Category Archives: News

2022 Purdy’s Private Reserve Calendar

This calendar is unique in a different kind of way. Four of the photographs featured I purchased on Ebay. One of the most unique is that of Homer Lake taken in 1919. Where the photographer took the photograph was impressive. As usual it is an interesting collection of historical photographs of the region.

One has three options to purchase calendars:

1) Locally, you can purchase them at Margie’s Book Nook.

2) You can purchase direct online by clicking  here

3) You can also email me to place your order, and it will be sent with an invoice.

Tim

P.S. – Initial supply is limited to fifty calendars.

Ask Tim

Smoke Creek Canyon, January 2020—Greg Johnson’

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 November, 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

Go Exploring – The Fall Version

Sail Rock, Fort Sage Mountain, June 7, 2018

With the temperatures cooling down, some might want to check out eastern Honey Lake Valley. In particular there are two Off Road Vehicle Parks—Dry Valley and Fort Sage. The above photograph of Sail Rock is of one of many interesting natural features at the Fort Sage ORV Park. There is a nice campground, a perfect place for a picnic lunch.

Tim

Labor Day, 2021

A seasonal babbling brook feeding Upper Smoke Creek.

With summer waning on the horizon, I am going to honor the spirit and meaning of Labor Day, so I am taking the day off. However, for those who might be interested, the 2022 Calendar is working its way through the production line.

Here is a link to past post about labor strife at Westwood in 1930s.

Tim

Tuesday Tidbit – Dixie Fire Update

Hartson Barn, July 26, 2019

For those readers out of the area, many of the evacuation warnings including portions of Susanville and to the south of town have been lifted as of Sunday afternoon. Westwood and Clear Creek have been reduced from mandatory to warning and now are able to return to their homes. Janesville and Milford, along with Genesee and Taylorsville are still the major hot spots. With cooler temperatures and lighter winds will help with the containment.

Tim

 

Those BLM Tours of the Past

Program Cover, May 7, 1994

Back in the mid-1990s, Don Manuel, the BLM archeologist and myself as a historian, conducted tours involving prehistoric and historic sites. It all began during Archeology Week during the month of May. The first one was so popular, we did several throughout the summer. For the next several years we did multiple tours—even a special east side Eagle Lake tour, though that was not with Don, but Stan Bales.

The tours had several purposes. One to introduce people to BLM lands and the opportunities of the various places to explore on their own. Equally important was to educate individuals about the importance of preservation of sites. Stops at archaeological sites that had been disturbed/vandalized provided was an opportunity to highlight the message.

An abandoned homestead  near Sheepshead in the Smoke Creek Desert, 1996.

Historical sites as well are subjected to vandals and such.  One year I pushed to include Great Basin Architecture of abandoned homesteads, knowing full well the elements of Mother Nature would reclaim the property, so it was a rare opportunity to be included. BLM said no, and now the buildings are gone. To be quite honest this ticked me off. The BLM personnel involved in the tours were paid, I received no compensation, but I was half of the tour composition. Enough of my ranting.

From time to time I am asked if the tours can be revived. Those inquiries I relayed to BLM, while receptive, they were non-commital, and the last time was three years ago, but I never heard back.

Tim

 

Ask Tim

Doyle, 1931—Mary Dixon

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 August, 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

No Sunrise Summer Solstice Tour

Sunrise Chamber, 2015

For the last two years interest to witness the Belfast petroglyphs at the summer solstice has waned. For those not familiar, there is sunrise chamber that serves as ancient observatory.  This event only occurs on the morning of the summer solstice when the sun enters a chamber highlighting a variety of glyphs, among other things.

Belfast, 2016

This year, I decided not to conduct it.

Tim

Go Exploring

Joe Odette and friends returning from a fishing expedition on Eagle Lake’s north shore. These guys had numerous adventures in 1914.—Delores Gasperoni

It is that time of year when I sound the annual alarm to go exploring wherever you reside. It began several years ago when I republished a 1929 editorial that appeared in the Lassen Mail. It summed up that there are so many fascinating natural attractions surrounding the countryside that are easy day trips, yet so few take advantage. The paper cited a wide array of opportunities whether exploring the ice caves of Eagle Lake, or packing a picnic to spend a leisurely day along a mountain stream.

After last years destructive fires in the region, it is even more apparent to get out and about. Sometimes historical landmarks can disappear too, such as burning of the Constantia townsite.

Frank Wood & Cass Hunsinger on their camping expedition!—Verna M. Wood

Hopefully, this provides everyone with a bit of motivation. Enjoy.

Tim

Skedaddle Creek Update

The substitute.

First of all, I want to thank those who took the time to respond about the Skedaddle Creek photograph. It will appear in next year’s calendar.

Believe it or not the sketch above would have been the replacement, if the consensus was not to include Skedaddle Creek.  Why the sketch? My Mother gave me four different sketches years ago, hoping I would either frame them or use them in some way. If nothing else, this was a venue to fulfill her wishes. They are 8 x 10 in size if anyone wants them. First come, first served.

Tim