Friends of the Mission Inn history

In 1969, the community’s concern about the Mission Inn’s future led thirteen women’s groups to jointly host an event to draw attention to the local treasure. Called “Mission Impossible” playing off of the popular tv show, the event included a luncheon, tour and fashion show. The women spear-heading the event formed the Friends of the Mission Inn to save and promote the Inn. The Friends of the Mission Inn held its first meeting on June 13, 1969. According to historian Esther Klotz, about 40 people attended and listened to proposals for saving the Inn, which was in serious decline at this time.

July 19, 1970, the manager of the Mission Inn began selling furniture found in the hotel basement. When Patsy O'Toole, who helped found the Friends of the Mission Inn, objected, the manager defended the sale by arguing that the furniture pieces were "not antiquities in any true sense." The Friends only had $372 to spend and tried to save as much furniture as they could. They walked away with 16 pieces including dining room chairs, chests, tables, and other types of chairs. From July 1970 to November 1973, the Friends of the Mission Inn spent $1,569.05 to recover furniture that used to stand inside of the Mission Inn. This included chairs, desks, a large art portfolio, and Frank Miller's personal desk.