Friends of the Mission Inn

09/07/2026

It's not a cartoon, but it's fun for the entire family!
Our Silent Movie is October 24th at noon. $30 in advance, $35.00 at the door at the historic Mission Inn in Riverside, Ca

08/31/2026

There is no bad view! What's your favorite?

08/29/2026

Furniture Built to Last Generations Collection Update

Thank you all for your feedback. We love the improvement to the display. We have an exciting one coming next month so make sure you come by to see this one while it is here.

Now on Display at the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa and the Friends of the Mission Inn are proud to announce the Furniture Built to Last Generations Collection, now on display on the 3rd Floor Mezzanine.
Each month, we will feature a different beautifully restored chair from our collection, highlighting the craftsmanship, history, and stories behind these remarkable pieces of furniture.
A special poster will accompany each chair, sharing its history and interesting facts, giving visitors an opportunity to learn more about these treasures and the people who made and used them.
Come visit the Inn, enjoy lunch, and take a moment to explore the chair display. Discover a piece of Mission Inn history—and see for yourself why these remarkable pieces truly were built to last generations.

08/25/2026

08/24/2026

This ad featured our silent movie "Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde" playing at the Loring Theater advertised in the Daily Press of May 10 1920 and admission was $0.15

08/23/2026

Come hear the Mission Inn’s Kimball Organ and William Zeitler Playing live to Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

08/19/2026

One week before Halloween on Saturday, October 24th between noon and 3 PM the Friends of the Mission Inn are hosting....yes, a silent movie in the Music Room

(some may refer to the Music Room as the grand parisian ballroom).

The 1-hour and 20 minute movie is a classic and costumes are encouraged for those ghoulish attendees.

A 1920 Silent Movie

“Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde”starring John Barrymore

we are also screening a 12 minute short:

"1910 Frankenstein" by the Edison Company

William Zeitler is our organist on the 1910 Kimball pipe organ

Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the door (depending on availability)

Free popcorn, water and iced tea

Silent Auction and Opportunity Drawing
Cash bar

see original 1920 ad to view movie at Loring Theatre

purchase tickets on Eventbrite via this link:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde-1920-silent-movie-tickets-1998400619047?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

or on our website. www.friendsofthemissioninn.com

08/15/2026

Furniture Built to Last Generations Collection

Now on Display at the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa

The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa and the Friends of the Mission Inn are proud to announce the Furniture Built to Last Generations Collection, now on display on the 3rd Floor Mezzanine.
Each month, we will feature a different beautifully restored chair from our collection, highlighting the craftsmanship, history, and stories behind these remarkable pieces of furniture.
A special poster will accompany each chair, sharing its history and interesting facts, giving visitors an opportunity to learn more about these treasures and the people who made and used them.
Come visit the Inn, enjoy lunch, and take a moment to explore the chair display. Discover a piece of Mission Inn history—and see for yourself why these remarkable pieces truly were built to last generations.

08/14/2026

April 16 2022 post by Michael Reardon about art restoration:

Art restoration expert Scott Haskins has restored Mission Inn art and artifacts for years making worn or damaged art look like new.

Here is a link to his Santa Barbara company which includes information about his expertise:

https://www.fineartconservationlab.com/

My career started "When I was about to get my bachelor’s degree, my art history program chair asked me if I had ever considered art conservation for graduate work. I had never even heard of it. Turns out, it was the perfect marriage of my two main interests: The application of science to the preservation and restoration of art.

The stars aligned and I was admitted after my first application to the conservation center in Lombardy, Italy – a satellite program affiliated with the National Center in Rome (ICR). Read more on his website in the 'about' tab.

08/13/2026

repost of Michael Bussee post March 31 2022

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."