Susanville’s first hospital was not built until 1883, and prior to that it was druggist that played a key role in medical care. In the summer of 1860, Dr. Zenas J. Brown arrived in Susanville and began dispensing drugs from a canvas tent. He met with commercial success and at 802 Main Street, he had an octagonal drug store built—which the locals gave him the nickname of Doctor Eight Square. The following year he was joined Dr. Robert F. Moody, and Moody would become sole proprietor of the firm within three years. Dr. Brown it should be noted introduced the first apple trees to the region, which at one time was a major export crop.

For indigent care, those person’s were housed in a local hotel, until they either recovered or not, which the county picked up the tab. For instance, in September 1864, Emanuel “Mike” Brannan, proprietor of the Brannan House, submitted a claim to the county in the amount of $75.31 for lodging, medical and burial expenses of John Tuskey.

Then there is Dr. Zetuz N. Spalding’s arrival to the region in 1857, and would later be the founder of the venerable Spalding Drug Store. One of Spalding’s earlier advertisements noted his many skills: “Z.N. Spalding, Physician, Surgeon and Accoucheur. Teeth extracted without pain, by use of Anaesthetics.”

On a final note, the Lassen County Historical Society’s April 2015 newsletter had a short piece on R.F. Moody. A little known fact, was Moody placed Lassen County’s first billboard back in the late 1870s on the Horse Lake Road. Carved in stone he advertised his Sagebrush Liniment.

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