Note: This originally appeared in 2015 . While no new information has changed in the text. The one change is the addition of the above photograph.

In the late 1870s, Isaac Wilson Bassett developed the hot springs near Bieber, first by excavating a swimming hole where water was diverted because the springs were too hot. Later a bathhouse was constructed that contained wooden tubs. If the water became too cool, a wooden spigot could be turned into the tubs to add additional hot water so that optimum temperature was maintained in the pool. As Frances A. Gassaway recalled, “For twenty-five cents, one could go into the plunge and bathe. For a dime more one could be furnished a swimsuit. It was quite a treat to go to the springs.” In 1928, under Barney Fillingim’s management, the wooden pool was replaced with a concrete swimming pool. The Bassett family continued to operate the springs until 1945 when it was sold to Gerald and Birdie Packwood for $17,500. The Packwoods continued operations for a short period of time. Due to health regulations, maintenance, and insurance the Packwood’s deemed it too costly to operate and the facility was closed.

Tim

This is some trivia that are many are not aware of. While these national parks are uniquely different, for a time they were joined at the hip, In 1916, President Wilson signed a bill that created Lassen Volcanic National Park. It was California Congressman John Raker that lobbied with due diligence to create the park. While Congressman Raker’s bill passed and signed by Wilson, it was in name only. One of the drawbacks of the bill was the lack of funding. Congress, in its bill, only allowed $5,000 annual funding for the park. Due to its lack facilities, remoteness etc., for administrative  purposes Yosemite National Park was placed in charge as  the overseer of Lassen. The arrangement lasted nearly a decade.

Tim

P.S. As sacrilegious as may be sound, this California native has not been to Yosemite

Some partnerships are successful, while others or not. Family partnerships are in a league of their own. Today we examine the ranch partnership of Perrin D. Hurlbut and Lewis Knudson. The two men were brother-in-laws, as they married sisters. Perrin was married to Mary Bancroft and Lewis to Emma Bancroft .

In the fall of 1863, Hurlbut & Knudson settled in Willow Creek Valley, just north of Susanville. The two sisters, along their respective children, remained in Wisconsin for several years until men had suitable accommodations. In 1878, the Hurlbut-Knudson partnership dissolved. Knudson retain the ranch, while Hurlbut purchased Adam Jakobs’ sawmill on Willow Creek, approximately ten miles west. The Hurlbut family remained in the sawmill business until. 1920 when they sold the Red River Lumber Company. Lewis Knudson retired in 1903, and turned ranch over his daughter Mary Edna and her husband James Streshley. In January 1955, the Streshley family sold Fred and Vivian Hansen.

Tim

One never knows where interesting historic relics might surface. In 2005, the late Charles “Chuck” Dickens andI  embarked on a project of locate every Lassen Union High School yearbook since 1904, to digitize and present it to the members of the Class of 2007–the 100th commencement from that school. The 1911 yearbook was elusive, only fifty printed. During a house remodel project in Atlanta, Georgia, in the wall was a Lassen High 1911 yearbook, that I was able to obtain.

Closer to home, was discovery of a cache of photographs behind the former Susanville’s Marion’s Bar, on Weatherlow Street. The bar, had a quiet history, it was from the Hotel Amedee, stolen in 1933, found in Chester, then made its way to Marion’s. Fast forward, the bar was being removed to all places to Chester, During the move a dozen of photographs were found behind the bar. Many were of Red River Lumber Company, but this unique wedding cake photograph was among them.

This cake fascinated me, and of course, did some sleuthing. While I have attended a few elaborate weddings, I never seen anything as colossal as this cake. This cake was five feet tall and weighed 250 pounds! It was made for wedding of Rose Serge and James Sacco on  November 15, 1936 at Sacred Heart Church. A brunch reception was afterwards at the Veteran’s Memorial Hall with some 500 people in attendance. With that many, a large cake was needed.

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When I first undertook my research, the late Dr. Robert Amesbury informed me that the old county records had been destroyed  in a fire when the courthouse burnt down. Au contraire, that event did not happen.

The records were intact dating back into the late 1850s. The bulk of records were located in two offices-Auditor/Recorded and County Clerk. My education was now starting as there  were terms that were foreign to me. The staff of the two offices and were patience with me explaining all intricacies.

Over years changes were happening. The bulk of the original documents are now in storage.

Tim

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