Category Archives: News

Answers to some questions

Camp A
Camp A, Fruit Growers Supply Company, located just north of McCoy Flat Reservoir, 1921

There have been some interesting comments posted of late, so I take this opportunity to answer a few.

Seasoned residents may remember a row cabins near Cherry Terrace along Piute Creek, where Al & Joy Robbins is located. There was one large cabin, which was occupied by Dan Marmo. The smaller cabins, came from Fruit Growers Supply Company logging Camp 10, after it closed in 1952. Marmo rented out the cabins, some of those folks less fortunate than others. On occasion even a Lassen College student could be found there. There are still some of these old logging cabins located throughout Susanville.

One of the panels on the LMUD building, part of a forthcoming mural tour. The building depicted iwas the home of the Telephone Company . December 26, 2016

The Telephone Company building, is a reference I had not heard in years.  However, it just so happens I am writing about it. The is the two-story stone building located on the northeast corner of Main and Gay Streets. It was built in 1914 and originally known as the Star Hotel. For a number of decades it housed Susanville’s first telephone company. When Safeway came to Susanville in 1928, it was housed there.

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Susanville Strolls Update

A sample map from Susanville Strolls. I might need some assistance to draft new ones.

First of all, I want to thank those for such wonderful feedback. Folks, I think we are not exploring Susanville’s neighborhoods, but all the wonderful regional trails and other kinds of self guided tours to be created. I am excited, and the possibilities are endless It will be my goal to create separate page for these self guided tours, so they will be easy to find.  In addition, unlike print format, updates can be made, such if a walker sees something of interest, that could be included.

445 North Roop Street is the oldest “house” still standing and part of the red light district prior to the railroad. November 7, 2015

One route I have already plotted out mentally. Using the intersection of North Roop and North Streets as a starting point. It is interesting to note that the 200-300 blocks of North Roop contain a wide variety of architecture—bungalow, craftsman, Italianate, Queen Anne to post World War II residences, and a hodepodge in between. Continuing further down street, then making a turn onto Chestnut, overlooking what was once known as Vallejo Meadows. Thence from Chestnut, a right at Parkdale, which was created in 1947 and either to North or a detour to Maple Streets. This particular stroll is approximately one mile.

Roop Street Remains, September 3, 2018

Finally, those who want to join me while I do a preliminary runs, on any given route, let me know. My schedule is flexible, so I can accommodate.

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Susanville Strolls

Well, I think I am experiencing some January doldrums. This got me to thinking about a mid-1970s publication entitled Susanville Strolls published by the Monticola Club. The booklet contains eleven different neighborhood walks. Included is a map for each one, and an interesting narrative of what can be seen along the way. What I am tinkering with is doing an updated version and publish each one on this site, so anyone could do the self-guided tours at their leisure. Let me know, what you think to see if this would be a worthwhile endeavor to undertake.

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Welcome 2019!

Main Street, Chester, January 1, 1932. Courtesy of Margaret Purdy

Some how last year’s plans, even with good intent, got derailed. I have been diligently plotting a new strategy to correct that situation, along with a few surprises. The holiday season, especially towards the end, is a slow time, so I have been diligently working on Susanville Mural Tour when the warm weather and longer daylight hours arrive. As several folks have indicated a desire for a Smoke Creek tour, I am working on that strategy, too. Later this month, there will be a post about “Susanville Strolls” and I am contemplating to do an online updated self guided tour. In addition, I am working on a short Susan River tour from South Lassen Street to Hobo Camp since there is a lot history in that short corrider. So, stay tuned!

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New Year’s Eve

Time to tidy up the work space.

Well, I hoped everyone enjoyed the wide variety of posts for 2018. There is lots of interesting historical revelations in the works for 2019. This is one of my few down days. I tend to keep a low profile on this particular holiday, and stay home organizing my taxes, etc. While I do wonders on the tax preparation, in January I succumb to the Purdy Procrastination Syndrome and tax work languishes until almost the deadline.

So if you are out and about this evening, be careful on the roads.

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Last Call for 2019 Calendars

Just a friendly reminder, in case you have procrastinated in securing your calendar. It is a limited run, as to avoid having an abundant unsold inventory to begin the year.

As previously mentioned there are 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.

Thanks

 

Give the Gift of Lassen County history

Amedee, 1916. Courtesy of Marie Herring Gould

Not sure what to give that special someone, but want to keep the budget balanced too? Why not a gift membership to tipurdy.org. At five dollars a month it is a bargain. You can decided whether for a month, quarter or even splurge for a year.

The recipient not only receives a daily email notification of the latest topic, but is entitled to hard to find papers on the Eagle Lake Ice Caves, too. On top of that they can partake in members only tours varying from a summer solstice observance at an ancient solar observatory to a light hearted Halloween Tour. Even if that person on your list is not local, they still receive materials associated with the tours.

Information on subscriptions is found right here. Have a question drop me a line at tim@tipurdy.org.

Happy Thanksgiving

Dining Room, Folsom Ranch, Willow Creek Valley, circa 1900. Courtesy of Mary Dale Folsom

First of all, I want to thank the donors and subscribers to this site. It means a lot to me, in addition for the moral support. By providing these daily posts, it is one way for me to give back to the community, and equally important to share all of the knowledge I have acquired over the years.

I thought the above photograph would be rather appropriate for a day like this. The Folsom family operated a ranch in the Willow Creek Valley from 1871 to 1907, before retiring from agricultural pursuits. Today the property is that of the Willow Creek wildlife refuge.

It should duly noted that M.O. Folsom left a lasting impact with his real estate investments, acquiring them just at the right time. For example he owned Clear Creek, before Red River emerged on the scene. He also owned the land that became the mills sites for Fruit Growers Supply Company and Lassen Lumber & Box Company. The list is endless.

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