Last summer while having dinner at the Lassen Ale Works, nee the Pioneer, one of my companions remarked in a philosophical manner that each brand represents someone dreams, whether fulfilled or not. For several months the topic would surface, when we were at that establishment and I, of course, would enlighten said companion on any given brand.
Thus, a new project created. To simplify matters it was decided to concentrate on fifty or so of the original brands that were painted on the wall in 1964 as a part of Lassen County’s Centennial celebration. If demand warrants, another volume could be compiled.
In addition, it would be great to make it a community effort, as there are many around who have family brands on the wall That would be great to have that special insight. So to get things started, since I am doing this alphabetical order, here are the first ten brand names: Wm. T. Bailey, J.R. Barron, Warren & Hilda Bass, J.A. Blickenstaff, Tom T. Cannon, John Capezzoli, Chappuis Brothers, Leroy Cramer, L.V. DeForest and Franklin DeWitt.
From time to time, I will post updates and more brand names.
Good Morning,
I’ve been trying to find when the shining box, or box turtle as it is sometimes called, was first registered to Charles Vaden DeForest. Levoy DeForest, his son, later had it until his untimely death. In 1973 my husband, Tom, (nephew of LeVoy and grandson of Charles) and I picked it up and still have it. Now, other DeForests are using it as well, on different locations.
Kathy,
I will look into this. If the old brand books are still at the courthouse, then we may have the answer. Otherwise will do some other research, hopefully we will be lucky the first go around. I will also examine the original DeForest brand from the 1880s.
Tim, there are two brands on the wall that have been labeled wrong. They are written Roney Brothers. There never was a Roney Brothers. The Roney family first arrived in Lassen County in the early 1800’s and purchased what is now known as Clover Meadow off of HWY 21 or Mooney Road. Clover Valley was and is still used as summer range, as well as Forest Service allotments. Roney’s home base is in Chico. I will contact Wally Roney and get the exact dates, etc. and forward the info on to you.
There indeed was a partnership of the Roney Brothers- Elwin and George ( the fourth generation). The family has a rich history in Lassen, Butte and Tehama Counties, but it did not begin in the early 1800’s.
Wally and I would love to visit with you about this. He also is concerned that there are some mistakes on the wall about names and brands of folks who worked for the Roney’s long ago. Thank you for all the wonderful work you do. We will contact you soon.