn, each room is decorated with a unique theme and name. These are the cabins offered:
Gold Gulch
The Gold Gulch cabin was initially located at the mining town of Alunite, south of Marysvale, and was moved to the property when Alunite closed. It was preserved as it was, the old mining cabin. It has a porch and a chair in front of it.
The Cottonwood Cabin
This cabin was also a part of the Alunite mining town. It came together with the Gold Gulch Cabin. It was also preserved as a mining cabin, featuring a porch and a seating area in front.
The Sheriff’s office and jail
If you have ever wanted to spend the night in jail, this cabin is for you. There are jail bars/mirrored headboards, and wanted posters. You can rest peacefully knowing that the keys to the jail are hung by the bed.
The Piute Press Newspaper Office
The Piute Press Newspaper Office has framed papers that remind us of our past.
The Marysvale Cash Store
Experience shopping in a bygone era in this cabin. Photos of the Marysvale Cash store and hardware hang on the wall.
The Fallen Dove Brothel
The Fallen Dove Brothel or Madam Katie’s House of Pleasure is the theme of this cabin. It is decorated with “tasteful” photos and memorabilia. There is a sign on the outside above the door, “House of Pleasure.” The owner’s sense of humor assigned my wife and me to this room.
TNT Blasting Co.
This room is decorated with dynamite, blasting caps, fuses, and other explosive devices to help you sleep peacefully.
The Crow’s Nest
This cabin sits high above the backyard, offering an excellent view of the property. A flight of stairs is available to access the room.
The Soda Summit
A small building that still stands by the street in front of the Inn served as a ticket office for the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad. The building has been renovated and made available to the students of Piute High School. Under the name “Soda Summit,” they sell homemade cookies, ice cream, and soft drinks to raise funds for school activities.
New Owners
The Inn changed hands two years ago when Rodney and Julie Mayo became the new owners. They offer an extensive list of amenities to appeal to the ATV community and to families for family reunions. These include a laundry facility for extended stays and a generous, grassy area with a large fire pit located behind the Inn. They also offer a grass volleyball court, horseshoes, a setup for cornhole tournaments, and lawn chairs to enjoy time with friends.
The ATV community is welcome
They cater to the ATV community by providing a free wash bay to clean the Paiute ATV Trail dust off machines. When you think of a place to spend time with family or for a memorable RZR ride, consider the Moore’s Old Pine Inn.
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