Category Archives: History

Dave Brubeck

December 5, 2015 Tim Purdy 5 Comments

This Amedee business partnership lasted less than a month. Courtesy of Tom Armstrong

Today marks the third anniversary of the passing of the famed jazz pianist/composer, Dave Brubeck, one day shy of his 92nd birthday.

Dave’s family has played an integral role in the region’s history. His grandfather, Lewis Warren Brubeck, settled on the east side of Honey Lake at a place known then as Lower Hot Springs in 1881. To build his home and outbuildings he rafted the lumber across Honey Lake from Milford. Dave’s father, Peter Howard was born there. In 1890, the NCO Railroad arrived at Brubeck’s Ranch and it was transformed into the bustling community of Amedee.

Dave’s aunt, Mabel Brubeck was the first person buried in the Amedee Cemetery. After the family sold their holdings and moved to Concord, one member would return, William. Will Brubeck had a small homestead across the highway from the wild horse corrals. Of course he had numerous cousins in the region, since Litchfield was named for his aunt and uncle. One of the more interesting cousins was the intrepid explorer, Leonard Clark.

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History

Free Delivery in a different era

December 4, 2015 Tim Purdy Leave a comment

Susanville’s The Big Store as it appeared in 1916. In front of the store, is their exclusive delivery car. Photograph courtesy of the Worley family

Today’s internet retailers try to lure customers with free delivery on their orders, though usually there is a catch, such as with at at least a minimum order in ex amount of dollars.

There was a simpler time when customer service really meant that just that. In 1915, it was none other than Susanville’s largest mercantile store, The Big Store, operated by two-brother-in-laws, Fehr & Worley that introduced free grocery delivery. Decades later, the so-called “mom & pop grocery stores” such as Hill’s Market, offered the same service.

Actually, those of a certain age will recall gas stations as full service stations. An attendant not only filled your car with gas, wash your windows, and if need checked your tires, oil or anything else for free while you sat in the comfort of your car. It should be noted, however, you did get this service in Oregon. There was even a time when banks courted customers with such gimmicks as a toaster, free checking/savings were automatic, not used as an enticement today.

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History

Bly Tunnel – Then & Now

December 3, 2015 Tim Purdy Leave a comment

The outlet in 1924. Courtesy of Lola L. Tanner

Leon Bly’s controversial tunnel at Eagle Lake initially won high praise among the locals. The lake’s water would transform large swaths of the Honey Lake Valley into productive farm land. Eagle Lake property owners liked the idea, as the lake’s level had continued to increase during the early 1900s, flooding their lakeshore properties. So much for the fairy tale ending. The project failed, and too numerous to go into detail at this time.

Decades ago, the tunnel’s inlet was sealed, and the casual visitor would not know of its existence if it was not pointed out. The tunnel’s outlet adjoins Murrer’s Upper Meadow. It is not the most easily access place to visit. Recently, Barbara White sent me a recent photograph of the outlet, now dry, and thought people would to see the before and after.

The outlet as it appeared in 2012. Courtesy of Barbara White — The outlet in 2012. Courtesy of Barbara White

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History

Amedee School, Part II

December 2, 2015 Tim Purdy Leave a comment

Amedee School Children on the first day of the Big Snow, Tuesday, January 11, 1911. Left to Right: Thelma James, Tom Lally, Minnie Meeske, Fred Meeske, Rita Martin, Sadie Meeske, Norma Jeanne James, Frank Martin and Gregory Martin. Courtesy of Marie Herring Gould

In September 1909, there was a resurgence of prosperity in Amedee and the school re-opened its doors to sixteen students. In 1916, another attempt was made to build a schoolhouse. On April 7,1916, a bond election was held—a $1,500 measure. The bond was approved and it generated a 100% voter turnout, though four of the voters opposed it. Continue reading Amedee School, Part II →

History

The Grand Cafe – Early Years

December 1, 2015 Tim Purdy 6 Comments

Interior of the original Grand Cafe, though some the fixtures and furnishings were used in the current building. Courtesy of Helen Sargent — Interior of the original Grand Cafe, 1931. Standing behind the counter Ted Zuber, Vaso Gurasevich, Ernie Martin and Pete Zigura. To the right standing is Steve Sargent, with his eldest son, Steve Jr. and seated Ed Zalac. Courtesy of Helen Sargent

In the early 1900s a number of Susanville’s restaurants were operated by Chinese, though serving American cuisine. The Grand Cafe was just such an establishment. It was established in 1909 by Kwan Wong in the rear of the Pioneer saloon. Continue reading The Grand Cafe – Early Years →

History

December Preview

November 30, 2015 Tim Purdy Leave a comment

1927 holiday greeting card from the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office. Left to Right, Sheriff Jim Leavitt, Deputy Tom Massey and Deputy A.C. “Cass” Hunsinger.

