Category Archives: History

History

The Eagle Lake Earthquake of 1889

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Bucks Bay, Eagle Lake, 1921. Courtesy of Lola L. Tanner
Bucks Bay, Eagle Lake, 1921. Courtesy of Lola L. Tanner

The Eagle Lake we know today was created by fault blocking, so its no wonder that earthquakes occur in the region. On June 19, 1889, a substantial earthquake was felt in the region, which was followed by twenty-eight aftershocks. Initially, it was believed that the quake originated from Mount Lassen, but upon  further investigation it was determined the epicenter was at Eagle Lake.

The most remarkable finding of this earthquake was the lake dropped by two feet. Yet, the water flow of Bunnell, Cady and Willow Creek springs experienced increased water flows. The Lassen Advocate noted these springs:  “had a soapy appearance, feeling oily to the touch.”

Thomas Ford, editor of Bieber’s Mountain Tribune newspaper traveled to Susanville at the time of the earthquake and wrote:  “Arriving at Susanville at six o’clock in the evening, we found things pretty shaky; experienced four shocks that night, and was told that had not been a very good night earthquakes either. . . . Many were the accounts or what happened since the shaky season began–such as Eagle Lake sinking two feet, the waters of Willow Creek being higher than ever before.”

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History

Lassen County’s Crater Lake

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Crater Lake, August 18, 2016
Crater Lake, August 18, 2016

Crater Lake is located seven miles east of the Bogard Rest Area on Highway 44. In 1907, Lassen National Forest Supervisor, Louis A. Barrett, included this lake in his inventory of proposed National Monuments, the other two being Lassen Peak and Cinder Cone.  The lake remained inaccessible for years, except for hardy hikers who climbed the mountain. In 1952, the Fruit Growers Supply Company constructed a logging road to the 35-acre lake that is situated in a volcanic crater, on lands owned by the Lassen National Forest. The Forest Service originally proposed to offer summer home sites, but established a campground instead.

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History

Milford’s Potato War

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Claude Wemple's historical map of the Milford region, shows not only the location of the Potato War, but numerous other sites.
Claude Wemple’s historical map of the Milford region, shows not only the location of the Potato War, but numerous other sites.

Who knew that the almighty spud would be the cause of conflict? It all began in October 1857 when a band of Washo Indians visited William Morehead’s potato patch, some two miles northwest of Milford. When confronted by Morehead and others the Washo became belligerent and this did not go over well with the residents of the Milford district. The locals received re-enforcements from the California state arsenal, volunteer fighters from Sierra Valley, and a band of Piutes. During the skirmish several Washo were killed and many wounded. In the aftermath, the Washo withdrew from the lower end of Honey Lake Valley and never ventured north of Long Valley. Again, the residents petitioned for a permanent military fort after the Potato War, only to be ignored, again and again.

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History

Grasshopper Valley

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A view from the southern end of Grasshopper Valley, August 4, 2016.
A view from the southern end of Grasshopper Valley, August 4, 2016.

Once you pass Eagle Lake north on Highway 139, the next broad expanse you see to your right is Grasshopper Valley.  When intrepid explorer J. Goldsborough Bruff in 1850 noted it was lake, who later in 1876 stated it had to be what was  later Eagle Lake. In wet years, the lower portion of the valley is flooded, and back in Bruff’s day especially so, since there were no dams at Said Valley or Slate Creek, so even a greater flow of water in the basin. Continue reading Grasshopper Valley →

History

A Remembrance

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The send off at the Susanville Depot. Courtesy of Lola L. Tanner
The send off at the Susanville Depot of the first volunteers from Lassen, Modoc and Plumas Counties, August 10, 1917.. Courtesy of Lola L. Tanner

This being Veteran’s Day it is only fitting  to acknowledge the fallen soldiers of Lassen County from World War I. Initially, a monument was to be placed at Inspiration Point, but that never materialized. In 1922, the highway entrance into Susanville’s west end was constructed, saw the placement of a bronze plaque with the names of Lassen County men who perished in World War I. In 1966, the highway was realigned and the plaque removed. Continue reading A Remembrance →

History

Westwood’s First High School

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Courtesy of Hank Martinez
The Westwood Grammer and High Schools. Courtesy of Hank Martinez

For nearly twenty years, the Red River Lumber Company’s town of Westwood operated differently than other communities.  Even the public Westwood School District was an unusual creature in the beginning.  Under normal circumstances a school district would issue bonds to finance school construction. Not so in Westwood. Red River built the schools, and leased them to the Lassen County Superintendent of Schools at a nominal cost. Continue reading Westwood’s First High School →

History

Susanville’s Kirmess Festival

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Methodist Church
The aftermath of the August 4, 1915 fire.

One of the more disastrous fires in Susanville occurred in August 1915, when a large portion of the block containing the Emerson Hotel, the Hyer House Hotel and the Methodist Church were destroyed. The losses were heavy, none of the buildings were fully covered by insurance.

Members of the Methodist Church were determined to rebuild their church that was constructed in 1901. The skeletal walls were deemed fit for re-use. While insurance covered a large percentage of costs to rebuild, more funds were needed. It was decided to hold a Kirmess Festival. Those not familiar with the term, is of Dutch origins.  While it has several meanings one is that it involves an outdoor fair/festival for charitable causes, usually affiliated with a church.

In early March 1916, members of the church announced a four day Kirmess festival to raise funds to rebuild their church. The kirmess was scheduled for March 28-31. On the first day, it took on air of Mardi Gras with a parade that included the majority of the community. Entertainment was held every night at the Orpheum Theater. On Thursday night Guy P. Johnson won the election and was crowned Kirmess King. A good time was had by all and nearly $1,000 was raised for the Methodist Church.

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History

Miner’s Spring – Antelope Grade

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The Spires
The Spires, Antelope Grade. In 1947 when Highway 139 was constructed it bypassed this feature.

While the bulk of mining was south of Susanville, along Diamond Mountain, there was a bit of mining activity to the town’s north. Some of you may recall the piece about Grabel’s hole that appeared back in September.

For some odd reason, by the 1890s considerable prospecting was done on Antelope Mountain. If one looks closely on Highway 139, one can see small mine tailing piles. At a place call “the spires” there is a small spring. It was a popular rest stop back in the horse and buggy days, to stop and give the horses a rest. Charley Carpenter thought it was the perfect place to call home, and built a small cabin there, while he was search of the next mother lode. He had a nearby counterpart, Sandy Crawford, better known as Round Valley Red, who staked out claims in nearby Round Valley. By the mid-1930s, the two old bachelors, were getting along in age and finally abandoned mining in the area.

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