Eureka brothel token

Hello, 

I'm hoping those with more knowledge than I can help me identify the meaning behind a particular token. Old Town Eureka, California in Humboldt County was once home to a great many bars, dance halls, brothels, and during prohibition, bootleggers. There is a token from that period linked to the Alpine, a former brothel on the second floor of the MacLauchlan Building. The historical landmark plaque in front of the building says “BUILT FOR J. MACLAUCHLAN. RESTAURANT, SALOONS DOWNSTAIRS. ALPINE ROOMS UPSTAIRS. ONE OF LONGEST OPERATING BORDELLOS”.

There is a token listed by Kappan that is presumed to be from this bordello.

http://www.tokencatalog.com/token_record_forms.php?action=DisplayTokenRecord&td_id=151707&inventory_id=99798&td_image_id=57694&attribution_id=153695&record_offset=11

All records I could find show it as “ALPINE 5”, so I'm assuming the 5 is not a room number. Is it a credit token for $5.00 or something else? 

Any additional information would be very appreciated. 

Thank you!

On the Token Catalog website you linked it shows the Kappen Reference number is K-5. Also shows the Reference number for Catalogue of California Merchants Tokens, Volume One - Album, Stephen is Album D. I don't own either one of these references , so I can't help any further.

Jerry

Hi Jerry, 

Thanks for looking and your advice. I do have Kappen and unfortunately it really doesn't add anything. It's listing simply states:

Eureka

5. ALPINE /5 // (Same)   B 21  Ltrs. sans serif