As I write this, the Biscar Fire in eastern Lassen County is now approaching 70,000 acres. Unfortunately, the maps published lack descriptive features. It has been stated the fire started in the area of Snowstorm Road and Vincent Canyon in the Biscar Reservoir area.

The name is attributed to Pierre “Pete” Biscar who was born on January 28, 1881 at St. Etienne de Baigory, France. He arrived in the United States in1901 at New York City and in 1904 came to Secret Valley, Lassen County.  In 1909, he constructed the first reservoir at the mouth of Snowstorm Canyon. In 1915, it was washed out by a flood and subsequently rebuilt*.

Biscar had hit hard times in the 1930s. He was arrested on a cattle rustling charge and served time in the Lassen County Jail. In 1937, he lost his property to a county delinquent tax sale. He eventually moved to Susanville and lived in one of  Frenchy’s cabins on the Susan River across from Paulsen’s Welding. He died on February 2, 1947, a pauper. He is buried in the Lassen Cemetery, his grave does not have a marker. At the time of his death, he was survived by a cousin J.P. Insarquarat of Stockton, California

Tim

*Today, there are two small reservoirs that are part of the 548-acre Biscar Wildlife Area.

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The Shaw Historical Library’s recent Journal “All that Glitters is not Gold,” is now available.  It describes mining operations in the High Desert area of NE California, NW Nevada, and SE Oregon.  Articles cover the Hayden Hill Mining District, Gerlach gypsum mining, Herbert Hoover’s mining activity in northern Nevada, the High Grade District in Modoc County, Buffalo Salt Works on the Smoke Creek Desert, uranium mining north of Lakeview, and eleven other topics.  The book is available for sale at Margie’s Book Nook in Susanville.  It can also be ordered by calling the Shaw Library at 541-885-0222.

Tim

On personal note I look forward to purchasing a copy. My family was involved at Hayden Hill for decades. Buffalo Meadows Salt Works in a unique site.

Where does the time go? It was a year ago, on July 5, 2025 that the wooden grandstand at Susanville’s Memorial Park went up in flames,

Tim

There is ashes to ashes, for this traditional Memorial Day for me it is cemetery to cemetery. Normally, I go to Diamond Crest, Janesville, Lassen and Susanville cemeteries. At that time I decorate a lot of graves, not just for my family, but for families whose descendants that have moved far away.

Cemeteries have been near and dear to me. It was a cemetery issue, that I  at the tender age 13, began my historical research. A family friend, Frank Satica, told me that the World’s First Champion Cowboy was buried at a remote cemetery in Secret Valley. It should be noted when I was a growing up, and being the youngest of four siblings, I was very gullible. What Frank Satica told me, I thought it preposterous. One would think that McKissick’s title would warrant major recognition,, but that was not the case.

I was fortunate as Susanville was still a tight knit community. In the afternoons and weekends I worked part time at Party Port a sporting goods and liquor store. To make a long story short, I asked a long time customer Murray Doyle, an old time Lassen family about the McKissick tale. He said it was true, but to contact Abe Jensen, as he would know more. So I did, From that experience I discovered the town of Amedee, and opened the doors of the local history.

It has been an interesting journey to say the least. A half of a century later another cemetery issue has taken a toll on me.I would rather not go into details, but I am no longer available to any one with cemetery problems.

Tim

 

 

Awhile back in the comment section was the reference  of the Secret Valley Shoe Tree and in 1994 how unknown parties cut it down in act of vandalism. A new reader, and a some what new resident wanted to know more.  One can read about it here. If anyone has a photograph of that tree, please do share.

Tim