In 1884, the Lassen County Board of Supervisors created the Susanville Fire District—it had authority to levy tax assessment for fire protection. In the course of time, the district needed a home to not only store its various equipment—hose cart and hoses—but a place to meet and for the volunteers to train. In the fall of 1891 the district advertised for proposals for a fire hall and received three bids. On November 19, 1891, the district accepted James P. Keener’s offer of a lot and to build a hall on North Lassen Street. To adorn the fire hall, Keener constructed a 50-foot-bell tower. It was now the town’s tallest landmark. Keener specifically constructed it that way, so when the bell was rung it could be heard throughout the town.
In 1900, when the City of Susanville incorporated, it became the town’s combination city/fire hall. It is rather ironic the building was destroyed by fire in 1921. On a final note, I have never been able to locate a good photograph of the building.