In the early 1920s, chain stores began to make their appearance in Susanville. Reactions, or course, were mixed. Many a consumer enjoyed the new shopping experience with not only a wider selection of goods, but they found the price right, too. There were the loyalist crowd, that remained with their old independent pioneer merchant, who took care of the, through good and bad times, the latter that merchant would provide a line credit. However, changes were inevitable, one either adapted or perished.

These new stores also changed the appearance of the town. In the spring of 1940, Cliff Gledhill, moved a historic 1870s residence from 30 South Roop, to the farthest end of that street. Shortly thereafter, construction began on a small concrete building on the vacant lot he created. On May 22, 1940, Gledhill opened the doors there to his new enterprise, a Western Auto Store. Over the years, the building has had many occupants. Seasoned residents will know it as the office of Dr. C.I. Burnett, and for the past few decades it has been the CPA office of Carol J. Curry.

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