Category Archives: News

Juniper Jim & Lassen County Court Records

Madeline Plains, June 2004

In 1894, James “Juniper Jim” Roussell located at Post Camp on the Madeline Plains. Those were hardly souls to eke out a living on the plains. In 1913, he was charged with cattle rustling, but was acquitted. There is a full account of the episode in Donald T. Garate’s book Red Rock to Ravendale.

There was a recent inquiry about this event and that concerning the Lassen County Superior Court records. The original records from 1864 to the mid-1920s were never microfilmed and the last time I inspected them they were intact. But a lot has changed since then. With Lassen County Courthouse renovation under way, those records, as well all others were removed. It is my understanding, I could be wrong, the court records were transferred to the Lassen County Hall Of Justice.    My experiences with that facility has not been pleasant even to obtain copies of a court case in the 1970s. A request was submitted and was informed I would receive a call when the copies were made. That five years ago, and I never heard back. Others have relayed similar circumstances. So I am unable to answer the question about the court records, their existence or access.

Tim

A Tuesday Tidbit—Constantia Church

The church at Doyle, January 25, 2020.

A reader wanted know about the church in Doyle that survived the 2021 fire, and I featured an excellent photograph in a recent post, where everything around it was torched. The historic church was built at Constantia, circa 1898. In 1994, it was moved to Doyle, adjacent to the Long Valley Cemetery and restored.. It is maintained by the Doyle Historical Society. It is used for a variety of purposes including funerals and weddings, but no regular church services.

Constantia Church, Doyle, July 12, 2021—Ronda Dockstader

Tim

Where are We—Echo Lake

July, 15, 2021

Echo Lake is in northern Plumas County, not far from the headwaters of Bailey Creek. It encompasses some thirty acres, and there is a small unimproved forest service campground there. Prior to the early 1970s it was only accessible by hiking. That changed when the forest service decided to extend road along Bailey Creek from Heckle Ranch to connect over to Silver Lake and the Caribou Wilderness.

Unfortunately, this area was ravaged by last year’s Dixie Fire.

Tim

Seven Years and Counting

Constantia Church, Doyle, July 12, 2021—Ronda Dockstader

Today, marks the anniversary of launching this website and the posts, and it has been quite the journey.  I am constantly learning something new about the region. In addition, I learn from you the reader with your questions, that allows me to explore something I did not know, too. Also, awhile back another milestone was observed, with the crossing over the 2,500 posts. Last July, Updraft a subscription service that creates a backup file, informed me that I was approaching maximum storage, and so I added more. It just goes to show, how much material that can be gleaned from this website.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank  those who subscribe and support this endeavor. Equally, important are the words of encouragement, which is much appreciated.

Now, back to regular programming, and I have made a lot of head way for the postings in 2022.

Tim

 

Tuesday Tidbit-Standish

Standish, 1908. Courtesy of Betty Gorbet

Since no one replied to the recent Ask Tim post, Standish will be a topic. This is due in part while searching for a photograph of the water flume in the Susan River Canyon, I came across a portion of my manuscript on the early history of Standish. After reviewing the same, I can attest that my early writing skills were rough around the edges. At least the historical documentation was there!

Tim

Ask Tim

Chester, California

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 February, 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.

Tim

Welcome 2022!

Susan River at Richmond Road Bridge, January 1916

Personally, I am thankful to have 2021 in the rear view mirror so to speak. Though I do have to state it was a memorable one and unfortunately the scars of the Sugar and Dixie Fires will be around for a long, long time.

During summer’s intense heat and smoke, I was able to get several months of daily posts done in advance. Then again, I did have a lot more free time since I was no longer on the Lassen County Planning Commission or the Lassen College Board. Whatever the case may be, hopefully I will be able to produce a few self guided walking tours for 2022.

Tim

It’s Pogonip Season

fog
A pogonip as seen from Antelope Grade

The latest storms residual moisture and lack of wind is the perfect combination for a pogonip, also known as a freezing fog. . A true pogonip is when the fog freezes coating everything with ice crystals. The name is from the Native American community when translated means white death, due to the number of Indians who would contract pneumonia from this weather condition.

There are varying types of pogonips. The most common form is when the high pressure holds down the cloud inversion. Thus, in many instances, one only has to travel a few hundred feet above the valley floor to bask in the sunshine. The pogonip season usually runs through December and January. The longest recorded duration, locally, lasted for six weeks in the winter of 1859-60.

On a final note, the National Weather Service states that there is a storm front headed our way tomorrow. There should be enough winds to break up the inversion, and may be we will see a little sun shine in the afternoon.

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