In 1912, F.T. Cromwell, a land speculator arrived in the Honey Lake Valley. Using other people’s money he laid out a town where the Western Pacific and NCO Railroads crossing. The site is the current town of Herlong. Amidst all the hoopla, there was a drama to be found. The construction of the Cromwell Hotel and other improvements had to be abandoned as the unpaid workers clamored for payments.

Court judgements started accruing. The finale was on February 7, 1914, a court auction was held at Cromwell. Nearby Stacy resident, Ferdinand Zarbock reported that everything tangible to the townsite of Cromwell was sold under the hammer on that date. The frame of 40 x 70 ft. hotel building, some loose windows and doors and lumber all went for $100 to C.W. McQueen. Some eight inch well casing sold for $5 to F. Zarbock. The proceeds barely covered the cost of the auction.

Tim