In the early 1900s a number of Susanville’s restaurants were operated by Chinese, though serving American cuisine. The Grand Cafe was just such an establishment. It was established in 1909 by Kwan Wong in the rear of the Pioneer saloon.
In 1912, O.M. Doyle built a two-story stone building next to the Pioneer, which the latter had used the vacant lot as a beer garden. Doyle named the building the Wee-Wee, a nickname given to his daughter, Marie. On May 3, 1912, Kwan Wong opened the Grand Cafe in that building, where it has been ever since, though the original building was accidentally demolished in 1934.
Wong operated the Grand off and on for several more years. On trips back to China, he would lease it, and other times just close it until his return. On January 15, 1915, the Lassen Weekly Mail reported: The Grand Cafe closes its doors. The Grand Cafe is without an angel. Kwan Wong, its late proprietor, has quit for good, as he could not do enough business to make expenses.”
It would not be until 1921, that the Grand Cafe found stability in its ownership with Sam Vucanovich and Steve Sargent. That is another story, for another time.
Never miss a story click here. After all, you do not want to miss the second installment on the Grand Cafe.
How does a building get “accidentally demolished”? Such an intriguing phrase!
It was 1934, the depression was on and they were excavating in the vacant lot next to the Grand which later became the State Cafe and undermined the east facing wall. The wall gave way and everything came down. Dad’s partner Sam Vucanovich was sleeping upstairs and came tumbling out. There is a famous picture somewhere taken at just the right time with Sam flying out of bed in his long Johns as everything came down. As a side note, Dad had purchased the first jukebox in Northern Calif. a large Capehart that was so solidly built that it held up the roof.
Thank you for sharing that interesting information!
Hi Tim
Love your love for Lassen County and the Susanville history. You’ve done a remarkable job!
Q: It seems like I vaguely remember a small train (children’s train) that went around the North Street park, where the road track is surrounding the park. I can’t find anything on it and it might just be a dream of mine, but it seems I remember that when we first moved to the area in 1962. If so, it would have to be prior to this time frame. Any history or validation of this?
Q: Also, I’ve heard of tunnels throughout the upper part of Susanville. Any validation of this and if so, any interesting history?
Again, that you for your work. I remember when you were in high school and started doing historical research. Great job! Keep it up. You are valuable to us all!
Vickie (Haworth) Westman
LHS 1974!
Vickie, there most definitely is tunnels. My grandmothers former home on the corner of cottage and weatherlow had a tunnel that went from the basement to the bar across the street. It was blocked off with dirt. I think my brother and I tried to dig it out when we were younger, ha. Another tunnel ran towards Main either from her house, or the house next door on weatherlow.
What was the purpose of the tunnels?