It has been ten years to the day when the Lassen County Hall of Justice was dedicated. However, first some background. In 1997, the California Legislature passed the Trial Court Funding Act. In essence, the state would take over the courts, where in the past it was a county function. In Lassen County the transition was slow.

In early 2000s, planning began on a separate facility for the Lassen County courts. There was debate as to where to build it. The site selected was on Riverside Drive. When the $38.9 million building was completed it was the most expensive public works project in Lassen County.

The original superior courtroom in the Lassen County Courthouse remained intact, and used primarily for ceremonial functions. Once the current courthouse renovation project is completed it will become the meeting room for the Lassen County Board of Supervisors.

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During the summer of 1926 Susanville was full of energy preparing for the upcoming State American Legion Convention. There were lots of fundraising activities to be had. After all, the local post thought the cost for being host would be around $5,000. In June, they had raised $3,000.

One fund raising venue was the construction of an open air dance pavilion. On Saturday night, July 10, 1926 the grand opening dance was held. Glen Tout’s orchestra furnished the music, with its slogan “Pep to Every Step.” There was certainly a lot pep in those steps as the Tout orchestra played its final tune on Sunday morning at 4:45 a.m. The dances continued every Saturday night through the summer.

Finally, it should be noted, the local legion post ended up with a $4,000 debt after the convention. On the bright side, not only was Susanville put on the map, but the attendees spread the word of the royal treatment they received from the community throughout the state.

Tim

On January 21, 1885, the Susanville Hose Company No. 1 was organized to become the town’s first official fire department.  The officers consisted of C.M. Stoll, foreman, A.E. Blum, secretary and Henry Bereman as Treasurer. Besides the initial officers eighteen men comprised the company. The volunteer firemen met weekly for practice sessions with the hose cart.

They were initially a ambitious lot. In July 1885 they held their first election for commissioners and David Knoch, Noble McKinsey and Hiram Skadan were elected. On June 6, 1887.the commissioners held. special election to levy for an $500 assessment for the purchase of additional equipment. It was approved 71 to 3.

In the fall of 1891, the company sought to acquire a permanent home. On November 19 they purchased a lot from James P. Keener on Lassen County, which is now the current site of Susanville’s City Hall. A fire hall was built with a fifty-foot bell tower, becoming the town’s tallest landmark. It was designed specifically that way so when the bell was rung it could be heard throughout the town.

Like all volunteer organizations they have their peaks and valleys, but the organization continued for several decades when it would reorganized as the Susanville Volunteer Fire Department.

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