In past, we have explored how instead of demolishing buildings, the buildings were moved to another location. In 1920, W.H. Tuttle purchased the Pioneer Saloon (722 Main Street, Susanville). Tuttle wanted to replace the wooden structure with a new two-story fireproof one.

The late  George McDow, who was ten years old at the that time recalled the event of moving the structure: “We kids watched with great interest as they pulled the old wooden structure into Main Street with a horse-powered winch. Turning the building around one-quarter turn, they led it down Main Street hill on planks and rollers by means of the winch anchored at the top of the hill. On reaching the bottom of the hill between Union and Weatherlow Streets, it was turned back the quarter turn to its original position and moved backwards onto a vacant lot, where it still stands.”

In 2024, the building is still there, albeit in an altered state. The location is 924 Main Street.

Tim