Here is a glimpse of posts for the month of December. Enjoy!

The Grand Cafe – The Early Years	12/1/15
Amedee School – Part II	12/2/15
Bly Tunnel – Then & Now	12/3/15
Free Delivery in a different era	12/4/15
Dave Brubeck	12/5/15
Marion’s Bar	12/6/15
Lassen County Delinquent Taxes – 1865	12/7/15
Tule Confederacy	12/8/15
Lassen Weekly Mail	12/9/15
St. Francis Hotel	12/10/15
Eastern Honey Lake Valley	12/11/15
FGS – Logging Camps E, Y, 9	12/12/15
Save Our Center	12/13/15
Paradise City	12/14/15
Thompson’s Photography Studio	12/15/15
Swamp Angel	12/16/15
Susanville Roundhouse	12/17/15
Standish – Wrede Hotel	12/18/15
Penmanship	12/19/15
Isaac Roop, Esquire	12/20/15
Soldier’s Bridge Military Camp	12/21/15
Winter Solstice	12/22/15
Honey Lake Heaven	12/23/15
Main Street – Then & Now	12/24/15
Christmas Trees	12/25/15
High Rock Spring	12/26/15
Susanville’s Browntown	12/27/15
Biscar Reservoir	12/28/15
Honey Lake Depths	12/29/15
Caloreta (Wendel) School	12/30/15
Mabel Gallager	12/31/15

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History, News

Location, Location, Location

November 28, 2015 Tim Purdy Leave a comment

That is a well worn slogan realtors use. As some readers have noted, at times I have been amiss to provide a better location on certain topics. I apologize for that blunder. Since I have spent most of my life exploring so many nooks and crannies throughout the region, I become absent minded, and neglect to provide better locations on topics, that I take for granted.

The above map is interesting in so many aspects. Many of the communities depicted no longer exist. Some of the landmarks, are known today by another name. Lake Bidwell, is now Butte Lake, “Valcano” is Crater Lake and Halls is Papoose Meadows. In the future, I will do my best to correct my errant ways. If there is anything else, you think needs improvement, don’t hesitate to let me know.

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History

Susanville Bordellos – Part I

November 27, 2015 Tim Purdy 2 Comments

445 North Roop Street is the oldest "house" still standing and part of the red light district prior to the railroad. November 7, 2015 — 445 North Roop Street is the oldest “house” still standing and part of the red light district prior to the railroad. November 7, 2015

A paid subscriber wanted to more about the seedier side of Susanville. When it comes to the world’s oldest profession, locally it is divided into two eras–before and after the railroad and logging industry. Continue reading Susanville Bordellos – Part I →

History

Folsom Ranch Thanksgiving

November 26, 2015 Tim Purdy Leave a comment

Dining Room, Folsom Ranch, Willow Creek Valley, circa 1900. Courtesy of Mary Dale Folsom

The Folsom Ranch is known to many with a number of names, which determines your age and/or relationship with the property. Folsom sold it to Thomas Hill and retired to Susanville on Mill Street, whose home graces the 2016 Lassen High Alumni Calendar. Hill sold to Walsh, who in turn sold to Barron and now it is the Willow Creek Wildlife Unit of the California Department of Fish & Game.

If you are a part of a family gathering today, you may want to do your own Thankslistening. It provides a perfect opportunity to not only ask the older generation questions, but to document it, too. One can not take it for granted, they will be there for the next Thanksgiving.

Finally, I am so thankful to my wonderful friends for everything they have done for me during my time of crisis of the broken hip and recovery.

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History

Lassen County – Johnstonville Updated

November 26, 2015 Tim Purdy 2 Comments

Johnstonville Blacksmith Shop, circa 1900. On the wagon, George Wright. Standing (Left to Right) Aaron “Dad” Hooks, owner of the blacksmith shop, Frank Elledge, Booth Elledge, and the others not identified.

In the early 1860s, it was called Toadtown. According to Farris & Smith (1882): “Tradition hath it that in the early settlement of the valley, whenever a heavy rain-storm was experienced, the ground was literally covered with diminutive toads.” Lisle Lester, a noted journalist, wrote in 1865: “Toadtown is a mere bit of a hamlet, on the Susan River, notable for its name. I wondered why it was called Toadtown? Roseville would have been more appropriate for the banks of the river was fairly bordered with wild roses.” Johnstonville was named for Robert Johnston (1826-1898) who, in 1859, along with his brother-in-law, Eber G. Bangham, traded a cow and calf to William Dow for his property there. On December 7, 1864, the Lassen County Board of Supervisors ordered the Toadtown Voting Precinct be changed to Johnstonville.

The Johnstonville School was originally known as Susan River and that name was not changed until 1878. For a period time there was the Johnstonville Post Office that operated from 1902-1943.