The designation of “Pioneer” to log cabins is such a misnomer. In many instances they get that designation from the recreational arm of a government agency, to lend some rustic aura to inspire visitors awe. The so-called Pioneer Cabin at Antelope Lake falls into that category. There are still a handful of similar cabins in the eastern segment of the Plumas National Forest. These cabins were used during the summer months, primarily by Honey Lake ranchers who brought their livestock into the mountains for summer range.
The cabin at Antelope Lake origins are with Adelbert Torrey, who in the 1880s was residing at Buntingville. He would bring his dairy cows for the summer, for the abundant feed and water. Adjacent to the cabin Torrey built a water wheel used to process butter. In 1888, Torrey sold the property to his Buntingville neighbor, Leonard Hicks. It remained in the Hicks family until 1941 when it was sold Frank and Alma Flux. Flux had paid $3,000 for the 400-acre property. He stated the previous owner had sold the timber to Clover Valley Lumber Company for $20,000. It appears from records of Susanville attorney, Harden “Finn” Barry that Flux sold the property in 1956, as a future reservoir site.