A subscriber wanted to know more about Fruit Growers Spring, also known as Bagwell Springs. These springs are located north of present day Susanville Ranch Park.
The springs were named for James Washington Bagwell, who located on 160-acres that included the springs. In 1893, he sold out to George W. Long for $300. In 1901, William Black Long claimed rights to this spring that he designated as Bagwell. In 1919, the Fruit Growers Supply Company purchased the property for its water rights. For a number of years the spring was known as Fruit Growers Spring. It appears with that designation in the decree of Fleming v Bennett—the adjudication of the Susan River watershed. In 1935, Fruit Growers sold the spring to the Republic Electric Power Company, who purchased it as an additional water source for Susanville. Thereafter, the spring was once again referred to as Bagwell. The springs are now owned by the City of Susanville, which are used in conjunction with the city’s water system.
I remember visiting Fruit Growers Springs In the 40,s & 50,s when Me & friends would go on hikes . we would sometimes go by the Ranch and help ourselves to apples. there were several big apple trees just north of the ranch house. I also remember in early 1945 when I was 8 years old Spending the night in the O’Kelly Ranch . Why? well when my Dad and several other men in Susanville went for a fiscal for the draft . some their wives got together for the night . They played the game Monopoly till way in the night. Somewhere I have a Photo of that group of men just before the left on a bus. The photo was taken in front of the Fire Station, Across the street from the US post office.
Robert Ramey. Was your dad Dan Ramey that had the little grocery store where Stampfli had a dress shop? Gleta