The Lassen Monuments located some six miles south of Susanville at the base of Diamond Mountain marked the finally resting place of Peter Lassen who died in 1859.  As the story is told, this is where Lassen first camped in the Honey Lake Valley beneath a stately Ponderosa pine tree. In 1862, a monument was placed on his gravesite.

For those familiar with the site, it is a idyllic setting with a pine grove overlooking an expansive grassy meadow. By the mid-1870s, the place became a popular summer picnic spot.

Fast forward to September 1917, after the dedication of the second Lassen Monument, Robert M. Cook, editor and publisher of the Lassen Weekly Mail wrote in his column that more was needed to be done with the new monument: “The location is of one scenic beauty and it is hoped that it ca be made an official cemetery and thus secure the care of the county in keeping the grounds in first-class condition. There is no fund at present for this purpose and it will be a shame to allow the beautiful stone that has been erected to become the center of unkept and neglected grounds.”

In the 1920s, a movement was started to purchase this property and establish it as a public monument. In 1925, according to newspaper reports, that mission was accomplished when it was revealed that the Hulsman family, owners of the property, donated a small parcel to local Masonic lodge (Lassen Lodge F.&A.M..). This was a bit premature, for no deed was either prepared or more importantly recorded. Finally, on April 23, 1952, Hannah F. Hulsman deeded a one-acre plot to the Native Daughters of the Golden West, Susanville Parlor No. 243. Over the years the Native Daughters found it burdensome to maintain the property and subsequently on June 29, 1976 donated to  Lassen Lodge & F.&A.M.. Over the years various community groups, such as Rotary have assisted the Masons with maintenance.

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California State Highway 89 is a bit of an odd creature in itself. One there are a number of segments wherein it is blended into other state highways. A perfect example is Highway 36 & 89 share the same roadway from just west of Chester to Mineral. While Highway 36 continues to Red Bluff, at Morgan Summit, just before Mineral, Highway 89 veers north through Lassen Park. The highway’s official designation through the park is US 1. Just as at the south entrance, when 89 leaves the park at the north entrance, it shares the same roadway with Highway 44. Just past the junction near Old Station, Highway 89 once again retains its own identity heading north towards Mount Shasta.

Of course, Highway 89 has this same quirky nature with shared highways on the southern end on the way to Quincy and beyond. A bit of road trivia for those road warriors over Memorial Day Weekend.

Tim

With the approaching Memorial Day Weekend, heralds increased summer road traffic. Some driving behaviors never change. Today’s above title post came from the Lassen Mail of November 15, 1935, which all these years is still relevant. Note the speed limits, and the speeders of the day.

”Lassen County traffic officers at this time are apparently having a difficult time with numerous drivers in this area in regards to the confusion which exists over  California’s speed limit.

”To clarify the situation and to save automobile operators from future trouble, it would be well to point out at this time that anyone driving more than forty-five miles per hour on the highway is liable to arrest.

””Many drivers are under the sincere impression that it devolves upon the arresting officer to prove that they  were operating their car in a reckless or negligent manner, thereby endangering others. The case is really the exact opposite. It becomes necessary for the driver to prove that he was operating his car safely.

”While it is possible that in some cases a driver could successfully avoid punishment from the court, yet it is wise. to recall that few road or diving conditions warrant such speeds as sixty five, seventy or seventy five miles an hour.

”The proper attitude for any driver to take is to place safety before speed  and common sense before horse power. In driving at excessive speeds and in even a slightly negligible and doubling the difficulties of the traffic officer who is trying to keep the roads safe for you.

“Why. not help everyone out by applying the rule of common sense rather than legal technicalities:”

Tim

Leesburg was not much of a settlement. It was located at the western end of Willow Creek Valley. Not much is known about the particulars. In the summer of 1863 the Lee family located there and built several cabins providing the nucleus of the community. While Leesburg’s existence was brief, the County of Lassen recognized the settlement. In 1864, the county created its initial voting precincts. One of which was the Willow Creek precinct and Leesburg was the designated polling place. In the fall of 1865, German immigrant Ben Neuhaus located at the abandoned community of Leesburg.  Neuhaus remained there until 1902, when he retired to Susanville.

Tim

Oh that dreaded jury duty summons. However, I will get on my soap box to stress how important jury duty is. Of course, I have a legal background having worked for both the courts and in the legal community. Shucks, one time I had to sub in for the jury commissioner who was on vacation.* A lot of people’s lives are affected by the juror’s verdict for better or worse. One day you, a family member or friend may find this themselves in this situation and I doubt you would not a want juror’s serving without an attitude?

Anyhow, I came across this old letter written to Judge F.A. Kelley seeking to be excused. While the scanned image appears at the top, some may have find it difficult to read. After all, penmanship, is what it is, some excel and others do not.

On April 23, 1904, Milford resident J. W. Hurlbut wrote: “Dear Sir. Since the summons was served  on me to act as juryman on the 25th of April my business has been awful so that I have a dairy on my hands and it will be impossible for me to attend. Please excuse me and oblige. Yours truly J.W. Hurlbut.” 

Not sure what the out come was. Of course, there was the issue whether the letter would actually be received on time.

Tim

*The excuses people make to get out of jury duty boggles the mind. Let’s just say there are some real creative types out there!