While the Susanville Elks Lodge has owned its iconic building for 100 years, construction began in 1884 making the landmark building 140 years old.
On March 22, 1884, J.G. Leonard purchased the vacant lot at the west end of Main Street from Sarah Hosselkus for $450. Leonard, a dentist originally studied to become an architect, and designed this unique structure. All, the rooms , with the exception of the kitchen/dining were octagonal in shape. In November 1884, Leonard hired Charles Odette to construct it. In February 1885, Leonard moved into the house, though it was not finished. However, when C.H. Lawrence filed a Mechanic’s.Lien for lumber sold ($1,463.77) it stated the house was completed on March 10, 1885.
Anyhow, Susanville, then a small town was not large enough to support a full-time dentist. That prompted Leonard to ride the circuit, practicing his profession in the outlying regions of Lassen, with extended trips to Modoc and Plumas Counties. Leonard went bankrupt due to cost to construct the house. It did not help matters, as many of his patients paid in trade rather than cash. In 1890, William Greehn who Leonard owed$2,800 was awarded the house in the bankruptcy proceedings. It became one of Greehn’s many property rentals. The rent $15 a month.
On April 11, 1908 Greehn’s Estate sold the house to Joel Swain for an undisclosed amount. Swain, who owned s popular saloon finally finished the house. Swain died in 1918. In 1922, his widow sold the residence to the Antler’s Club, an off shoot of the Elks organization. In 1924 the local Elks groups received their charter and it has been their home ever since. Like so many organizations they go through peaks and valleys. This year happens to be a low point for the local Elks Lodge. It is my understanding due the building’s upkeep has caused financial burnden for the lodge and they proposed to put it for sale.