On a quarterly basis, I ask you the reader, if there is something you would like to learn more about or maybe its something you heard, but question its validity. So here is an opportunity to participate. I will do my best to answer any questions. It should be noted, it may take awhile for the answer to appear as a post. The primary reason, many of the daily posts are done nearly a month in advance. So by the time you read this I am already working on posts for the middle of May, or at least I should be. Whatever the case may be, I look forward to hearing from you. Of course, it should be noted that paid subscribers requests receive priority. In addition, you can always send a request at any time.
I want to thank Larry Doss of Spaulding Tract to alert me that as of yesterday evening, Pine Creek has finally thawed out and is now flowing. For those not familiar, Pine Creek is the main tributary to Eagle Lake, California’s second largest natural lake. While Lake Tahoe is larger than Clear and Eagle, it spreads across the California and Nevada border. The spring thaw has finally begun.
On March 22, 2023, I received an email from Kathy Seitrich of Missouri concerning her father’s, Charles H. Bennett’s photographs. Bennett as she relayed to me was stationed at the Secret Valley CCC camp from January 1936 to January 1938. Of course, I was very interested, especially since one does not come across old photographs of Secret Valley. Some ten days later I received a package containing three photograph albums.
Secret Valley CCC Camp, 1938—Courtesy Special Collections, UC Davis
The photographs are a treasure trove, not only of the scenes of the CCC camp, but Bennett’s various outings around the area. One such outing was to Litchfield, Wendel and Amedee. There are photographs of the repair work of the Eagle Lake siphon, as well as some scenes of Eagle Lake, which it should be noted the Lassen County Board of Supervisors lobbied for a CCC camp there, but was denied. Also what makes this collection special, is Bennett did a great job of labeling and dating the photographs. Now, I just need to overcome the technical difficulties with the computer/scanner issue, but progress is in the making. Stay tuned.
Tim
P..S. There are some photographs of the Oakland Bay Bridge under construction, which I could include in a Tuesday Tidbit, if any one is interested.
Long Valley Mercantile Company, Constantia, 1905. Courtesy of Marie H. Gould
Among other technical issues, is the photograph sizing. I may or my not have found a solution. So from time to time, I may sending out some experimental post to correct the issue. Thank you for your understanding.
In the summer of 2019, the offices inside the courthouse were relocated. Initial work began with Phase I and later II. At the Lassen County Board of Supervisors’ meeting of March 28, 2023 a contract was awarded for the final phase. It has been relayed to me, that if all goes well the project should be completed by the end of the year, with the offices moved back in the building.
Since it is April Fool’s Day, I thought I would pass on an interesting piece of geographic trivia—one I had won many bets. Years ago, there a a syndicated newspaper columnist, L.M. Boyd, whose columns were filled with all kinds of interesting trivia. One of these caught my attention, since it was somewhat local in nature. Boyd dutifully noted that Reno, Nevada was west of Los Angeles, California. It does sound strange, but when one examines the curvature of the California coastline it becomes apparent. Or more scientifically, Reno’s Longitude is 119.29725 West and Los Angeles is 118.29122 West.
This is. a most unusual post, where I am thinking out loud, where may be some one might provide a provocative perspective or suggestion.
First, I realize it was just a matter of time when my old computer equipment would reach a point of no return. So here is my dilemma. I use my old MacBook Pro (2009) with an old Epson (2007) scanner to scan the old photographs. However, I can no longer transfer the photographs from the MacBook via email attachments to my IPad which I use to maintain the website and compose the daily posts. Since I am not a tech person, it makes that more challenging. I am not sure for a short term to fix if there is an IPad adapter to use a USB drive to transfer photographs?
Of course the long term to replace everything would be spendy if done all once,, and this site does not generate those kinds of funds. All points to ponder. Is there an alternative I am overlooking? Equally important, there will not be any disruptions since I have posts scheduled through mid June, which should provide enough time to right the port. It should be noted, that first and foremost, I am not soliciting donations, but solutions.
In the meantime, I will muddle through it and some how a solution will transpire. Thank you for your understanding.
Tim
On the bright side I came across an 1892 photograph of the Susan River that has calendar potential. However, that is problematic as MacBook and the Epson printer are not longer communicating at the moment. This is a necessity for the initial calendar layout. I guess this this falls under the old time category “when it rains, it pours.”
It may be odd to some about printer quandary, let me explain, after all there are some who do not want a computer. Last September a dear friend of mine Karen B. Martin passed away. For many years she was a gracious host at Aspen Campground at Eagle Lake among other things. She wanted me to reprint my Eagle Lake, which was not going to happen, another story. Anyhow, I put together a binder of Eagle Lake material, which included all my posts about Eagle Lake, which I would provide updated printed copies of posts when they made their debut. Those went into the binder. Karen then shared the binder with fellow campers who had an interest and brought joy to many.
An NCO passenger car at Wendel being prepared to move, 1974—Tom Armstrong
Another example is David Martin, a Bay area resident, who like Karen, and no relation to her, has no computer and no desire. A Lassen College graduate he became interested in the area’s history and that especially of the NCO Railroad. When I sent him a print out about the NCO’s Lakeview car, he wrote me letter with information that I did not have. In addition, Dave also sent me letter in which Tom Armstrong provided him information about the NCO passenger car at Wendel. I will provide that material in a future post.
In the meantime, enjoy the weekend, whatever kind of weather will transpire.
As of March 1, meteorologically speaking is the first day of spring. So with that in mind, I am going to add a spring in my step, and step away from scanning photographs for the Tuesday tidbit for awhile, because I am also experiencing technical difficulties in that department.
What is interesting about this photograph of Susanville’s Inspiration Point, is that prior to the 1930s when the “point was developed” the best natural spot were the flat boulders before approaching the point we know today. The next time you happen visit, take in the surroundings and notice the difference. By the way, when looking down to see the Susan River, it just happens to be the natural divide between the northern Sierra and southern Cascades.
Well, I now have eight years experience going digital. It has been an interesting journey so far. Of course, it has pitfalls from day to day operations, just with any endeavor—it goes with the territory.
One of the nice features with an online format is the ability to reach a far wider audience, especially since I keep the content free—no paywall.
Next year will be a critical one with the renewal of the host server. Hopefully, the rates will be reasonable.
