By Cris Alarcon, InEDC Writer. March 4, 2026
The Rotary Club of Placerville has relocated its weekly Thursday meetings to the historic Cary House Hotel, marking a return to downtown Placerville after the closure of its longtime gathering place, the Smith Flat House.
Beginning this month, Rotary members and guests now gather at the Main Street hotel each Thursday, with fellowship starting at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:15 p.m. Meals are catered by Old Town Grill, another downtown staple.
Club leaders say the move ensures continuity for the organization while maintaining its tradition of meeting in historic Placerville landmarks.
“The Cary House provides a welcoming setting in the heart of downtown, and we’re excited to continue our weekly gatherings there,” the club said in a statement announcing the transition.
Smith Flat House Closure Ends 173 Years of Daily Dining
The relocation comes after the Smith Flat House ended its regular restaurant operations on Jan. 31, 2026, closing a chapter for one of the area’s most historic dining establishments.
Owner Mason Antonucci cited mounting financial pressures as a key factor in the decision.
“Growing financial challenges, including rising overhead, labor costs and taxes, made continuing daily operations unsustainable,” Antonucci said in a statement.
Although the dining room is now closed, the historic property will continue operating as an event venue for weddings and private celebrations throughout 2026.
The 1.8-acre landmark property has also been listed for sale for $2.5 million, as owner John Conforti seeks to simplify his life after owning the parcel for about 25 years.
A Long History of Service in Placerville
Founded on May 8, 1944, the Rotary Club of Placerville is the oldest Rotary club in El Dorado County. The club began with 17 charter members and was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Sacramento.
Its first meetings were held at the Blue Bell Cafe on Main Street, and over the decades the organization has gathered at several historic local venues, including the Sequoia Mansion, which once served as the El Dorado Elks Lodge.
Through eight decades of service, the club has contributed more than $650,000 to local projects and community programs.
Local Projects and Lasting Landmarks
The Rotary Club of Placerville has funded or helped build numerous community improvements across the region, including:
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Clyde F. Curtis Rotary Park, named after a former Rotary district governor.
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Improvements at Bennett Park, including stadium bleachers, field lights and baseball facilities.
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Recreational amenities at Benham Park, such as the swimming pool and basketball court.
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Construction of the iconic “Welcome to Old Hangtown” sign greeting visitors entering the city.
Additional projects have included installing metal sculptures and silhouettes along U.S. Highway 50, restoring a historic caboose near Spring Street and helping create memorial gardens for Snowline Hospice.
Fundraisers, Scholarships and Disaster Relief
The club is also known for major fundraising events such as Lobster on the River, the Bon Voyage Ball, and the “Denim or Diamonds” Galapalooza.
In recent years, members raised $100,000 to support the Rotary Club of Paradise after the Camp Fire and assisted regional recovery efforts following the Caldor Fire.
The club also awards multiple $1,000 scholarships annually to graduating seniors from El Dorado High School and Union Mine High School.
Upcoming Speakers and Events
Rotary meetings often feature guest speakers from government, nonprofit organizations and community projects. Upcoming presentations include:
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March 12: Stephanie Shirkey, Superior Court candidate
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March 19: Annual Speech Contest
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March 26: Foundation Dinner
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April 2: Mark Egbert on the Fire Break Project
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April 16: Gina Posey, District 4 supervisor candidate
The club will be dark April 30 while members attend the Rotary District 5190 conference.
Rotary leaders say guests interested in community service and leadership are welcome to attend any Thursday meeting at the Cary House Hotel to learn more about the organization’s work in Placerville.
