Frank Miller’s Vault: A Rare Opportunity to See Lost Treasures of the Mission Inn

Do you know that feeling when you get something great you weren’t expecting? Like when your mom makes a wrong turn on the way to school, and you end up at Disneyland? That’s the feeling I had when I first saw the flyer for the Frank Miller’s Vault event at the Fox Theatre on September 28.

The Inn embodies something special for us in Riverside. It’s a treasure saved from destruction. It’s a puzzle with no edge pieces—the more you learn about the Inn, the “mysteriouser” it gets.

I was almost giddy when I heard that, as an unintended result of the unfortunate eviction of the Mission Inn Museum, artifacts hidden for over four decades were uncovered during the move out of the museum archives. The hotel is still beautiful, but I understand that finding total agreement on the future of the Inn is impossible. All parties are passionate and sincere in their perspectives. As the Roberts tend to eschew the dusty artifacts of the past for the shiny polish of the new, we lose a bit of the charm that we, who have a long memory of the Inn, fell in love with.

I don’t know how to describe the anticipation of seeing what has been forgotten. On Saturday, when they pull back the curtains, some of Frank’s final secrets may be revealed. This show is about true survivors. Through changes of ownership and moments of uncertainty, we’ve lost much of the Mission Inn, but these artifacts have made it through. There may only be one chance to see some of them.

Frank Miller's Vault is a fundraiser for the Mission Inn Foundation, President Jennifer Gamble feels strongly about  sharing the re-discovered items. “Opening Frank’s vault or collection really gives us the opportunity to share these treasures. Allowing them to be seen will help to focus on some pieces that have been forgotten about and need some restoration.” She said. “ Frank was such a lover of fine artifacts and collections  this is just a small glimpse into what the foundation wants to do coming into the new space at 3750 Market. We want to be a showcase for all riverside and really tell the story of one man vision for a destination.”

If you love the Mission Inn like I do, there really isn’t a way Frank Miller’s Vault won’t be pure magic. The Fox Theatre has been many things over the years. It, too, is a rescued treasure. I don’t know if it has ever been a museum, but it’s a perfect venue for what I hope will be a spectacular evening. There will be a scavenger hunt, silent auctions, drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and an opportunity to participate in something uniquely Riverside.

Tickets for the event are available on Eventbrite.